Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-04-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece, Russia, Bulgaria sign political pact Tuesday for new oil pipeline

[02] Foreign minister comments on bilateral relations with Turkey, upcoming visit to Ankara

[03] Greek PM briefed over Development ministry's policies

[04] Gov't firm on decision to combat corruption, spokesman says

[05] Gov't says efforts at finding solution to FYROM 'name issue' continuing

[06] U.S. ambassador addresses Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce

[07] U.S. urges Greece and FYROM to reach mutually acceptable solution on name issue

[08] Meeting between Greek and Bulgarian presidents rescheduled for Monday

[09] Serbia-Montenegro FM Draskovic due on working visit next week

[10] BSEC foreign ministers meeting in Komotini April 22-23

[11] Athens praises election of Talabani as new Iraq president

[12] President Papoulias sends condolences on Prince Rainier's death

[13] President Papoulias to represent Greece at Pope's funeral

[14] Papoulias in Thrace next month

[15] Metropolitan of Axum to represent Patriarch of Alexandria at pope's funeral

[16] PM Karamanlis meets ND Secretary Meimarakis

[17] New tax measures 'moving in the right direction', ND party secretary says after meeting PM

[18] Minister of State due in London for talks on media issues next week

[19] PASOK leader Papandreou on economy and FYROM name issue

[20] Next Ecumenical Patriarchate Holy Synod expected to discuss situation in Jerusalem

[21] Ship doctors to be appointed for passenger ferries on long-haul journeys

[22] Supreme Court Council asked to rule on dismissal of two judges for poor conduct

[23] Alexandria Patriarch sends letter to former Greek president Stephanopoulos

[24] Ratification of EU Treaty gross violation of Greek constitution, leader of LA.O.S says

[25] Gov't stresses EU praise for Stability Program, reiterates drive to 'tidy-up' public finances

[26] Greek average per capita GDP at 77.6 pct of EU average in 2002

[27] Greek-Bulgarian business conference in Sofia

[28] Greek, Albanian transport and communications ministers meet in Tirana

[29] Greece, Cyprus seek closer business ties

[30] EU promotes Greek-related Quick Start transport and energy projects

[31] State television settles royalties issues, will re-launch Thessaloniki Song Festival

[32] Alternate Culture Minister continues discussion on Olympic venues bill with local gov't

[33] Gov't defends fresh stock flotation in football pools firm

[34] Greek travel board to spend six mln euros on social tourism

[35] Intralot signs new contract in FYROM

[36] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise in blue-chip buying

[37] Renowned singer Grigoris Bithikotsis dies

[38] Israeli delegation of officers, Greek military to pay homage to fallen Greek Jews of WWII

[39] State television and NGOs to cooperate in raising public awareness on social issues

[40] Justice minister orders probe into death of Korydallos prison inmate

[41] Orfanos attends conference in Paris of sports ministers from French-speaking countries

[42] Turkey responsible for human rights violations, Court confirms

[01] Greece, Russia, Bulgaria sign political pact Tuesday for new oil pipeline

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

"This is a historic moment. Signing the memorandum will resolve an issue that has been pending for 13 years, and it sets the basis for construction of a work that will contribute to a geo-strategic upgrade of the region and our country, as well as strengthening cooperation among the three countries involved," Sioufas told a news conference.

The 285-kilometre pipeline to carry Russian oil from Burgas in Bulgaria to Alexandroupoli in Greece has an estimated investment cost of 750-800 million US dollars with an annual capacity of 35 million tones of oil. It will supplement a sea route through the Bosporus for transportation of the product in the region.

"In combination with other energy networks being planned in the region, our country will become an energy hub," Sioufas said.

Other projects on the drawing board are a link between Greek, Turkish and Italian natural gas networks; a natural gas pipeline for the western Balkans; and a regional energy market for southeastern Europe and the Black Sea.

Greek firms so far taking part in the project are Athens-quoted Hellenic Petroleum, the Latsis oil, shipping and banking group; and the Kopelouzos energy group.

Sioufas praised work by ministers of the three countries for their work in ending the deadlock; and for the effort made by Greece's previous government.

The Russian ambassador in Athens, Andrei Vdovin, said the project would widen historical ties among the three states; and Bulgarian envoy Stefan Stoyanov recalled that his country had backed the project over many years.

[02] Foreign minister comments on bilateral relations with Turkey, upcoming visit to Ankara

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

Molyviatis, who is due to carry out a working visit to Ankara on April 12-13, was responding to a question put by main opposition PASOK MP Mihalis Chrysohoidis about the overall course of Greek-Turkish relations and Turkey's obligations toward the European Union.

