Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-04-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] Commission praises Greek gov't action on deficits, calls for more measures in 2006

[02] Government replies with letter to criticism by European Commission on main shareholder issue

[03] PM Karamanlis signs book of condolences on Pope's demise

[04] Greek PM meets FinMin, National Bank governor

[05] PM meets with handful of ND deputies

[06] FM Molyviatis to pay official working visit to Turkey next week

[07] President Papoulias briefed by FM Molyviatis on foreign policy issues

[08] Turkish warplanes violate Greek national air space, infringe Athens FIR, fly over islet

[09] Greece and Romania agree on closer cooperation in defense issues

[10] Serbia-Montenegro, Albanian envoy reiterated support for mutually acceptable solution to 'name issue'

[11] Greek government gazette to be published on the Internet

[12] National Radio and Television Council submits annual report to Parliament

[13] List of journalists in public sector jobs soon to be sent to journalists unions, gov't says

[14] President of the Republic receives head of industry union, National Bank governor

[15] Defense ministry's civil and military leadership briefs Parliamentary committee on defense policy issues

[16] Nine high-ranking Jerusalem Patriarchate clerics call for Ecumenical Patriarchate's intervention

[17] Patriarch Vartholomeos on Patriarchate of Jerusalem

[18] Support for referendum on EU Constitution expressed

[19] Greek Social Forum and other groups to hold rally against EuroConstitution on Thursday

[20] Coalition party leader criticizes education ministry's measures

[21] Gov't to sell stake in Attica Bank, stepping up privatization drive

[22] Employment ministry says handling unemployment remains national priority

[23] New taxes a panic reaction to 'collapse of first ND budget', main opposition leader claims

[24] PASOK party leader holds talks with representatives of handicrafts and farmers unions

[25] Papariga forecasts more tax measures

[26] Northern industrialists welcome gov't measures to boost Thrace

[27] Gov't again denies plans to reopen issue of pension system reform

[28] Gov't ups subsidy on part-time local government jobs

[29] Civil servants' union announces industrial actions for April, May

[30] Gov't denies Court of Audit ruling for immediate return of LAFKA levy as lump sum

[31] Finmin to Cyprus for talks

[32] Greece introduces new EU funds' management system

[33] Attica municipalities approve of Olympic venues draft law

[34] Greek supermarkets say they do not plan to raise prices

[35] Gov't officially launches program offering support to SMEs

[36] Gov't seeks creation of Commerce Register

[37] Greece, Italy seek closer cooperation in sea transport

[38] Tourism minister embarks on visit to Azerbaijan and India on Wednesday

[39] Greek Tourist Organization announces new social tourism program

[40] Greece to take part in Lisbon exhibit to promote companies, Eurovision bid

[41] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks slip in bid to consolidate

[42] ERT president on coverage of Eurovision song contest

[43] ND Eurodeputy co-authors book on European Constitution

[44] Senior finance ministry official resigns for personal reasons

[45] Orfanos in Paris to attend conference of sports ministers from French-speaking countries

[46] IPU Monitoring Committee discusses Cyprus

[47] Cyprus government welcomes European Court decision

[01] Commission praises Greek gov't action on deficits, calls for more measures in 2006

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

The Greek stability program for 2004-2007 shows the Greek deficit falling to 3.7% of GDP in 2005 and to 2.9% in 2006, after having peaked at 6.1% last year, the Commission said in its recommendation. The budgetary strategy is based on a mix of revenue-enhancing measures and expenditure retrenchment, allowing for a primary surplus of 0.7% of GDP in 2005. But the Commission sees risks for 2005 and beyond, and calls on Greece to implement the necessary permanent measures to ensure the correction of the excessive deficit by 2006.

"The Greek government must be praised not only for implementing the 2005 budget with rigor but also for announcing additional measures for this year. Taking into account the existing risks, I welcome its commitment to present a budget for 2006 in which the deficit would be brought below 3% of GDP" said Joaquín Almunia, European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs.

Stability program: The revised update of the stability program targets a deficit of 2.9% of GDP in 2006 and an overall reduction of 3.7 percentage points of GDP in 2004-2007. The stock of debt is expected to fall below 105% in 2007. Against a slowing yet still strong rate of projected economic growth, the budget deficit net of cyclical factors is however set to stay above the 3% of GDP reference value over the program period.

