Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-10-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] National Bank, Piraeus Bank announce equity sale plans

[02] Greek-Tunisian ties on the agenda during Loverdos trip to Tunis

[03] Main opposition slams draft 2004 budget as 'pre-electoral gambit'

[04] Gov't rejects main opposition's criticism of 2004 budget

[05] EU advises strict budgetary control for Greece

[06] Gov't sensitive to people's needs, Chrysohoidis says

[07] DM refers to terrorism, foreign and defense policy at conference in US

[08] Visiting Archbishop of Albania meets with ND leader

[09] Karamanlis to visit Ankara for political party congress

[10] Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos opposes Turkey's EU accession

[11] Christodoulos accepts Diamantopoulou’s proposed plan against poverty

[12] US Envoy Miller speaks of close U.S.-Greek cooperation ahead of 2004 Games

[13] Government spokesman says Turks must do what int'l community wants for Cyprus

[14] Ministry general secretary to attend CoE justice ministers meeting

[15] Lieberman addresses the ''Council for Greek-American Heritage'' conference

[16] Spokesman cannot confirm arrest of Arab suspected of connection with al Queda

[17] PM visits new job placement centre; says unemployment falling

[18] Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry reacts to budget plan

[19] Govt reports on public investment program

[20] Civil servants' union calls 24-hour strike for Nov. 4

[21] S. Korean delegation visits Greek merchant marine ministry

[22] Greek stocks end 1.74 pct lower on Tuesday

[23] Athens 2004 Games to cost 4.6 bln euros, govt says

[24] ND cadre says government has lost control of the Olympic Games budget

[25] International Olympic Sports Sciences Conference begins in Athens

[26] Tickets for 2004 Paralympics go on sale

[27] Greek elected president of European Court of Justice

[28] Gov't to begin accepting applications to link unauthorized buildings to mains

[29] Gov't criticizes decision to postpone demolition of illegal seaside walls

[30] Defense attorney for V. Tzortzatos begins final argument

[31] Supreme Court prosecutor recommends repeating Polk murder trial

[32] Turkish authorities release 2 fishermen on Tuesday

[33] Small plane crashes in northern Greece, pilot in critical condition

[34] UN calls on Greece to improve facilities, legislation for refugees

[35] President to inaugurate ''Outlook'' art event

[36] Greek Culture Foundation to present photography exhibition in London

[37] Dutch PM: all must contribute to Cyprus solution

[38] Turkey fails to execute ECHR ruling over Loizidou

[01] National Bank, Piraeus Bank announce equity sale plans

Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

The Greek government on Tuesday announced the sale of a 10 percent equity stake in National Bank, a stake owned by the Public Securities Enterprise, to institutional investors in Greece and abroad.

The long-awaited sale will be made through an accelerated book building process. Under the plan, National Bank will transfer its 10 percent equity stake to Citigroup Global Markets Limited and Merrill Lynch International in an out-of-the-market transaction with the aim to offer its shares to domestic or foreign institutional investors through one or more stock market transactions using these two investment banks.

The Greek state and the Public Securities Enterprise undertake the commitment not to sell any other shares in National Bank for a period of 180 days.

Also on Tuesday, Bank of Piraeus announced a plan to sell a 6.7 of its equity stake, or 11.2 million shares, to institutional investors using the same method as National Bank, through an accelerated book building.

A bank statement said the transaction would allow Bank of Piraeus to further internationalize its equity base and to strengthen its capital structure.

UBS is appointed as an exclusive underwriter of the transaction with Sigma Securities responsible for share placement in Greece.

Under the plan, Bank of Piraeus will not be allowed to sell any more of its shares for a period of 90 days (lock-up period). A bank statement said its nine-month results were expected to improve further, with net profits, after tax and minorities to rise by 20 percent compared with the same period last year.

Following Tuesday's developments, bankers expect other Greek banks to follow through with the same action. Commercial Bank of Greece is now expected to sell a 10 percent equity stake owned by the Greek state, with Credit Agricole, the French strategic ally of the bank holding a 11 percent equity stake in Commercial Bank, currently in talks to buy the stake.

In case Credit Agricole dropped its interest to buy more shares, the Greek bank is expected to follow the same procedures as National Bank and Piraeus Bank.