The minister stressed that violations have been Turkey's standard practice for very many years and that Greece dealt with them in the required manner, both in the air and at sea, as well as on a diplomatic level.

"Greece is taking all action necessary to ensure that issues of Greek interest are recorded in all texts that are drawn up in view of the start of [EU] accession negotiations with Turkey," he said.

The minister also reiterated that a series of criteria and conditions for Ankara were set during the European Council in December, including a clear commitment to promote good neighborly relations.

"Turkey's course is being monitored by the European Council," he added.

Referring to his upcoming visit to Ankara, Molyviatis said he will be having talks and meetings with the entire Turkish leadership to discuss matters of mutual interest, which would also aim to continue and enhance efforts to improve bilateral relations.

According to Chrysohoidis, however, the government has failed to persuade Turkey to promote good relations with EU countries on a daily basis and has not even obtained a commitment from Turkey that it "accepts the express obligation to recognize and sign the [customs union] protocol".

The schedule for Molyviatis' visit to Ankara includes a meeting on April 12 with his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul to discuss on bilateral relations and developments in the greater region.

Immediately afterward, Molyviatis will be received by Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer.

A meeting between delegations of the Greek and Turkish foreign ministries will follow, after which Gul and Molyviatis will hold a joint press conference and make statements, while Gul will host an official dinner for Molyviatis on the evening of April 12.

The following day, Molyviatis is to meet the chairman of the Turkish Parliament's Foreign Affairs Commission Mehmet Dulger and the General Secretary of the National Security Board Yigit Alpogan.

In the afternoon, the Greek minister will meet Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Before his return to Athens that evening, Molyviatis will first make a stop in Istanbul where he is scheduled to visit Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

FM to brief political party leaders on foreign policy issues: Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis will be meeting with political party leaders on Friday in order to brief them on foreign policy-related issues in general, and the controversy surrounding FYROM's name in particular.

Specifically, Molyviatis will meet separately with main opposition PASOK party President George Papandreou, Secretary General of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Aleka Papariga, Nikos Constantopoulos and P. Trigazis of the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) party and LAOS President George Karatzaferis.

[03] Greek PM briefed over Development ministry's policies

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Sioufas said he briefed the Premier over the official launch of a program aimed to offer financial support to investment plans submitted by small- and medium-sized enterprises and over the content of a plan aimed to liberalize the country's natural gas market. The Greek minister said new electricity production codes would be signed next week and a plan to offer financial support to commerce enterprises was ready to be launched.

Sioufas said he also briefed the Prime Minister over developments in domestic food problems and stressed that these problems did not undermine public health while he noted that a new Food Inspection Agency management would take all necessary measures to address the problems.

"The government's new development law aims to expand development around the country," the Greek minister said.

Commenting on the reaction of Greek supermarkets to a decision by the Competition Commissioner to impose a penalty over price fixing policies, Sioufas said SESME -Greek supermarkets' association- was a responsible agency and stressed the government would table a new draft law aiming to strengthen Competition Commission's powers.

The Greek minister said protecting consumers was a priority for the ministry along with ensuring a smooth operation of the market and healthy competition.

Sioufas said Greek consumers were enjoying the lower fuel prices in Europe despite a surge in international oil prices to their highest levels in 30 years.

[04] Gov't firm on decision to combat corruption, spokesman says

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

Alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros again cited reports by the "Transparency International" organization giving the country poor marks prior to New Democracy assuming the governments' reins.

[05] Gov't says efforts at finding solution to FYROM 'name issue' continuing

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

Alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros made the statement in answer to press questions over the foreign minister's upcoming contacts with local political leaders regarding the FYROM 'name issue'.

Asked if a political leaders' council (chaired by the president of the republic) will be convened in case of a breakthrough development, Antonaros said that if necessary the government will consider such a prospect.

In an unrelated development, the spokesman said Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis will meet with the country's 17 regional directors on Friday. The interior, economy and development ministers, Prokopis Pavlopoulos, George Alogoskoufis and Dimitris Sioufas, respectively, will also participate in the meeting.

[06] U.S. ambassador addresses Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

Ries made his statement on the sidelines of an event organized by the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce at the Athens Concert Hall.

"Washington supports the efforts of Mr. Nimetz and, of course, it intends to accept whatever name is ultimately agreed by the two interested countries," he said.

Ries termed Greece a "dynamic, progressive country" in his address and, referring to the visit recently made to the United States by Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis, reiterated the words of the U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that "Greece is the best friend of the U.S. in the region."