In the Commission's view a part of the official revenue and expenditure projections would appear to be on the optimistic side, entailing the risk that deficits may turn out higher than planned. Moreover, on 18 March Eurostat expressed reservations about the 2004 deficit figures, underlining the possibility of upward revisions.

Therefore, Greece is encouraged to implement the necessary measures to ensure the correction of the excessive deficit by 2006 at the latest, as recommended by the Council last February. The Commission also sees appropriate to enhance the efforts aiming at identifying and controlling below-the-line operations, and to improve the collection and processing of general government data in collaboration with Eurostat. The Commission also calls on Greece to take steps to ensure the sustainability of public finances.

The assessment of compliance with the February Council recommendations under Article 104(9) is positive. Available information suggests that the 2005 budget is being implemented rigorously. However, to bring the deficit below 3% of GDP in 2006 additional measures may be needed within the 2006 budget. The Greek government committed to take such measures if necessary. Significant steps have also been taken to identify the different sources of the stock-flow adjustments, which are a main cause of the increase in public debt. Efforts are also being made to improve the collection and processing of government statistics, although more remains to be done, as indicated by the non-validation of the 2004 fiscal data by Eurostat.

Based on this assessment, no further steps were needed at present, the Commission said. A new assessment will be made before the end of the year.

The Council is expected to examine the Commission communication and adopt an opinion on the stability program on April 12.

[02] Government replies with letter to criticism by European Commission on main shareholder issue

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

The letter begins with the observation that the Greek government was never notified of complaints by companies from Greece and abroad, to which McCreevy refers to in his letter, and points out that the full and timely communication of complaints substantively affects the unimpeded exercising of the right to defend legislation and, by extension, the country's public interest.

It further mentions that article 14 paragraph 9 of the Greek constitution and the relevant executive legislation is compatible with European law and expresses the conviction that the exchange of positions and views with the European Union will lead to the finding of common places as to the solution to the issue of the agreement, the constitution's executive legislation with the mandates of European Community law, original and derivative.

The letter stresses in principle that the ratification of the constitutional clause was supported by all of the country's political forces without exception. The letter mentions the reasons for which the constitutional clause was enacted and explains with arguments why the constitution's specific purpose is realized with the executive legislation, while it is pointed out that control is carried out by an independent constitutionally-safeguarded authority, the National Radio and Television Council.

The letter's editors underline that the constitutional legislator was summoned to handle the lack of transparency, which is primarily due to the change in the mission and role of the media, due to the pursuit on the part of the participants in some of them of economic transactions of a great extent with the state itself and, consequently, their indirect, but clear, and consequently difficult to prevent and difficult to prove, influence on the economic functions of the state and particularly on the process of concluding public contracts.

The purpose of the constitutional legislator, it was added, is to prohibit economic transactions of a great economic extent between the media and the state, and the public contracts sector in particular, since such transactions deviate from the mission of the media and create a grave risk of adulteration of both the role of the media and of the state's economic functions.

[03] PM Karamanlis signs book of condolences on Pope's demise

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

"I express heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Greek people over the demise of the Pope who, with courage and determination, defended peace, human rights, and the humanity-wide ideals," the premier wrote.

Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou also signed the book.

[04] Greek PM meets FinMin, National Bank governor

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

Arapoglou briefed the Premier over banking market issues and particularly over developments in an effort to reform the sector's pension system.

Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Economy and Finance Minister said "banks were in talks with bank workers' union in search of a total solution for the pension system. The government is monitoring developments with discretion and will present its views after an agreement was reached between the two sides".

[05] PM meets with handful of ND deputies

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

The premier met with MPs D. Galamatis, G. Deiktatis, N. Dendias, St. Kalafatis, A. Dermetzopoulos and M. Tzimas.

No comments were made afterwards.

PM's agenda for Thursday: The schedule for Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Thursday morning includes a meeting with Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas at 9:00, a meeting with the president of Tufts University in Boston at 10:30 and a meeting with ruling New Democracy's Central Committee Secretary Vangelis Meimarakis at 12:30, alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros announced.

[06] FM Molyviatis to pay official working visit to Turkey next week

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

Molyviatis will pay a two-day visit to Ankara on April 12-13, at the invitation of Turkish deputy prime minister and foreign minister Abdullah Gul, the announcement said.

During the visit, the two ministers will discuss matters of bilateral cooperation, aimed at further advancing and strengthening relations between the two countries, the announcement said, adding that views would also be exchanged on regional and international issues.

