Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-06-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] President Papoulias and Austrian counterpart stress need for social convergence in EU

[02] PM Karamanlis to pay working visit to London for talks with British counterpart Blair

[03] Karamanlis meets with Pavlopoulos, Tatoulis on Monday

[04] PM Karamanlis meets with former PASOK minister

[05] FM Molyviatis attends EU ministerial summit

[06] PASOK leader Papandreou attends sessions of presidium of Socialist International

[07] Three-day vote of confidence process vindicated KKE decision to depart, party says

[08] Gov't on Cyprus issue, procedures for solution

[09] Jordan recognizes Petras Metropolitan as 'locum tenens' of Jerusalem Patriarchate

[10] Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR, violate national air space

[11] Gov't: Bank sector pension reform, store hours next initiatives on table

[12] Bank managements report declining participation in strike

[13] Gov't reports on investment plans under growth law

[14] National Bank of Greece forecasts 2005 rebound in tourism

[15] Northern exporters want gov't priority on sector

[16] EU Survey: 2004 minimum wage in Greece at 500 euros

[17] Prosecutor launches probe into dockers' wages after minister's complaint

[18] Stocks drops after last week's rally

[19] Nana Mouskouri live in concert at Komotini on Saturday to promote Greece as aid donator

[20] Placido Domingo performs at Herod Atticus Theatre

[21] Two home-made bombs neutralized by police

[22] Ariadne regional network to combat human-trafficking created in Greece

[23] Majority of Greeks and Cypriots opposed to GMOs, Eurobarometer survey finds

[24] EU survey shows that 91% of Greeks believe 'we are obliged to protect the rights of animals at all costs'

[25] Cypriot FM Iacovou pleased with protocol approval

[01] President Papoulias and Austrian counterpart stress need for social convergence in EU

VIENNA 14/6/2005 (ANA/D.Dimitrakoudis)

The two heads of state were speaking during a joint press conference after lengthy discussions they had here on Monday.

Papoulias emphasized that the messages the French and Dutch sent through their referendums must be examined, analyzed and addressed carefully.

Whatever changes are made to the EU budget, the EU economy, must contribute to supporting those who are weaker in order to achieve greater social convergence within the EU, Papoulias said.

The Greek president also noted that he and Fischer agreed that the recent referendums should not upset the EU's course, but rather the Union should continue with the ratification process of the EU Treaty.

Papoulias also referred to Turkey's EU course, saying that Greece has supported its neighbor in this matter from the beginning. However, he pointed out that to a great extent, if not exclusively, it is up to Ankara to accept the EU's principles, to proceed with necessary domestic reforms in order to facilitate its EU accession. Furthermore, Papoulias said that EU enlargement must also include Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia.

Also referring to Turkey, Fischer said that reservations existed before the recent referendums were held, which should be examined within the context of negotiations as agreed by the heads of state and governments at the European Council. Accession negotiations must take into consideration all pending problems and the fact that the result will have to be ratified by all EU member states, the Austrian president said.

Papoulias highlighted the dynamic presence of both Greece and Austria within the EU and the particularly positive role they can play in the Balkans. He reiterated that peace and security in the Balkans is an important factor regarding peace and security throughout the rest of Europe.

Finally, both Papoulias and Fischer emphasized the excellent relations between their countries, which was confirmed by Papoulias' visit to Austria.

Fischer is to soon visit Greece, following Papoulias' invitation to do so.

Austrian president honors Papoulias at official luncheon: President Papoulias commented on a series of issues during his address at an official luncheon Austrian President Heinz Fischer held in the former's honor on Monday.

According to Papoulias, the reunification of Cyprus continues to top the list of Greek priorities, particularly now that Cyprus is a full EU member state.

In this vein, Greece supports resumption of negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations based on the plan drafted by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, UN Security Council resolutions and EU principles in order to reach a functional and viable solution to the problem, Papoulias said.

In reference to Turkey, Papoulias stressed that Greece has taken a series of initiatives and has made efforts to improve Greek-Turkish relations, through cooperation on issues of common interest and with the aim of establishing good neighborliness governed by international law.

Papoulias also referred to the Balkans, saying that Greece has done its part in contributing to peace and security in the region.

As for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), the Greek president said that it has the unique opportunity offered by UN Special Envoy Matthew Nimetz in order to reach a compromise with Greece regarding the former's name.