Alpha Bank, recently, successfully completed the sale of an 8.0 percent equity take to institutional investors using the same process.

[02] Greek-Tunisian ties on the agenda during Loverdos trip to Tunis

Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos wound up a two-day trip to Tunisia, where he attended, among others, the eight joint inter-ministerial meeting between delegations from the two countries.

The last such meeting was held in Athens two years ago.

Loverdos was also received by Tunisian Foreign Affairs Minister Habib Ben Yahia, his counterpart, Secretary of State to the minister of foreign affairs, Saida Chtioui, as well as the president of Tunisia’s National Olympic Committee (NOC), Mohamed Gueddiche.

Beside bilateral relations and efforts to jumpstart Greek investment and business interest in the North African country, other topics discussed included the Cyprus issue, the Mideast situation as well as Iraq.

Bilateral trade relations reached the 67-million-dollar mark in 2000.

One of the proposals set out by the Greek side was the use by Tunisian broadcasters and telecoms of a new communications satellite owned by Greece and Cyprus.

Finally, an agreement over road transports and cooperation in the public administration and justice sectors was signed.

[03] Main opposition slams draft 2004 budget as 'pre-electoral gambit'

Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

The draft 2004 budget and the implementation of the community support frameworks were discussed at a meeting of ND coordinators chaired by ND leader Costas Karamanlis on Tuesday morning.

Party officials afterwards said that ND would carry out a full public finances audit when it came into power since it suspected that the figures presented by the government did not reflect the true situation.

[04] Gov't rejects main opposition's criticism of 2004 budget

Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

"The budget is characterized by growth and stability, allowing substantial social concessions," Protopappas said in a statement.

The main opposition New Democracy party had claimed that the budget draft only covered the first quarter of 2004, until general elections scheduled for April.

[05] EU advises strict budgetary control for Greece

LUXEMBOURG, 08/10/2003 (ANA/G.Zitouniati)

EU monetary affairs commissioner Pedro Solbes was replying to a reporter's question after a meeting of EU finance ministers in Luxembourg.

Representing Greece at the meeting was Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, who had outlined the government's 2004 draft budget along with what he termed ''minor deviations'' from the revised stability pact for 2003.

Hosting the Athens 2004 Olympics was responsible for a nominal deficit target that was higher than anticipated in the stability pact; and for a continuously rising structural debt, Christodoulakis told a news conference.

''The Olympics are a major challenge for such a small country, combined with natural disasters the country suffered that brought the need for heavy compensation,'' he said.

In 2004, the deficit is expected to rise to 1.2 percent of gross domestic product from 0.4 percent mainly due to the government's social package coupled with increased spending on security for the Olympics, the minister said.

The general government deficit in the eurozone was much higher than originally anticipated, due to a slower rate of growth than expected and to discretionary fiscal policy measures, he added.

[06] Gov't sensitive to people's needs, Chrysohoidis says

Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

He added that the measures recently announced by the premier were in that direction.

Chrysohoidis appealed to all the social groups to display responsibility towards the social whole, adding that the government, with its recent decisions, had proved that it had discussed and listened to the needs of all social groups, salary earners and pensioners. He said the salary and pension increases given this year had been generous ones.

The two men discussed preparations for the PASOK national council slated to meet on Thursday afternoon, which will be addressed by the premier.

[07] DM refers to terrorism, foreign and defense policy at conference in US

WASHINGTON, 08/10/2003 (ANA/T. Ellis)

Papantoniou stressed the importance the issue of security for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games has for Greece and pointed to widespread cooperation achieved with seven countries and the participation of the armed forces in the security program.

''We shall show the world that we are very sensitive on the issue of security,'' he said, adding that holding the Games has important benefits for the country and its economy and calling on participants to visit Greece during the Olympic Games.

Papantoniou, who is visiting the US to participate in a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Colorado on Wednesday and Thursday, referred to Greek-Turkish relations and noted the improvement in climate.

He also stressed the lack of progress on two crucial issues concerning security in the region and relations with Greece, resulting in Greece having to invest huge amounts of money (five percent of GDP) for defense.

Referring to the issue of Cyprus, Papantoniou said that despite insistent efforts by the international community, as expressed recently with the Annan plan, the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot sides are remaining in their intransigent positions and are constantly raising obstacles.