[07] President Papoulias briefed by FM Molyviatis on foreign policy issues

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

After the meeting, Molyviatis told reporters that he briefed the President on the latest developments in "important issues of the country's foreign policy".

Earlier, on his arrival at the Presidential Mansion, Molyviatis pointed out to waiting reporters that he had served at the Presidential Mansion for 10 years (as Secretary to the Presidency of the Republic under the Presidency of the late Constantine Karamanlis), adding that he wished Papoulias every success in his mission.

[08] Turkish warplanes violate Greek national air space, infringe Athens FIR, fly over islet

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

According to the same sources, the over flights took place at 11:30 a.m. at 500 feet and later at 3 p.m. when the Turkish warplanes flew over the islets at a height of 8,500, 9,500 and 4,000 feet.

Furthermore, on Wednesday 30 Turkish warplanes entered the Aegean without submitting a flight plan (11 infringements of the flight traffic regulations of the Athens Flight Information Region were recorded) and in 14 cases violated the national air space in the region of the north and central Aegean.

In all cases the Turkish aircrafts were recognized and intercepted by Greek fighter jets while in three cases the procedure of interception developed into a mock dog fight.

It was reported that five of the Turkish aircrafts were armed while four were photographic phantoms.

[09] Greece and Romania agree on closer cooperation in defense issues

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

European defense and security policy as well as the situation in Kosovo were also discussed during the meeting.

Regarding European defense and security policy, Greece proposed that Romania participate in the creation of a Balkan Battlegroup.

On the issue of Kosovo, both sides agreed that NATO forces should remain in the area, according to ministry sources.

Atanasiu thanked the Greek government for the support it provided Romania before joining NATO as well as for the support it continues to provide as Romania hopes to join the EU.

Deputy FM Valinakis meets visiting Romanian DM Atanasiu

Deputy foreign minister Yannis Valinakis met Wednesday with Romanian defense minister Teodor Atanasiu, who is on an official visit to Greece.

No statements were made after the meeting.

[10] Serbia-Montenegro, Albanian envoy reiterated support for mutually acceptable solution to 'name issue'

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

"It's well known to all that Serbia-Montenegro has very good and friendly relations with both countries (Greece and FYROM). With Greece we have a particularly close relationship on many levels, even more so within the framework of our European prospects," Serbia-Montenegro ambassador Dusan Batakovic said, adding:

"With Skopje we have the long experience of a common existence and understanding, and additionally, we foresee a deepening in our relations."

Batakovic reiterated that Belgrade supports a mutually acceptable solution by both countries, one within the framework of the United Nations.

On his part, Albanian ambassador Bashkim Zeneli stressed that Tirana's position on the matter was quite clear.

"The Albanian government, and particularly Prime Minister Mr. (Fatos) Nano, has repeatedly declared it will praise any mutually acceptable solution agreed to by the two governments."

He also said a resolution of the FYROM "name issue" will comprise a portion of a wider effort for stability and prosperity in the wider region.

[11] Greek government gazette to be published on the Internet

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

The decision was made by Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos.

The gazette will be published at the site of the National Printing Office at http://www.et.gr.

Due to be completed in the first half of 2005, meanwhile, is an electronic archive of past government gazettes since 1976. This will increase ease of access for the public but also help conserve the National Printing Office's valuable historical archive.

[12] National Radio and Television Council submits annual report to Parliament

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

The report outlines activity undertaken by ESR throughout the year, such as rulings passed and certificates issued.

Along with the report, the ESR also submitted a study on the use of digital technology in television.

Psarouda-Benaki said the two reports will be examined by MPs and discussed by Parliament's Special Permanent Committee for Institutions and Transparency.

[13] List of journalists in public sector jobs soon to be sent to journalists unions, gov't says

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

[14] President of the Republic receives head of industry union, National Bank governor

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

Odysseas Kyriakopoulos and SEB general director I. Drepaniotis.

The president also had a meeting with the governor of the National Bank of Greece Takis Arapoglou.

[15] Defense ministry's civil and military leadership briefs Parliamentary committee on defense policy issues

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

The briefing lasted three hours and will be repeated in Parliament next week, during a special Committee session, to enable the defense minister to reply to all questions raised by the deputies.

According to defense ministry sources, inter-party consensus was reached on the defense policy issues, while deputies expressed skepticism over the possibility of a further decrease in military service.

