Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-06-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek political leadership stresses importance of protecting the environment in messages on World Environment Day 2005

[02] Transport minister urges commuters to use public transport

[03] Bilateral U.S.-Greek relations at excellent level, new State Department spokesman says

[04] PASOK leader accuses government of 'mishmash' of changes instead of reforms

[05] Reforms in public sector must have the interests of the people in mind, PASOK leader says

[06] Environment minister Souflias released from hospital after minor fainting spell

[07] Turkish warplanes violate Greek national air space

[08] PM discusses banks' social security issue with finance and employment ministers

[09] Streamlining loss-making public sector organizations the next focus for government, FinMin Alogoskoufis says

[10] Constitution guarantees permanent status of civil servants, interior minister says

[11] Development minister calls on commercial firms to curb prices

[12] Economy needs reforms, PASOK coordinator says

[13] Most Greeks feel their financial condition is worse than last year, survey shows

[14] Athens municipality organizes Tour of Athens

[15] President Papoulias unveils bust of first constitutional prime minister Ioannis Kolettis in Ioannina

[16] Architect Santiago Calatrava to be given honorary doctorate at Thessaloniki University

[17] Piles of garbage gathering in Athens streets

[18] Bomb hoax on Athens bound Cyprus Airways airliner

[19] Cyprus President says parties interested in Cyprus should clarify stance

[01] Greek political leadership stresses importance of protecting the environment in messages on World Environment Day 2005

Athens, 6/6/2005 (ANA)

Prime Minister and ruling New Democracy party (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis, in his message, stressed the importance of protecting and upgrading the natural environment.

"The challenge to contain the threat of ecological disaster brings all of us, and each one separately, before our responsibilities, regardless of ideological and other preferences and origins," the prime minister noted among other things.

"We are forging ahead with vision and according to plan, with specific measures and actions and by joining our powers. We are determined, all of us together, to win the battle for the environment, to safeguard the quality of life of our generation and of those to follow," Karamanlis added.

Main opposition PASOK leader called for everyone to adopt a conscientious life stance to care and protect the environment, not only today, but every day.

He said World Environment Day "must not end with some events and symbolic acts, with everyone returning to their daily routines tomorrow". Nor should we "consider the environment a given fact in our everyday life, and deal with it only when something disturbs it, and indeed, only when something disrupts 'our neighborhood environment' ".

"The environment -- the local, regional, and also the global environment -- is a precious commodity. It is a social commodity in which he all have equal rights, but also the obligation to protect and improve it, to pass it on, in better condition, to the next generations," Papandreou said.

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE), it its message, stressed that the problem of environmental protection is not a technical issue but a profoundly political one which cannot be addressed separately from the other major problems facing working people.

"The problem of environmental protection requires a different policy which will clash with the policy if capitalist restructuring which supports multinationals and big economic interests. A policy diametrically opposed to the barbaric capitalist logic of maximizing individual gain and to the 'free market' which is responsible for the current plight of our planet," the message added.

The Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN), in its own message said: "Having seen with our eyes almost every possible barbarity at the expanse of man, nature, the precious natural capital, the production methods and civilization, we have only to press the 'stop button' and prepare to disembark at the next station".

Noting that "the shouts and protests of the passengers on the sad state of our world's environment are lost in the deafening noise made by the plastic bags of genetically modified junk food so voraciously devoured -- at the same time -- by the protestors", it said that, for that reason, "we should disembark from 'the steam-engine of our world' while there is still time", and "let the manic-depressive, filthy and self-destructive pachyderm be left without co-culprits and passengers as quickly as possible".

It urged everyone to honor World Environment Day by making "small, new steps, each one of us and all of us together", by boycotting to the degree possible the way of life "that is imposed on us by the deeply unethical big -- or small -- profit-minded, and totally indifferent to the viability of the present and future, interests".