The defense minister added that the Turkish side is observing a similar intransigent position in continuing to question the sovereign rights of Greece in the Aegean.

In this context, he further said, violations of Greek airspace are continuing which often lead to engagements, one of which might have an unfavorable outcome.

Papantoniou also outlined the main points of Greece's foreign and defense policy, while earlier he had a long discussion with Greek American Senator Paul Sarbanes and brief talks with former US Defense Secretary William Cohen. He praised the contribution of Greek expatriates and the close relation between the two peoples.

[08] Visiting Archbishop of Albania meets with ND leader

Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

Karamanlis his support for the Archbishop's endeavors, sources said.

No statements were made after the 45-minute discussion.

[09] Karamanlis to visit Ankara for political party congress

ANKARA, 08/10/2003 (ANA - A. Ambatzis)

[10] Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos opposes Turkey's EU accession

BRUSSELS, 08/10/2003 (ANA - A. Simatos)

The primate of the Greek Church raised the issue of the Theology Academy with Petering which, as he said, is a key issue for the Orthodox training of clerics, the staffing of the Patriarchate and for its presence at its natural seat and for the role it is playing.

Regarding the prospect of Turkey's accession to the EU, Archbishop Christodoulos said he respects and acknowledges Turkey but believes its culture is alien to European culture and, consequently, Turkey has no place in unified Europe.

Petering said he is opposed to Turkey's accession to the EU and in favor of a privileged relation between Turkey and the EU.

Archbishop Christodoulos congratulated Petering for the amendment tabled by the EPP concerning reference to Christianity in the future constitution of Europe.

On his part, Petering said he will continue efforts in this direction.

The archbishop also expressed satisfaction because institutional dialogue between the Churches and the EU has been recognized in the draft constitution, which constitutes the basis of work at the Intergovernmental Conference, which got underway in Rome last Saturday.

Archbishop Christodoulos briefed Petering on the inauguration of the Greek Church delegation's office in Brussels as well as on work being done by the delegation at the EU's headquarters.

[11] Christodoulos accepts Diamantopoulou’s proposed plan against poverty

BRUSSELS, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

The same sources said that Christodoulos accepted the proposal and said that nursery schools will be created in every bishopric, adding that in several bishoprics they are already operational.

Christodoulos will remain the Belgian capital until Wednesday and will address the plenum of the European Peoples’ Party, while later in the day he will return to Athens.

[12] US Envoy Miller speaks of close U.S.-Greek cooperation ahead of 2004 Games

WASHINGTON, 08/10/2003 (ANA/T. Ellis)

He added that the post Sept. 11 world is more dangerous, noting that Greece understands that and for this reason it is cooperating closely with the U.S. and other countries that have the technical know-how and experience in the sensitive sector of security.

Commenting on a recent negative article of the Washington Post concerning the security of the Olympic Games in Athens, Miller said during the period leading up to the Games, the security of the organizing is high up on the agenda of the U.S. embassy in Athens and it will be part of the contacts between the two governments.

Miller lauded the role of Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, who was also present at the conference, saying that his contribution was critical in the significant improvement of the Greek economy's indexes during his eight-year term as Greece's national economy minister.

He also spoke of the closer cooperation between Washington and Athens during the past 10 years, compared with the climate that dominated the country in the past and especially during his first term in Athens in the 1980s.

Addressing the representatives of U.S. firms, that were present, said that one of his activities in Greece is to promote American firms and products in the Greek market and committed to continue his work in that direction.

Greece's Ambassador to the U.S. George Savvaidis also addressed the conference, stressing that this event has become an institution which will contribute to the increase of bilateral trade, underlining the Greek government's interest, which was represented at a ministerial level with the presence of Papantoniou.

The Greek ambassador also focused on the Greek EU presidency and its significant work during a trying time for Intra-Atlantic relations.

Yiannis Spanoudakis, ATHOC's managing director, addressed the conference beginning with a slide show with detailed references concerning the progress of the preparations for the Olympic Games and credited these preparations for Greece's high GDP rate of growth.