The U.S. ambassador expressed support for the reunification of Cyprus, saying that Washington is expecting the Greek Cypriot side to respond to the request of the UN secretary general and set out its objections concerning the Annan plan accurately, while praising Greece's option to support Turkey's European prospects and noted that this stance can help a settlement of the Cyprus issue and of "Greek-Turkish differences in the Aegean."

Ries also referred at length to Greece's role in the Balkans, speaking of a "model country for the rest in the region."

Referring to finances, Ries, although referring to an expected slight drop after the end of the Olympic Games, said that Greece chose to take a bold step, "pulling the curtains" and implementing a policy of transparency and sincerity regarding its finances.

"As Dimosthenes also said reliability is the greatest qualification to acquire money," he said and made positive reference to the new development law which "promises to turn the attention of the economy to sectors which are open to international competition, such as tourism, informatics technology, fiscal issues, etc."

The American diplomat further said that bold reforms will probably be necessary regarding labor legislation, privatizations and social security.

Ries said he is in favor of the construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupoli pipeline, but stressed that it must be economically viable.

[07] U.S. urges Greece and FYROM to reach mutually acceptable solution on name issue

WASHINGTON 8/4/2005 (ANA/T. Ellis)

"Generally speaking I would say what she (Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice) has already said herself, and that we have also said in the past, which is that we support the process of the United Nations and we look forward to the sides involved to act with flexibility and in a constructive way for a mutually acceptable solution," Boucher said in reply to a relevant question.

Boucher added that on its part the United States is ready "to gladly accept" such a solution which the sides will have reached.

[08] Meeting between Greek and Bulgarian presidents rescheduled for Monday

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

The meeting had originally been scheduled to take place on Friday but was postponed so that the two heads of state could attend the funeral of Pope John Paul II at The Vatican.

The Bulgarian president will arrive in Thessaloniki on Monday morning by plane and return to Sofia late on Monday night.

The meeting has been described as "friendly" but sources say the two men are likely to have in-depth discussions on Greek-Bulgarian relations and the overall situation in south-east Europe, particularly the current fluid situation in former Yugoslavia.

[09] Serbia-Montenegro FM Draskovic due on working visit next week

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

Draskovic is due for a working visit on April 14 for talks with Greek foreign minister Petros Molyviatis, who will also host a working lunch for his Serbia-Montenegro counterpart.

[10] BSEC foreign ministers meeting in Komotini April 22-23

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

Turkish foreign minister Abdullah Gul will also attend the meeting, it was confirmed by Ankara.

[11] Athens praises election of Talabani as new Iraq president

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

In a brief statement, foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said the election marks a significant step in the development of political processes in Iraq, while he expressed Athens' hope that it will lead to a normalization of the situation in that country and to its full democratization.

[12] President Papoulias sends condolences on Prince Rainier's death

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

In a message to Prince Albert II, who succeeds his father Rainier, Papoulias expressed sadness over the death.

"I share, with all my heart, the grief that this loss has caused to you and the people of your country, and convey to you, on behalf of the Greek people and myself, personally, the most heartfelt condolences," Papoulias said in his message.

[13] President Papoulias to represent Greece at Pope's funeral

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

Papoulias will be accompanied by deputy foreign minister Panayotis Skandalakis.

Skandalakis will also go to Tel Aviv on April 13, then on to Ramallah and Aman, where he will hold talks with his counter-parts.

[14] Papoulias in Thrace next month

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

A students' parade on May 14 will commemorate the 85th anniversary of the entrance of Greek troops into the city.

[15] Metropolitan of Axum to represent Patriarch of Alexandria at pope's funeral

ALEXANDRIA 8/4/2005 (ANA)

Theodoros also expressed his deep condolences over the death of the pontiff, while citing his hope for a worthy successor to John Paul II.

[16] PM Karamanlis meets ND Secretary Meimarakis

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

Following the meeting, Meimarakis spoke to reporters on the government's economic measures.

He said the "measures are in the right direction" and were taken in such a manner so as "to burden as little as possible the weaker social classes."

[17] New tax measures 'moving in the right direction', ND party secretary says after meeting PM

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

In statements to reporters after the meeting, Meimarakis said the new measures sought to burden the weaker economic classes as little as possible.

He also stressed that ND was aware of the results of opinion polls released on Thursday by Flash radio, which showed that the ruling party had incurred a heavy political cost through its decision to raise taxes.

According to Meimarakis, however, the citizens understood that the measures were necessary and supported the government, while they also understood that the policies of the last decade had been mistaken and ineffective.

On Thursday evening, Meimarakis is due to visit Patras and on Friday he will visit the prefecture of Aetoloakarnania.

The government last week announced a rise in indirect taxation via higher Value Added Tax brackets in order to increase lagging revenues.

[18] Minister of State due in London for talks on media issues next week

LONDON 8/4/2005 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)

During his contacts in London, Roussopoulos will seek to be briefed on British know-how and experience concerning regulation of the media, particularly situations when several media enterprises belong to one owner.

[19] PASOK leader Papandreou on economy and FYROM name issue

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

In view of his meeting on Friday with Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis, but also after the recognition by the United States of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) as "Republic of Macedonia", Papandreou stressed that "PASOK is waiting for the government's initiatives, but also a constructive stance by the government of FYROM, which will enable the possibility for a solution to be found to the problem, which will be acceptable by both the sides."

PASOK MP accuses gov't of 'abandoning' Thessaloniki, criticizes gov't actions: Main opposition PASOK party MP Chryssa Arapoglou of Thessaloniki accused the government, as well as the city's prefect and mayor, of abandoning Thessaloniki, during a press conference she held on Thursday.

She went on to accuse the government of being responsible for Greece's current state and for "not being treated as an equal by the European Union."

As for the municipal and prefectural elections of 2006, Arapoglou proposed that an alliance of parties be created, saying that she is opposed to PASOK running on its own in the elections.

Finally, the PASOK MP also presented a study regarding ex-tending Macedonia Airport's runway into the sea, saying that her findings reveal that such an extension would create environ-mental problems and would further crowd an already congested airport, which fails to serve the rest of Macedonia's prefecture apart from Halkidiki.

Arapoglou said that she would be submitting this data to the government, to PASOK and to other Thessaloniki MPs as well as MPs in neighboring prefectures.

[20] Next Ecumenical Patriarchate Holy Synod expected to discuss situation in Jerusalem

ISTANBUL 8/4/2005 (ANA)

The next Holy Synod session was scheduled for April 19, although it is unknown if it can be moved up.

[21] Ship doctors to be appointed for passenger ferries on long-haul journeys

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

They said the measure aimed to improve the quality of services offered on passenger ships and that it would probably go into action by this summer.

The doctors will be appointed to health centers and detached to ship duty as part of the one-year mandatory service in rural areas required for all Greek doctors after their complete their medical degree.

[22] Supreme Court Council asked to rule on dismissal of two judges for poor conduct

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

The first-instance court judges Nikolaos Potamianos and Georgia Lambropoulou are up for dismissal "on the grounds of inadequacy in the sense of acute lack of moral standards that are a flagrant insult to the prestige of the judicial system and make them not useful to the service".

Both judges had in various ways been involved with cases concerning the former Archimandrite Iacovos Yossakis, currently remanded in custody awaiting trial, while serving in the first-instance courts in Piraeus.

They had both taken action to ensure that they would preside over cases involving Yossakis, always issuing verdicts in the archimandrite's favor.

[23] Alexandria Patriarch sends letter to former Greek president Stephanopoulos

ALEXANDRIA 8/4/2005 (ANA - N. Katsikas)

Theodoros also expressed his love and respect for the former head of state, "who throughout his high and holy office, service and ministration of the mother country, did not for one moment forget the Patriarchate and the Greek community in Alexandria".

"We will not forget the close relationship, cooperation and help that you offered our Greek-Orthodox Patriarchate," Theodoros added, thanking Stephanopoulos for expressing the Greek State's piety, honor and attention during his last visit to Alexandria.

[24] Ratification of EU Treaty gross violation of Greek constitution, leader of LA.O.S says

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

Karatzaferis claimed that ratification of the EU Treaty by Greek Parliament, if it is ratified, would go against the Greek constitution.

The Eurodeputy cited articles 1-6 of the EU Treaty, according to which the EU Constitution and EU law override the laws of individual member-states. He added that Greek Parliament does not have the legal right to ratify a treaty that can override the Greek constitution.

[25] Gov't stresses EU praise for Stability Program, reiterates drive to 'tidy-up' public finances

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

"This recognition has come in the most official way from the lips of Commissioner Almunia," he stressed.

He was referring to a statement by European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Joaquín Almunia on Wednesday, who said that the Greek government must be praised for "implementing the 2005 budget with rigor but also for announcing additional measures for this year".

"The government is restoring the country's credibility with its EU partners through a policy of mild and unwavering fiscal adjustment. The government's plan for the economy is unfolding over time, has long-term prospects and will bring positive and permanent results," Antonaros said.

Responding to questions describing the government measures as a "policy of austerity" that created difficulties for broad sections of society, the spokesman said that they were taken to "restore fiscal balance, so that after two difficult years the sacrifices of the Greek people will bring results".

"The country must find those funds needed to go forward. And this will take place through cutbacks in spending (which, according to the Commission, is going very well), by support for enterprise which is underway and through structural changes. Everything is being done for the benefit of the Greek people," he said.

To questions on whether the new measures would be permanent, the spokesman referred to statements by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis regarding the need for bold measures and structural changes to deal with existing distortions in the economy.

On the possibility of further measures, meanwhile, Antonaros said that the "reconstruction of the Greek economy will proceed with the measures taken - such as establishing new shop opening hours."

[26] Greek average per capita GDP at 77.6 pct of EU average in 2002

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

Greece ranked 15th in the EU-25, after Cyprus with an average per capita GDP of 82.9 percent.

GDP per capita ranged from 32 percent of the EU25 average in the region of Lubelskie in Poland to 315 percent of the average in Inner London.

The statistics office of the European Communities said one region in seven was above 125 percent of the EU25 average per capita GDP.

The three leading regions in the ranking of 2002 were Inner London, Bruxelles-Capitale in Belgium (235 pct) and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (213 pct).

Among the 37 regions exceeding the 125 pct level, seven each were in Italy and the UK, six in Germany, four in the Netherlands, three in Austria, two each in Belgium and Finland, one region each in the Czech Republic, Spain, France, Ireland and Sweden, and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

The only region amongst the new Member States was Prague in the Czech Republic (153 pct).

Eurostat said five Greek regions were below 75 percent of EU average GDP: the Ionian islands (67.6 pct), Thessaly (64.8 pct), Epirus (62 pct), Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (59.1 pct) and Western Greece (58.3 pct).

Central Greece (108.9 pct) recorded the highest per capita GDP in Greece, followed by Southern Aegean (91 pct), Attica (82.3 pct), Western Macedonia (80.6 pct), North Aegean (79.3 pct) and Central Macedonia (78.9 pct).

Crete (75.1 pct) and the Peloponnese (77.3 pct) were the only regions approaching the 75 percent of EU average per capita levels.

[27] Greek-Bulgarian business conference in Sofia

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

Bulgarian statistics show a total of one billion US dollars in Greek direct investments in Bulgaria, although the real figure of Greek capital invested in the Bulgarian markets neared two billion dollars, Dimitris Zomas, the Greek embassy's economic and trade consultant told ANA.

Zomas noted that the flow of capital between Greece and Bulgaria was no longer moving one-way, since large Bulgarian enterprises were currently showing interest in investment to Greece.

"A new development law, recently approved by parliament, is very attractive to foreign capital," Greece's trade representation head added.

The Greek embassy plans to offer to Bulgarian businesspeople more information on investment opportunities in Greece, and in northern Greece in particular.

Panagis Stavridis, an EBEA official, said that major infrastructure projects in Bulgaria could become a significant new field of cooperation between Greek and Bulgarian enterprises.

"Many Greek enterprises, with great experience and know-how, would like to begin activities in Bulgaria, either through partnerships with Bulgarian enterprises, or by themselves," he noted.

[28] Greek, Albanian transport and communications ministers meet in Tirana

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

Specifically, on road transport, the two ministers agreed on liberalizing the regular bus routes between Greece and Albania so as to serve the increased passenger traffic between the two countries, particularly during peak periods.

On the sector of air transport, they discussed ways to increase the bilateral airline links and agreed to cooperate on issues of training civil aviation personnel of various specialties.

On communications, Liapis proposed to his Albanian counter-part, who accepted, a review of the existing bilateral agreement which governs the relations of the two countries in this sector so as to meet the contemporary demands of the sector.

Specifically on telecommunications, Greece agreed to serve the international needs of Albania through its new telecommunications network to Europe, while staff of the Greek Telecommunications Organization (OTE) will offer advisory services to Albania's telecommunications agency on local and international issues.

Finally, Liapis and Poci agreed to promote cooperation between the two countries' post office services.

[29] Greece, Cyprus seek closer business ties

NICOSIA 8/4/2005 (ANA/D Stamboglis)

Arriving in the island republic for three days of talks, Greek finance minister George Alogoskoufis was welcomed by his Cypriot counterpart, Makis Keravnos.

Accompanying Alogoskoufis on the trip are the heads of the Athens bourse and the ministry's council of economists.

The minister is due to hold talks with the president of the island republic, Tassos Papadopoulos, on Saturday.

He will also address the Cyprus Chamber of Trade and Industry and Organization for Greek Exports at a dinner hosted by the two trade groups on Friday.

[30] EU promotes Greek-related Quick Start transport and energy projects

BRUSSELS 8/4/2005 (ANA/M.Spinthourakis)

Specifically, the projects concern the EU's Trans-European Network (TEN) projects in transport and energy.