[02] Transport minister urges commuters to use public transport

Athens, 6/6/2005 (ANA)

Liapis, who attended a beach clean-up event at Alimos, sponsored by the Tram S.A. on the occasion of World Environment Day, said that fewer cars meant fewer pollutants in the environment.

Athens, he added, boasted a modern urban transportation network that provided dependable and inexpensive transportation to passengers. The tram, more particularly, was a new, contemporary means of transportation, and an ecological one, as it does not pollute the environment, Liapis said, and reiterated the government's determination to extend the tram lines to Voula and Piraeus, which he said would serve more commuters and upgrade its commercial value.

He said that the extensions would be mapped out next month, while the relevant studies would be completed by the end of the year.

Asked to comment on a press report that the government was mulling privatization of the Athens Metro, Liapis passed it off as an "imaginative scenario", noting that "April Fool's Day has already passed".

[03] Bilateral U.S.-Greek relations at excellent level, new State Department spokesman says

WASHINGTON 6/6/2005 (ANA - T. Ellis)

It was McCormack's first press briefing since he assumed his new duties after serving as a National Security Council spokesman until recently.

Asked to comment on the issue of Cyprus, McCormack said that what has been repeatedly stated on the issue by his predecessor Richard Boucher is still valid.

[04] PASOK leader accuses government of 'mishmash' of changes instead of reforms

Athens, 6/6/2005 (ANA)

On the changes that needed to be made, Papandreou questioned for whom the reforms needed to be made, who will make them, and who will undertake their cost.

Papandreou said he was in favor of reforms, but added that they needed to aim at increasing employment, social justice, and just distribution of the wealth, protection of the environment, competitiveness, outwardness, transparency, quality, and credibility vis-a-vis the citizens.

The reforms, he said, must ensure social cohesion.

Papandreou accused the government of advancing, through privatizations, the redistribution of wealth to the financial power, and claimed that the ruling New Democracy's economic policy was "not even neo-liberal", but rather "a deep, conservative and anti-popular policy".

He said that ND had only a "catastrophic management of the economy" to show in its 15 months in office, and also accused the government of failing to confront the phenomenon of corruption, of fearing transparency, and of treating the business world with "partisan empathy" while granting privileges to "specific interests".

[05] Reforms in public sector must have the interests of the people in mind, PASOK leader says

Athens, 6/6/2005 (ANA)

"Whatever reforms must take place, and reforms must take place, must be discussed without dogmatism and always with the interests of the people, public interest and the interests of the working man in mind, taking into consideration basic principles such as the issue of development, transparency, employment, social cohesion and substantive consulting," he said.

"I think it is a constructive discussion which is taking place throughout the entire Greek society and PASOK has set out to shape its own government positions," Papandreou added.

In another development, Papandreou visited the election centre of the Nea Erythrea Municipal Organization on Sunday to participate in voting for the party's new Decentralized Bodies.

Elections in the PASOK party concern Coordinating Bodies in 931 Municipal Organizations and 62 Prefectural Committees, heightening the party's political reconstruction process.

PASOK's National Council secretary Mariliza Xenoyiannakopoulou said in a statement that the purpose of this process is "to change PASOK into an open democratic and corporate party with decentralized functions."

PASOK leadership satisfied with participation of members and friends in party's elections: The leadership of the main opposition PASOK party expressed satisfaction over the participation of members and friends in Sunday's elections for the party's local and prefectural bodies.

PASOK's National Council secretary Mariliza Xenoyiannakopoulou said participation was great and for this reason the elections were extended in many cities, initially until seven in the evening (voting was due to end at 6 p.m.) and later on until nine at night.

The full picture of the elections will appear on Monday, but Xenoyiannakopoulou said that according to information at her disposal participation exceeded 200,000 members and friends.

[06] Environment minister Souflias released from hospital after minor fainting spell

Athens, 6/6/2005 (ANA)

Souflias was taken to the Asklipieio hospital in Voula by his wife and bodyguards after he took ill while on a drive to the coast with his wife.

