Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-10-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] Main opposition leader, EU Socialists meet with Ecumenical Patriarch

[02] FM briefs EU officials on Greek positions regarding FYROM name

[03] Gov't, main opposition bicker over FYROM name issue

[04] FYROM name a bilateral issue, Rehn says

[05] FMs of SE Europe countries to convene in Rhodes on Friday

[06] Deputy FM Evripidis Stylianidis to make official visit to Cyprus on Thursday and Friday

[07] EU regional committee discusses combatting terrorism

[08] PM addresses letter of congratulations to German Chancellor Angela Merkel

[09] Ceremony held on Acropolis to mark Athens' liberation from Nazis

[10] EU's Council of Justice and Interior Ministers concluded

[11] Papoulias in Veria on Friday

[12] Gov't measures to help Pakistanis in Greece to return home

[13] Coalition party leader Alekos Alavanos visits Lesvos

[14] Commission to step up exchange of law enforcement information within EU

[15] Main opposition says gov't in violation of Constitution, EU law

[16] PM holds talks with ND party secretary

[17] FinMin Alogoskoufis says economic situation in EU improving, after briefing premier

[18] No question of any other favorable tax arrangement, finance minister says

[19] Main opposition again calls for new 2006 budget

[20] 84 projects from INTERREG III Greece-Bulgaria program being funded

[21] Banca del Gottardo seeks to open investment bank in Greece

[22] Intralot signs 10-year deal with Montana's lottery organization

[23] National Insurance to buy two firms in Romania

[24] EU takes Greece to court over transport breach

[25] National Bank of Greece eyes buyouts in SE Europe

[26] Germanos wins project for Chinese telecoms supplier

[27] 'International Tourism Salon - Athens 2006' exhibition to be held from November 23-26

[28] Greek industrial production index up 1.4 pct in August, yr/yr

[29] Greek stocks end 0.3 pct higher

[30] Mikis Theodorakis honored by Cypriot President

[31] Nobel laureate Gerardus 't Hooft on hand for events focusing on int'l year of physics

[32] Greece beats Georgia 1-0 in World Cup qualifier

[33] Cypriot government disappointed over Turkish statements

[34] Committee for a European solution in Cyprus presents proposal

[01] Main opposition leader, EU Socialists meet with Ecumenical Patriarch

ISTANBUL, 13/10/2005 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)

Vartholomeos informed the delegation of the problems the patriarchate and other Christian minorities face in Turkey and provided the delegation with a list of pending issues in writing.

The same memo has also been included in the progress report drafted by the European Commission.

Lipponen said that the issue of religious freedom is a top priority for the EU and added that the patriarchate's problems concern all of Europe.

"I think it was very useful for the delegation to meet and talk with the Patriarch," Papandreou said.

On his part, Vartholomeos said that he was satisfied with the EU's decision to begin accession talks with Turkey.

He acknowledged that Turkey has a lot to do, but added that "we are optimistic."

He also expressed hope that developments surrounding EU-Turkish relations will be positive for the re-opening of the Theological School of Halki.

The ESP delegation also met with representatives of non-governmental organizations, with trade unions, women's organizations and minority representatives in order to be briefed on existing problems in Turkey and to assess the country's progress towards adopting EU principles.

On Thursday, the delegation will meet with Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul and head of EU negotiations Ali Babacan.

[02] FM briefs EU officials on Greek positions regarding FYROM name

ATHENS, 13/10/2005 (ANA)

Molyviatis spoke with Jack Straw, Foreign Secretary of Great Britain, which currently holds the rotating EU Presidency; EU High Commissioner for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and Secretary General of the EU Council Javier Solana; and E. Brock, Secretary of the EU Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee.

Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis discussed the same issue with European Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn.

[03] Gov't, main opposition bicker over FYROM name issue

ATHENS, 13/10/2005 (ANA)

PASOK MP and the party's Foreign Affairs Coordinator Michalis Chrysohoidis accused the government of systematically avoiding to inform parliament on national issues, particularly at a time when developments surrounding the FYROM name issue are unfolding.

In response, Committee President Vassilis Magginas noted that the government had taken the initiative to convene the Foreign Policy Council.

Other PASOK MPs claimed that the government's only foreign policy achievement was to make the United States a strategic ally without securing any benefits for Greece.

On his part, ruling ND MP Yiannis Kefalogiannis blamed PASOK for its actions in 1995, when it had then signed an interim agreement.

"A new impasse in terms of foreign policy in the Balkans is emerging," former Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) President Nikos Constantopoulos said.

[04] FYROM name a bilateral issue, Rehn says

BRUSSELS, 13/10/2005 (ANA/V. Demiris)

Rehn's comments were made after his meeting with FYROM Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski here in Brussels.

Asked to comment on the latest proposals put forward by UN Special Envoy Matthew Nimetz regarding FYROM's name, Rehn replied that Greece and FYROM must continue their constructive dialogue under the aegis of the United Nations.

Rehn and Buckovski met on Wednesday to discuss the progress report the European Commission is to submit on November 9 ahead of December's EU Summit which will focus on FYROM's European aspirations.

[05] FMs of SE Europe countries to convene in Rhodes on Friday

ATHENS, 13/10/2005 (ANA)

Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis and Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis will arrive in Rhodes at noon on Thursday, while the informal conference will also be attended by Turkish Minister of State Beshir Atalay.

According to the program, the informal conference is being organized by the Inter-Balkan conference's Greek Presidency and issues to be examined concern the strengthening of political dialogue between member-states and the promotion of regional cooperation, as well as issues regarding cooperation on the development of regional infrastructures, institutional backing for the Inter-Balkan conference and the countries' European prospects.

[06] Deputy FM Evripidis Stylianidis to make official visit to Cyprus on Thursday and Friday

ATHENS, 13/10/2005 (ANA)

Stylianidis, according to an announcement by the foreign ministry, will explain the way with which Hellenic AID functions and experience obtained from its course so far. He will also brief the Cypriot side on know-how issues possessed by Greece, particularly after its recent contribution to relief for the victims of the tsounami in Southeastern Asia.

Possibilities of cooperation between Greece and Cyprus on development cooperation and aid issues will also be probed.

Stylianidis will have successive meetings with Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, House of Representatives Speaker Demetris Christofias, Democratic Rally party leader Nikos Anastasiadis and the dean of the University of Cyprus Stavros Zenios.

The deputy foreign minister will further examine issues of bilateral political and economic interest with Foreign Minister George Iakovou and Finance Minister Mihalis Sarris.

Lastly, Stylianidis will visit and lay wreaths at the Makedonitissa Tomb and at the tombs in the Nicosia prison's courtyard.

Turkey obliged to adjust to European demands: If Turkey does not adjust itself to European demands, then, with the responsibility of its leadership, will ruin by itself the most optimistic perspective for the future of its people, Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis said on Wednesday in an exclusive interview to the Cyprus News Agency.

The Greek minister also called on Ankara to seriously consider and decide on its next steps with responsibility and in a modern spirit, otherwise it "will itself cancel the effort".

Referring to Turkey's start of EU accession talks, he said that through negotiations Greece and Cyprus managed to become "arbitrators while Turkey is to be judged for the next fifteen or more years".

[07] EU regional committee discusses combatting terrorism

BRUSSELS, 13/10/2005 (ANA/M. Aroni)

The Regional Committee is being called on to present its opinion on the European Commission's announcement on the issue of terrorism and to propose further action.

Bakoyiannis said local administration institutions can play a crucial role both in preventing and cracking down on terrorism.

"Terrorism, as it was proved in London, is not only imported but it is also a byproduct of our own societies. It is necessary for us to mobilize society as the main factor of prevention," she said.

The Athens mayor further said that what is necessary is coordination among legal systems, cooperation among police forces and the exchange of information, but at the same time the dignity, freedom and private lives of citizens must be safeguarded.

"The path to combatting terrorism is long and it is doubtful if we shall ever succeed in eradicating it completely," Bakoyiannis said and pointed out that the path to combatting terrorism cannot be effective without the active participation at all levels of the EU's local and regional authorities.

[08] PM addresses letter of congratulations to German Chancellor Angela Merkel

ATHENS, 13/10/2005 (ANA)

The prime minister mentioned in his letter the excellent relations already existing between the two countries, as well as the ground for closer cooperation for the further promotion of European integration.

[09] Ceremony held on Acropolis to mark Athens' liberation from Nazis

ATHENS, 13/10/2005 (ANA)

As in 1944, high-school girls wearing traditional costumes carried the Flag of Liberation to the Acropolis, where it was raised as the national anthem was played.

Mihaloliakos said the ceremony was a tribute to the heroes of the Greek resistance, whose sacrifices helped bring the dawn of freedom more quickly. The wager for Greeks today was to stamp out corruption and beat unemployment, he added.

[10] EU's Council of Justice and Interior Ministers concluded

BRUSSELS, 13/10/2005 (ANA)

According to an announcement by the justice ministry, speaking on the issue of the draft decision on maintaining electronic communications data, Papaligouras said that organized crime and terrorism can only be combated with joint action on European and international level.

The minister also stressed, both in the framework of the council and in bilateral contacts with European counterparts, the need for the golden mean to be found between the greatest possible effectiveness in the security sector and the minimum intervention possible in the achievements of European democratic culture and the protection of individual rights.

Papaligouras further stressed the need for a sober approach and balance between security and freedom and insisted on the need of restricting and strictly determining the field of implementation of data maintenance which Greece wants, among other countries, with the exclusion of data maintenance concerning unsuccessful calls and Internet chat.

On the question of the cost of maintenance, the minister proposed a mutual arrangement by the "25", while the issue should not be left to the member-states to handle since there would be the risk of competition being circumvented.

[11] Papoulias in Veria on Friday

ATHENS, 13/10/2005 (ANA)

[12] Gov't measures to help Pakistanis in Greece to return home

ATHENS, 13/10/2005 (ANA)

"The purpose of the meeting with the Pakistani ambassador was, among other things, to inform him of our intention to make it easier for Pakistani nationals who are being detained by our authorities for deportation, to return to their country and their families after [Saturday's] catastrophic earthquake," Voulgarakis said.

In a related move, the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) announced on Wednesday that from October 11-31 it will be offering calling cards at significantly lower rates to enable Pakistanis and Indians living in Greece to communicate with their families at home.

The cards will enable users to call Pakistan and India at a rate of ¬ 0.15 per 30 seconds, an 86% reduction in rates.

[13] Coalition party leader Alekos Alavanos visits Lesvos

LESVOS, 13/10/2005 (ANA)

"Financial bloodletting" they were experiencing was the main issue raised by the merchants of Mytilene with Alavanos. They stressed that this was due to the fact that a large number of local inhabitants shop the commodities they need from merchants in Ayvalik and in other cities along the Turkish coast.

The President of the Mytilene Trade Union George Orfanos told Alavanos that by September 29, 47,000 people had gone to Turkey from Mytilene, adding that substantive economic incentives must be given to all the permanent inhabitants of the islands to prevent the population of Lesvos from leaving for major urban centers in the country. Many merchants complained that at the moment they are even unable to cover their operational costs.

Alavanos said that measures must be taken to balance the travel of local inhabitants of Lesvos to Turkey with the arrival of Turkish visitors on the island.

[14] Commission to step up exchange of law enforcement information within EU

BRUSSELS, 13/10/2005 (ANA/V.Demiris)

According to the Commission's proposal, member states' law enforcement authorities will be able to access DNA information, fingerprints, license plate numbers, telephone numbers and other communication data and names contained in civil registers.

With the proposed measures, the Commission aims to improve cooperation between police and judicial authorities and falls within the framework of measures that were agreed on in November 2004.

"As this new basis for the exchange of information will have an impact on the personal data of many citizens, protection against unlawful processing is ensured by an accompanying proposal for a Council Framework Decision on the protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, recently adopted by the Commission on 4 October 2005," a Commission press release stated.

[15] Main opposition says gov't in violation of Constitution, EU law

ATHENS, 13/10/2005 (ANA)

"The Parliamentary Research Division has identified most of these violations," which PASOK MPs Andreas Loverdos and Dinos Rovlias cite in their report, Athanassakis said.

Athanassakis accused the government of acting "arbitrarily and independently of the Constitution and EU laws and regulations in terms of legislation".

KKE focuses more on young people, Papariga says

Secretary General of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Aleka Papariga presented her party's proposals aimed at helping young adults face today's challenges, in her address at a party event on Wednesday.

According to Papariga, the obstacles young adults face are a result of the political and economic dominance of capital and the governments which serve it.

She noted that the party's youth organization, KNE, has been effective in protecting youngsters' rights to education and employment, in confronting chauvinism and nationalism, in fighting unemployment and in trying to reveal the truth regarding the situation in the Balkans, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Papariga said that young adults and women are the main victims of unemployment, the capitalist crisis and the aggression of imperialism.

The KKE leader called on young people to abandon other political parties and to help strengthen the KKE cause.

[16] PM holds talks with ND party secretary

ATHENS, 13/10/2005 (ANA)

[17] FinMin Alogoskoufis says economic situation in EU improving, after briefing premier

ATHENS, 13/10/2005 (ANA)

After the meeting, Alogoskoufis told waiting reporters that the economic situation in Europe appeared to be improving, although there seemed to be stagnation, for the time being. He also noted the concern that existed due to the high petrol prices and their repercussions on growth, revenues and inflation.

Alogoskoufis said that, given this specific state of affairs, the developments in the Greek economy were "very positive", as the rate of growth was increasing and the deficits were declining without a simultaneous increase in unemployment.

He said it was important that the country achieve its fiscal adaptation without repercussions on unemployment, and stressed that the economy was anticipating a boost from the growth in the European economy.

The minister further noted the fact that there was a stable government in Germany was a positive factor.

Ministry sources told ANA that there was no issue of introducing additional direct taxes or increasing indirect taxes.

[18] No question of any other favorable tax arrangement, finance minister says

ATHENS, 13/10/2005 (ANA)

Alogoskoufis further said that "all who are inconsistent with their debts must realize at last that they cannot continue to owe and not pay, waiting for a new arrangement", adding that relevant tax audits will be intensified.

The minister mentioned that outstanding debts have amounted to 17 billion euros, meaning 10 percent of GDP and from this, according to assessments, only 10 billion euros are receivable, while the remaining seven billion are either owed by businesses which have closed down or concern payments which are doubtful.

Referring to the issue of the conversion into securities of outstanding debts owed to the Hellenic state, Alogoskoufis stressed that it will take place in absolute agreement with the European Statistical Service's rules.

"If, despite this, there are differences they will be resolved by the Council of Finance Ministers," he added and clarified that the conversion of uncollected revenues for 2006 into securities is not part of the additional fiscal adjustment and that the decrease in the deficit by 0.8 GDP units for next year will take place exclusively with structural measures.

Opposition parties, however, voted against the new budget, calling it "stale and socially unfair".

PASOK party rapporteur Andreas Makripidis called on the government to withdraw the draft budget because, as he said, it is up in the air.

"This tactic with the economic indicators is a mockery towards Parliament. It will be the second budget which the government of ND will revise and this shows the superficial way with which it handles the country's serious issues," he said.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) rapporteur Angelos Tzekis said "the new budget as well only favors big interests," adding that the present government is continuing to do what the previous one of PASOK used to do with "accounting alchemies".

Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology party rapporteur Yiannis Dragasakis reiterated his party's proposal for the establishment of a minimum guaranteed income and termed the draft budget "counter-productive, ineffective and socially unfair".

The discussion will be continued on Thursday with the views of social and trade union agencies.

[19] Main opposition again calls for new 2006 budget

ATHENS, 13/10/2005 (ANA)

Rejecting the budget currently in parliament's committee stage, PASOK spokesman Nikos Athanassakis accused the government of making concessions to big business and taking from people on middle and low incomes.

He said that the prime minister and finance minister were personally responsible.

Earlier this week, PASOK claimed that the budget envisaged a decline in real income for the first time in 12 years; a freeze on investment to 1997 levels; a decline in spending on health and education as a percentage of gross domestic product; and a fabricated drop in joblessness.

[20] 84 projects from INTERREG III Greece-Bulgaria program being funded

THESSALONIKI, 13/10/2005 (ANA)

Measures activated by the end of September in the Greece-Bulgaria program corresponded to about 80 percent of its total budget, compared to 76 percent in April. The remaining amount concerns "private business activities" and the relevant invitation for proposals to be submitted will open at the end of October or in early November.

Funds from the program provide backing, among other projects, for quite a few projects regarding the Egnatia motorway and ringroads in the regions of Orestiada-Kastanies and Didimotiho-Orestiada.

Moreover, part of the EU funds has been directed to upgrading part of the Alexandroupoli-Ormenio railway line for the part between the railway station of Marasi until the Greek-Bulgarian borders.

[21] Banca del Gottardo seeks to open investment bank in Greece

ATHENS, 13/10/2005 (ANA)

A senior executive of Gottardo, Antonio Sergi, told a news conference in Athens on Wednesday that the move showed the bank's confidence in Greece and planned reform of the market.

"Our aim is to attract capital for investment in Greece," Sergi said.

Banca del Gottardo is wholly owned by Swiss Life, Switzerland's largest insurer. Customers are more than 800 institutionals and 5,000 major clients, its Greek representative, Evangelos Agapitos, noted.

Dynamiki's president and managing director, Alexandros Poularikas, said that Gottardo currently owned 16% of the brokerage's share capital, also holding two seats on its board of directors. The Swiss bank also has an option to buy up to 50% of stock when the new investment bank is created.

[22] Intralot signs 10-year deal with Montana's lottery organization

ATHENS, 13/10/2005 (ANA)

Intralot won an international tender: The seven-year contract - with an option for extending the contract for another three years -- offers a commission of more than 25 million US dollars during the 10-year period. The new system is expected to begin operation in March 31, 2006.

Under the contract, Intralot will install 750 Coronis HE terminals as well as the on-line system Lotos O/S using an IBM AIX platform along with a satellite network to link terminals with the main system.

[23] National Insurance to buy two firms in Romania

ATHENS, 13/10/2005 (ANA)

The acquisition of Alpha Insurance Romania is accompanied by a five-year commercial cooperation pact between National Insurance and Alpha Bank Romania for the provision of insurance services.

[24] EU takes Greece to court over transport breach

BRUSSELS, 13/10/2005 (ANA/M Spinthourakis)

"The aim of the infringed legislation is to develop combined transport as an alternative to road transport by, inter alia, banning any quotas or prior authorizations for combined transport operations between Member States," the Commission said in a statement.

"An Austrian company performing such combined transport operations from Austria to Greece complained to the Commission that the Greek authorities had prevented its trucks from carrying out the final road section, having accused them of undertaking illegal road transport," the statement said.

The ban was viewed as a failure to respect EU legislation and ensure that transport companies from other member states can perform initial and final road haulage in combined transport operations, the Commission noted.

An EU directive states that member states should not restrict the initial and final road section of a combined transport operation within the bloc through any quota or authorization.

Referral to the Court of Justice may result in a judgment being given against a member state for failing to meet its obligations under European law.

[25] National Bank of Greece eyes buyouts in SE Europe

ATHENS, 13/10/2005 (ANA)

Part of management's plan is to take capital out of non-strategic businesses to help fund its investment drive, National's governor, Takis Arapoglou, told a news conference in the port city of Patras on Wednesday.

"The future for investment lies in the Balkans," he said.

On Tuesday, National announced the sale of its US operation, Atlantic Bank.

Replying to a reporter's question, the governor stated that National has no plans to merge with blue-chip Alpha Bank. The country's two largest banks attempted a merger several years ago, which fell through.

[26] Germanos wins project for Chinese telecoms supplier

ATHENS, 13/10/2005 (ANA)

The deal for the project was signed on September 9, 2005, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The Greek firm will supply batteries, supply systems and power generators accompanied by technical support services, Germanos said in a statement on Wednesday.

Headquartered in Shenzhen, Huawei's customer list includes over 300 operators in 90 countries, while its sales for 2004 exceeded USD 5.8 billion, the statement said.

[27] 'International Tourism Salon - Athens 2006' exhibition to be held from November 23-26

ATHENS, 13/10/2005 (ANA)

Karahristos said he undertook the organization of the ITS-Athens 2006, centering on its professional dimension and its international projection.

He said the aim of the organizing company is for this exhibition to become a forum for the complete projection of Greece's tourism product.

The basic aims set is for this exhibition to constitute a point of business and professional meetings in the tourism sector, with the invitation of selected visitors (buyers) from abroad and trade visitors from Greece, an area for the international projection of modern Greek tourism products.

[28] Greek industrial production index up 1.4 pct in August, yr/yr

ATHENS, 13/10/2005 (ANA)

NSS, in its monthly report, said the mining production index rose 5.2 pct in August, the manufacturing index was up 1.1 percent and the electricity-natural gas-water production index rose 1.5 pct over the same period.

[29] Greek stocks end 0.3 pct higher

ATHENS, 13/10/2005 (ANA)

Sector indices ended higher with the Wholesale (2.40 pct), Telecommunications (1.39 pct), Food-Beverage (1.33 pct) and IT Solutions (1.18 pct), scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while the Holdings (1.13 pct), Insurance (0.68 pct), Metals (0.33 pct) and Industrials (0.17 pct) suffered losses.

Dealers said buying activity focused on selected small and high capitalization stocks.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.47 pct, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.03 pct up and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index rose 0.89 pct.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 147 to 125 with another 56 issues unchanged.

Stock Futures: