Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-10-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] EU acknowledges Greek drive to correct fiscal finances

[02] PM meets visiting EU Monetary Commissioner J.Almunia

[03] Government spokesman notes hope of EU Commissioner that deficit will drop below 3 pc by end of 2006

[04] Luxembourg's Juncker praises Greek gov't fiscal efforts

[05] Ex-premier Simitis meets with Luxembourg's Juncker

[06] EU negotiating framework for Turkey is 'rule of thumb' for Greece during Turkey's accession course, foreign ministry spokesman stresses

[07] FM Spokesman on British EU Presidency clarification

[08] EU Enlargement Commissioner urges Turkey to quickly ratify extended protocol

[09] KKE leader criticizes govt, main opposition over foreign policy

[10] Reopening of Halki School of Theology 'an obligation' for Turkey, gov't says

[11] Athens comments on FYROM reaction to president's statements

[12] Parliament President Anna Benaki-Psarouda meets Romanian President Traian Basescu

[13] Preliminary investigation ordered on reports concerning modernization of frigates

[14] Sports minister addresses UNESCO general conference

[15] PM briefed by deputy culture minister

[16] Alternate Culture Minister on Olympic Properties

[17] European Court condemns Greece over illegal dumps

[18] Dodecannese prefect meets new Turkish consul in Rhodes

[19] Turkish warplanes violate Greek national air space

[20] ECB governing council leaves key interest rates unchanged

[21] Environment minister unveils new scheme for funding of land registry by owners

[22] Greece expects investments worth 3.5 bln euros in energy sector

[23] Greek exports surge 24 percent in August, yr/yr

[24] Tourist development minister visits region of Ipiros

[25] KKE leader blasts planned privatizations of public utilities

[26] Contract signed for Thessaloniki-Kavala motorway

[27] Partners of European Union Greenergy program meeting in Thessaloniki

[28] Greek households rich in use of telecoms services

[29] Greece backs single European, US air market

[30] State travel board awards publicity campaign abroad

[31] Intracom launches division spin-off

[32] ECB leaves interest rates unchanged at 2.0 pct

[33] Greek stocks end 1.07 pct lower

[34] Maria Farantouri captivates audience at Vienna concert

[35] Fulbright Foundation announces US University Fair in Athens

[36] SEECP informal summit to be held on Rhodes Oct. 13-14

[37] Athens municipality launches breast cancer prevention program

[38] National soccer team leaves for Copenhagen for crucial World Cup qualifier against Denmark on Saturday night

[39] Borrell: ''Cyprus problem has become unsustainable''

[40] Cyprus House President calls all Cypriots to unite and overcome division

[41] Cyprus and Eurocontrol to sign agreement on Civil Aviation

[01] EU acknowledges Greek drive to correct fiscal finances

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

"Since April the (EU) Commission has congratulated the government on measures taken to correct fiscal finances," Joaquín Almunia, the European Union's commissioner for economic and monetary affairs, told a news conference.

"At the end of October, the Greek government will submit a report to the Commission. We will analyze and evaluate the report, and in the middle of November release our forecasts for 2006. The Commission will then make a recommendation to be discussed by ECOFIN (EU finance ministers) early in 2006," Almunia told a joint news conference with Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis.

At the same time, the commissioner noted that some of the government's measures were inadequate. Corrective steps were also needed in 2006.

"In 2006, fiscal adaptation will need to be of a structural nature," he said.

Replying to a reporter's question, Almunia pledged that neither he nor the Commission would propose measures that could dampen growth.

"Without growth, there would be no job creation, and the European social model could not be maintained. Structural reform is a precondition for growth and a rise in employment," he noted.

Alogoskoufis welcomed close cooperation with the commissioner.

"Despite a very difficult set of circumstances, we have lowered the fiscal deficit to 3.6% this year from 6.6% in 2004 without jeopardizing growth of 3.6%," the minister said.

"Through the fiscal audit, the real state of public deficits emerged. We conducted the audit to know where we were treading. Credibility has been restored and the government is dedicated to fiscal revitalization," Alogoskoufis added.

EU to decide on Greek securitization: The European Union's statistics service is to issue a technical decision on the securitization of uncollected Greek state revenue this year, on which the Commission will then release an interpretation.

"These one-off measures must be evaluated by Eurostat employing objective, professional criteria, not political ones," Joaquín Almunia, the European Union's commissioner for economic and monetary affairs, told parliamentary committees during a visit to Athens.

"As an independent body, Eurostat will judge whether the securitization measure conforms with ESA-95 political rules," Almunia said.

If Eurostat endorses the move, "I can then understand that this year, the Greek government may decide on a non-structural measure, since there was a delay in the collection of revenue in 2005," Almunia said.

In 2006, the situation would be different. "Regardless of the statistical criterion, the planned adaptation must be structural," in line with the stability and growth pact, he added.

Asked to comment on statistical problems within the EU, the commissioner said the Greek case had been the most serious. A recent report by Eurostat showed that Greece had made real improvements, and that cooperation would continue in order to improve Greek statistics.

"If we compare pending issues at present with the list of pending issues a year and a half ago, progress is major and clear-cut. An exceptionally positive step has been taken," the commissioner said.

Finally, Almunia called on all countries showing healthy economic performance, like Greece, with its high growth rates above the European average, to confront challenges including an ageing population, and effect adaptation.

The commissioner was addressing parliament's committees for finance, national defense and foreign policy, commerce and production, and European affairs.

[02] PM meets visiting EU Monetary Commissioner J.Almunia

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis also attended the meeting. The government's economic team believes that a plan to securitize future public revenues would be approved by Eurostat, as it happened before in Portugal.

Main opposition leader meets EU Commissioner Almunia: The leader of main opposition PASOK George Papandreou on Thursday took another swipe at the government's handling of economic issues, following a meeting with European Commissioner for economic and monetary affairs Joaquin Almunia.

"The government Mr. Karamanlis, the government of New Democracy has plunged the country into a maelstrom. We are in an economic crisis because of the policies and the handling of this government," Papandreou stressed.

According to PASOK's leader, he had stressed to Almunia that his party would not accept measures that "undermined the course and future of the Greek economy," and targeted ordinary citizens while helping the government's "own", nor accounting practices that placed future budgets "in hock".

Papandreou asserted that there were alternative routes to fiscal discipline and proper management of the economy that promoted competitiveness but also ensure social cohesion.

"There might be a need for more flexibility, but this cannot exist without security for working people in our country," he added, noting that this "other road" to a thriving economy was a wider European issue that was being raised in view of the new negotiations now taking place regarding Europe's fiscal prospects.

[03] Government spokesman notes hope of EU Commissioner that deficit will drop below 3 pc by end of 2006

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

"I am glad that Mr. Almunia, although he has a different ideological starting point, is reaching an approach which is very close to our political practice. This shows the sensitivity of Mr. Almunia, as well as the sensitivity of the government towards the working people," Roussopoulos said.

In another development, Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology party Political Bureau member Panayiotis Lafazanis said that "Mr. Almunia confirmed once again the neo-liberal image of the European Commission, recommending insistently to the government to implement, in the name of competitiveness, a decrease in deficits and a friendlier climate for entrepreneurship, even harsher austerity for salaries and pensions and new measures in the direction of demolishing social insurance and labor rights."

Main opposition says gov't "exposed" over 2006 budget: The main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) said on Thursday that statements in Athens by Joaquín Almunia, the European Union's commissioner for economic and monetary affairs, had "exposed" the government over the securitization of uncollected revenue and the 2006 budget.

"His clear statement was that Eurostat and the Commission may accept securitization for 2005, but in 2006 there is no question of a repeat as this is considered a one-off measure that fails to resolve the deficit problem - this statement confirms what we said from the moment that the 2006 draft budget was submitted," PASOK spokesman Nikos Athanasakis said in a statement.

"The statement confirms that the government's 2006 budget is literally in the air and the country essentially lacks a budget for 2006. This has exposed the government and the finance minister personally," the statement said.

[04] Luxembourg's Juncker praises Greek gov't fiscal efforts

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting of the European Central Bank in Athens -which he addressed as Finance Minister of Luxembourg and chairman of Eurogroup, Juncker expressed his confidence that the Greek government was on the right track. "I have to praise their efforts," he said.

[05] Ex-premier Simitis meets with Luxembourg's Juncker

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

Afterwards, Simitis, a two-time prime minister, reiterated that Greece has always viewed Turkey's European orientation in a positive light, "from now on, however, we must carefully monitor the follow-up, repercussions and, in general, all developments".

The former PM added that he and Juncker discussed the Union's prospects and the draft European Constitution.

[06] EU negotiating framework for Turkey is 'rule of thumb' for Greece during Turkey's accession course, foreign ministry spokesman stresses

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

He said that Ankara's interpretations and statements just 48 hours after the formal commencement of its EU accession negotiations were "its own", when asked to comment on recent statements by Turkish officials regarding the provisions of the negotiating framework with respect to application of Turkey's Association Agreement Protocol, which extends its Customs Union agreement with the EU to the 10 new EU members, including Cyprus.

On July 29, Ankara signed the Association Agreement Protocol, by virtue of which Turkey extended its Customs Union agreement with the EU to the 10 new member states, including Cyprus. In tandem, Ankara also submitted a separate, unilateral declaration stating that it refused to recognize the Cyprus Republic and that its ports and airports would remain closed to Cypriot ships and planes.

However, the negotiating framework agreed by the Council of EU Foreign Ministers late Monday, enabling the commencement of the accession negotiations, set as one of the conditions for membership: "The fulfillment of Turkey's obligations under the Association Agreement and its Additional Protocol extending the Association Agreement to all new EU Member States, in particular those pertaining to the EU-Turkey customs union, as well as the implementation of the Accession Partnership, as regularly revised". (Paragraph 6, sub-paragraph 4)

Koumoutsakos further reiterated that a statement issued by the British EU presidency regarding the right of veto retained by Turkey on Cyprus' accession to international organizations "has no legal bearing", nor does it affect the content of Paragraph 7 of the Negotiating Framework, adding that the Greek side accepted it since it was "something self-evident in international relations".

The spokesman clarified, however, it was Ankara's exercise of its right of veto that would be judged in the framework of the accession process.

Paragraph 7 of the negotiating framework stipulates: "In the period up to accession, Turkey will be required to progressively align its policies towards third countries and its positions within international organizations (including in relation to the membership by all EU Member States of those organizations and arrangements) with the policies and positions adopted by the Union and its Member States."

Questioned on US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice's involvement in the procedures for the commencement of Turkey's accession negotiations, Koumoutsakos noted that "in international relations, the countries discuss with each other". However, he added, the "main issue is who finally decides".

To a question on the continued presence of Turkish occupation troops on Cyprus, Koumoutsakos said that everything would be taken into account and assessed throughout the access negotiations process.

"The issue of the presence of occupation troops has been repeatedly condemned by the international community. Turkey is accountable for that. It is a complicated matter related to the resolution of the Cyprus problem within the framework of the UN," he added.

Koumoutsakos stressed, however, that the situation "creates a specific climate" ion the European Union.

He also pointed out that Turkey's tactic of infringements of the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) and violations of Greece's national airspace by Turkish fighter planes "is not compatible" with Turkey's obligations regarding good neighborhood relations.

[07] FM Spokesman on British EU Presidency clarification

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

He said that the British presidency's statement is a clarification that will be included in the minutes of the EU Council of External Relations and General Affairs' meeting and will not circulate as a document of the EU-Turkey intergovernmental conference.

Koumoutsakos added that during the discussion with the British presidency, Greece consulted the Council's Legal Service and was informed that the statement did not constitute a legal text.

[08] EU Enlargement Commissioner urges Turkey to quickly ratify extended protocol

ANKARA, 7/10/2005 (ANA/A.Abatzis)

Rehn's comments were made during his meeting with members of Turkish parliament's subcommittee on EU affairs.

According to Anadolu Agency, Rehn reminded the subcommittee that Turkey has promised to implement the protocol and added that a delay in ratifying it will lead to political turmoil.

Rehn also said that although Turkey has fulfilled its obligations in regards to the Copenhagen criteria, it hasn't done so to the letter.

[09] KKE leader criticizes govt, main opposition over foreign policy

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

Papariga said that the government inherited a situation which had already been established by the former PASOK government, when the latter played a leading role in trying to persuade Greek Cypriots to approve the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's plan for the resolution of the Cyprus issue.

"That is no excuse," Papariga said on Thursday, turning her criticism against the government.

"[Foreign Minister Petros] Molyviatis said that 'PASOK hadn't shown any resistance, so what could we do?' In our opinion the main problem was that Turkey was placed by the EU on the accession negotiation track without providing any assurances that it respects the Cyprus Republic," she said.

[10] Reopening of Halki School of Theology 'an obligation' for Turkey, gov't says

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

The spokesman was commenting on press reports coming out of Greece's eastern neighbor, in which Turkish ministers forecast a solution for the reopening of the school, whose operation has been blocked by Turkey for more than three decades.

According to the ANA correspondent in Istanbul, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul stated on Thursday that the Turkish government had been working on a formula for reopening the school for some time and that the issue will be resolved "in accordance with the Constitution and the laws".

Turkish Education Minister Hussein Celik had earlier stated that "it was not right" that the Halki School remain closed, while noting that there was a direct reference to the issue of reopening the school in the chapter of the accession negotiations referring to the religious freedoms and minority rights.

"Even if the EU did not exist, I would think that it is not right for the School to remain closed," Celik told reporters, adding "the government knows what it must do".

The reopening of the Halki theological school, which was closed down by the Turkish government in 1971, is a standing demand of the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate based in Fanar, Istanbul.

[11] Athens comments on FYROM reaction to president's statements

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

In response to press questions citing reactions by FYROM officials to critical statements recently aired by Greek President Karolos Papoulias, namely, over the Skopje government's continuing intransigence vis-a-vis the particular issue, a foreign ministry spokesman merely noted:

"Public comments and acts by FYROM and other countries entertaining European ambitions comprise the basis of assessments by (EU) member-states, including Greece, over how ready these countries are to approach (the Union)".

[12] Parliament President Anna Benaki-Psarouda meets Romanian President Traian Basescu

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

According to an announcement by the Romanian President's office, the Greek Parliament President referred during the meeting to the need of strengthening bilateral relations.

On his part, President Basescu thanked her for Greece's support for efforts being made by Romania to join the European Union and expressed the hope that the Greek Parliament will ratify Romania's Accession Treaty.

Anna Benaki-Psarouda meets Patriarch of Romanian Orthodox Church Theoktistos: Parliament President Anna Benaki-Psarouda, heading a Greek delegation, met in Bucharest on Thursday with the Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church Theoktistos.

Psarouda referred during the meeting to Bucharest's European course, stressing that Romania's accession to the European Union will be an important development.

According to an announcement by the Romanian Orthodox Church's Patriarchal Office, she said that the presence of one more Orthodox country in the EU will be beneficial and will promote Christian values.

On his part, the Patriarch thanked Psarouda for Greece's support to efforts being made by Romania for accession to the EU and stressed that Romania's Orthodox Church must preserve its identity with accession, but at the same time it must be open to those European values which coincide with the principles and values of the Gospel.

[13] Preliminary investigation ordered on reports concerning modernization of frigates

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

The investigation was ordered on account of press reports which mentioned that the French THALES company allegedly, according to allegations made by a former member of the company, paid a commission amounting to nine million euros for it to be awarded the project.

An order was also given for an examination of a specific press report according to which the money was paid into an account of an offshore Cypriot company which belonged to a senior official of the Skaramangas Shipyards at the time.

[14] Sports minister addresses UNESCO general conference

PARIS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

Highlights of his presentation was UNESCO's major ministerial conference, MINEPS IV, held in Athens in December 2004.

It was at this meeting that the greatest part of the treaty regarding anti-doping was drawn up and on which the 33rd session's discussion is being based.

Orfanos also referred to Greece's initiatives in the recent past, including efforts to increase women's participation in sports and dealing with racism.

As for future plans, the deputy minister announced Greece's proposal to set up a watchdog organization charged with monitoring women's role in sports. The organization would be headquartered and funded by Greece.

Orfanos also stressed the importance of sports as a means to improve people's quality of life, which is why Greece is in favor of strongly supporting sports on a school level.

In closing, the deputy minister said that Greece's goal following the successful staging of the 2004 Athens Olympics, is to keep the country centre-stage in regards to sports.

[15] PM briefed by deputy culture minister

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

Afterwards, Tatoulis said experts from the ministry are due to tour the Akrotiri archaeological site on the island of Santorini, where a metal covering over a supremely important Iron Age settlement collapsed last month, killing one tourist and injuring several others.

In an unrelated development, the deputy minister said there was absolutely no substance to a press report claiming that the government is considering the possibility of transferring the 2006 Patras Cultural Capital of Europe institution to the town of Merkovouni, in nearby Tripoli.

The prime minister also holds the culture ministry portfolio.

[16] Alternate Culture Minister on Olympic Properties

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

Petralia's statements were made in response to PASOK MPs' allegations regarding lack of transparency and wasteful spending within the company.

"With respect to the principles of transparency, the company proceeded in realizing a strategic plan - quickly and efficiently - which from the first day of its implementation reaped specific and measurable results," she said.

She accused PASOK of resorting to "mud-slinging" since it is unable to "make serious, political proposals".

[17] European Court condemns Greece over illegal dumps

BRUSSELS, 7/10/2005 (ANA - V. Demiris)

The verdict was reached following an application from the European Commission, which said Greece had failed to uphold EU laws required member-states to ensure that solid waste was disposed without posing a risk to human health or to the environment.

Greece did not dispute the arguments of the Commission and admitted that in February 2004 there had been 1,125 unmonitored sites where refuse was buried throughout Greece, while the closure of all these was not expected to occur before 2008.

[18] Dodecannese prefect meets new Turkish consul in Rhodes

RHODES, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

Machairidis congratulated the Turkish consul on positive developments taking place for his country in the European Union, underlining their significance for the progress of the neighboring country's people at all levels.

He also briefed Arda on the effort being made for development on the islands and on continuous initiatives being undertaken in the framework of cooperation between the two sides, mainly during the past few years and at local level.

The Turkish consul thanked the prefect for the welcoming, reassuring him that he will contribute in every way to preserving the positive climate.

[19] Turkish warplanes violate Greek national air space

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

According to sources of the National Defense General Staff, 11 formations of Turkish aircraft made an equal number of air traffic regulation infringements in the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) on Thursday -they failed to submit flight plans- which developed into 22 violations of national air space in the northern, central and southern Aegean.

The 28 Turkish aircraft were recognized and intercepted by Greek air force jets, while in one case the interception process developed into a mock dogfight.

It was also revealed that seven of the Turkish formations were armed.

[20] ECB governing council leaves key interest rates unchanged

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

Flanked by ECB Vice-President Loukas Papademos and the latter's successor to the governorship of the Bank of Greece, Nikos Garganas, Trichet nevertheless reiterated his call for "strong vigilance" due to "ample liquidity in the euro-zone", as he explained.

In further outlining the central bank's rationale for "staying the course" on interest rates, the former chairman of the European Monetary Committee said higher oil prices have "dampened" real GDP in the Union, which he announced as growing on a quarter-to-quarter rate of 0.4 percent and 0.3 percent, respectively, over the first two quarters of this year.

Moreover, he cautiously outlined the ECB's prediction that economic growth may gradually pick up the second half of the year, pointing to what he said were positive prospects for euro-zone exports due to a continued rise in global demand on the external side, in tandem with continued favorable financing conditions within the Union, on the domestic side. Other elements of Trichet's guardedly optimistic outlook were the "robust growth" of corporate earnings and the gradual recovery of consumption in the euro-zone.

Expectedly, the primary "risk" vis-à-vis this prediction, according to Trichet, was the price of oil, combined with concerns about global imbalances and weak consumer confidence. Conversely, he more-or-less dismissed any medium- or long-term economic effects of the recent hurricanes in the United States.

President Karolos Papoulias hosts reception for European Central Bank governor: President Karolos Papoulias hosted a reception at the Presidential Mansion in honor of European Central Bank Governor Jean-Claude Trichet on Thursday night, underlining the economic repercussions from the introduction of the euro in Greece and the eurozone in his address.

"The euro offered my country monetary stability and protection from profiteering pressures. It also offered lower interest rates and therefore, among other things, the possibility of more accessible loaning, a fact having special importance for acquiring a home and for investments," President Papoulias said.

"In parallel to these considerable achievements, its circulation was combined, just as was the case in other countries, with an increase in the prices of certain products and services. This explains why a section of my fellow countrymen realizes its significance, on the one hand, but faced it with a critical mood, however, as regards this dimension," he added.

Trichet said that the European Central Bank will continue to work in the direction of increasing the eurozone's growth rates and the creation of new jobs in a stable macroeconomic environment.

The reception was attended by the members of the European Central Bank's board, including its vice president Loukas Papademos.

Prime Minister hosts dinner for ECB's executive board: Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis hosted a dinner for the President of the European Central Bank (ECB) Jean-Claude Trichet and the members of the bank's executive board, in the Ancient Agora under the Acropolis, on Thursday evening.

The ECB's executives held a meeting in Athens for the first time ever earlier in the day.

In an address, the prime minister said that the economic and monetary union constituted the "most advanced pylon of the common European edifice". "The introduction of the Euro and the establishment of the European Central Bank is one of the most important landmark in the course towards European integration," he added.

"It was the initial move in a comprehensive plan, a plan which had been worked out and is now being implemented with the aim of making European economy capable in dealing with world changes and challenges...The globalization of markets and the ever increasing international competition proved that the plan was, and is, not only feasible but also absolutely necessary, in all its extend, regarding both monetary stability and fiscal reform as well as structural changes," Karamanlis said.

The prime minister also referred at length to the achievements of the Greek government in the sector of economy in the past 18 months

[21] Environment minister unveils new scheme for funding of land registry by owners

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

Under the new system, the registry fee will be levied from owners that are just now including their property in the land registry but also those whose property has already been registered under previous land registry schemes.

Souflias said the fee will be levied in two parts: the first will be a ¬ 35 flat fee per registration right, excepting storage areas such as garages and sheds for which the fee will be ¬ 20; the second will be a variable based on the value of the property as calculated in tax office 'objective values' charts minus ¬ 20,000, with owners called on to pay 0.14 per cent of this sum as a fee. The first fee will be paid when the property is first registered, while the second will be due once the registry lists are published. 'Objective values' used for tax purposes are usually significantly lower than the market values for property.

According to the minister, properties worth up to ¬ 20,000 for tax purposes will thus be exempt from the second payment and represent roughly 30 per cent of the total. For agricultural land, meanwhile, owners will only pay a maximum of two land registry fees, even if more properties are declared.

Souflias noted that the scheme will secure the necessary funding for the land registry project fairly, so that owners with higher-value properties will have a higher share of the burden.

He said the state's share of the costs will come to ¬ 250 million, of which ¬ 120 million will cover the cost of registering state-owned properties and ¬ 130 million will be the state's contribution to the overall costs of the project. The state will also have to pay another ¬ 40 million representing half the cost of funds contributed by the 3rd Community Support Framework.

He clarified that the EU refused to fund any more land registry projects due to their chequeued past and would only co-fund small-scale supportive actions related to the work.

The minister described the government's proposed fee scheme as "fair and realistic", dismissing the ¬ 20 flat-fee scheme prepared by the previous PASOK government as "unfair and pre-electoral".

Souflias also promised that the land registry project will be carried out better and more cheaply than under the previous government, without the delays and budget overruns that had marked previous efforts under PASOK.

He said the government's plan forecast the completion of the program by 2010, during which it would register 7.2 million property rights, including the transfer of the Dodecanese land registry into digital form, with a total cost of ¬ 270 million euros.

Technical chamber welcomes gov't move on land registry: The Technical Chamber of Greece on Thursday welcomed statements earlier in the day by Public Works Minister George Souflias on creation a land registry for the country.

"The direction is positive, as well as activation of this long-term development project," the chamber said in a statement.

A land registry was a necessity for the country as a whole, the statement added.

[22] Greece expects investments worth 3.5 bln euros in energy sector

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, the Greek minister said the draft bill was the result of an exhaustive dialogue with PPC's workers and other market participants, although he stressed he was open to new proposals during a debate procedure in parliament. Sioufas reminded that the European Commission last week begun legal proceedings against Greece for delaying he deregulation of energy markets.

Development Deputy Minister George Salagoudis and the ministry's secretary-general Nikos Stephanou on Thursday presented four draft bills envisaging the deregulation of electricity and natural gas markets, promoting bio-fuel and forming a National Energy Strategy Council.

The Development ministry expects the inflow of investments totalling 3.5 billion euros in the energy market.

The bio-fuel draft bill paves the way for the production of diesel and petrol oil from raw materials such as cotton and wheat. Speaking to reporters, Salagoudis said the draft bill aimed to reduce the country's dependence from oil. Under a community directive, Greece should cover around 5.75 pct of oil consumption from bio-diesel by the year 2010.

[23] Greek exports surge 24 percent in August, yr/yr

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

NSS, in its monthly report, said the total value of import-arrivals in August was 3.108 billion euros, from 2.753 billion euros in the corresponding month last year (an increase of 12.9 pct), while the total value of export-deliveries in August was 992.8 million euros from 800.6 million in 2004 (an increase of 24 pct).

[24] Tourist development minister visits region of Ipiros

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

Avramopoulos pointed out during the talks that Ipiros has considerable ground for tourist development and investments, adding that his ministry is already preparing programs to enable the wider region, also through suitable promotion and advertising, to become one of the top destinations in the country very soon.

"We Greeks must be grateful to Ipiros, to its great contribution and to the national benefactors and we must stand with respect for the region's history, but mainly with responsibility in its future," the minister said and further stressed that what will judge the future of Greek tourism is quality in services provided and in infrastructures.

[25] KKE leader blasts planned privatizations of public utilities

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

Papariga also lashed out at the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology party for restricting its criticism of privatizations to minor issues rather than the main problem.

She stressed that privatizations were not in the interests of the workforce, as the government was trying to present them, but chiefly benefited private capital.

Regarding the rates charged by public utilities, Papariga predicted that these would not be reduced when these were privatized but would either increase or else the profit would come by lowering wages, extending working hours and increasing exploitation of the workforce.

[26] Contract signed for Thessaloniki-Kavala motorway

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

The project will be completed in two years and includes the improvement of the existing Thessaloniki-Kavala motorway on a section about 51 kilometres long.

According to a relevant announcement, Intrakat's signed contracts since the beginning of the year amount to 51.2 million euros.

[27] Partners of European Union Greenergy program meeting in Thessaloniki

THESSALONIKI, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

The meeting is being attended by 23 partners from 25 EU countries which include research and university foundations from all EU countries, technological institutes and small and medium size businesses in the fruit and vegetables sector, as well as cooperatives and farmers unions having experience and knowledge in installing and operating greenhouses.

[28] Greek households rich in use of telecoms services

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

The survey showed that 87 percent of Greek households based their selections of telephone provider to the cost of services, while one in two households spend 25-50 euros per month on telephone calls.

The mobile telephony industry's penetration in the Greek market reached 70 percent, or 6.2 million owners of active mobile phones, with contract-based users almost equally sharing the market with pre-paid subscribers. Low rates, network coverage and low messaging costs were the three major factors in selecting a mobile telephony operator in the country.

The survey said that Internet penetration in Greek households was a mere 16 percent, sharply down compared with a 25 percent average in Europe. Around 86 percent of Internet users were using dial-up connections, with the average weekly use of Internet totaled one-two hours for 25.2 percent of users. An impressive 43 percent of users said a broadband connection was necessary, while 25 percent said they knew nothing about broadband services.

The survey was conducted in the first two weeks of July to 1,801 households around the country.

[29] Greece backs single European, US air market

BRUSSELS, 7/10/2005 (ANA/B Demiris)

Liapis was addressing a meeting of EU transport ministers in Luxembourg that debated talks underway between the bloc and the US government on a reciprocal opening of their air markets.

Liapis also said that Greece backed deregulation of international passenger transportation after 2010, although he expressed reservations about lifting regulations involving internal rail transport.

The minister proposed a gradual shift to free competition beyond 2012.

On January 1, 2006 international freight transport by rail is to be liberated; and on January 1, 2007 all categories of freight transport, including internal movement.

[30] State travel board awards publicity campaign abroad

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

The contract for the campaign worth 1.45 million euros is to span 42 countries.

"We are building the largest publicity campaign ever in order to further strengthen and upgrade our national tourism product," an official said after a meeting of the GNTO, the tourism development ministry and the winners of the tender.

Greece is to be promoted as a "mega brand" at the start of a decade-long project for the country's top sector for employment and revenue.

[31] Intracom launches division spin-off

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

In a statement to the Athens Stock Exchange, management said that telecom solutions and electronic defense systems would be transferred to two other group companies - Ilida Hellas SA and Praxis Automations SA.

On completion of the transfer of business, the two firms would become full members of the Intracom Group. The parent firm would hold IT services and telecom operations, finally become a holding company.

September 30, 2005 is the balance sheet restructuring date, the statement said.

Intracom, which is included in the FTSE/ASE-20 large capitalization index, has 5,450 employees and sells its products and services in 60 countries, focusing on the European Union, North Africa, the Middle East and the USA. The Greece-based firm has subsidiaries in 16 countries.

[32] ECB leaves interest rates unchanged at 2.0 pct

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

[33] Greek stocks end 1.07 pct lower

ATHENS, 7/10/2005 (ANA)

Sector indices ended lower with the Refineries (4.86 pct), Textiles (2.12 pct), Industrials (1.67 pct), IT Solutions (1.56 pct), IT (1.40 pct) and Holdings (1.38 pct), suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day. The Insurance (0.74 pct), Publications (0.32 pct), Telecoms (0.14 pct) and Real Estate (0.03 pct) scored gains.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 1.03 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 0.87 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index dropped 1.14 pct.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 204 to 69 with another 55 issues unchanged.