Regarding the future of Kosovo's status, Papoulias reiterated Greece's position that a solution - in compliance with the UN Charter, Helsinki Final Act, and the 1990 Paris Charter - be reached through dialogue.

On his part, Fischer hailed Greece as the birthplace of European civilization and highlighted the common economic, political and cultural interests shared by the people of Greece and Austria. He said that both countries are eager to strengthen bilateral ties.

Furthermore, the Austrian president said that disappointing developments within the EU should not be viewed as discouraging. Instead, they provide a chance for all member states to work together so that an enlarged EU can effectively address the challenges and risks which arise as a result of globalization.

Later on Monday, Papoulias also met with Austria's Chancellor Wolfgang Schussel and Parliament President Andreas Kohl to discuss bilateral relations, EU developments, the Cyprus issue, Greek-Turkish rapprochement and Turkey's EU course, as well as the situation in the Balkans and the Middle East.

On Tuesday, Papoulias will meet with representatives of Vienna's ethnic Greek community and the Metropolitan of Austria Michail at the Greek embassy before returning to Athens.

[02] PM Karamanlis to pay working visit to London for talks with British counterpart Blair

Athens, 14/6/2005 (ANA)

This will be Karamanlis' first visit to 10 Downing Street in his capacity as prime minister.

The agenda of the Karamanlis-Blair talks will focus on European issues, ahead of Britain's assumption of the rotating 6-month EU presidency on July 1.

According to diplomatic sources, Blair will seek Karamanlis' cooperation and support on specific internal EU issues that the British EU presidency intends to advance, including Turkey's European course, on which the British government's policy favors reinforcement of Turkey's European prospect.

[03] Karamanlis meets with Pavlopoulos, Tatoulis on Monday

Athens, 14/6/2005 (ANA)

Afterwards, only Tatoulis made a brief statement to reporters, noting that Karamanlis -- who also holds the culture ministry portfolio -- cited a number of initiatives for the culture ministry.

An inner Cabinet meeting on Tuesday will cover economic policy.

[04] PM Karamanlis meets with former PASOK minister

Athens, 14/6/2005 (ANA)

Arsenis had requested the meeting and clarified in statements he made that his meeting with Karamanlis had nothing to do current political developments.

Arsenis said that developments are moving at a rapid pace and that in other countries, officials examine challenges and opportunities in order to comprehensively evaluate the political situation. The former minister said that this was the topic he wished to discuss with Karamanlis.

In response to whether there was any possibility of him assuming a ministry under the New Democracy government, Arsenis replied: "What are you talking about?"

He also added that he has requested a meeting with main opposition PASOK President George Papandreou as well.

Earlier on Monday, Government Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos emphasized during the regular press briefing that the meeting between Arsenis and Karamanlis had to do with the former PASOK minister's activities at an institute.

He said that Arsenis had requested the meeting last week and that due to a heavy workload the prime minister's press office was just able to announce it late Sunday evening.

Furthermore, Roussopoulos said that the meeting had nothing to do with Arsenis joining the ND administration and called on reporters to refrain from making a big issue out of a simple meeting.

[05] FM Molyviatis attends EU ministerial summit

BRUSSELS 14/6/2005 (ANA/M.Spinthourakis)

Regarding the EU budget and the fourth Community Support Framework, Molyviatis expressed Greece's wish that a compromise be reached at the upcoming EU summit. He said that all EU member states should be prepared for compromise.

In respect to EU enlargement, Molyviatis said that the draft conclusions of the June EU Summit make reference to a clause included in the December Summit statement and to the EU's commitment to enlargement.

Referring to Turkey specifically, the Greek minister said that the EU Foreign Ministers Council on Monday adopted the protocol regarding the extension of the customs-trade agreement to include the new, 10 EU member states, including Cyprus. It now remains for Turkey to do the same, he said.

Finally, on the issue of the EU constitution and its ratification, Molyviatis said there were two alternatives: either to proceed with its ratification, since the Nice Treaty states that if four-fifths of the member states ratify it then it can go into effect, or to re-examine the entire procedure.

Trans-Atlantic relations, the Middle East and Kosovo were also discussed during the meeting.

[06] PASOK leader Papandreou attends sessions of presidium of Socialist International

MADRID 14/6/2005 (ANA/D. Makri)

The issues which the socialist leaders focused on were the upcoming European Union summit, the economic prospects for EU and Europe's social model.

