Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-10-15

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Molyviatis reiterates Greek support for the Balkans' EU prospects

[02] Parliament to ratify Bulgaria's, Romania's accession treaty

[03] EU Regional Policy commissioner Hubner due next week for talks with gov't

[04] PM calls for 'united front' by society against corruption and graft

[05] PASOK party leader says PM and government showing 'phenomena of confusion and hypocrisy'

[06] Papandreou slams gov't policy for farmers

[07] Deputy FM on int'l development aid

[08] Premier Karamanlis confirms Greece's unwavering support to Cyprus

[09] Foreign Ministry Secretary-General meets Austrian counterpart in Vienna

[10] Commission hails Greek initiative for Balkan meeting on avian flu

[11] US undersec'y of state Burns interview in FYROM newspaper

[12] Foreign ministry, PASOK blast statements by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State on

[13] Deputy public order minister rejects accusations of partisan options and persecution in the Greek Police force

[14] ND deputies lodge question in Parliament on paid committees existing between 1996 and 2004

[15] KKE leader calls on Greek people to 'systematically resist, claim and change political orientations'

[16] Athens Bar Association says bill on money laundering violates European Human Rights Convention and Greek constitution

[17] Greek officials congratulate Hellenic Community of Cairo on 100th anniversary

[18] New Greek envoy to US holds meetings in NY

[19] FinMin says SE Europe 'has the prerequisites to constitute the economic miracle of the next 20 years'

[20] Greek economy: weekly review

[21] Greek gov't seeks new ways to promote standardization

[22] Greek Tourism minister to visit New York

[23] PM on lignite-fired power plant in Messinia

[24] Deputy Transport Minister discusses air navigation with Eurocontrol chief

[25] IFACTA's 22nd European conference begins in Rhodes

[26] Lebanese tour operators and tourism entrepreneurs in Thessaloniki over the weekend

[27] FYROM to pass law adapting bourse to EU

[28] Bulgaria working to apply EU rules to bourse

[29] Cypriot gov't bonds may trade on joint platform with Greece

[30] Greek stocks end week 1.48 pct lower

[31] St. Demetrios mosaic icon from Italy to travel to Thessaloniki for feast of the city's patron saint

[32] Cultural Capitals Symposium opens at Zappeion

[33] Crete gives Europe "The Abduction of Europa"

[34] Aristotelion University renews cooperation with Melbourne's La Trobe

[35] President Papoulias addresses conference of provincial press

[36] Singer E. Paspala performs at Vienna Concert Hall

[37] Mayors sign protocol for the twinning of Thessaloniki and Korce

[38] Bishop of Erythres Amphilohios elected metropolitan of New Zealand

[39] General assembly of European Federation of Victims of Traffic Accidents begins in Rhodes on Saturday

[40] Former judge jailed pending a trial for accepting bribes

[41] Justice Minister visits Halkidiki prison

[42] Priest arrested on the island of Lesvos on charges of pimping

[43] Papadopoulos: Cyprus to make representations to Britain

[44] Cyprus government ready to participate in new talks for a solution

[45] Cyprus government: US stance promotes secessionism

[01] Molyviatis reiterates Greek support for the Balkans' EU prospects

RHODES, 15/10/2005 (ANA)

"All the countries of the region, without exception, must and have a right to progress toward accession, each at its own pace and in its own time, depending on the speed that they fulfill the criteria required," the minister said.

Regarding the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), meanwhile, Molyviatis said the interim agreement of 1995 made a specific reference to the name with which Greece's neighbor could join the EU.

Molyviatis expressed satisfaction with the "constructive discussion" that took place during the SEECP meeting and said there had been a serious effort by the countries in the region to "set aside a past of friction, tension and crisis" and to set their sights on a European future of stability, peace and progress.