According to a statement issued by Papastamkos, European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Joaquin Almunia cited the following transport projects as being of particular interest to Greece: the road network connecting Igoumenitsa-Patras-Athens-Sofia-Budapest as well as a project concerning a sea link in Southeast Europe.

The projects that are of interest to Greece in the energy sector are developing the necessary electrical energy infrastructure so that Greece can plug into the UCTE system with which other Balkan countries are connected. Another energy project which concerns Greece is the natural gas pipelines that will run through Turkey, Greece and Italy.

In its response, the EU also emphasized that the EU is partly funding these projects through a variety of sources, such as the EU budget for research and development, TEN, the Cohesion Fund, the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Regional Development Fund and the PHARE program. The Commission also noted that the private sector can contribute funds ranging between 10% and 30% of total expenditures.

[31] State television settles royalties issues, will re-launch Thessaloniki Song Festival

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

Regarding royalties, ERT signed a contract with the Greek Society for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AEPI), whereby ERT will pay a minimum of 650,000 euros annually for the period beginning July 1, 2004 and ending June 30, 2010, for the right to use music protected by AEPI in its programs.

AEPI's Public Broadcasting Director Fotis Kazas explained that royalties paid by ERT to AEPI will be on a sliding scale. Thus ERT is to pay 2.2% of its total revenues as royalty fees to AEPI.

However, as the network's revenues increase the percentage ERT must pay drops to 1% of total revenues.

ERT also settled the issue of back royalties owed to AEPI since 1995 when the network stopped paying. The second contract signed covers the period from 1995 through June 30, 2004 and is for the amount of 2.9 million euros (plus VAT), which must be paid in three installments over the next three years.

Kazas explained that the contracts signed with ERT were similar to those signed with all the major networks such as Mega, Antenna, and Star.

State Minister Theodoros Roussopoulos, present at the signing, asked artists/musicians to help so that "state television, which ranks last in the EU in terms of prestige, can gradually move up in rankings."

"What I can promise, being politically responsible for state television, is that the political leadership and this government will not try to use state television in order to serve party interests," he added.

ERT President Christos Panagopoulos said that the agreement was the best that could be achieved for both sides. "We look for-ward to artists' participation and help as we hope to expand ERT's cultural role," he added.

The third contract concerned the Thessaloniki Song Festival.

"We place great importance on the Thessaloniki Song Festival's new beginning. International Thessaloniki Trade Fair SA re-quested that we do a re-launch and we accepted," Panagopoulos said.

He called on artists to support this effort in order to promote Greek song, but also "to see if we can embrace songs from the regions surrounding us, whether they are from Europe, the Middle East and the Mediterranean in general," he said.

[32] Alternate Culture Minister continues discussion on Olympic venues bill with local gov't

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

Specifically, Palli-Petralia on Thursday met with the following mayors: Panayiotis Tzannikos of Maroussi, Konstantinos Askounis of Kallithea, Taxiarchis Papantonis of Moschato, Dionyssis Hatzidakis of Paleo Faliro and Theodoros Tountas of Galatsi.

On Wednesday, the minister had met with members of Attica Municipalities and Communities (TEDKNA), who expressed satisfaction with the draft law.

Referring to the Athens Olympic Sports Complex (OAKA), Palli-Petralia emphasized that it will be an attractive destination for both Greeks and tourists to visit. As for the Olympic facilities in Galatsi, she explained that the objective was to make it an integral part of residents' lives.

Maroussi's mayor described OAKA as "a very important legacy for Maroussi," and added that "we share common goals and a common strategy with the Culture Ministry."

Tountas said that he was convinced the draft law was on the right track.

Palli-Petralia will continue the public debate regarding the bill and will meet on Friday with the mayors of Glyfada, Helliniko, Alimos and Argyroupolis.

[33] Gov't defends fresh stock flotation in football pools firm

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

"The company's monopoly is fully safeguarded, as are the rights of employees," Alogoskoufis told parliament during debate of a bill in parliament that allows the sale.

If the arrangement goes ahead, the government's stake in the firm will drop to 34% from 51%.

PASOK's parliamentary spokesman, George Floridis, had accused the government of losing a valuable monopoly, allowing unbridled access by private concerns.

[34] Greek travel board to spend six mln euros on social tourism

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

The GNTO will also increase its participation in tourism publicity drives in the country's prefectures to 6.5 million euros from 4.4 million euros a year earlier, Liaskos told the opening of a travel trade fair, Tourism Panorama 2005, at the Piraeus Port Authority.

He also emphasized that domestic tourism was significant for Greece in that it could play a key role in attaining a better geographical and seasonal distribution of the industry, in boosting regional growth, and in job creation.

Athens mayor says exhibit promotes quality tourism: Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyannis said that this year's Tourism Panorama represented a landmark as it publicized quality tourism that was accessible to the public.

Local government authorities also had undertaken a new active role in the market, Bakoyannis said.

She also emphasized the creation of the Organization for the Tourism Development and Promotion of Athens, and launch of a tourism program for the city.

Survey: Greeks keen to travel: Greeks are eager to travel but many have had to adapt their practices in line with financial and social conditions, according to a 2004 survey released at the trade fair.

The annual study by Kappa Research including comparisons with 2002 and 2003 showed a steady rise in Greeks traveling abroad with 25.8% visiting a foreign country once a year, and 6.1% twice a year.

In addition, one in four Athenians had traveled abroad within the last twelve months, according to the survey.

However, a declining trend was noted in travel for pleasure and overnight stays within Greece, dropping to 57% from 70% in 2002. At the same time, among Greeks taking one or more annual trips for pleasure in Greece, the percentage of travelers holidaying three times a year has increased, the study showed.

Tourism Panorama 2005 was arranged by the Express-Kalofolias Group.

[35] Intralot signs new contract in FYROM

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

Under the agreement, Intralot would select sport events included in the betting game, determining betting returns, monitoring of transactions in real time and risk management for an effective and profitable operation of the system.

Intralot will be paid with a percentage of the game's turnover. The betting system is expected to begin on a pilot phase in the second quarter of 2005.

Intralot is cooperating with Lotarija na Makedonija since 2003 through an agreement to develop an integrated on-line lottery system.

[36] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise in blue-chip buying

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,992.00 points, marking a rise of 1.07%. Turnover was 270.0 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 1.14% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 1.23% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.44% up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 160 to 111 with 71 remaining unchanged.

[37] Renowned singer Grigoris Bithikotsis dies

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

According to attending doctors, he had contracted blood poisoning and multiorganic inadequacy.

Bithikotsis was born in the Athens district of Peristeri. He was one of the eight children of a poor family and showed an interest in music since his childhood days.

He served Greek music for over five decades and before meeting composer Mikis Theodorakis, which undoubtedly had an impact on his career, he was an accomplished singer and composer, having sung songs by Markos Vamvakaris, Vassilis Tsitsanis, Giorgos Mitsakis and Yiannis Papaioannou.

A big concert was organized in June 1997 to honor the 50 years of his contribution to folk songs, while the culture ministry organized a similar concert in 2002.

Bithikotsis had composed over 80 songs in his career, many of which had become great hits, such as "Formal sweetheart", "Crazy girl", "Pale moon" and "A beautiful coach with two horses."

He also worked with all the great Greek composers, such as Manos Hatzidakis, Stavros Xarhakos and Dimos Moutsis, singing great songs from poetry by Nikos Gatsos, Lefteris Papadopoulos and others.

Bithikotsis was also awarded the Golden Cross of the Order of the Phoenix by president Kostis Stephanopoulos in January 2003, as well as the Gold Medal of the City of Athens.

The singer had a daughter, Anna, and a son, Grigoris, who is also a singer.

Party leaders, alternate culture minister express condolences on death of singer Grigoris Bithikotsis: Prime Minister and Culture Minister Costas Karamanlis, party leaders and Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia expressed their condolences after hearing of the death of renowned folk song singer Grigoris Bithikotsis on Thursday.

"Grigoris Bithikotsis is an important part of modern Greek history. His unique voice, which managed to marry the work of the most important Greek poets with the enchanting music of Theodorakis and Hatzidakis, will never stop accompanying the joy and sorrow, the hopes and bitterness of our people. His memory will stay alive forever in the hearts of Greek women and men through his work," Karamanlis said in his statement.

Popular composer Mikis Theodorakis, many of whose songs were sang by Bithikotsis, said he was Greece's greatest voice and expressed his deep sorrow over his loss.

Petralia said in her statement "the 'singer of Hellenism' left, leaving a vacuum which will be difficult to fill. Grigoris Bithikotsis, with his voice and his compositions, left his indelible mark on the Greek song, which he honored for many decades. I express my profound sorrow over his loss."

Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis said Bithikotsis was and will remain identified with Greek song, adding that he was "the eagle of the Greek pentagram."

Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou extended his condolences to the singer's family, saying that we lost a man whom we loved, a great musician whom we sang and a voice with which we danced and stressing that "the song of Grigoris Bithikotsis constitutes part of our cultural heritage."

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga addressed the following message of condolences to his family:"Grigoris Bithikotsis expressed, with his voice and talent, an entire era in folk songs. He performed great works in a unique way. His memory will remain alive among the people. Warm condolences."

The Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology party, in an announcement, bid farewell to Bithikotsis the "great Greek popular song composer and singer", adding that he "sang our struggles, our loves and our joy and sorrow."

Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyannis also expressed her sorrow over his death.

Bithikotsis' funeral will be assumed by the culture ministry.

[38] Israeli delegation of officers, Greek military to pay homage to fallen Greek Jews of WWII

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

According to a press release issued by the Israeli embassy in Athens, a special ceremony that will be held with the Greek armed forces.

The ceremony will take place at the memorial of the Fallen Greek Jews at the Jewish cemetery of Thessaloniki. Brig. Gen Dan Ganot will head up the Israeli delegation.

According to the press release, the visit by the Israeli officers is part of an Israeli Defense Forces training program entitled "Uniformed Martyrs".

The program consists of a visit to Auschwitz immediately followed by a trip to a European city with a historic Jewish presence. Thessaloniki was chosen this year for the first time.

During its stay, the Israeli delegation will also visit with members of the Jewish community of Thessaloniki.

[39] State television and NGOs to cooperate in raising public awareness on social issues

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

Panagopoulos' comments came after his meeting with members of various NGOs on Thursday, who emphasized the need for state television to play a more active role in promoting a public debate on issues of national interest as well as to inform the public of NGOs' activities.

Panagopoulos promised that after ERT's management reviews the proposals made by the NGOs, he would proceed with strengthening cooperation between the two sides.

NGOs such as WWF Hellas, Greenpeace, the Greek Union for Human Rights, Doctors Without Borders, and others were represented at the meeting.

[40] Justice minister orders probe into death of Korydallos prison inmate

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

The minister ordered a disciplinary inquiry to determine the causes of his death and possible liability by prison staff, as well as to determine why two other inmates sharing the same cell as the deceased had to be admitted to the prison hospital wing.

[41] Orfanos attends conference in Paris of sports ministers from French-speaking countries

Athens, 8/4/2005 (ANA)

Orfanos, as soon as he was aware of their intentions, notified the Greek Embassy in Paris which sent a representative to the conference, while the deputy culture minister announced in the most categorical way that the Hellenic Republic does not recognize any country with the name "Republic of Macedonia".

Orfanos is in Paris attending the conference of the French-speaking countries which started on Thursday, with the participation of 38 sports ministers from the 53 countries which are members of this international organization and 10 countries, as observers, among them, Greece.

[42] Turkey responsible for human rights violations, Court confirms

NICOSIA 8/4/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Chrysostomides said that the decision reaffirmed that Turkey is considered responsible for human rights violations in the occupied areas and that a ''compensation commission'', set up in the occupied north to deal with Greek Cypriot property claims, is not an effective domestic remedy that has to be exhausted before any applications are filed to the Strasbourg Court.

The spokesman stressed that even if Turkey makes some corrective moves with regard to this ''commission'', these will be judged accordingly by the Court.

His comments come a day after the Third Section of the Court, including the Turkish judge, rejected Turkey's claims that Greek Cypriots must first apply to the ''commission'' of the illegal regime in occupied Cyprus before filing an applications to the Court.

The decision, issued Wednesday unanimously, concerned preliminary objections Turkey had raised in the case of Greek Cypriot refugee Myra Xenides-Aresti who claimed peaceful enjoyment of her property in occupied Famagusta, on the east of the island.

''Any move by Turkey to rectify the situation would be again subject to scrutiny by the Court, which I believe will realize that once more this is delaying tactics on the part of Ankara,'' the spokesman said.

''It is important that the Court reaffirms that the title deeds and the right of Greek Cypriot owners on their properties in occupied Cyprus have not been affected in any way, neither by the continuing occupation nor by any other measure the local administration, subordinate to Turkey, may have taken,'' Chrysostomides stressed.

He pointed out the Court's assertion that the equal status of the two communities in the negotiations ''does not entail recognition of the 'TRNC' (the illegal Turkish Cypriot regime) or confer statehood thereupon.''

The spokesman noted also that the Court considers that the rejection by the Greek Cypriots of a UN solution plan did not bring an end to the continuing violation of the rights of displaced people.

''Even the adoption of the plan would not have afforded immediate redress,'' the Court added.

The Court also dismissed Turkish claims that Evkaf, a Turkish Moslem religious trust, owns the property claimed by the applicant in this specific case.

The Xenides-Aresti case will now take its course before the European Court.

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