Earlier, Souflias, accompanied by his deputy ministers and MPs elected in Piraeus, had lunched with journalists covering environmental and public works issues at a taverna in Piraeus, where he was said to have spent at least an hour in the sun.

A medical bulletin issued by the hospital said that Souflias had suffered a slight fainting spell due to an upset stomach, and that all tests showed him to be in excellent condition.

Later in the day, Souflias left hospital in good spirits shortly after 8 on Sunday night. He had been rushed to hospital after feeling unwell earlier in the day, reportedly with stomach trouble.

"It was a gastric irregularity," the minister told reporters on leaving the hospital.

[07] Turkish warplanes violate Greek national air space

Athens, 6/6/2005 (ANA)

In all cases, the Turkish aircraft and the helicopter were recognized and intercepted by Greek air force jets, while in two cases the interception process developed into a mock dogfight.

According to reports, eight of the Turkish aircraft were Phantom photo reconnaissance planes and two were naval cooperation aircraft, while seven formations were armed.

The Turkish armed forces are currently carrying out an aeronautical exercise in the northern and central Aegean.

On Saturday also, another twelve Turkish military aircraft infringed the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) and violated Greek national airspace over the northern and central Aegean, according to Greek National Defense General Staff (GEETHA) sources.

The sources said that six Turkish fighter planes, two Turkish naval cooperation planes, and four helicopters engaged in 12 infringements of airspace regulations within the Athens FIR, which developed into six violations of Greek national airspace.

The four Turkish helicopters, according to the GEETHA sources, engaged in the illegal actions after taking off from frigates belonging to the Turkish fleet which are deployed in the northern and central Aegean in the framework of the Turkish military exercise "Sea Wolf". The sources noted that no areas had been designated for the exercise on Saturday.

Greek fighter planes immediately took off on reconnaissance, and intercepted the Turkish formations. In two instances, the interception procedure developed into a mock dock fight.

The sources said that the Turkish aircraft were carrying live fire, and noted that Turkish fighter planes rarely engaged in FIR infringements and airspace violations on Saturdays.

[08] PM discusses banks' social security issue with finance and employment ministers

Athens, 6/6/2005 (ANA)

Alogoskoufis said that the banks and the bank employee federation (OTOE) have been requested to reply in the next few days whether they can reach an agreement. He added that, in any case, the government is determined to resolve the issue.

The finance minister further said the social security rights of bank employees will be addressed in this way, adding that the stability of banks is important for the economy and that whatever rules will be the same for all.

Alogoskoufis spoke of a single auxiliary social security fund for banks and any bank can join it if it so wishes, while two thirds of the cost will be shouldered by the banks themselves and the remaining one third by the state.

Panayiotopoulos said on his part that the IKA Social Security Foundation will not be weakened and that the government is determined to support IKA and the social character of security.

[09] Streamlining loss-making public sector organizations the next focus for government, FinMin Alogoskoufis says

Athens, 6/6/2005 (ANA)

Regarding the bank social insurance issue, Alogoskoufis reiterated that if an impasse is ascertained in the next few days in the ongoing dialogue between the OTOE federation of banking employees' unions and the Association of Greek Banks, the government will have no other choice than to proceed to a solution within the week, given that the issue cannot drag out further.

On public transport, the minister said that the rules must be clarified for subsidization of the tickets, and the services provided by the public sector in general.

On the public sector enterprises in the defense sector, Alogoskoufis said that the dialogue with the administrations would focus on the additional measures that need to be taken in order to "stop this hemorrhage for the public sector".

Alogoskoufis also said that if there were shortfalls and excessions on this year's budget, in relation to the projected sums, they would be small. He said that the government would be everything necessary to avoid tax measures, adding that the battle to confront wasteful spending, limiting the state and reducing public expenditures needed to be continued in the next budget, too.

[10] Constitution guarantees permanent status of civil servants, interior minister says

Athens, 6/6/2005 (ANA)

"As you are aware, the permanent status of civil servants is guaranteed by the constitution itself. And this permanent status is very useful because it allows the civil servant to exercise his duties unobstructed, bent on public interest, and without being dependant on whatever political changes or other political repercussions," the minister said.

Referring to the issue of the "primary shareholder", Pavlopoulos reiterated that the government did its duty and noted that there were no economic repercussions in relation to other issues.

[11] Development minister calls on commercial firms to curb prices

Athens, 6/6/2005 (ANA)

"I wish to send a message of challenge and invitation to commercial and processing firms from here as well: Curb prices. Gain the confidence of the Greek consumer once again. Support him and he will support you. Support Greece's competitiveness and gain the confidence of new markets abroad," the minister said.

Sioufas further said that the interest of consumers is the compass of government policy.

"We are clashing head-on with unaccountability wherever it may be. We are proceeding with the abolition of go-between and mediating circles which are increasing the final prices of products," he added.

[12] Economy needs reforms, PASOK coordinator says

Athens, 6/6/2005 (ANA)

Chrysohoidis added that the lifting of permanent status for newly-hired employees at the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) should be extended to the remaining wider public sector to enable the competitiveness of the Greek economy to be restructured and boosted.

However, he added that in the case of OTE, the government's options are dictated by "receipt fever."

Chrysohoidis further said that failure to discuss reforms which must be carried out, either for ideological reasons or for fear of the political cost, perpetuates problems and increases the social cost.

[13] Most Greeks feel their financial condition is worse than last year, survey shows

Athens, 6/6/2005 (ANA)

The survey shows that 55.9 percent of respondents feel that their personal financial condition is worse than last year, while 15.8 declared that it is better, although the general assessment made on the state of the country is at the same level as the one made by the same company two months ago.

According to the survey, the main points of friction between public opinion and the government are hirings, the primary shareholder issue and economic policy.

On the question of hirings, 63.7 percent believe that the government is not acting with merit in mind and only 24.6 believe that it is. In addition, 47.5 percent believe that the government's handling of the primary shareholder issue harmed the country, while 18.2 believe that it was beneficial. Lastly, 19.3 percent have a positive opinion of the government's economic policy and 50.6 a negative one.

However, the degree of satisfaction with the government remains at the same level as last March with 27.7 percent, while the degree of satisfaction with the main opposition PASOK party decreased from 19.5 percent to 15.2. In general, 49.9 percent declared that they are dissatisfied with the government and 60.8 that they are dissatisfied with the main opposition party.

[14] Athens municipality organizes Tour of Athens

Athens, 6/6/2005 (ANA)

Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyannis gave the go signal from the Panathenian Stadium and from Syntagma Square for handicapped people, who had a considerable presence this year.

The specific mass sporting celebration constitutes an institution for the country and Athenians had the opportunity of enjoying music events organized at central locations in the city.

On the occasion of World Environment Day on Sunday, which coincided with the Tour of Athens, the mayor conceded that this year "there are not the best of conditions. However, we shall send the message that we demand and we deserve a better environment."

Participants ended their efforts at the Zappeion, where they were welcomed by Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia and ONA President Nikos Apergis.

[15] President Papoulias unveils bust of first constitutional prime minister Ioannis Kolettis in Ioannina

Athens, 6/6/2005 (ANA)

Kolettis, from Syrrako Ioannina, was Greece's first constitutional prime minister, serving from 1844-1847. Greetings were addressed at the event by Ioannina mayor Nikos Gondas and Syrrako community president Ioannis Argyris, while historian Sarantos Kargakos delivered a lecture on Kolettis.

Papoulias will also inaugurate the newly-renovated Zosimadon old-age home in Ioannina at noon on Monday.

On Monday afternoon, Papoulias will attend the presentation of the "Man and Environment in the 21st Century - The crucial problems" program, on the theme "Forest and Bio-diversity", organized by the Goulandris Museum.

[16] Architect Santiago Calatrava to be given honorary doctorate at Thessaloniki University

Athens, 6/6/2005 (ANA)

The honor will be given "to recognize and reward his pioneering contribution to the science and art of the civil engineer" and it is part of celebrations organized on the occasion of the faculty's 50th anniversary.

Calatrava, 54, has created a number of impressive public buildings in Europe, such as the railway station of Lyon, France, the airport of Bilbao, Spain, and the Post Office Centre in Lucern, Switzerland, as well as the splendid Olympic Games projects in Athens.

[17] Piles of garbage gathering in Athens streets

Athens, 6/6/2005 (ANA)

Mayors in the region are keeping the landfill closed, reacting to the transfer of sewage mud from Psytalia. A relevant decision was taken by the Western Attica Prefecture's Struggle Committee on Friday, while a delegation will be meeting a public prosecutor on Monday in an effort to resolve the crisis and protect public health.

In the event a solution is not found, the public prosecutor will implement the law and launch prosecution.

Sewage mud will be taken to Ano Liosia landfill for processing, minister says: Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Dimitris Souflias said on Sunday that sewage mud will be taken to the landfill at Ano Liosia for processing.

Speaking to reporters on the occasion of World Environment Day, the minister reiterated that in no way will the sewage mud stay at the landfill, adding that it will be processed there and afterwards, together with the earth with which it will be mixed, it will be used to cover a region of the landfill which is full.

Souflias further said that he understands and respects the anxiety of the inhabitants of Western Attica, but there is no other solution, while stressing that it was a mistake that there was only one landfill for so many years.

[18] Bomb hoax on Athens bound Cyprus Airways airliner

NICOSIA 6/6/2005 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

According to security services, an unidentified woman who spoke Greek called Larnaca airport and said a bomb had been planted on an aircraft which had taken off at 8.30 p.m. for Athens.

The aircraft was notified immediately and returned to Larnaca airport where an exhaustive search of the airliner proved that the call had been a hoax.

The plane ultimately left for Athens at two after midnight.

[19] Cyprus President says parties interested in Cyprus should clarify stance

LARNACA 6/6/2005 (CNA/ANA)

The president said the aim of those supporting the lifting of the ''isolation'' of the Turkish Cypriots was political and noted that what they want is to upgrade the status of the occupied areas to the level of an almost legal entity, apart from the diplomatic recognition that they cannot offer them.

Speaking Saturday night at Larnaca Airport on return from Luxembourg, President Papadopoulos said the opening of Turkish ports to ships flying the Cyprus flag and permission to Cypriot aircraft to fly over Turkey, was an obligation of Ankara towards the EU.

Commenting on remarks by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan that he wanted a discussion of the Annan plan at the UN Security Council and would ask US President George Bush to help in this direction, President Papadopoulos said ''this is an old position of Turkey and we will tackle it if any intention to discuss the Cyprus problem on the basis of the Annan plan emerges,'' noting that ''we believe nothing like that will happen.''

Referring to the visit of US congressmen to the Turkish occupied areas, President Papadopoulos said ''the flight of the US congressmen to the occupied areas is illegal both according to international law and US law.''

He added that statements that such trips constituted recognition of the occupation regime ''are not plausible to anyone, probably not even Erdogan himself.''

Referring to the ''isolation'' of Turkish Cypriots, the president said ''first of all we question whether there is an economic isolation.''

''If there is anything like that, then it is firstly the result of the Turkish invasion and occupation and secondly it is self-imposed, because the authorities of the occupied areas do not allow trade from the government-controlled areas to the occupied areas, while the occupied areas are pursuing the use of a port, which the Republic of Cyprus has declared illegal,'' he added.

He noted that ''the aim of those supporting this policy is to upgrade the status of the occupied areas to the level of an almost separate legal entity, apart from the diplomatic recognition, which they cannot offer them,'' adding that ''if they could, they probably would.''

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

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