Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-02-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece will firmly support the positions and views formulated by Cyprus government, FM spokesman stresses

[02] Cyprus president congratulates new Greek president

[03] Greece welcomes Israeli-Palestinian cease-fire agreement

[04] Russian president congratulates Papoulias on winning presidential election

[05] Turkey's National Assembly speaker emphasizes the improvement of Greek-Turkish relations

[06] Gov't stands by decision to include personal interview provision in new public sector hirings law

[07] Gov't proposes one-job-only rule for journalists in wider public sector

[08] Parliament votes through government's state recruitment bill

[09] Justice bill tabled in Parliament

[10] UN Security Council to discuss Sudan crisis next week, FM spokesman says

[11] President Stephanopoulos says 'unemployment is an open wound'

[12] Karamanlis receives Aegean minister

[13] PASOK plans to propose changes to political system

[14] Deputy FM Stylianidis meets Ukrainian Ambassador Kalnyk

[15] Turkish warplanes violate Greece's national air space

[16] Gov't on GDP growth, inflation rate

[17] Greek gov't announces commission to promote structural reforms

[18] ICAP report on Greek enterprises' performance in 2003

[19] Greece, Serbia seek closer business ties

[20] Greek trade deficit up 16.3 pct in Jan-Nov, yr/yr

[21] Athens International Airport announces 2004 airline awards

[22] Bank workers pull out of talks with gov't, employers

[23] Gov't to give EU file on China tomato paste imports

[24] Stocks drop in late spurt of selling

[25] Attention shifts to elusive drug smuggler in ongoing Church, judiciary furor

[26] Judge arrested for counterfeit 'traveler's check'

[27] Interior Minister Pavlopoulos to meet Evros mayors

[28] Findings reveal presence of Phoenicians in Macedonia from the 7th Century B.C.

[29] Bloody clash between Kurdish and Afghani immigrants in Patra; Afghani stabbed to death

[30] UNSG urges Cyprus President to put his views on paper

[31] Spokesman: Hannay sees the Cyprus problem as a mathematical equation

[32] DISY outlines changes in Annan Plan to Turkish FM

[01] Greece will firmly support the positions and views formulated by Cyprus government, FM spokesman stresses

Athens, 11/2/2005 (ANA)

"Greece will be a firm supporter of the positions, views and perceptions formulated in Nicosia. The fact that this discussion is underway is, I believe, positive, and when the positions are formulated, the Greek government will lend its support so as to advance them in the best possible way," Koumoutsakos told a regular press briefing.

"Communication and cooperation are, at any rate, continuous, and that is the framework in which we are moving forward," the spokesman said, replying to questions as to whether the Greek government intended to make public any positions concerning changes possibly being sought to the Annan plan for a Cyprus solution.

Asked to comment on statements by Cyprus president Tassos Papadopoulos inferring that the Cyprus government was prepared for dialogue on the Cyprus problem, Koumoutsakos noted that it was not a new development "the fact that the Cyprus government and the President of the Republic of Cyprus are expressing their volition for dialogue so that the discussion towards a solution may advance".

"This is a standing volition, which had been expressed from the day after the referendum" on the Annan plan, Koumoutsakos added.

He explained that the result of the referendum -- in which the Greek Cypriot side rejected the Annan plan with an overwhelming majority -- "concerned the specific plan with its specific wording" at that time.

But beyond that, the desire for achieving a solution remained firm, the spokesman said, adding that "the fact of these manifestations in the past few days are part of that rationale".

Koumoutsakos clarified, however, that "at this time I do not seen any element existing that would allow us to reach the conclusion that something spectacular was to be expected in this process".

"The process is under way, exchanges of views are taking place, and all this is positive," he added.

Asked to comment on Cypriot opposition Democratic Rally (DISY) party leader Nicos Anastassiades' recent visit to Ankara, Koumoutsakos said that "all contacts that can prove positive constitute a positive development".

Beyond that, however, "such meetings cannot take the place of the need, when contacts are made, that they take place at the level of the elected government", Koumoutsakos said, adding that it was nevertheless self-evident that such meetings were useful, as they allowed an exchange of views.

Visiting Cyprus House of Representatives speaker Christofias confers with PM Karamanlis: Visiting Cyprus House of Representatives speaker and AKEL party leader Demetris Christofias conferred separately Thursday with prime minister Costas Karamanlis and main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou on developments in the Cyprus issue.

No statements were made after Christofias' 45-minute meeting with the premier.

Papandreou said after his own meeting with Christofias that PASOK supported the House speaker's efforts for contacts with the Turkish Cypriot side and particularly the self-styled "prime minister" of the Turkish Cypriot pseudo-state in the Turkish-occupied northern part of the island republic, Mehmet Ali Talat.

"The effort Mr. Christofias has been making for many years for cooperation among the citizens is an effort that we hope will continue, because now the need for contact between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots is more crucial than ever in order for the necessary ground to be created not only for a solution, but for substantial coexistence and operation of the form of government after the solution," Papandreou said.

Christofias said he outlined to Papandreou AKEL's positions and efforts for a "resumption of intensive contacts with the Turkish Cypriot parties, particularly with Mr. Talat".

The goal of those contacts was "to pave the way so that, if some initiative is undertaken, at some point, it will have the preconditions for success," Christofias continued.

The issue is not simply for an initiative to be undertaken, as some quarters at home and abroad maintain, but rather that, when an initiative is undertaken, we are not lead to a failure of the effort for a second time, the AKEL leader explained.

In the framework of contacts with the Turkish Cypriot side, Christofias said he had already had a meeting with Communal Liberation Party (TKP) leader Mustafa Akinci, during which there was "good disposition, mutual understanding", and added that he hoped that soon "we will be able to meet with Mr. Talat, who is a key at this time in the Turkish Cypriot community".

Papandreou said that PASOK stood at the side of the Cypriot government in its efforts for finding a just solution to the Cyprus issue, adding that whatever solution found should be in the interests of both the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots.

"This means that the final judge of the solution will be the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots, naturally," Papandreou stressed.

Papandreou also invited Christofias to the upcoming PASOK Congress. Christofias is currently in Athens for the 17th Congress of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE).

FM Molyviatis meets Cyprus House Speaker and AKEL party General Secretary Christofias: Cyprus House Speaker and General Secretary of Cypriot left-wing AKEL party Demetris Christofias said on Thursday that Britain must understand that the Cypriots have feelings and dignity, which they stand up for, and called on the British ''to stop challenging the feelings of the people of Cyprus on a daily basis, for our benefit and theirs.''

Speaking in Athens after a meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis, Christofias said the main aim is to rid Cyprus of the Turkish occupation of its northern third, noting that the big question put to Britain is what she wants, ''in an effort to make her understand that, while choosing Turkey over Cyprus, she must understand that the Cypriots have feelings and dignity, which they cannot but stand up for.''

Replying to questions about his criticism against Britain, Christofias said he has expressed his views to Britain and noted that ''there are British interests in Cyprus, met through the Bases, which the Zurich-London agreements imposed.''

''No one wanted to ask for the dissolution of these Bases. Now and since 1960 we have many other internal problems, these problems were worsened after the invasion and occupation and became serious problems regarding relations with Turkey,'' Christofias said.

Christofias added that he discussed the Cyprus problem and the prospects for a settlement with Molyviatis, noting that there was ''as usual common understanding about what is to happen.''

Replying to questions, Christofias said the problems raised by the Turkish Cypriot side should be discussed but pointed out that ''we must also discuss the substance of the Cyprus problem, having in mind the results of the referenda.''

In April 2004, separate simultaneous referenda were held on either side of the divide on a UN plan for a settlement.

The plan was accepted by the Turkish Cypriot community and rejected by the Greek Cypriot community.

Cyprus House of Representatives speaker Christofias meets with former SYN president: Visiting Cyprus' House of Representatives Speaker and left-wing AKEL party leader Demetris Christofias on Thursday met with a delegation of the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) party, headed by Nikos Constantopoulos, the party's former President.

Constantopoulos said that AKEL's proposals can serve as a springboard for the solution to the Cyprus problem. He stressed that he shares Christofias' concerns regarding a new initiative and the changes that need to be made to the Annan Plan.

On his part, Christofias said that he discussed with Constantopoulos the trade regulations in Cyprus, domestic developments regarding the Cyprus problem as well as initiatives to meet with Turkish Cypriot parties in order to prepare for changes and to begin a substantial dialogue.

[02] Cyprus president congratulates new Greek president

NICOSIA 11/2/2005 (ANA/G.Leonidas)

Cypriot Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides said on Thursday that Papoulias ''has good knowledge of the Cyprus problem and is well known for his democratic action against the dictatorship, a worthy successor of worthy President Stephanopoulos, to whom we express deep appreciation on behalf of everyone in Cyprus.''

[03] Greece welcomes Israeli-Palestinian cease-fire agreement

Athens, 11/2/2005 (ANA)

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon declared a cease-fire on Tuesday at a summit in Egypt aimed at ending four years of bloodshed and reviving peace talks.

"Greece welcomes with particular satisfaction the cease-fire agreement announced by the governments of Israel and the Palestinian Authority," Greece's foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos told a regular press briefing on Thursday.

"The cease-fire agreement constitutes an important step in the difficult road to peace. It creates expectations for the substantive revival of the peace process and implementation f the Road Map, which is supported by the international community, in order to render a reality the vision of peaceful coexistence of the two peoples in the framework of two independent states: that of Israel and that of a democratic and viable state of Palestine," Koumoutsakos said.

"On this important step, which is an achievement in the peace efforts in the region, Greece congratulates the leaderships of the two sides, and at the same time praises the valuable contribution to this positive step of the Egyptian and Jordanian governments, as well as the prospect of normalization of their diplomatic relations with Israel," the foreign ministry spokesman added.

[04] Russian president congratulates Papoulias on winning presidential election

Athens, 11/2/2005 (ANA)

Putin also said that he looks forward to a close and productive cooperation with Papoulias in order to further develop the friendly ties, respect and trust that have united the Greek and Russian peoples over time.

In closing, the Russian president wished success and happiness to Papoulias and peace and prosperity to the Greek people.

[05] Turkey's National Assembly speaker emphasizes the improvement of Greek-Turkish relations

ISTANBUL 11/2/2005 (ANA/A.Kourkoulas)

Arinc thanked Papaligouras for his visit and stressed that relations between Greece and Turkey are steadily improving both on a government level, as well as on a ministerial level.

Papaligouras, on his part, said that the Greek government warmly supports Turkey's European prospects and stressed that "the government believes that this course will contribute to promoting and reinforcing Greek-Turkish relations."

The Greek justice minister is in Ankara following an invitation by his Turkish counterpart Jemil Cicek.

[06] Gov't stands by decision to include personal interview provision in new public sector hirings law

Athens, 11/2/2005 (ANA)

Alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros reiterated that PASOK's MPs left the chamber in lieu of "substantive and convincing arguments" and as part of an attempt at sensationalism.

Antonaros reminded that the specific provision remains under the auspices of the independent authority (ASEP) responsible for supervising and holding public sector placement examinations and will be employed when deemed necessary for specific posts.

Moreover, he said successful procedures for conducting personal interviews in other European countries will be followed.

New Democracy deputies have emphasized in Parliament that personal interviews play a decisive role in private sector hirings the world over, while ASEP's role in conducting personal interviews will preclude instances of favoritism.

[07] Gov't proposes one-job-only rule for journalists in wider public sector

Athens, 11/2/2005 (ANA)

Roussopoulos, a well-known local journalist and commentator prior to becoming ruling New Democracy's spokesman when the party was in the opposition, made the proposal during the second extraordinary meeting of ministry officials with party representatives and the journalism unions' leaderships.

The proposal, if implemented, would affect employees classified as "journalists" in permanent positions, or ones employed as advisers, associates or even temporarily assigned from one department to another.

Ministers would also submit lists with journalists employed by their respective ministries.

Finally, Roussopoulos called on interested parties to submit their proposals for rules governing a code of ethics for journalists.

[08] Parliament votes through government's state recruitment bill

Athens, 11/2/2005 (ANA)

The bill ordains a points-based recruiting system that also includes personal interviews for positions, a move that PASOK rejected.

[09] Justice bill tabled in Parliament

Athens, 11/2/2005 (ANA)

Some of the measures proposed include amending the penal code, with stricter penalties foreseen for perjury and other criminal acts; reorganizing the judiciary system; requiring a means declaration of those working within the justice system; and others.

[10] UN Security Council to discuss Sudan crisis next week, FM spokesman says

Athens, 11/2/2005 (ANA)

Greece, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, supports sending troops to ensure that the treaty between the North and South is enforced, Koumoutsakos said. He added that Greece looks forward to cooperating with the African Union which currently has forces in Darfur.

Koumoutsakos said that imposing sanctions against Sudan should be considered carefully since it might have a negative impact on the treaty and may discourage the new Sudanese government.

The declaration of the Security Council's Presidency on Iraqi election will also be discussed next week.

Ambassador Adamantios Vassilakis meets Sudanese First Deputy PM Ali Oshman Taha: On the occasion of his visit to New York to attend the open session of the UN Security Council on Sudan, the First Deputy Prime Minister of Sudan, Ali Oshman Taha, asked to meet with Greece's Permanent Representative at the United Nations, Ambassador Adamantios Th. Vassilakis, according to a foreign ministry announcement on Thursday.

At the meeting, which took place on Wednesday, the deputy premier of Sudan thanked for Greece's constructive stance both at the United Nations and in the European Union, underlining the role which Greece can play in the international efforts for peace in Sudan.

Vassilakis thanked Ali Oshman Taha for his briefing and expressed Greece's satisfaction for the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of January 9 between the government of Sudan and the Sudanese Popular Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A).

[11] President Stephanopoulos says 'unemployment is an open wound'

Athens, 11/2/2005 (ANA)

Stephanopoulos said that "the citizens are struggling today to improve the level of their prosperity and to reach the other countries." He added that the Constitution foresees that the State is obliged to secure work to the citizens, "but unfortunately today unemployment is an open wound and reaches 10 per cent."

[12] Karamanlis receives Aegean minister

Athens, 11/2/2005 (ANA)

Afterwards, Pavlidis, a veteran deputy elected from the Dodecanese islands, said his ministry is promoting initiatives in partnership with the health ministry to upgrade facilities on various islands.

[13] PASOK plans to propose changes to political system

Athens, 11/2/2005 (ANA)

He stressed that the depreciation of institutions is a major issue and that society demands accountability. Papandreou identified the Church, the justice system, the media, political parties, universities, local government, hospitals and businesses as the sectors that need to be held accountable.

Senior members of PASOK, academicians and other experts will comprise the committee.

Papandreou also emphasized that important decisions will be made at the upcoming PASOK Congress, regarding the party's political proposals, its new charter and new leadership.

[14] Deputy FM Stylianidis meets Ukrainian Ambassador Kalnyk

Athens, 11/2/2005 (ANA)

[15] Turkish warplanes violate Greece's national air space

Athens, 11/2/2005 (ANA)

According to press reports, nine formations of Turkish warplanes entered the Aegean and in 15 cases violated the national air space in the region of the central and northern Aegean.

In all cases, the 24 Turkish warplanes were recognized and intercepted by corresponding Greek fighter jets, while in one instance the interception evolved into mock dog-fighting.

It was reported that three of the planes were armed.

[16] Gov't on GDP growth, inflation rate

Athens, 11/2/2005 (ANA)

Alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros stressed, moreover, that year-on-year inflation for 2004 reached the 3-percent mark, down from 3.5 in from the corresponding 12-month period of 2003.

Asked about comments this week by EU Commissioner for Monetary Affairs Joaquin Almunia, who forecast a 3.3 percent GDP growth rate for the Greek economy, Antonaros noted that previously higher government estimates came before results of a high-profile "fiscal audit" were published.

"If we accept Mr. Almunia's estimates -- which the government doesn't share -- then naturally we would have to accept a minor adjustment downwards," the spokesman said.

The EU Commission this week recommended the extension, to the end of 2006, of a deadline for bringing Greece's budget deficit below the 3-percent benchmark. The deficit was re-calculated at an estimated 5.5 percent of GDP in 2004, with the Commission forecasting 3.6 percent this year and meeting the limit of 3 percent for 2006.

The Karamanlis government's decision to proceed with its fiscal audit, however, has been supported, among others, by Eurostat, the EU Commission and the IMF. Conversely, it was bitterly opposed by the main opposition PASOK party, which was in power during the 2000-2002 period, the focus of recent deficit revisions.

"The government is proceeding with a restoration of fiscal transparency and its mild (economic) adaptation, with the goal being a decisive cut in the deficit. These are the foundations of our economic policy," Antonaros said, adding that the government's actions are also aimed at restoring the country's integrity within the European Union.

[17] Greek gov't announces commission to promote structural reforms

Athens, 11/2/2005 (ANA)

The commission's task will be to submit recommendations over structural reforms needed to boost the country's competitiveness and to abolish all counter-incentives in attracting investments and promote enterpreunship in the country.

The commission will submit its recommendations to Economy and Finance minister after consultations with the government's social partners. It will also evaluate all recommendations submitted by social agencies and bodies.

[18] ICAP report on Greek enterprises' performance in 2003

Athens, 11/2/2005 (ANA)

The report, based on financial results announced by 26,362 enterprises, said that 2003 was a "low flying" year for Greek manufacturing, with sales growth rate of 5,675 companies in the sector slowing down in 2003 from the previous year at an annual 4.4 percent. Gross profit margin was stable at 21,8 percent, while operating profits fell by 3.2 percent.

On the other hand, the report said, a drastic improvement of operating results boosted profitability in the sector, with pre-tax profits up 22.5 percent in 2003, while return on equity capital rose to 9.7 percent. The year 2003 was a landmark for the country since no manufacturing sector reported losses, while more than two-thirds of companies reported profits over the year. New investments in the sector, however, eased while the index of borrowing burden in the sector worsened slightly to 55 percent.

The commerce sector continued its growth in 2003, with sales growth rate at 9.4 percent and gross profit margin at 20.3 percent. Operating profits rose 29.6 percent and pre-tax profits were up 32.8 percent in the year. Return on equity capital rose to 21.2 percent, with 78.8 percent of companies in the sector reporting profits for the year.

The financial sector recovered in 2003, with pre-tax profits returning to 2001 levels after falling in 2002. Banks covered 73.9 percent of total pre-tax profits in the sector, with only the foreign exchange bureaus and security transaction order companies reporting losses for the year.

The year 2003 was disappointing for Greek tourism. Based on results by 3,617 enterprises in the sector, ICAP said that sales rose 2.5 percent while gross profits fell by 7.1 percent, with gross profit margin down to 22.4 percent. Pre-tax profits in the sector plunged to 6.3 million euros in 2003 from 116.9 million in 2002.

[19] Greece, Serbia seek closer business ties

Athens, 11/2/2005 (ANA)

The speakers noted that Greek investment had made a key contribution to modernization of Serbia's economy, especially in banking, financial services, insurance, telecoms, industry and construction. Also valuable was Greece's involvement in growth plans for southeastern Europe's energy network.

A day earlier, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas told the meeting that the government was working for closer ties between the European Union and Serbia-Montenegro,

"Greece is working to advance European association for Serbia-Montenegro, and its future entry into the European family...Ours is the first EU country to have devised an integrated national action plan for reconstruction of the Balkans," Sioufas said.

Outlining the government's Balkan policy, the minister noted a bill was in the pipeline to set up an international university in the northern port city of Thessaloniki; incentives were available for the creation of cargo transit centers; and a natural gas pipeline to Austria through the Balkans was being urged.

Greece's investment level in Serbia-Montenegro is high with about 150 joint enterprises in operation, and 80 purely Greek companies with a staff of around 18,000, according to data from the Greek embassy in Belgrade.

Three major Athens-quoted banks are active in Serbia - National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank and EFG Eurobank Ergasias. Alpha Bank recently purchased Serbia's Jubanka.

[20] Greek trade deficit up 16.3 pct in Jan-Nov, yr/yr

Athens, 11/2/2005 (ANA)

NSS, in its monthly report on the country's trade balance, said that the shortfall totalled 25.906 billion euros in the first 11 months of 2004 from 22.278 billion euros in 2003 and noted that excluding trade in oil products the trade deficit rose 21 percent over the same period.

The statistics service said the value of import-arrivals totalled 36.863 billion euros in the January-November period from 33.208 billion in the previous year, for an increase of 11 percent (up 13.3 percent excluding trade in oil products).

The value of export-deliveries totalled 10.957 billion euros in the January-November period from 10.930 billion euros in 2003, for an increase of 0.2 percent.

[21] Athens International Airport announces 2004 airline awards

Athens, 11/2/2005 (ANA)

Athens International Airport presented special awards to the fastest growing airlines for 2004, in the categories of geographical region, thin route, and best performing newcomer.

The airline awards were as follows:

A. Fastest Growing Airline per geographical region (highest percentage passenger growth, 2003-2004)

• Aegean Airlines,for Western Europe

• Olympic Airlines, for Eastern Europe

• Emirates Airlines, for the Middle East

• Delta Airlines, for America

• Egypt Air, for Africa

• Thai Airways, for Asia

• Aegean Airlines, for the domestic market.

Â. Fastest Growing Airline in a Thin Route (highest percentage passenger growth irrespective of geographical region, 2003 - 2004)

" Çemus Air, for achieving the highest percentage annual passenger growth in 2004.

C. Best Performing New Airline Award (airlines that launched operations at AIA in 2003)

• Hellas Jet, for the highest passenger traffic numbers in 2004 among newcomers

D. Overall Fastest Growing Airline in 2004