Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-09-10

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek inflation slowed to 2.7 pct in August, yr/yr

[02] Prime minister Karamanlis continues consultations ahead of TIF address on economic policy

[03] Main opposition leader meets representatives of SME organizations

[04] Gov't extols behavior of Greeks attending Greece-Turkey soccer match

[05] Defense minister has meeting in Athens with Jerusalem Patriarch Irineos

[06] Greece condemns bomb attack in Jakarta in street between Greek and Australian embassies

[07] Greek consular employees commended by minister for visiting Beslan during crisis

[08] Foreign minister to attend EU General Affairs Council on EU fiscal prospects

[09] More violations of Aegean airspace by Turkish warplanes reported

[10] Joint venture created to help countries of SE Europe on their EU course

[11] Protesters rally in central Athens against racism directed against Albanians

[12] Finmin to present results of gov't fiscal audit at Eurogroup meeting, plays down risks for Greece's credit rating

[13] Federation of Greek Industries president calls for structural reforms in economy

[14] Greek fiscal deficit 4.6 pct, public debt at 109 pct in 2003

[15] Bank of Greece warns over consumer credit expansion

[16] Greek students want better education, seek jobs abroad

[17] National Bank to host children from Beslan

[18] Bourse stabilizes in slow, range-bound trade

[19] Paralympic Torch Relay begins with the lighting of Flame

[20] Athens airport ready to welcome Paralympic Family

[21] Spectators satisfied with Athens Games survey shows

[22] Track coach Tzekos subpoenaed by prosecutor

[23] Urgent action decided to protect migrating birds from polluted waters of Lake Koroneia in northern Greece

[01] Greek inflation slowed to 2.7 pct in August, yr/yr

Athens, 10/9/2004 (ANA)

Presenting the August figures for the consumer price index, NSS's secretary-general Manolis Kontopyrakis said the fall in the inflation rate was a significantly positive development resulting to improved forecasts over the inflation rate in the coming months.

NSS now estimates that average inflation would end 2004 at 3.0 percent and not above as earlier believed. August's improved data reflected stable domestic prices during the Olympic Games in Athens combined with the same month's sales period.

The average inflation rate in the 12-month period from September 2003 to August 2004 showed an increase of 2.9 percent, down from 3.6 percent competed with the same period last year.

NSS said the consumer price index recorded a 0.6 pct increase in food and beverage prices, a 0.1 percent rise in housing, a 0.5 percent increase in transport, a 0.3 pct rise in hotel, coffee prices, a 3.8 percent decline in clothing and footwear and an 1.5 percent fall in durable goods in August from July.

[02] Prime minister Karamanlis continues consultations ahead of TIF address on economic policy

Athens, 10/9/2004 (ANA)

According to sources, Kefaloyiannis proposed preservation of the infrastructures and operation of the country's ports as during the Olympic Games, and also incentives to exploit the infrastructures for cruise ships built at the port of Piraeus, so as to once again develop the sea cruise sector in Greece.

Hatziemmanouil briefed the prime minister on the first thoughts about utilizing the Olympics facilities.

KEEE president George Kassimatis said that the economy was on the same wavelength as the government, and stressed the need to boost entrepreneurship and competitiveness, noting that the worries of the past no longer existed. He further noted that forecasts made needed to be realistic, rather than excessive, and asked for a realistic budget for 2005.

[03] Main opposition leader meets representatives of SME organizations

Athens, 10/9/2004 (ANA)

Emerging from the meeting, GSEBE vice-president Nikos Antzinas said the key issues concerning small businesses were taxation and insurance, and the recently revived debate on full deregulation of shop opening hours.

He said he had asked Papandreou for extended debate on the problems of SMEs, so that changes were not made without discussion or dialogue.

ESEE President Dimitris Armenakis reiterated that his organization's goals were prosperity and work for all, a view shared by both the government and the main opposition.

The two meetings concluded a round of contacts between Papandreou and trade groups to prepare for TIF.

[04] Gov't extols behavior of Greeks attending Greece-Turkey soccer match

Athens, 10/9/2004 (ANA)

He refused to comment on statements by Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano, who complained of an "unacceptable" stance on Greece's part, saying that he did not understand what the Albanian premier meant by the statement.

[05] Defense minister has meeting in Athens with Jerusalem Patriarch Irineos

Athens, 10/9/2004 (ANA)

[06] Greece condemns bomb attack in Jakarta in street between Greek and Australian embassies

Athens, 10/9/2004 (ANA)

"Today, approximately 6:30 a.m. Greek time, in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, a powerful bomb exploded in the street between the buildings of the Embassy of Greece and the Embassy of Australia. From the explosion, serious damage was caused outside and inside the Embassy offices, which are housed on the 12th floor of a high-rise building," the Greek foreign ministry said in a statement.

It said three employees of the Greek embassy suffered light, non-life-threatening injuries.

"We strongly condemn this sad incident, which comprised one more abhorrent and cowardly act of terrorism, which caused the death and injury of innocent citizens," the ministry said.

It said that "the phenomenon of terrorism has taken on international dimensions and must be tackled effectively, both with respect to the various forms in which it is manifested, through the exemplary punishment of the perpetrators, and with respect to its causes".

Later, foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos, replying to questions during a regular press briefing, reiterated the government's "most intense condemnation of phenomena of terrorism", and called for their effective tackling and the exemplary punishment of the perpetrators.

Alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros also reiterated the government's condemnation of all acts of terrorism.

"The government condemns, with abhorrence, every terrorist act from wherever it originates," Antonaros said, replying to questions during a regular press briefing, and referred to the foreign ministry announcement.

[07] Greek consular employees commended by minister for visiting Beslan during crisis

Athens, 10/9/2004 (ANA)

According to the spokesman, the gesture was also greatly appreciated by Russian authorities.

Regarding the extradition of 24 Sudanese and rumors that Sudan was planning to have recourse to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) over the incident, Koumoutsakos said that no demarche had been lodged by Sudan and that there was no provision for such a case to be brought before the ECHR since the extradition was administrative not judicial and was linked to a lack of proper travel documents.

[08] Foreign minister to attend EU General Affairs Council on EU fiscal prospects

Athens, 10/9/2004 (ANA)

[09] More violations of Aegean airspace by Turkish warplanes reported

Athens, 10/9/2004 (ANA)

According to reports, the violations took place between the Greek islands of Limnos and Lesvos, and between Samos and Kos -- all in the eastern Aegean and opposite the western coast of Asia Minor.

In all instances, Greek fighter planes were dispatched to intercept the intruding aircraft, reports state, whereas a total of four mid-air engagements were recorded.

Finally, three of the Turkish warplanes were listed as carrying ordnance and missiles.

[10] Joint venture created to help countries of SE Europe on their EU course

Athens, 10/9/2004 (ANA)

The institutes are the Greek European and Foreign Policy Foundation, the European Communications, Informatics and Culture Centre and the Greek European Studies Centre.

Representatives of theirs said in Thessaloniki on Thursday, in the presence of Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis, that the joint venture, named "Together in Europe", is open to cooperation that will strengthen this effort.

[11] Protesters rally in central Athens against racism directed against Albanians

Athens, 10/9/2004 (ANA)

The protesters, through various slogans, said that nothing separates immigrants from Greece's working class and have no reason to be in conflict with each other nor have any common interest with vested interests.

"It is time for the other Greece to speak... Greece of the working people and of the people who toil, of democracy, of open borders and of solidarity," the speakers stressed.

The protesters demanded that immigrants should be given work permits and full labor and political rights.

[12] Finmin to present results of gov't fiscal audit at Eurogroup meeting, plays down risks for Greece's credit rating

Athens, 10/9/2004 (ANA)

Alogoskoufis dismissed press reports that Greece's membership of the Eurozone might be disputed by Britain, saying that "history cannot be reversed".

He also played down the risk that Greece's credit-rating might be downgraded because of a high public deficit, which stands at 5.3 per cent of GDP in 2004 according to the results of the fiscal audit.

Alogoskoufis stressed that the government's goal was to significantly reduce the deficit in the coming year, which will have a positive impact on the assessments of Greece's credit rating by international financial institutions.

The minister also reiterated that the budget deficit for 2005 will be under 3 per cent, which is within the limits set by the Stability Pact and repeated pledges for a strategy of gradually reducing deficits.

"A policy of austerity, in the sense of administering a shock to the economy, is something that has failed whenever it's been attempted," he said.

The finance ministry presented the agenda for Friday night's informal meeting, which will comprise only Eurozone members, and the full ECOFIN meeting on Saturday, noting that this would include the European Commission's proposals for changes to the Stability Pact.

[13] Federation of Greek Industries president calls for structural reforms in economy

BRUSSELS 10/9/2004 (ANA - V. Demiris)

Kyriakopoulos participated, with the capacity of Union of European Industrial and Employers Federations, in the presentation of the priorities and positions of European employers on employment, growth and prosperity in Europe over the period between 2005 and 2010.

He said in a statement that a new message of optimism is required, similar to that of the successful holding of the Athens Olympic Games, to boost the Greek economy and create new jobs in the country.

Kyriakopoulos further said the belief that the implementation of reforms is tantamount to austerity measures and sacrifices is mistaken.

He also said that SEB is awaiting the prime minister's policy statements in Thessaloniki, adding that many things will be judged a few weeks later during the tabling of the state budget in Parliament where, as he stressed, the target will be clarified at national level.

[14] Greek fiscal deficit 4.6 pct, public debt at 109 pct in 2003

Athens, 10/9/2004 (ANA)

Presenting the figures, NSS's secretary-general Manolis Kontopyrakis said that the auditing results were evaluated by Eurostat during its delegation two-day visit in Athens.

Speaking to reporters, Kontopyrakis said that a review upwards of the country's fiscal deficit resulted from the fact that a so-called White Hole (referring to pension funds' surpluses) was smaller by one billion euros, while defense spending totalling 1.0 percent of GDP were missing from last year's budget.

[15] Bank of Greece warns over consumer credit expansion

Athens, 10/9/2004 (ANA)

The central bank's governor has already recommended to domestic financial institutions' managements to adopt stricter criteria in approving consumer loans and to seek higher provisions to cover any future credit risks.

According to banking officials, around 1.160 billion euros, or 8.0 percent of a total of 14.5 billion euros of the country's outstanding consumer credit, was showing delay in its repayment with the problem exaggerated by the surprise acceleration of consumer credit so far this year.

The annual growth rate of consumer loans ended 2003 at 25.4 percent, to jump to 37 percent in June this year. Central bank's officials said that the situation in the housing loan market was slightly improved with around 1.160 billion euros, or 4.0 percent of total credit, been delayed in its repayment. Growth rate in the housing loan market is currently 25 percent with total outstanding debt at 29 billion euros.

[16] Greek students want better education, seek jobs abroad

Athens, 10/9/2004 (ANA)

Addressing a seminar on "social entrepreneurship for the European social model", organizing by the European Communication and Information Network "Euronem", the Greek minister stressed that a dialogue on education would begin at the end of the month and that the results of the survey by Euronem - co-funded by the European Commission- also would be discussed.

Giannakou said that the government, using Third Community Framework Program's funds, would support training of professors and teachers seeking to upgrade its human resources, adding that "everyone has a right in knowledge" but that Greece does not meet its employment market needs.

George Kasimatis, general director of the European Parliament's office in Athens, addressing the seminar said that an informal summit would be held in London, October 25-26, to discuss issues related with employment and business activity among young people.

The European Commission will earmark huge funds to support research and sciences, in a move aimed to stop the immigration of European scientists to the US, Ierotheos Papadopoulos, deputy general director of the European Commission's office in Athens told the seminar.

According to Euronem's survey, only 15 percent of Greek students believe that Greek Universities offered them the necessary knowledge to begin a career abroad, while 58 percent of students said they were willing to work abroad if they were offered better employment conditions.

The survey also showed that 88 percent of Greek students expect to meet difficulties in finding a job, while only 8.1 percent said that businesses were giving priority in protecting workers' rights.

[17] National Bank to host children from Beslan

Athens, 10/9/2004 (ANA)

The initiative, according to a bank press release, involves cooperation by Greece foreign ministry and the General Directorate for Overseas Hellenism.

[18] Bourse stabilizes in slow, range-bound trade

Athens, 10/9/2004 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,312.90 points, rising 0.19 percent in the day. Turnover was 62.3 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.25 percent higher; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.32 percent down; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.04 percent down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 137 to 101 with 102 remaining unchanged.

[19] Paralympic Torch Relay begins with the lighting of Flame

Athens, 10/9/2004 (ANA)

The Flame was lit inside the Temple of Hephaestus with a spark struck from an anvil with an iron bar.

Present at the lighting ceremony were President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, Education Minister Marietta Giannakou, Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia, Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyannis, President of the International Paralympic Committee Phil Craven and Athens 2004 President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, among others.

"Today with the lighting of the Paralympic Flame, the Games begin again. Athens is once again ready to receive and host the new teams, significant athletes from all over the world," Karamanlis said in a brief speech. "In a few days, all attention turns to Athens again in order to honor the power of will, indomitable effort, the ethos of people with a disability," he added.

Furthermore, Karamanlis called the Paralympics an opportunity to respond in practical terms to the universal demand for respect towards all people, to ensure that everyone has the right to enjoy the benefits of social unity and to raise public awareness and sensitivity towards people with a disability. "Once again it is time to return to the sports venues, the stadiums; to applaud the athletes' participation and effort, to share in the athletes' joy," Karamanlis said.

In closing, the prime minister said, "With the successful and safe staging of the Olympic Games, we sent the world a message of peace, friendship and cooperation among peoples and nations; with the Paralympic Flame we send the message of civilization and most of all humanitarianism."

"Today - as the resounding success of the Olympic Games echoes throughout the world - we are once more inviting mankind to participate in a great sporting event as we light the flame for the XII Paralympic Games," Angelopoulos-Daskalaki said in her speech.

"Focusing on the athlete and not on disability, the Athens Paralympic Games will provide to the spectators, viewers and volunteers a unique experience showcasing the athletes' pursuit of a lifetime performance. The Paralympic athletes' strength and skill to compete at the highest level will inspire the world to celebrate this great sports competition and determine the measure of human greatness, leaving a legacy for the Games and our society," she continued.

"As I stand here besides the temple of Hephaestus in the shadow of the Acropolis, an ancient site that is now accessible for all Greek citizens, I encourage all torchbearers to have fun during their run. I thank Greece for creating such a wonderful stage for the Paralympic Games," Craven said and invited everyone to the Olympic Stadium on Friday, September 17 when the Paralympic Games opening ceremony will take place.

Bakoyannis also welcomed the Paralympic Flame to Athens. "This is the city, which 2,500 years ago, dedicated a splendid temple to Hephaestus, the lame god, today, the best preserved temple of ancient Athens. This is the city that glorified the blind Oedipus in tragedy, the city that nurtured the feeble Demosthenes into one of the world's greatest orators. The city of Athens, in celebrating the 2004 Paralympic Games, is sending to the world the message of triumph of the human will, of endurance and of the dignity of all individuals," Bakoyannis said.

The Paralympic Torch Relay then began with Paralympic victor Kostas Fykas, kindling the first torch of the Paralympic relay. Shortly afterwards, the Paralympic Flame reached the Herod Atticus Theatre where it will remain overnight.

[20] Athens airport ready to welcome Paralympic Family

Athens, 10/9/2004 (ANA)

On Friday, "2,000 members of the Paralympic Family are expected to arrive, while a total of 670 aircraft movements have been scheduled from/to Athens International Airport during the day. Until Monday, September 13, Athens International Airport is expected to welcome 4,462 members, on the basis of the latest figures," the company stated.

Additionally, the airport "is in full compliance with the strictest specifications regarding the infrastructure providing for the facilitation of people with disabilities and is fully harmonized with the European and American standards ('American Disabilities Act'). The infrastructure of the main terminal and satellite buildings, as well as the new railway station constructed by the airport company on the basis of the strictest design principles, provide all the necessary facilities and services for the best accommodation of disabled passengers," according to the company's statement.

[21] Spectators satisfied with Athens Games survey shows

Athens, 10/9/2004 (ANA)

A total of 5,028 spectators (Greek and foreign) were surveyed in all Olympic venues in Attiki. Of these, 78.8% said they were completely satisfied with the event they had attended, while 16% said they were rather satisfied.

The ceremonies received high scores with 95.2% of spectators saying they were satisfied upon exiting the Olympic Stadium after the opening ceremony, while 96.2% said the same of the closing ceremony.

A high percentage of spectators (95.4%) said they were satisfied with the Olympic venues. The Galatsi Olympic Hall ranked first in spectators' preferences, followed by the Athens Olympic Sports Complex (OAKA), the Hellenikon Olympic Complex and the Nikaia Olympic Weightlifting Hall.

Volunteers and venue staff received high marks from 97.1% of Greek spectators and from 95.4% of foreign visitors.

A breakdown of results by national identity showed that a greater percentage of visitors expressing very positive sentiments towards Greece were from Latin America (83.7%), followed by Africa (81%), the UK (80.5%) and the US (78.3%).

In other sectors, 86.9% of those surveyed said they were satisfied with the public transport system, 74.1% were pleased with their accommodation, while 66.8% were satisfied with Greek restaurants and eateries.

As for the much talked-about issue of security, 90.2% of spectators surveyed said they felt completely safe in Athens, during the Games. Only 0.1% of those asked said they felt completely unsafe.

[22] Track coach Tzekos subpoenaed by prosecutor

Athens, 10/9/2004 (ANA)

Tzekos, who was fired by Kenteris shortly after the doping test evasion furor erupted less than 24 hours before the 2004 Athens Olympics began on Aug. 13, was granted a postponement until Monday in order to prepare his statement.

No official charges have been filed so far.

The high-profile track coach is also being investigated for his role in a mysterious motorbike accident in the late night hours of Thursday, Aug. 12. Kenteris and Thanou claimed that they fell off a motorcycle hours after the IOC tried, unsuccessfully, to find them at the Olympic Village so they could provide a urine sample for a doping test. The incident led to their stay at a northern Athens hospital for four full days, before the pair unceremoniously bowed out of the Athens Olympics prior to the IOC taking disciplinary action.

[23] Urgent action decided to protect migrating birds from polluted waters of Lake Koroneia in northern Greece

Athens, 10/9/2004 (ANA)

Due to over-pumping and pollution, the once hospitable waters of the wetland -- which is protected under the Ramsar and Natura 2000 international conventions -- have become poisonous for migrating birds stopping there for a rest, turning the lake into an "ecological trap".

The 3,000 dead birds were collected in the past few days over an expanse of just 1,500 meters along the Lake's 60-kilometer perimeter, and specialists estimate that some 10-15,000 birds have died due to the polluted waters in recent weeks.

Local authorities say the downgrading of this natural habitat is a major ecological disaster.

During a meeting between prefectural authorities, local organizations and environmental organizations, it was decided to place small "canons" at various points along the in order to scare birds away from drinking the polluted water.

It was also decided to prohibit fishing in the lake, although there have been no indications that the problem has affected the fish population.

Water samples from the lake, as well as blood and tissue from dead and sick birds have also been sent to university laboratories around the country for examination.

The director of the Macedonia-Thrace Hunting Federation, Pericles Birtsas, told ANA that, according to evidence so far, the deaths of the birds were highly likely due to lack of oxygen and a high alkaline content in the lake's waters.

Lake Koroneia lies at the upper end of the Migdonia Basin about 15 km from Thessaloniki in Northern Greece. Some 15 km downstream is a larger inland lake, Lake Volvi. These are large but quite shallow lakes, enclosed by ranges of hills, which connect to the sea through a gorge into Strymonikos Bay.

The basin is an enclosed area both hydrologically and hydrogeologically. The region is largely agricultural but with some industry and a lively fishing industry.

Because of the large area of shallow freshwater lake and surrounding wetlands the area is an important staging post on the routes of many migrating birds. As such it was designated as a protected region under the RAMSAR Convention.

Lake Koroneia, under pressure from falling groundwater levels and lower than average rainfall causing its level to fall over a period of about 20 years, has been hypertrophic since 1995. It is now an average less than 1 m deep and filled with grey green algae.

Lake Koroneia is also one of the most important wintering sites for waterfowl in Greece. Notable wintering species are Podiceps cristatus, Casmerodius albus, and the globally threatened species Pelecanus crispus and Phalacrocorax pygmeus.

European Court says Greece is violating EU legislation on mutual recognition of architecture degrees BRUSSELS 10/9/2004 ANA/V. Demiris)

The European Court in a decision on Thursday deemed that Greece is violating European Union legislation regarding the mutual recognition of architecture degrees.

Specifically, justifying the European Commission's recourse against Greece, the Court decided that Greece does not maintain its promises which come from directive 85/384.

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article