The defense ministry also briefed the Committee's members on the new structure of the armed forces.

[16] Nine high-ranking Jerusalem Patriarchate clerics call for Ecumenical Patriarchate's intervention

JERUSALEM 7/4/2005 (ANA - P. Haritos)

Eirinaios has dismissed any notion that he should resign from the Holy Land's Greek Orthodox throne in the face of biting charges that the venerable Patriarchate sold or leased (in the long-term) properties in east Jerusalem to Israeli interests -- a prospect that would translate into a major provocation for the Palestinian side. He nevertheless has asked forgiveness due to his "omissions" vis-a-vis acts taken without his knowledge, as he said, while challenging a power of attorney document allowing for the purported sale or lease contracts as a fraud.

"We are saddened to say that because of these scandals we have been irreparably disgraced, to the point of being confronted and horribly cursed by our flock during our official excursions from the Temple of the Resurrection, as well as our lives being threatened," the letter, which was issued on Tuesday, read.

The letter was addressed to Patriarch Vartholomeos (Bartholomew) and the Ecumenical Patriarchate's Holy Synod.

[17] Patriarch Vartholomeos on Patriarchate of Jerusalem

ISTANBUL 7/4/2005 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)

The Patriarch also referred to the "known problem" of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. "Our pain and concern is double and our prayer more warm to the Lord of peace for things and spirits to become peaceful in Greece, Jerusalem and in all the world." he said.

[18] Support for referendum on EU Constitution expressed

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

Following its most recent meeting and extensive debate, the board concluded that given the gravity of the issue and the fact that the European Constitution will affect people's lives for the next 50 years, a referendum is necessary to ensure that citizens become familiar with its content.

In other related news, the Institute for Strategic and Development Studies - Andreas Papandreou (ISTAME), a research centre in the field of democratic socialism, held a debate on the European Constitution at Athens' Panteion University.

Speaking at the event were former European Commissioner and main opposition PASOK MP Anna Diamantopoulou, and university professors Constantinos Stefanou and Nikos Alivizatos.

Alivizatos said that he was in favor of the European Constitution, clarifying that in his view every law is dynamic and therefore open to change.

Diamantopoulou said she was in favor of a referendum being held on the issue, citing the importance of the European Constitution on citizens' lives and the need to ensure public awareness.

Finally, Stefanou said he was for the European Constitution but wondered why a referendum was not being held and the Greek public was not being informed on the issue. He criticized both the former PASOK government and the current New Democracy government for failing to inform the public in depth.

[19] Greek Social Forum and other groups to hold rally against EuroConstitution on Thursday

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

They said the publish should reject the European Constitution "after they break the silence regarding the contents of a treaty that will affect their lives for at least 30 years and take the matter into their own hands".

[20] Coalition party leader criticizes education ministry's measures

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

Alavanos said "euthanasia has a meaning for extreme, chronic and incurable conditions," adding that the education ministry "announced euthanasia for student candidates getting below average grades. Last year, children of popular families, primarily from the provinces, lacking possibilities of access to preparatory schools" are included in this field.

The Coalition party leader said the education ministry should have moved in a different direction. That is to say, how a pupil will be able to enter university without turning to a preparatory school or how pupils, from provinces mainly, will have the same possibilities with the rest.

[21] Gov't to sell stake in Attica Bank, stepping up privatization drive

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

The decision taken by the government's ministerial privatization committee on Wednesday followed interest expressed in purchase of the stock by a doctors and health workers social insurance fund named TSAY. The bank's majority shareholder is the engineers' TSMEDE social insurance fund.

The state hopes to reap income of about 145 million euros, based on the bank's stock market value of 378 million euros.

According to sources, the government is mulling whether to sell the stock directly to a buyer, or whether a tender should be held, entailing valuation of the bank.

Taking part in the meeting were the ministers of finance, development and employment.

On April 1, the government announced that it would float a fresh chunk of stock in Athens-quoted Football Pools Organization (OPAP), lowering its stake to 34% from 51%.

The state will retain the right to appoint a majority on the board of OPAP, a heavily traded stock, for the duration of an exclusivity agreement with the firm and any renewals of the pact. The terms and timing of the sale of stock will be set by the ministerial privatization committee.

[22] Employment ministry says handling unemployment remains national priority

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

The ministry added that decreasing unemployment by three percentage points by the end of the four-year term remains a government target.

It stressed that responsibility lies with the PASOK governments for the level of unemployment in the country and accused the main opposition party of misinterpreting statistical data.

The ministry revealed that the unemployment level found by the present government in March 2004 was 11.3 percent.

According to the Statistical Service, unemployment dropped to 10.2 percent in the second quarter of 2004 and to 10.1 in the third.

Data provided by the Manpower Employment Organization (OAED) show that the number of registered unemployed has decreased by two percent since then, since in February 2004 they were 549,710 and today they are 536,571.

[23] New taxes a panic reaction to 'collapse of first ND budget', main opposition leader claims

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

Papandreou was speaking in Parliament during the debate on the bill implementing policy for revenues in 2005.

He particularly slammed the government's decision to carry out a general audit of state finances and to revise fiscal data sent to the European Union, stressing that no one in the EU had asked for this and that this had placed Greece under tight EU supervision that exacerbated economic problems.

According to Papandreou, Greece had thus voluntarily turned itself into a guinea-pig and subjected itself to the most stringent EU rules, which countries like France, Germany and Portugal had done their utmost to avoid.

"The so-called audit was the only promise that ND was destined to keep and one which cancelled all the rest," the main opposition leader said, stressing that this situation would have been avoided under a PASOK government.

The result would be "worse days ahead", as was apparent in EU forecasts for the Greek economy, he added.

"Revenues are showing an unprecedented shortfall. The deficit is enlarging...Within the first two months, the first ND budget has collapsed," he told Parliament, noting that the new higher VAT rates were a "policy of desperation" introduced "by a government in a state of panic".

Papandreou underlined that indirect taxation led to a rise in tax evasion, fed inflation and counteracted incentives for growth, while he slammed the government's decision to increase taxes on cheap Greek cigarettes.

"You have exclusively burdened cheap Greek cigarettes. You are not taxing smokers but poor smokers. Specific industries have long been asking for this. No government had agreed to do it. Until you," he said.

He expressed fears that government policy would lead to a rise in poverty, unemployment, more austerity measures and privatizations.

Finance Minister: Replying to Papandreou, Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis stressed that PASOK's leader was speaking as someone "new-come to Greece, rather than the leader of a party that had squandered huge opportunities for growth when in government".

"We undertook to solve the problems. We reduced tax rates and increased agricultural pensions and EKAS by double the rate of inflation. We believe in enterprise and support it with our tax policy but we must also meet our obligations to Europe," he said.

He also accused PASOK's leader to being "nihilist and accusatory" and of failing to make any specific proposals for dealing with the problems.

[24] PASOK party leader holds talks with representatives of handicrafts and farmers unions

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

Speaking after his meeting with the PASOK leader, GESEBE President Dimitris Asimakopoulos said "We are going through a difficult period. The market is troubled and tired."

The representative of PASEGES, Yiannetos Karamihas, expressed disappointment over the government's tax measures, saying there is a heavy climate and a double burden for farmers both as producers and consumers.

Papandreou also met with merchant representatives.

Alternate government spokesman criticizes PASOK party's stance on pensioners: Alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros on Wednesday criticized the main opposition PASOK party's stance on pensioners, saying "PASOK's belated interest is hypocritical. The Greek citizens are aware of this."

The spokesman also said that "the Greek pensioners, whom the PASOK government beat up, know very well who is deceiving them and indeed systematically", adding that "when the PASOK governments could and had the obligation to do something, they continued to tax the pensioners unfairly and extend the illegal receipt of LAFKA until 2007."

Antonaros concluded that "the present government had the boldness to provide a political and a legislative solution to the longstanding issue."

[25] Papariga forecasts more tax measures

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

Papariga, who called for a "political response" to such a prospect, above and beyond whatever social reactions, also noted that the public still "has not politicized its struggle, because in place of PASOK it brought in a New Democracy government".

In Thessaloniki, she met with various employee groups at the city's two universities.

[26] Northern industrialists welcome gov't measures to boost Thrace

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

The measures were announced by Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis during a recent visit to the town of Komotini.

In a letter, the association lauded extension of interest rate subsidies on operating capital by two percentage points to firms in Thrace in 2005, and maintain labor cost subsidies by 12% for border areas.

[27] Gov't again denies plans to reopen issue of pension system reform

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

Referring reporters to Wednesday's statements by Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, the spokesman underlined that the talks were currently underway between banks and the bank employees union OTOE, which the government was monitoring discreetly. He said the government would adopt a position once agreement had been reached by the two sides.

He also refused to comment on proposals made on Tuesday by honorary New Democracy president Constantine Mitsotakis for the voluntary deferment of retirement.

Antonaros said that the government had made no decision regarding the imposition of property tax, while noting that any decision will be in agreement with ND's election manifesto.

[28] Gov't ups subsidy on part-time local government jobs

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

The posts are 480 in 13 state regions, 1637 in prefectures, and 11,162 in municipalities and communities.

The decision was taken by the interior ministry following agreement with the ministries of finance and employment and social protection.

[29] Civil servants' union announces industrial actions for April, May

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

The May 11 strike will substitute for the annual May Day labor celebration, as May 1 coincides with Orthodox Easter Sunday this year.

Meanwhile, ADEDY's leadership reiterated that the 35-year limit for achieving full retirement rights is non-negotiable, saying any increase in the limit would open the door to extending the retirement age to 67.

[30] Gov't denies Court of Audit ruling for immediate return of LAFKA levy as lump sum

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

"There is no such decision by the Court of Audit and I will not comment on the internal operations of court bodies," he stressed.

"The government stated its position, political and finally, via the prime minister on March 4 and this decision, which the government had the courage to take, stands fully. The money will be paid in five six-monthly installments, the first of which will be paid at the end of the first half of 2006," he said.

A bill putting the prime minister's announcement into action will be passed by June, he added.

[31] Finmin to Cyprus for talks

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

Alogoskoufis will hold talks with the president of the island republic, Tassos Papadopoulos, on Saturday; and separately with his Cypriot counterpart, Makis Keravnos.

In addition, the minister is to address the Cyprus Chamber of Trade and Industry and Organization for Greek Exports at a dinner hosted for him by the two trade groups on Friday.

[32] Greece introduces new EU funds' management system

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

The applications have been submitted with the new management and control system, aimed to make a more efficient use of community funds.

The new system follows the introduction of an Action Plan envisages the adoption of measures aimed to better manage and monitor funds from EU funds.

Ministry officials said that following the introduction of an Action Plan there should be no cutbacks in EU fund inflows to Greece.

[33] Attica municipalities approve of Olympic venues draft law

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

Filippou's comments were made immediately after he met with Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia and with other TEDKNA members as the ministry prepares to table the draft law in Parliament soon.

He said that certain clarifications are still pending, such as areas within the venues designated for commercial use, but noted that TEDKNA will meet with Palli-Petralia again after convening one more time.

On her part, Palli-Petralia emphasized the close cooperation between the ministry and local government and reiterated that the government's goal is to upgrade citizens' quality of life, to ensure economic growth and to create new jobs.

[34] Greek supermarkets say they do not plan to raise prices

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

In an announcement to the press, the Association of Greek Supermarket Enterprises (SESME) said its members would make efforts to cover the cost of the penalty by reducing their spending and noted that consumers would lose as supermarkets would probably cut their offer or reduce price policies.

SESME on Tuesday had said they would probably raise their prices to cover the cost of the penalty.

The Association said on Wednesday the decision by the Competition Commission would worsen Greek supermarkets' liquidity position.

"The penalty does not cover the seven largest companies but the 100 members of SESME," the announcement said.

SESME also said that a decision by its board to resign was not aimed against any government minister, since the association always had a good cooperation with political authorities.

[35] Gov't officially launches program offering support to SMEs

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, the Greek minister said business people could submit their investment plans to government agencies, effective immediately.

The decisions refer to additional financial support to small- and medium-sized enterprises, opted spending per investment plan, the necessary financial data and paperwork for submitting investment plans, standards, terms and conditions, evaluation criteria and determining a fee accompanying the application.

Government agencies will accept investment plan applications throughout the year.

[36] Gov't seeks creation of Commerce Register

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

The draft law, submitted to chambers on March 29 and published on Wednesday, envisages the creation of a "one-stop shop" agency within Chambers to better service enterprises. It also envisages that a Commerce Register should begin operations on January 1, 2007 at the latest.

Speaking to reporters, the Greek minister said the purpose of creating a General Commerce Register was to ensure safety of transactions, boost transparency and creating a system to supporting business activity in the country.

"A government decision to upgrade the role of Chambers in the operation of the Register is proof of its will to combat bureaucracy and to ensure transparency and legitimacy in business activity," Papathanasiou said.

Creating a General Commerce Register was a long-time demand of the country's commerce sector.

[37] Greece, Italy seek closer cooperation in sea transport

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

The Italian delegation comprised of the general director for Maritime and Domestic Shipping, the head of the directorate of International Affairs and Community Shipping Policy of the Infrastructure and Transport Ministry and the director of Rete Autostrade del Mare S.P.L.

The Greek minister presented the priorities of Greek merchant marine policy and harbor policy in particular, while he emphasized on the government's strong interest for the sector. Kefaloyiannis also mentioned the prospects of closer cooperation between the two countries in this particular sector.

The meeting ended with the signing of a memorandum of cooperation aimed to jointly promote Inter-European Networks in the region.

[38] Tourism minister embarks on visit to Azerbaijan and India on Wednesday

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

During his stay in the country, Avramopoulos will have talks with his Azerbaijani counterpart, sign a bilateral agreement for cooperation between Greece and Azerbaijan in tourism and have meetings with other state and government officials.

The minister will then depart for India, in order to attend the World Council for tourism taking place in New Delhi.

[39] Greek Tourist Organization announces new social tourism program

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

The program will go into effect on June 15 and end on December 31 this year. It will include three types of programs.

The first program concerns an eight-day vacation (with seven overnight stays) as of the second fortnight in June until the end of December. The second is a program for elderly people and concerns pensioners from all social security funds and the third is for five-day excursions (with four overnight stays).

Terms for the granting of social tourism coupons, supporting documents required and all other information will be included in informative pamphlets to be issued by EOT.

[40] Greece to take part in Lisbon exhibit to promote companies, Eurovision bid

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

In an initiative by the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair, ERT state radio and television will present Greece's Eurovision contestant, Elena Paparizou, and her song, "My number one".

Twenty five sector firms from around the country are to take part in the trade fair on April 10-13, the Thessaloniki-based organizer said in a statement on Wednesday.

[41] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks slip in bid to consolidate

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,960.28 points, marking a decline of 0.05%. Turnover was 205.6 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.24% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.20% lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.55% down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 178 to 99 with 59 remaining unchanged.

[42] ERT president on coverage of Eurovision song contest

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

Panagopoulos said the revenue will be about 1,000,000 euros and the expenses about 600,000 euros.

"This means that the product pays and I am not counting the television viewing and all the other things," he said.

[43] ND Eurodeputy co-authors book on European Constitution

BRUSSELS 7/4/2005 (ANA/M.Spinthourakis)

The book, published by Sakkoulas and Bruylant, discusses the European Treaty and analyses the effects it will have on Europe after its ratification.

Former and current EU officials have contributed to the book in the form of articles, including French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier, European Commissioner Vice President Margot Wallstrom, former European Parliament Speaker Jose Maria Gil-Robles, and others.

[44] Senior finance ministry official resigns for personal reasons

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis thanked Stavrinos for an excellent performance on the job.

Stavrinos will remain at work until a replacement is appointed in coming days, the ministry said in a statement.

[45] Orfanos in Paris to attend conference of sports ministers from French-speaking countries

Athens, 7/4/2005 (ANA)

Orfanos on Wednesday visited the offices of the Organizing Committee bidding to host the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games of 2012, where he met with the director general who praised Greece for the excellent organization of the 2004 Olympic Games, the impeccable, as he termed, behavior of the Greeks during the course of the Games and the program of the volunteers.

"The success of the Games in their country, Greece, was an example which Paris follows, for bidding for the 2012 Games," he said.

[46] IPU Monitoring Committee discusses Cyprus

NICOSIA 7/4/2005 (CNA/ANA)

A five-member Cypriot delegation, participating in the meeting, briefed delegates about recent developments, including the outcome of a referendum on an UN-proposed solution plan, stressing that the rejection of the plan by the Greek Cypriots was not a rejection of a political settlement.

The Cypriot MPs pointed out that a solution in Cyprus must be workable, must meet the concerns of the island's two communities and secure their interests.

The Greek Cypriot side, they said, remains committed to a bizonal, bicommunal federation and is ready for talks on the basis of the Annan plan with a view at reuniting the country, divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded.

[47] Cyprus government welcomes European Court decision

NICOSIA 7/4/2005 (CNA/ANA)

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