[13] Government spokesman says Turks must do what int'l community wants for Cyprus

Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

block the progress of Turkey's European course, if it does not contribute to a solution to the Cyprus issue, was ''self-evident.''

''The Turks, instead of worrying about the position of Greece, should do in practice what the international community wants of them for a solution to the issue of Cyprus,'' Protopapas said.

[14] Ministry general secretary to attend CoE justice ministers meeting

Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

The main focus of the meeting will be cooperation to combat international terrorism and implement relevant CoE acts.

During the meeting, Greece will sign a CoE Treaty on personal relations with children.

[15] Lieberman addresses the ''Council for Greek-American Heritage'' conference

WASHINGTON, 08/10/2003 (ANA/T. Ellis)

Lieberman stressed that the long-term defense relationship between the U.S. and Greece began with the Truman Doctrine and in that framework, he expressed his support for the wider cooperation between the U.S. and Europe, underlining that NATO remains the most significant alliance in existence today.

The Senator also touched on the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, expressing the hope that the return of the Games in their birthplace and the idea of the Olympic Truce, may remind everyone of the benefits of peaceful cooperation between countries and peoples.

[16] Spokesman cannot confirm arrest of Arab suspected of connection with al Queda

Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

On their part, police denied rumors according to which a person of Arab origin, who was arrested a few days ago in Athens, is being examined for participation in the terrorist organization.

Specifically, police officials said that several persons of Arab origin have been arrested for trafficking illegal immigrants from time-to-time, while police also arrested a Pakistani national recently, who is currently being held in custody in Korydallos Prison.

According to the police officials, there were no reports or indications from any service that any of those arrested were connected with al Queda.

A source close to the ministry of public order, however, clarified that persons of Arab origin who are arrested are routinely checked for other types of activity as well, adding that no evidence or indication has come up that any of those arrested was involved with this terrorist organization.

[17] PM visits new job placement centre; says unemployment falling

Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

He also announced, during a tour of a new OAED job placement centre in the northwest Athens working-class district of Kamatero, that as many as 25,000 people would be hired in the social services sector.

Accompanied by a top government delegation, Simitis said 73 such centers will be opened across the country, with 500 counselors are already employed by OAED in such centers.

In other comments focusing on the high-stakes issue of joblessness, Simitis said unemployment in Greece fell under the 9-percent mark this year, while further decreases will come from a high GDP growth rate.

[18] Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry reacts to budget plan

Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

Drakoulis Fountoukakos, the Chamber's president, stressed that official figures so far showed that fiscal results were diverging significantly from original targets and noted that increased spending in completing Olympic Games' projects were limiting the country's growth prospects.

[19] Govt reports on public investment program

Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

The Greek minister said that handouts in September totalled 750.6 million euros and noted that the January-September figure was 38.2 percent higher compared with the same period in 2002.

[20] Civil servants' union calls 24-hour strike for Nov. 4

Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

At a press conference on Tuesday, ADEDY President Spyros Papaspyrou said the union's demands were for a truly new salary scale in the public sector and for the state to take into account its positions on changes in public administration.

The union is also opposed to bringing private-sector executives into the hierarchy of public-sector organizations and to a system of varying salaries linked to efficiency, as announced by Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis.

Papaspyrou backed striking teachers, doctors and local authority workers, who make up 97 per cent of public-sector employees, and described their demands as fair, while noting that workers were frustrated and angry because of earlier government policy on wages and a bewildering policy regarding benefits.

[21] S. Korean delegation visits Greek merchant marine ministry

Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

Lt. Commander D. Vassos headed the Greek delegation, while Byeong Yu Na, representative of Korea's ministry of interior and public administration, headed the Korean delegation. The Korean embassy in Athens was represented by Heung Kweun Park.

[22] Greek stocks end 1.74 pct lower on Tuesday

Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

The general index ended 1.74 percent lower at 2,093.57 points with turnover a heavy 167.9 million euros.

All sector indices ended lower with the Publication (3.09 percent), IT Solution (2.95 percent) and Insurance (2.85 percent) sectors suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks dropped 2.09 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 1.80 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 2.23 percent lower.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 287 to 40 with another 30 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded stocks in value were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Vodafone, Alpha Bank, National Bank of Greece and Follie-Follie.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 102.0 mln euros Tuesday

Equity Index Futures: