Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-06-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't unveils blueprint for wide-ranging bank sector pension reform

[02] Bank workers to strike again in protest at gov't pension plan

[03] President Papoulias meets with Greek community in Austria, expresses satisfaction with visit

[04] Ruling New Democracy 4.1 points ahead of PASOK in MRB opinion poll

[05] Jerusalem Patriarchate Holy Synod takes action against clerics supporting deposed Patriarch

[06] Greece's political leaders steered clear of stock exchange, report shows

[07] Report on assets, income of former, current MPs released

[08] China's deputy public security ministry head in Athens this week

[09] Gov't aims to secure maximum subsidies for farmers, agriculture minister says

[10] Central bank lowers end-year inflation forecast to below 3.9%

[11] Greece gives overall backing to EU textiles pact with China

[12] Greece, China launch business council

[13] Deputy FM Stylianidis comments on country's progress in economic development

[14] Euro50 and ADGI-INERPOST discussion on EMU to be held in Athens

[15] Development minister signs order creating committee to reorganize ministry

[16] Northern exporters seek national sector strategy

[17] Greeks concerned about unemployment, cost of living, survey finds

[18] EU: Greek wine surplus to be distilled for industrial use

[19] Business forum begins in Athens

[20] Stocks 1.07% down as banking sector slides

[21] Ano Liossia landfill the 'only solution' for Psytalleia sludge, environment minister tells local gov't heads

[22] Education ministry holds out on recognition of foreign degrees partly taken in Greece

[23] ANA's oldest journalist looks back

[24] Mild earthquake off Crete

[25] Jamaica's Powell sets men's 100 meters world record in Athens

[01] Gov't unveils blueprint for wide-ranging bank sector pension reform

Athens, 15/06/2005 (ANA)

Top ministers George Alogoskoufis and Panos Panayiotopoulos, holding the national economy and labor portfolios, respectively, briefed reporters only hours after the inner Cabinet approved the plan and a crucial funding formula that steers clear of state coffers.

As expected, employees hired before Jan. 1, 1993 retain the same rights they had before, both in terms of contributions and the level of auxiliary and regular social security benefits; those hired after that date, and whose contributions exceeded the rates of withheld contributions stipulated for private sector employees over the same period (1993-2005), will be beneficiaries of yet another fund, tentatively named the Unified Pension Fund for Bank Employees (ETAT). New hirings, after 2005, will be beneficiaries of the new unified auxiliary fund and work under a similar employment and pension regime as other employees in the wider private sector.

In response to press questions, Alogoskoufis reiterated that no changes are foreseen for individuals employed in the banking sector prior to Jan. 1, 1993. Moreover, he said contributions by employees and employers will be set at 3 percent for both the new auxiliary fund and for the primary pension fund.

Inclusion in the ETAT fund, which will fall under the labor and social securities ministry's supervision, necessitates a request by either the employer (the financial institution) or by the employees' union. That provision, Alogoskoufis stressed, dismisses the criticisms that individual auxiliary pension funds - 11 in total in the banking sector -- are being abolished.

Both ministers, additionally, stoutly maintained that the plan is absolutely compatible with EU law and regulations, whereas proposals by all sides concerned were taken into account.

Finally, Alogoskoufis reminded that neither the state nor taxpayers will be burdened by the deal, an indirect response to recent opposition and trade union criticism that the general public will pay dearly for reforms in a very specific sector.

On his part, Panayiotopoulos noted that inaction to solve the nagging problem in the banking sector pension system would have spelled disastrous consequences for the sector and the economy in general.

Tuesday's decision came amid an ongoing strike declared by the union of bank employees (OTOE) -- an industrial action that has mostly affected state-run institutions but has had limited participation at private sector banks -- as well as government precautions so that the plan meets with Community law and guidelines.

Opposition lashes out at gov't pension plan:

The main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) on Tuesday sharply criticized a government plan released earlier in the day to resolve a rift over banking pensions between employers and staff.

"The government's plan for social insurance in banks has placed in jeopardy the rights and security of all pensioners in the (main state) IKA fund," PASOK social policy spokesman Evangelos Venizelos said.

"This final form of the plan creates untold damage for IKA. No thorough research was conducted first, and no adequate, additional state spending has been provided for," Venizelos said.

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) said the government measure would hurt working people.

It was aimed to help banking corporations, not staff, by leading to a gradual decline in employers' contributions, the KKE said in a statement.

It called on bank workers to condemn policies by the party in power and the main opposition.

The Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology said the government's plan would "slaughter" the social insurance rights of the banks' pensioners and employees while bolstering corporate earnings.

New recruits in the banks would especially be hurt, the party said.

[02] Bank workers to strike again in protest at gov't pension plan

Athens, 15/06/2005 (ANA)

Other private and public sector unions, including civil servants, are to hold a three-hour work stoppage on June 16 in solidarity with bank staff and to protest against government policy in social insurance and restructuring.

The head of the OTOE bank staff union, Dimitris Tsoukalas, said the government's plan for sector pensions announced earlier in the day would hurt 44% of members recruited after December 31, 1992.

The plan would raise the pension qualifying age and lower supplementary pensions, Tsoukalas claimed.

The union is seeking introduction of a single supplementary pension system for sector staff versus a piecemeal arrangements; and it opposes alignment of members' pensions with the main state fund, saying the move would bring lower pensions and a higher retirement age.

Bank employees staged a series of weekly 24-hour strikes in January and February this year after rejecting proposals by employers, and then by the finance ministry.

The General Confederation of Employees of Greece (GSEE), the country's largest trade union umbrella group, has called the national stoppage on June 16 in solidarity with bank workers. The GSEE has accused the government of trying to overturn collective labor pacts.

Walkouts have occurred over the past few months to protest against government policy affecting incomes, pensions, and company restructuring in state-run corporations.

The ADEDY civil servants' union will also join next week's walkout to press for full employment and oppose government plans to make the labor market more flexible.

[03] President Papoulias meets with Greek community in Austria, expresses satisfaction with visit

VIENNA, 15/06/2005 (ANA/D.Dimitrakoudis)

"If Greece is unrecognizable to many, by the end of the decade it will be completely different with the completion of major projects that will make it an energy hub, but also a hub in general in the Balkans and in Europe, despite difficulties and delays," he said.

Papoulias praised Greeks living abroad for the progress they have made, which he said is also a source of hope that "today's problems will also be overcome," referring to "a difficult neighbor" and the presence of the Turkish military occupying Cyprus.

The Greek president also met with Metropolitan of Austria and Exarch of Hungary and Central Europe Michael.

Michael referred to the Greek Orthodox community and its role in Austria's political life. In contrast to this privileged position, Michael also referred to the difficulties the Greek Orthodox community encounters in Hungary and asked Papoulias to help in having the Budapest Church returned to the Greek community.

Papoulias expressed satisfaction with the results of his three-day visit to Austria and the warm hospitality rendered him by Austrian President Heinz Fischer in comments he made to the ANA here on Tuesday.

Papoulias emphasized the significant discussions -official and unofficial- he had with Fischer, with Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel and Parliament President Andreas Kohl.

According to the president, issues ranging from the EU to bilateral relations were covered, with particular emphasis placed on Greek-Turkish relations, the Cyprus issue, and ratification of the European Constitution.

Papoulias said that bilateral relations between Greece and Austria are excellent and said he was certain they would remain so given that both sides are dedicated to doing so.

The Greek president also said he was pleasantly surprised to learn that 600,000 Austrians visit Greece annually, a significant percentage given that the country's total population numbers 8.5 million.

Furthermore, Papoulias stressed that his visit to Austria was his first on a bilateral level since assuming the presidency and once again expressed his gratitude to Fischer for his invitation.

[04] Ruling New Democracy 4.1 points ahead of PASOK in MRB opinion poll

Athens, 15/06/2005 (ANA)

According to the poll results, the distribution of support among those questioned in the survey was 38.9 per cent for ND, 34.8 per cent for PASOK, 6.8 per cent for KKE, 3.6 per cent for the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology and 2.9 per cent for the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS).

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis was 9.6 points ahead of PASOK leader George Papandreou in a question of who was most suitable for prime minister, with 43.9 percent selecting Karamanlis and 34.3 per cent selecting Papandreou.

The ruling party also powered ahead of PASOK with a whopping 38.1 point lead as the party most likely to win if elections were held right now, with 61 predicted an ND victory against 22.9 per cent for PASOK.

[05] Jerusalem Patriarchate Holy Synod takes action against clerics supporting deposed Patriarch

JERUSALEM, 15/06/2005 (ANA - P. Haritos)

Three Archimandrites and a deacon were slapped with an administrative reprimand, essentially their firing from the ecclesiastical posts they hold, for the service in the town of Ramallah -- part of a bid to support the embattled Eirineos and to deflect his dethronement by an Orthodox council convened by the Ecumenical Patriarch.

Eirineos himself was summoned by the Holy Synod on Wednesday. His failure to appear would probably result in the same reprimand, according to church sources here.

[06] Greece's political leaders steered clear of stock exchange, report shows

Athens, 15/06/2005 (ANA)

President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias and former PASOK MP for Ioannina is shown to have earned a total of 189,089 drachmas through the sale of shares acquired before 1989.

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou and Communist Party of Greece (KKE) General Secretary Aleka Papariga have neither invested nor gained money through stock exchange transactions.

Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology leader Alekos Alavanos is a net loser, having invested 37.7 million drachmas in order to purchase shares from 1998-2001, during which time he gained 4.6 million drachmas through sales of stock, while his total shares in December 2002 were evaluated at 11.3 million drachmas, putting him some 21.7 million drachmas in the red.

The statements submitted by former premier Costas Simitis, by contrast, report stock purchases of 74,163 drachmas by his wife Daphne in 1999 that were valued at 1,185,703 drachmas in December 2002.

Former premier Constantine Mitsotakis invested a total of 3.2 million drachmas for the purchase of shares in 1999 and received four million drachmas from the sale of shares in 2001.

No stock exchange transactions were reported in statements by Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki, former premier Tzannis Tzannetakis and former Coalition party leader Nikos Constantopoulos.

Former Parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis did not carry out any stock exchange transactions during the period under investigation but owned shares bought before 1989 that were valued at 2.8 million drachmas in December 2002.

Prior to the transition to the new European currency, the value of drachmas was fixed at 340.75 to one euro.

[07] Report on assets, income of former, current MPs released

Athens, 15/06/2005 (ANA)

According to reports, 10 MPs failed to file statements for certain years, while three deputies recorded an increase in assets without justifying the source of the income needed to acquire the assets.

One ex-deputy that was singled out, Larissa-area politician Nikos Floros with PASOK was cited as having purchased shares worth 2.5 billion drachmas (340.75 drachmas = 1 euro) on July 20, 1999, although income and assets declared in late April 1999 reportedly failed to justify the funds for the investment. Moreover, he apparently sold shares worth 3.6 billion drachmas between July 20, 1999 and Aug. 9, 1999, figures that also did not show up on his statement for 2000.

[08] China's deputy public security ministry head in Athens this week

Athens, 15/06/2005 (ANA)

The Chinese official will be received by Greek Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis on Thursday, with the agenda of talks focusing squarely on security preparations for Olympic Games.

Tours of Olympic venues, law enforcement centers and meetings with other Greek officials are also on the itinerary.

[09] Gov't aims to secure maximum subsidies for farmers, agriculture minister says

Athens, 15/06/2005 (ANA)

Basiakos' comments were made after his meeting with trade groups of farmers' cooperatives, PASEGES, GESASE and SYDASE.

The minister and the trade groups discussed at length the country's progress in implementing measures in line with the EU's revised Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

"The government, continuing its dialogue with other elected officials, MPs and authorities over the next few days will formulate a national position in June, so that it will be able to brief EU authorities on our final decisions way ahead of the July 31 deadline," Basiakos said.

"In any case, the government in cooperation with farmers' cooperatives, will make the most beneficial decisions for the country and the agricultural sector, so that EU resources are utilized in the best possible way and so that our farmers are prepared as much as possible for the new competitive, international and domestic environment, which is emerging, particularly after 2006," he added.

[10] Central bank lowers end-year inflation forecast to below 3.9%

Athens, 15/06/2005 (ANA)

The forecast was given by senior officials of the central bank, including its governor Nikolaos Garganas, during a working luncheon on Tuesday hosted for Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis and his deputy ministers.

The officials said that business had not rolled into prices an increase in indirect taxation, leading to a downward revision of the figure.

At the same time, fuel prices may exert inflationary pressure until the end of the year, although calculation was difficult, the officials said.

Also on Tuesday, Garganas, a member of the European Central Bank's board, told the AFP news agency in a telephone interview that talk the ECB might lower eurozone interest rates to help support growth "makes no sense."

[11] Greece gives overall backing to EU textiles pact with China

BRUSSELS, 15/06/2005 (ANA/V Demiris)

Speaking after a meeting in the Belgian capital of the EU's Textiles High Level Group, Sioufas said he had expressed reservations about points in the accord, also offering proposals that demonstrated Greece would not relinquish its rights.

The Textiles High Level Group called on the EU and national authorities to help address structural changes taking place in the industry by attracting new investment, providing retraining opportunities, and committing social relief to the hardest-hit regions, the EU's executive Commission said in a statement.

The meeting also stressed the importance for the industry of tapping a major potential for export to China and elsewhere offered by the liberalization of textile trade. The group expressed its support for the EU-China textile accord.

In order to help the textile industry adjust to a changing competitive environment resulting from trade liberalization, the EU and China have agreed to grant a three-year adaptation period during which the growth rate of Chinese textile imports will be limited in categories of concern.

The group brings together Europe's Textile Producer Associations, the Commission and Member States.

One of its objectives is to hold talks with Europe's Mediterranean partners, so that urgent action may be taken ensuring that measures to make effective the accumulation of origin for textile and clothing products within the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean zone are implemented by summer.

[12] Greece, China launch business council

Athens, 15/06/2005 (ANA)

The council aims to focus on alliances and investment between major companies, the council's president, Theodoros Fessas, told a meeting to inaugurate the new body.

"This is a welcome turn of events for Greece, which has achieved recognition from China that is disproportionate to its size due to the Olympic Games in Athens and Beijing, as well as esteem for our culture from the Chinese, also a historic people," Fessas said.

"This is coupled with China's sharply rising economic and political influence globally and the two countries' interest in southeastern Europe," he added.

The Chinese ambassador in Athens, Tian Xuejun, underlined the support his government would offer the council.

He also noted that he was personally working to spur links in tourism between the two countries.

The council, with the Greek side headquartered in Athens, and the Chinese side in Beijing, will support the range of main economic sectors.

[13] Deputy FM Stylianidis comments on country's progress in economic development

Athens, 15/06/2005 (ANA)

He noted that during 2004-2005, Greek exports to the Balkans and Turkey jumped 10.6%. During the period 2000-2004, Greek exports to those countries stood only at 1.21%, he said.

Stylianidis also referred to the reorganization of a ministerial department which has been transformed into an "economic diplomacy headquarters" as well as further support given to Greek Economic and Commercial Affairs offices abroad.

He also included the signing of the political memorandum between Greece, Bulgaria and Russia for the construction of the Alexandroupolis-Burgas oil pipeline as part of the government's achievements. He reminded the audience that the particular project had stood at a standstill for 13 years.

Stylianidis also referred to the reactivation of the Greek Plan for the Economic Reconstruction of the Balkans, a road construction project linking Drama with Bulgaria's Iliden - to be inaugurated on June 23, and the road construction project which will link Greece to central Europe via the former Yugoslavia.

The conference was organized by the Exporters' Association of Northern Greece.

[14] Euro50 and ADGI-INERPOST discussion on EMU to be held in Athens

Athens, 15/06/2005 (ANA)

A number of prominent international figures will be taking part, such as former French finance minister and current Euro50 Group president Edmond Alphandery, former British chancellor Kenneth Clarke and professors Daniel Cohen of the Ecole Normale Superieure, Paul DeGrauwe of Leuwen University, Richard Portes of the London Business School and president of the Centre for Economic Policy Research, as well as Daniel Gros, director of the Centre for European Policy Studies.

Speakers from Greece will include Deputy Finance Minister Petros Doukas, former minister and INERPOST president Gerassimos Arsenis and Louka Katseli, director of the OECD development centre and member of both Euro50 and INERPOST.

The "Euro 50 Group" was created by several well-known European economic and financial leaders as a forum for the exchange of ideas and proposals germane to European economic policies. The group's members are drawn from all the EU countries and have diverse backgrounds in politics, central banking, business, banking and financial services, trade unions and the Press.

It organizes semi-annual roundtable discussions about European economic and monetary issues and the broader economic, social and institutional issues linked to the euro.

The Athens Development and Governance Institute ADGI-INERPOST is a non-partisan NGO focusing on governance and development issues in Greece, Europe and neighboring countries; it fulfills its objectives by undertaking policy analysis, promoting public dialogue, engaging in networking activities and implementing projects and programs in selected regions and areas of competence.

[15] Development minister signs order creating committee to reorganize ministry

Athens, 15/06/2005 (ANA)

The reorganization is also taking place to bring the Greek ministry more in step with its counterparts within the European Union.

The committee's chairman will be Costas Kanellopoulos, general director of state supplies of the General Secretariat for Trade, and its work will take place over three months.

[16] Northern exporters seek national sector strategy

Athens, 15/06/2005 (ANA)

Delegates to the meeting on Tuesday in the northern port city of Thessaloniki echoed the views of the association's president, Evgenios Plalis, who called on the government to set a priority on exports.

Plalis also said the sector had called for a national strategy at their last session three years ago, but nothing had happened.

Addressing the conference, a deputy of the main opposition PASOK party, Anna Diamantopoulou, criticized the government for a lack of goals in the sector.

Delegates were concerned that the trade deficit had widened and the percentage of exports to imports in 2004 was 28.3%, the lowest in five years.

[17] Greeks concerned about unemployment, cost of living, survey finds

Athens, 15/06/2005 (ANA)

Specifically, 72.5% place unemployment at the top of their worry list, followed by 65.1% citing inflation/increased cost of living as their primary source of concern, while health care, education and economic development follow.

Additionally, 73% says that changes are needed to the social insurance scheme, 23.8% agrees with the government's policies/decisions, 21.2% supports the positions of the General Confederation of the Employees of Greece (GSEE) and 15.9% agrees with the opposition.

On the issue of privatizations, 39.4% supports privatization of state companies, 27.8% is indifferent and 23.5% is against.

Regarding economic policy, 39.5% approves of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' actions, while 32.7% agrees with main opposition PASOK President George Papandreou.

Karamanlis also scored higher on the issue of social policy, with 40.2% of those surveyed agreeing with him and 34.1% favoring Papandreou.

However, a larger percentage of those surveyed said they had more confidence in Papandreou (42.1%) in matters related to foreign policy compared with 40% of those favoring Karamanlis on such issues.

[18] EU: Greek wine surplus to be distilled for industrial use

BRUSSELS 15/06/2005 (ANA/M Spinthourakis)

Destined for distillation are a surplus of 340,000 hectoliters of table wine at 1.914 euros per % volume and 40,000 hectoliters of quality wine at 2.30 euros per % volume.

The move takes immediate effect.

[19] Business forum begins in Athens

Athens, 15/06/2005 (ANA)

Fifty two companies have responded from Greece, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Israel, Romania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and the United States of America.

[20] Stocks 1.07% down as banking sector slides

Athens, 15/06/2005 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 3,044.64 points, marking a fall of 1.07%. Turnover was 185.0 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 1.30% down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 1.67% lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 1.24% down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 197 to 57 with 80 remaining unchanged.

[21] Ano Liossia landfill the 'only solution' for Psytalleia sludge, environment minister tells local gov't heads

Athens, 15/06/2005 (ANA)

At the meeting were West Attica Prefect Aristidis Arkoudaris, Ano Liossia Mayor Nikos Papadimas and the president of the Unified Association of Municipalities and Communities in Attica George Mastorakos.

Souflias stressed that the sludge could no longer remain at Psytallia without risking an ecological disaster, while noting that the proposed solution of turning the sludge into soil was one accepted and currently in use worldwide.

After the meeting, the minister said that he had promised the Ano Liossia local authority heads to greatly speed up the construction of a drying plant in Psyttalia that will provide a permanent solution to the problem when ready in March 2007. He said that offers submitted under a tender will be opened on June 25.

He also said that the process for the construction of three new landfill sites in Attica - in Fyli, Grammatiko and Keratea - was progressing rapidly, with tenders to be held in August or September and funds already secured.

Finally, the minister promised that, should Ano Liossia residents find that they face problems because of the sludge interred at the landfill by Christmas, all transportation of further sludge to the landfill will stop at the end of the year.

Souflias asked the local authority heads to give him an answer concerning his proposal within two or three days, while expressing hope that "reason will prevail".

Asked what the government intends to do if they refuse; the minister said that the law would be enforced in that case, stressing that the government was determined to implement its program.

The Council of State, Greece's highest administrative court, ordered the dump to accept the sludge on May 31.

Souflias noted that the transfer of up to 700 tons of the Psytallia sludge to the landfill had been allowed up until May 30, through a contract between the municipalities' association and the water company EYDAP.

[22] Education ministry holds out on recognition of foreign degrees partly taken in Greece

Athens, 15/06/2005 (ANA)

Commenting on a ruling issue by the European Court of Justice on this issue, Taliadouros noted that this gave EU member-states the right to place restrictions on the free movements of persons within the EU when these were imposed in order to preserve the quality of education.

He also pointed out that the directive itself gave member-state governments the option of testing that quality was at least the same as that in the university with which the private 'free studies centre' had made a contract, saying that the Greek government intended to move within this framework.

[23] ANA's oldest journalist looks back

Athens, 15/06/2005 (ANA)

In an interview he granted the ANA on Tuesday, which this year celebrates its 100th anniversary, Strougos reminisces about his days at the agency.

"When I was at the agency, it was a small room with a translator, a typist, a radio operator and a messenger who'd wait on the steps to deliver the news bulletins," Strougos recalls.

Strougos began working at the agency at the age of 12, and went to school at the same time.

"I wasn't a messenger, I was a distributor," he says, adding that "distribution was done on foot, but there was also the luxury of a bicycle."

ANA founder Ioannis Parren initially collaborated with Reuters and Havas news agencies and would publish a bulletin which would be distributed to the embassies. That's "until [the then prime minister] Eleftherios Venizelos decided to found the Agency and appointed Vassilios Vekiarellis, one of the best journalists at that time and editor of the newspaper 'Ethnos', as managing director.

According to Strougos, when Vekiarellis took over he hired five messengers and set wages as follows: 800 drachmas for the messengers, 2,000 drs. for the typists and 6,000 - 7,000 drs. for the translators. The radio operators also received decent wages, Strougos says.

Asked what the ANA has meant to him, Strougos replies: "I would go to the agency every day, I couldn't live without it, it was under my skin. Sometimes I dream that I have a shift to do. The agency had become my life; it's where I finished elementary school, high school and university."

Strougos was welcomed at the ANA offices on Tuesday by General Director George Tambakopoulos, consultant on international relations and former ANA General Director Andreas Christodoulides and Managing Director Nicholas Voulelis.

[24] Mild earthquake off Crete

Athens, 15/06/2005 (ANA)

The earthquake, measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale with its epicenter 320 kilometers south of Athens in the sea area between Gavdos, Paleochora and Sfakia (Hania prefecture), was recorded at 10:31 a.m., and was felt mainly in the southern sections of the prefectures of Hania, Rethymno and Irakleion, on the island of Crete.

Scientists at the Crete technical college's (TEI) natural resources and disasters laboratory termed the tremor a "normal phenomenon".

[25] Jamaica's Powell sets men's 100 meters world record in Athens

Athens, 15/06/2005 (ANA)

The 22-year-old broke US's Tim Montgomery's previous record of 9.78 set in Paris on September 14, 2002 to become the fastest man ever over the distance.

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