Within the context of the socialists' meeting, the PASOK leader had a series of contacts with counterparts, including Spanish Prime Minister Rodriguez Zapatero and outgoing president of Socialist International, Antonio Guterres.

Following the close of the sessions, Papandreou said: "We had the opportunity, along with Spanish Prime Minister Rodriguez Zapatero, to discuss the upcoming European Union summit. First of all, we discussed the matter of economic prospects, which is a very important matter for Greece, and secondly, the further discussion on the European Constitution, through a socialist perspective: which is Europe of cohesion and of the social model, which allows cohesion and competitiveness, so that the citizen can feel that it expresses it and participates.

"We had the opportunity to discuss broader matters, such as the issue of poverty, inequality on a world level, as well as the discussion which will be held in the 'Group of 8' around the issue of debts which the poorest countries of the world have.

"Finally, we thanked and bid farewell to Antonio Guterres, the outgoing president of Socialist International, who is undertaking the UN High Commission on issues of refugees and human rights. He is a very capable person. I am sure he will do very well there and will be an excellent supporter of human rights and refugees all over the world. But now opens the issue of the presidency of Socialist International which will be discussed at a next meeting."

[07] Three-day vote of confidence process vindicated KKE decision to depart, party says

Athens, 14/6/2005 (ANA)

"Both the three-day discussion and the vote that followed fully confirmed KKE's choice to depart, refusing to play any part whatsoever in this badly-played performance/operation to entrap and disorient the people," KKE said.

The intense disagreements over personal and incidental issues are unable to cover up the fact that main opposition PASOK and ruling New Democracy have the same political identity, a common strategy and that their essential consensus to attack the rights of workers at all levels in favor of "high productivity" and profits for capital, KKE said.

"This policy cannot receive a vote of confidence from the people. No tolerance for ND and PASOK. Disobedience to the EU. Popular intervention and counterattack with a popular alliance to reverse policy against the masses," the announcement concluded.

The government received Parliament's vote of confidence for a second time on Sunday night, with the support of the ruling ND majority, after a three-day debate in Parliament.

[08] Gov't on Cyprus issue, procedures for solution

Athens, 14/6/2005 (ANA)

Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos added that procedures to find a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue must begin anew.

His comment came in response to a press question regarding Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's recent official visit to Washington and comments by UN leadership.

Conversely, the spokesman declined to comment on Erdogan's statements.

[09] Jordan recognizes Petras Metropolitan as 'locum tenens' of Jerusalem Patriarchate

JERUSALEM 14/6/2005 (ANA - P. Haritos)

In a letter to the Patriarchate that was also sent to the Jordanian monarch, the Jordanian government notified the Patriarchate that they had ratified the recognition of the new locum tenens and thus open the way for holding elections for a new Patriarch.

Based on the Patriarchate's charter and rules, elections are held within three weeks of the recognition of the locum tenens, who administers the Patriarchate's affairs and organizes the election of a new Patriarch.

Cornelius was elected 'locum tenens' by the Jerusalem Holy Synod roughly two weeks ago, after the removal of former Patriarch Irineos was sealed during a meeting of Orthodox Church leaders at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul, which decided to cease recognizing him as Patriarch.

Irineos was elected in 2001 and deposed by members of the Jerusalem Holy Synod after the eruption of a scandal concerning property deals that handed Church land over to Israeli developers.

He has refused to accept the decision and insists that he remains Patriarch. Earlier on Monday morning, in fact, Irineos sent letters to eight members of the Jerusalem Holy Synod that he signed as Jerusalem Patriarch, informing them of his decision to expel them from the Synod for failing to attend a meeting on May 6.

Irineos accuses the eight clerics, which include the new 'locum tenens' Cornelius, of conspiring against him and said that they did not propose or raise the issue of denouncing him within the synod.

Meanwhile, a four-member delegation from the Patriarchate met with representatives of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah - including Palestinian premier Ahmed Qureia - regarding the controversial land deals but no substantial progress was made.

The Palestinian side wants the Patriarchate to issue a document giving it power of attorney to cancel the previous documents signed by Irineos that gave power of attorney to his former financial manager Nikolaos Papadimas, now under investigation for fraud.

The Holy Synod, however, is only prepared to give the go-ahead to the Palestinians to take legal action against Irineos, so that the power of attorney documents might be rendered null by charging Irineos with instigation.

The Palestinians have so far failed to state when and if they intend to recognize Cornelius as locum tenens.

[10] Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR, violate national air space

Athens, 14/6/2005 (ANA)

In all cases, the 13 Turkish warplanes were recognized and intercepted by Greek fighter jets.

It was reported that two of the Turkish aircraft were photo-graphic Phantoms and one of naval cooperation.

[11] Gov't: Bank sector pension reform, store hours next initiatives on table

Athens, 14/6/2005 (ANA)

Government spokesman and Minister of State Theodoros Roussopoulos also pointed directly to the most recent opinion polls, reminding that up to 70 percent of respondents in those polls favored structural reforms at the major state-run enterprises and utilities.

Roussopoulos, in fact, pointed to a poll published in an Athens daily showing that 55 percent of main opposition PASOK-affiliated union officials at OTE agree with the reforms promoted by the government and management at the Athens bourse-listed company.

Speaking during his regular press briefing, the government spokesman said the framework for reforms in the wider public sector was prominently featured in ruling New Democracy party's pre-election platform and also enunciated on several occasions by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis when the latter was main opposition leader.

Asked about debt-ridden Olympic Airways and the course of an ongoing tender to sell-off the national carrier, Roussopoulos said the relevant minister will make an announcement when any new developments transpire.

Queries over weekend parliament debate: Turning to the three-day weekend debate in Parliament emanating from Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' snap decision last week to turn a censure motion demand by main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou into a vote of confidence for his government, Roussopoulos was particularly critical of one statement by Papandreou regarding industrial actions by unions opposed to the government's reforms.

"... what the leader of the main opposition referred to, what appeared to be his readiness to abet strike actions, was a very serious political revelation, a self-revelation," Roussopoulos said, citing Karamanlis' question from Parliament's podium towards the PASOK president on whether he was instigating industrial actions and whether he was manipulating the labor union movement.

Finally, asked whether the prime minister failed to answer challenges by Papandreou regarding the imposition of new taxes, the spokesman charged that the PASOK leader was merely attempting to generate a stir.

"PASOK, which in 10 years of power imposed 85 new taxes, cannot criticize the government over such an issue," he said.

Bank sector pension reform on inner Cabinet's agenda for Tuesday: The inner Cabinet on Tuesday is expected to focus on the timely issue of banking sector pension reform -- especially at state-run Emporiki and ATEbank (former Agricultural Bank) -- as the government appears poised to press forward with its high-profile restructuring program in the wider public sector following a recent ground-breaking agreement at the state-owned telecoms provider (OTE).

According to press reports, possible European Commission objections to a formula that includes partial state funding of any new auxiliary pension fund for bank employees will be examined during the meeting.

Top economy ministry sources on Monday noted that the issue of state support for such a new fund remains open, a departure from a previous national economy and employment ministries' draft agreement that envisioned two-thirds funding by the banks themselves and the remaining one-third via the state's coffers.

The same source stressed that the government is primarily interested in avoiding any EU challenges or drawn-out negotiations vis-a-vis a pending deal to reform the social security regime in the domestic bank sector.

Gov't says time short for consensus on bank pensions: Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said on Monday that the government had exhausted the time leeway for a consensus solution to emerge on bank pensions.

Replying to a reporter's question, Alogoskoufis added that terms of retirement for employees recruited before 1992 would remain unaffected; and the terms for new recruits would be the same as those for remaining staff.

[12] Bank managements report declining participation in strike

Athens, 14/6/2005 (ANA)

Conversely, by mid afternoon the leadership of OTOE had not issued its estimates regarding strike participation.

According to reports on the management side, up to 45 percent of National Bank of Greece employees -- the country's largest bank -- participated in the strike. The figure was 38 percent for Emporiki Bank and 26 percent for ATEbank, the former Agriculture Bank of Greece. In terms of private-held banks, only Alpha Bank was cited as affected by the strike, with a 15-percent participation of its work force.

All of Eurobank's and Piraeus Bank's branches reportedly opened.

[13] Gov't reports on investment plans under growth law

Athens, 14/6/2005 (ANA)

The investment plans, which would create 1,212 new jobs if approved, fall under the government's new growth law, the ministry said in a statement.

Approved so far are 21 plans totalling 42.67 million euros. Of the projects, 18 proposals worth 26.5 million euros are for the regions, according to data given by Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis in parliament on Sunday.

[14] National Bank of Greece forecasts 2005 rebound in tourism

Athens, 14/6/2005 (ANA)

Fuelling the rebound would be a new advertising campaign the government has launched, and the legacy from the Athens 2004 Olympics, which is estimated to bring 1.4 million extra tourists, offsetting lower competitiveness of the Greek tourism product in terms of prices.

Tourism's impact to growth of domestic economic activity will be about 0.9% in 2005, up from 0.5% in 2004, the report said.

At the same time, downward pressure is expected on hotel prices, which means that hoteliers' revenue will show a lower rate of increase than tourist arrivals.

"In order to keep an upward momentum in Greek tourism, an improvement in competitiveness is needed in terms of prices, with deterioration in the current phase offsetting to some extent an upgrade in infrastructure and publicity," the report said.

Tourism contributes 16% of the country's gross domestic product and 18% of employment. Greece ranks 15th globally in terms of tourism arrivals, which totalled 13 million in 2004, 90% of which came from European countries, National said.

[15] Northern exporters want gov't priority on sector

Athens, 14/6/2005 (ANA)

Addressing a conference in the northern port city of Thessaloniki on boosting exports, Plalis said the sector had called for the strategy at their last session three years ago, but nothing had happened.

Exports were not doing well. The trade deficit had widened and the percentage of exports to imports in 2004 was 28.3%, the lowest in five years, he added.

[16] EU Survey: 2004 minimum wage in Greece at 500 euros

BRUSSELS 14/6/2005 (ANA/V Demiris)

On the basis of 2003 data, Greeks worked a maximum 48 hours a week, or 13 hours a week; and received wages for 168 hours of employment per month, out of which 151 were working hours and 17 were not.

The average for the 21 countries survey was 167.9 hours of employment, out of which 146.2 were working hours and 21.8 were not.

The survey ordered by the EU's executive Commission and released on Monday concluded that the countries diverged widely in minimum wages.

[17] Prosecutor launches probe into dockers' wages after minister's complaint

Athens, 14/6/2005 (ANA)

The investigation ordered by the Piraeus misdemeanors department will look into pay received by the international port's roughly 340 dockers on a monthly and annual basis, also examining overtime pay and the possibility that monies were being awarded for non-existent labor.

Management and workers will be called to give evidence.

Dockers, who are currently refusing to work overtime, are to stage another 48-hour strike on June 16-17 and a three-day overtime ban after the walkout.

The latest stoppage came after a breakdown in talks with Merchant Marine Minister Manolis Kefaloyiannis, who charged that dockers were overpaid and underworked, receiving more than 120,000 euros a year in wages.

[18] Stocks drops after last week's rally

Athens, 14/6/2005 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 3,077.51 points, marking a fall of 0.29%. Turnover was 133.5 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.30% down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.04% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.85% down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 177 to 78 with 76 remaining unchanged.

[19] Nana Mouskouri live in concert at Komotini on Saturday to promote Greece as aid donator

Athens, 14/6/2005 (ANA)

In a press conference before the concert on Monday, Deputy Foreign Minister Evripides Stylianidis said that, through this concert, the government was launching a campaign to highlight Greece's contribution toward eradicating poverty.

He said the government's goal was to build Greece's image as an "international humanitarian power" and make sure that Greece's efforts for the eradication of absolute poverty and hunger, the first of the UN Millennium targets, was not overlooked.

The minister appealed to the state and citizens to "align themselves with this extrovert action" by the foreign ministry. He said that developmental aid given by the Greek foreign ministry toward developing countries now amounted to 0.23 per cent of GDP and was set to rise to 0.51 per cent of GDP by 2010, amounting to more than one billion euros.

Mouskouri expressed "pride and gratitude" that she had been called to serve the developmental work of the foreign ministry in her country, noting that Greece had been on the 'dark side' of the globe when she had begun her career 40 years earlier and had been the one seeking aid from developed countries, instead of being the one donating aid.

Stylianidis said the concert will be followed up by other ministry initiatives, such as its presence at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), where it would seek the assistance of Greeks who have attained prominence abroad.

[20] Placido Domingo performs at Herod Atticus Theatre

Athens, 14/6/2005 (ANA)

Invited to participate in this year's Athens Festival, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, Domingo will be performing excerpts of operas of Giuseppe Verdi, Richard Wagner, Hector Berlioz and others.

He will be joined on stage by soprano Veronica Villarroel.

Eugene Kohn will be conducting the Thessaloniki State Orchestra.

Despite plans to retire at the age of 55 or 56, Domingo, now 64, admitted that he's still interested in new roles suitable for his voice.

[21] Two home-made bombs neutralized by police

Athens, 14/6/2005 (ANA)

The first of the two devices was spotted at 7:10 a.m., in a conspicuous spot, outside the medical examiners' office in the central Athens area of Mets. Police bomb disposal experts were immediately alerted, and the device was neutralized by a contained explosion.

The second device was spotted 40 minutes later in the residential area of Vyronas, again conspicuously placed on a sidewalk. Bomb disposal experts were again immediately alerted, and the device was also neutralized by a contained explosion.

Police told ANA that no warning telephone call had been made for either of the explosive devices.

Experts were examining the syndesmology of the devices.

[22] Ariadne regional network to combat human-trafficking created in Greece

Athens, 14/6/2005 (ANA)

The network's base will be in Athens at KEPAD's offices and is the only network of its kind in east and southeast Europe that Greece participates in.

Members of the network are non-governmental organizations from countries in the region, such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Croatia, Moldova, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, Turkey and the Ukraine.

The aims of the network are to promote cooperation between the countries of origin and the destination countries of the victims, with a view to prevention and protection of the victims. One area in which the network will be involved in is the long-term observation of the victims and easing their reintegration into their country of origin after voluntary repatriation.

[23] Majority of Greeks and Cypriots opposed to GMOs, Eurobarometer survey finds

BRUSSELS 14/6/2005 (ANA/B.Demiris)

Specifically, 88% of Cypriots and 80% of Greeks consider foods that are derived from GMOs to be dangerous. These are the highest percentages among the EU 25, while the lowest were reported in the UK (33%), and the Netherlands (30%). The EU average stood at 54%.

Additionally, the survey also found that 94% of Greeks and 93% of Cypriots consider technology to be changing people's lives at an excessively rapid pace.

Finland and Ireland, at 44% and 42% respectively, had the lowest percentage among the EU 25. The EU average stood at 60%.

According to the survey, the high percentage of those opposed to technological development reflects a sense of fear a segment of European citizens feel regarding technology and its consequences in day-to-day living as well as the gap that is growing between technological advancement and societies.

[24] EU survey shows that 91% of Greeks believe 'we are obliged to protect the rights of animals at all costs'

BRUSSELS 14/6/2005 (ANA/V. Demiris)

These are the basic conclusions drawn by the EU's "Euro-barometer" survey which was made public on Monday in Brussels on the theme "Social Values, Research and Technology" which was conducted with the participation of 32,897 citizens from the 25 member-states. The survey in Greece was conducted from a sample of 1,000 people during the period January 13-February 7.

Specifically, 53 per cent of Greeks believe that it is very important over the next decade for the opinions of the people to be taken into greater consideration in government decisions. Greece's percentage is the second highest after Poland.

The Greeks also appear to be one of the most religious people in Europe as 81 per cent say they believe in God. First are the Maltese with 95 per cent and the Cypriots with 90 per cent.

Furthermore, 91 per cent of Greeks believe that "we are obliged to protect the rights of animals at all costs." This is the highest percentage in the "25". The Greeks are followed by the Slovenians with 90 per cent.

[25] Cypriot FM Iacovou pleased with protocol approval

BRUSSELS 14/6/2005 (CNA/ANA)

The protocol will now be signed by the EU Council of Ministers and the Turkish government, something which, Iacovou has said, is expected to take place next week and in any case before June 30 when the EU Luxembourg presidency ends.

Once it is signed, it will be ratified and then put into force the first day of the first month which will follow its tabling at the general secretariat of the EU Council of Ministers. Its implementation will be backdated, from May 1, 2004, day when the ten new member states entered the EU.

Referring to the draft conclusions of this week's European Council June 16-17, which were discussed at the General Affairs Council on Monday, Iacovou said he was satisfied because everything progressed smoothly.

Asked about the absence of any mention of enlargement and Turkey in the conclusions, the minister explained that this was the wish of most member states.

On the issue of contributions to the Community for the period 2007-2013, Iacovou said there are disagreements on rebates to Britain and it is difficult to predict the outcome of this week's summit on the matter.

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