The Greek minister praised a report on Kosovo submitted by special UN envoy Kai Eide to the UN Security Council, of which Greece is currently a non-permanent member, saying it was a "thorough and balanced analysis, that does not attempt to conceal the black spots of the situation"

He also reiterated Greece's desire for a viable solution in Kosovo, which will "respect international legality, as this is guaranteed by the United Nations Charter, and be compatible with European values and criteria, while also being the result of dialogue and active involvement of all the interested sides and promoting regional stability".

Molyviatis also stressed the importance of good neighborly relations, "which are the basis for building up and reinforcing the European prospects of countries in the region" and emphasized efforts to develop infrastructure for energy and transport.

Earlier, diplomatic sources said that Greece did not anticipate any new proposal from UN mediator for the name issue Matthew Nimetz in the near future, following the rejection of his last proposal by Greece.

They also clarified that government references to the possibility of a referendum regarding the dispute with FYROM over its use of the name 'Macedonia' actually concerned whether Greece will ratify FYROM's EU entry, if and when it completed accession negotiations with the EU.

"As long as Skopje uses the name FYROM there is no problem, even if they wish to join the EU under that name," foreign ministry officials said. At the same time, they did not rule out the possibilities of more countries recognizing FYROM as 'Macedonia' on a bilateral level.

With respect to Turkey, they said that the start of accession negotiations would not automatically solve all the problems or airspace violations above the Aegean, overnight but had laid the foundations for overturning a climate of conflict, so that defense spending could be drastically cut.

The same sources said that the biggest weakness of Greek aims was actually the reluctance of other EU member-states to give Turkey full EU membership, noting that this made it difficult to change the climate in the neighboring country.

[02] Parliament to ratify Bulgaria's, Romania's accession treaty

RHODES, 15/10/2005 (ANA)

Molyviatis made the announcement on the sidelines of the informal meeting held on Rhodes by foreign ministers of South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) countries.

Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov and Romanian President Traian Basescu have been invited to attend.

The ratification of the treaties is further evidence of Greece's support to both countries while at the same time it sends a message of support for the European future of the entire Balkan region, Molyviatis said.

[03] EU Regional Policy commissioner Hubner due next week for talks with gov't

ATHENS, 15/10/2005 (ANA)

According to sources, Hubner is slated to meet with national economy and finance minister George Alogoskoufis, environment, town planning and public works minister George Souflias, development minister Dimitris Sioufas, economy deputy minister Christos Folias, and deputy foreign minister George Valinakis.

[04] PM calls for 'united front' by society against corruption and graft

ATHENS, 15/10/2005 (ANA)

"No one can be spared in this battle. The challenge is shared by all citizens and all political forces in the country" Karamanlis said in answer to a question put by the former leader of the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology party Nikos Constantopoulos.

He said the government was in a "constant and head-on collision with phenomena of corruption, graft and greed" in response to Constantopoulos' criticism that the government had done nothing to curb the problems.

Karamanlis also pointed to new laws passed by the government for assigning public works contracts and the revised 'main shareholder' law for discouraging the media from influencing the assignment of public-sector contracts, predicting that tough negotiations now underway with the European Commission in order for the law to be accepted would soon reach their conclusion.

The premier said that the problems and situations created in the past could not be changed from one day to the next but stressed that the government "has made a start".

Constantopoulos countered by saying that the government appeared to have "come to terms" with the corrupt centers that it had earlier condemned, naming a series of areas where he considered graft to be rampant, and stressed that the general public saw both graft and corruption to be undiminished.

In his rejoinder, Karamanlis stressed that the government would never come to terms with graft "because this is removed from our political view of things" and that it would neither tire nor give up in its clash with corruption.

"Our tolerance for phenomena of corruption is nil. This is the path that we are following and will follow until the end, whatever the price," he added.

[05] PASOK party leader says PM and government showing 'phenomena of confusion and hypocrisy'

KOMOTINI, 15/10/2005 (ANA)

Papandreou said that "on the one hand they are in a state of confusion under the weight of the unpleasant outcome of their options and, on the other hand, they are hypocrites who are still pretending to be pure and moralists who are supposedly indignant with all that is happening."

The PASOK party leader said the Karamanlis government "is demolishing the social state and legislating immunity and its only aim is power for the sake of power and produces lies, hypocrisy and unreliability which it attributes to its political opponent."

Referring to the government's economic policy, he said that the Karamanlis government is pinning down the country, it is moving ahead on a socially insensitive path for Greek citizens and it is undermining growth.

Papandreou further said that the Greek economy is not deadlocked, but the economic policy of the Karamanlis government is deadlocked and pointed out, however, that "despite the criminal mistakes of this government the negative course of the Greek economy can be reversed".

He reiterated the phrase "zero tolerance for all that the government says and does, for the lies of New Democracy and for the political options of the Karamanlis government".

Papandreou also referred to his visit to Turkey on Thursday where, as he said, he met with the country's political leadership and had contacts with those leaders who want a European Turkey that will respect, among other things, human rights, religious freedoms and good neighborliness with Greece and Cyprus.

The PASOK leader, concluding his address, said "we are the calm power of progressive forces, the calm river which is surging ahead dynamically, however, and which will sweep away everything conservative being created by New Democracy in this country."

[06] Papandreou slams gov't policy for farmers

KOMOTINI, 15/10/2005 (ANA)

"It cultivated false hopes and is unable to handle even the simple issues. It has no vision for the farming community and, worst of all, it makes farmers feel they have no way out," he said.

Papandreou said the government was failing to adequately prepare for the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and had not even managed to make use of the funds secured by PASOK for farmers up until the year 2013.

"The second message I want to convey is that there is another path for the country's development," Papandreou added, stressing that rural regions would be the "spearhead" of this developmental course and that Thrace would soon be Greece's border with the EU once Bulgaria joined the Community.

PASOK's leader also visited Komotini's industrial zone, where he again criticized the government for its failure to include any of the area's industrial concerns into measures for penalty interest settlement or its new development law.

Papandreou was briefed on the industrial zone's problems by the president of the Rodopi Labor Centre, who noted that 36 out of 96 factories that were recently operating in the area had closed, while another 20 were working at lower capacity, leading to the loss of 1,580 jobs and a jump in the area's unemployment from 7 per cent in 2004 to 18 per cent at present.

The main opposition leader also made a stop at the municipality of Filyra, where there is a high percentage of Moslems in the population.

He noted that Thrace could become a meeting point for cooperation by the peoples in the wider region, especially in view of the future entry of Bulgaria and Romania to the EU and the start of EU accession talks with Turkey.

Responding to Papandreou's statements from Athens, meanwhile, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said that PASOK "led Greek farmers down the road of insecurity and non-existent prospects" when in government, after which it abandoned them to fend for themselves.

"Now, as the opposition, PASOK's president proposes 'another path' without telling them anything about where this begins, the route or where it finally leads to. Greek farmers have had bitter experience with marches into the unknown and roads that lead nowhere. The least they deserve is basic respect," Roussopoulos added.

Papandreou will address party meeting on Saturday on municipal and prefectural elections

Main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou will speak at the Peace and Friendship Stadium in Faliron on Saturday at the start of the sessions of the Meeting of the Regional Committees and Coordinators and Alternate Coordinators of the Prefectural Committees of PASOK.

Discussed at the meeting will be the "Political Framework for Local Government and the Political Planning of Dialogue and Procedures for the Appointment of Candidates for the Municipal and Prefectural Elections".

[07] Deputy FM on int'l development aid

NICOSIA, 15/10/2005 (ANA/A. Viketos)

"When we make other peoples our friends then it is easier to form alliances with the respective governments in order to promote our national interests and rights," he said during a press conference after the seminar.

Stylianidis said that foreign policy is no longer based only on political diplomacy, but also on economic diplomacy and international development cooperation.

He referred to the European Union's commitment that by 2010 the EU-15 must provide aid to developing countries equivalent to 0.51% of GDP, while the 10 new EU member states must provide 0.17% of their GDP as aid to developing countries.

In closing, Stylianidis referred to Greece's relief efforts to Southeast Asia after the December 2004 tsunami, aid allocated to the reconstruction of the Balkans, to the victims of Hurricane Katrina in the US and to the victims of the recent earthquake in Pakistan.

On Friday afternoon, the Greek deputy minister was received by Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos and Parliament President Demetris Christofias.

[08] Premier Karamanlis confirms Greece's unwavering support to Cyprus

NICOSIA, 15/10/2005 (CNA/ANA)

In a congratulatory message to Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of Cyprus' Independence on

1st of October and released in Nicosia on Friday, Karamanlis expressed the warm wishes of the Greek people and himself for the welfare and progress of the Cyprus people.

''I would like to confirm, once again, the unwavering and continuous support of the Greek government to your efforts to achieve an overall, just, viable and mutually acceptable settlement of the Cyprus problem, on the basis of the UN decisions, the Secretary General's proposals and in line with EU principles,'' he added.

Karamanlis said the accession of Cyprus to the EU in May 2004 is a new chapter in the island's history and creates a propitious framework for the success of reunification efforts, for the benefit of the entire population.

[09] Foreign Ministry Secretary-General meets Austrian counterpart in Vienna

VIENNA, 15/10/2005 (ANA/D. Dimitrakoudis)

In the particularly friendly and sincere talks, which were also attended by Greek Ambassador to Austria, Theodoros Sotiropoulos, discussed, other than bilateral issues, were a series of issues of mutual interest and at which there was a useful exchange of views, while the two sides agreed on new regular contacts.

Rokanas stressed to his Austrian interlocutors Greece's interest in the role of Vienna as capital of many international organizations and services, but also as a cultural centre in Europe, noting that a Greek Cultural Centre will soon be inaugurated in Vienna in order for there to be a dynamic cultural presence there.

The Secretary-General of the Greek Foreign Ministry referred to the teaching of the Greek language in Austria, about which his Austrian interlocutors promised that they would help in the efforts for the teaching of Greeks also in Austrian high schools, beyond their already teaching in Austrian universities and at other centers.

Regarding the forthcoming presidency by Austria of the European Union in the fist half of 2006, the two sides agreed on the great importance of cooperation between Greece and Austria on matters such as the European course of the Balkans.

[10] Commission hails Greek initiative for Balkan meeting on avian flu

BRUSSELS, 15/10/2005 (ANA - M. Aroni)

A spokesman for EU Commissioner for health Markos Kyprianou said the Greek initiative would supplement initiatives being taken by the EU at a central level, while noting that the EU will actively participate in the meetings held in the framework of the Greek initiative.

[11] US undersec'y of state Burns interview in FYROM newspaper

SLOPJE, 15/10/2005 (ANA/N Frangopoulos)

In the first part of the interview with Burns appearing on Friday, the US state department official, who is a former US ambassador to Greece, said "I don't see there being something. It would be a shame for Greece to put forward a vet. That would not be right. 'Macedonia' has the right and interest to become a member of NATO and the EU, and it would be a shame for problems to be created in this direction."

However, he added, "I can only speak about NATO, because the US is not a member of the EU".

"We (the US) do not want involvement in this issue of the process. This is why we want to problem of the name to be resolved, and hope that Greece and 'Macedonia' will find a solution," he continued.

Burns further said that some claims that the US had "dictated" to UN special mediator on the FYROM name issue Matthew Nimetz the text of his recent proposal, (which was rejected by Greece as "unacceptable"), "are groundless and exaggerations".

"We did not write the Nimetz proposal. The US position is clear: We support this process in the framework of the United Nations and Mr. Nimetz' efforts. He makes the proposals, and it is not our job to agree with them or not. 'Macedonia and Greece must sit together to reach an agreement," Burns said.

It is noted that a recent announcement by Greece's foreign ministry stated inter alia that the Greek government and people fully retained the right and ability, provided under the 1995 bilateral agreement, for Greece not to agree with FYROM's participation in any international organization if it attempted to do so under any name other than 'Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia' (which is the name under which FYROM is tentatively recognized in international fora pending agreement in the name negotiations).

[12] Foreign ministry, PASOK blast statements by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State on

FYROM ATHENS,15/10/2005 (ANA)

"If all that Mr. Burns said has been conveyed correctly, it is evident that they are very unfortunate statements," the foreign ministry sources said.

"I do not know if they (the statements) have been conveyed correctly. It is evident that if these statements have been conveyed correctly they are unacceptable. And once again there must be, at last, special concern in the government of ND, which announced to us pompously a short time ago and with great joy that our relations with the United States have been upgraded to the level of a strategic partner," Athanassakis said on his part.

Similar statements, were made by PASOK's Political Council foreign policy, security and defense chief Christos Papoutsis.

[13] Deputy public order minister rejects accusations of partisan options and persecution in the Greek Police force

ATHENS,15/10/2005 (ANA)

"The Police are doing well and crime is on the decline. If the service interest was not above everything, the results would not have been as good as those we have today," the deputy minister said.

Criticism by PASOK deputies focused on 862 "unprecedented" transfers of Greek Police officers "half of which have already been annulled by courts and by service councils."

Markoyiannakis, rejecting the criticism, said that 859 officers were transferred during the latest assessments, 259 of whom at their own request.

"This figure is not unprecedented, but it is less than the 2,197 transfers of officers (out of a total of 3,121) which took place in 1994, following successive decisions by the service council which had been convening for months and the machine was churning out minced meat. Some of them were transferred two or three times. In the days of Tsouras in 1995, you placed 150 police directors in retirement," Markoyiannakis said.

[14] ND deputies lodge question in Parliament on paid committees existing between 1996 and 2004

ATHENS,15/10/2005 (ANA)

The deputies, headed by Lefteris Zagoritis, want to know "how many and which paid Committees and Working Groups were created and operated at every ministry during the period between September 23, 1996 and March 7, 2004. What was there work, how many times did each one convene, who participated as regular or substitute members and in what capacity, as well as what was the amount of their remuneration or compensation for their participation in them."

[15] KKE leader calls on Greek people to 'systematically resist, claim and change political orientations'

ATHENS,15/10/2005 (ANA)

Referring to the people's "apathy towards politics", she said that over the past 15 years big negative changes took place since "there were also parties which supported struggles, supported struggles but deceived people, they caused disappointment and all these things bring apathy."

Commenting on a recent opinion poll which gives her party 8 percent of the vote, Papariga said that the influence of KKE is far greater and stressed that the party's recovery will come from the younger ages.

Papariga expressed support for a heating oil subsidy being provided for poorer people, but added that for KKE there is the possibility of the price of oil falling in general and noted that "in general, we support the abolition of V.A.T. on commodities of wide popular consumption."

The KKE leader also referred to the problem of the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), saying that "the term 'Macedonia', to the extent it will be used, must be a purely geographic term and not an ethnic term. There must be respect for borders and there must be no rising of a minority issue in Greece."

[16] Athens Bar Association says bill on money laundering violates European Human Rights Convention and Greek constitution

ATHENS,15/10/2005 (ANA)

The bill tabled in Parliament, according to the Bar Association, anticipates double penalties for offenders, which is not permitted by penal legislation. The relevant European Union directive, which in essence is ratified with the bill, leaves it to the discretion of EU member-states to decide on the issue of the double penalty. However, most European countries have not accepted the double penalty, the Bar Association stressed.

The Bar Association also expresses disagreement with the confiscation of the property of those involved, which is not related to the charge of money laundering and which had been obtained prior to the charge being filed.

According to the bill, all the property of the person involved, regardless of when it was obtained, can be confiscated.

[17] Greek officials congratulate Hellenic Community of Cairo on 100th anniversary

CAIRO,15/10/2005 (ANA/N.Katsikas)

Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos congratulated the Community on "keeping tradition alive".

On his part, Deputy Foreign Minister responsible for Greek expatriates Panayiotis Skandalakis called the community "a historic community that has always been a living part of Hellenism."

He congratulated the community's members and representatives for their humanitarian, cultural, spiritual and social activities expressing hope that their past accomplishments will fuel their determination to continue the community's activities.

Finally, Stefanos Tamvakis, Alternate President of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE), said that the Hellenic Community of Cairo has managed to stand "firm and proud" and to adapt quickly to developments despite difficulties and the passing of a century.

He said a bright future lies ahead for the community.

[18] New Greek envoy to US holds meetings in NY

NEW YORK, 15/10/2005 (ANA/P. Panagiotou)

Mallias told reporters after the meeting that Greece was currently facing certain difficulties, noting that he had briefed the Archbishop in detail.

The Archbishop said that his first meeting with Mallias had been one "of substance" and not a mere courtesy call, adding that they had communicated on an open level.

Mallias was accompanied on his meetings by Greece's General Consul Katerina Boura.

[19] FinMin says SE Europe 'has the prerequisites to constitute the economic miracle of the next 20 years'

THESSALLONIKI,15/10/2005 (ANA)

He said that "if Ireland constitutes the economic miracle of the past twenty years, then southeastern Europe can constitute the economic miracle of the next twenty years."

He added:" Prerequisites exist, as the region possesses great advantages which are more complementary towards the rest of Europe rather than competitive. Of course, for this to be achieved, what is required is the political will for reforms, the will by the governments and understanding by the citizens to overcome the inflexibilities of the past."

He went on to say that "the citizens must have a conscience that what is needed is for the implementation of policies to be stepped up."

[20] Greek economy: weekly review

THESSALLONIKI,15/10/2005 (ANA)

A parliamentary commission this week debated the government's draft budget plan for 2006. During the debate, Alogoskoufis said the country's fiscal deficit was reduced mainly through structural measures and to a lesser extend through one-off measures. Main opposition party Pasok demanded for the withdrawal of the draft budget plan on the grounds that it failed to secure revenue sources.

The Greek government this week approved a draft legislation aimed to restructure licensing of building permits in the country and strengthen the role of town planning agencies.

Bank of Greece governor Nikos Garganas urged for constraint in wage and pension increases to deal with increased inflationary pressures in the country. The central banker, presenting the bank's interim report on monetary policy, said he expected the inflation rate at 3.6-3.7 pct this year and growth rates at 3.5 pct. Garganas said employment was rising, unemployment easing and urged for more efforts to achieve fiscal consolidated in the coming years. GSEE -Greece's largest trade union umbrella- said the report was a blow to workers.

The Bank of Greece, earlier in the week, announced measures aimed to slowdown growth rate of mortgage loans in the country urging financial institutions to raise their provisions.

Greece's state budget deficit fell by 8.5 pct in the first eight months of 2005, compared with the same period last year. The General Accounting Office said the budget deficit fell to 8.103 billion euros in the January-August period, from 8.857 billion euros last year.

Development ministry imposed fines, totalling 611,940 euros, to five Greek banks for imposing illegal fees and penalties to customers.

National Bank of Greece announced the sale of its subsidiary in the US, Atlantic Bank of New York, to New York Community Bank for 400 million US dollars in cash. The deal is part of National Bank's strategy to focus its activities in markets with more dynamic growth rates, such as Southeaster Europe and the Balkans.

[21] Greek gov't seeks new ways to promote standardization

ATHENS,15/10/2005 (ANA)

Commenting on the World Day of Standardization, the Greek minister stressed that the Greek Standardization Organization was currently in a phase of restructuring and review of its policy aimed to become the main pole of attracting interested sectors and agencies. The Organization is expected to present its new regulations by the end of the year.

This year's World Day of Standardization is dedicated to safety.

[22] Greek Tourism minister to visit New York

ATHENS,15/10/2005 (ANA)

The Greek minister will address a seminar on Sunday, organized by the magazine at the Pierre hotel, with some of the leading American journalists in the tourism and travel sector, US tour operators and representatives of the business world included in the audience.

Avramopoulos, accompanied by Aristides Kalogeropoulos-Stratis -Greece's National Tourism Organization president- will be the honored guest at a dinner table organized by Conde Nast on Sunday. The Greek minister will receive the "Readers Choice Awards" for the most popular tourist destinations for Americans. The award ceremony will be held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

[23] PM on lignite-fired power plant in Messinia

ATHENS,15/10/2005 (ANA)

He was responding to questions put by Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology leader Alekos Alavanos concerning an application by the company "Greek Energy-Iraklis" to build the power plant in an area protected under the NATURA program, where lignite-burning power stations and mining are not allowed.

Karamanlis stressed that the government had been obliged to follow the proper procedure and not bypass the independent energy authority by turning down the application outright.

"We hear the citizens, we respect local government but we insist on legality and transparency, along with the creation of a healthy climate for investments," he added.

Alavanos pointed to a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) report on the 30 dirtiest and most polluting companies in Europe, which had place two Greek industrial plants in the first and fourth positions on the list: "The first is the Greek lignite plant in Aghios Dimitrios, Kozani and the fourth that of Kardia, Kozani," he noted. He asked for measures to modernize the two plants, and for the conversion of a power plant in Megalopoli to use natural gas and biomass.

In his rejoinder, the premier said he was prepared to arrange an off-the-agenda debate in Parliament to discuss environmental issues generally.

[24] Deputy Transport Minister discusses air navigation with Eurocontrol chief

ATHENS,15/10/2005 (ANA)

During the meeting, attended also by Civil Aviation Authority chief Dimitris Stamatis, flight safety, regional cooperation in Southeast Europe, the European Union's Eurocontrol membership and implementation of the revised "Single European Sky" treaty were also discussed.

Regarding Greece, both sides agreed that the country had achieved significant results in air traffic control, both in terms of services and cost efficiency.

Aguado congratulated Greece and the country's Civil Aviation Authority for significantly upgrading its national air space.

On his part, Neratzis stressed that if Turkey ratifies the revised "Single European Sky" treaty and at the same time issues a statement insisting on non-recognition of the Cyprus Republic's FIR, then that statement will be in conflict with the 1969 Vienna Treaty.

[25] IFACTA's 22nd European conference begins in Rhodes

RHODES, 15/10/2005 (ANA)

This was underlined by their representatives during a press conference organized on Friday on the occasion of the beginning of the 22nd European conference of IFACTA, the International Association of Air Traffic Controllers Unions, which is due to end on October 16.

The President of the Union of Air Traffic Controllers of Greece Manolis Antoniadis was categorical on the issue of flight security, saying that "we have very adequate staff which makes every effort to serve traffic in the best possible way."

On the question of interference by radio stations, he said it is an issue which is being faced on a nationwide scale in Greek national air space and it is being handled by the transport ministry and some solutions are being scheduled through the enactment of a new framework.

[26] Lebanese tour operators and tourism entrepreneurs in Thessaloniki over the weekend

THESSALLONIKI,15/10/2005 (ANA)

At a central hotel in Thessaloniki on Saturday, tour operators from northern Greece will exchange views on issues of the sector with their Lebanese counterparts.

[27] FYROM to pass law adapting bourse to EU

THESSALLONIKI,15/10/2005 (ANA)

In an interview to the ANA-MPA, the head of FYROM's capital market commission, Vesna Pedushka, also said that a bill on investment funds would be ready within six months.

Sixty three stocks are currently traded on FYROM's bourse, which posts average daily turnover of 0.5 million euros. Institutional investors from abroad account for 30% of the value of trade, Pedushka noted.

She was speaking on the sidelines of an international conference on capital markets in the northern port city of Thessaloniki.

[28] Bulgaria working to apply EU rules to bourse

THESSALLONIKI,15/10/2005 (ANA)

In an interview to the ANA-MPA, the head of Bulgaria's capital market commission, Apostol Apostolov, also said that a bill on investment funds would be ready within six months.

The current project for authorities was to find ways of analyzing and adapting EU directives in a manner that would be workable for business. Emphasis had been placed on transparency in transactions, Apostolov noted.

The Bulgarian Stock Exchange comprises two markets, the first of which meets EU specifications. The second was created as a result of mass privatization. Around 90 firms are quoted on the main market, and another 300 on the second market.

Average daily turnover is 2.5-3.0 million euros.

Apostolov was speaking on the sidelines of an international conference on capital markets in the northern port city of Thessaloniki.

[29] Cypriot gov't bonds may trade on joint platform with Greece

THESSALLONIKI,15/10/2005 (ANA)

In an interview to the ANA-MPA, the head of the Cyprus Stock Exchange, Akis Kleanthous, said that a decision on bond trade would be taken over the next couple of months.

"Introduction of Cypriot government bonds into the two countries' joint trading platform would attract foreign capital, as they are the most attractive in Europe," Kleanthous noted.

Currently traded on Cyprus' bourse are 143 stocks - 17 on the main market, 20 on the parallel market for smaller capitalization stocks, and the remainder on the alternative market. The bourse's average daily turnover is 1.5 million euros.

Kleanthous was speaking on the sidelines of an international conference on capital markets in the northern port city of Thessaloniki.

[30] Greek stocks end week 1.48 pct lower

ATHENS,15/10/2005 (ANA)

Dealers said buying activity resurfaced for smaller capitalization stocks.

The composite index ended 0.58 percent lower at 3,331.90 points, for a net loss of 1.48 pct in the week. The index is up 19.59 percent so far this year.

[31] St. Demetrios mosaic icon from Italy to travel to Thessaloniki for feast of the city's patron saint

THESSALLONIKI,15/10/2005 (ANA)

The feast of St. Demetrios the Mirovletes (emitter of holy myrrh) is celebrated in the Greek Orthodox Church on October 26.

The reception ceremony for the icon will take place on October 24, at 5:30 p.m., in the courtyard of the Aghios Demetrios church in Thessaloniki. The icon will be housed in the church for the duration of the celebrations in Thessaloniki in honour of the city's patron saint.

The icon depicts St. Demetrios standing, wearing a long soldier's cloak mostly covered by a decorated breastplate, bearing a spear in his right hand and in his left hand a shield bearing the image of a lion.

In accordance with a centuries-long tradition in Thessaloniki, the feast of the Virgin Mary is celebrated jointly with St. Demetrios, and Thessaloniki Metropolitan Bishop Anthimos has selected the icon of Panagia Gorgoepikoos (the Virgin who swiftly answers prayers) from the Panagouda Church for this year's dual celebration.

The 15th century icon will travel from the Panagouda church to St. Demetrios church on Monday.

[32] Cultural Capitals Symposium opens at Zappeion

ATHENS,15/10/2005 (ANA)

It is entitled "20 years of European Cultural Capitals" and seeks to upgrade the institution of cultural capitals and create a global cultural capitals network. The symposium will end next Sunday.

The start of the meeting was also addressed by Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyannis, who stressed the role of cultural capitals in bridging the cultural gap between society's elite and popular culture.

[33] Crete gives Europe "The Abduction of Europa"

STRASBOURG,15/10/2005 (ANA)

The sculpture, created by Nikos and Pantelis Sotiriadis, will be unveiled on October 25 by Minister of Tourism Development Dimitris Avramopoulos.

"Through this gift to the European Union, we are trying to promote Crete in general, as well as to export the island's most important product - tourism," Regional Secretary General Serafeim Tsokas said during a press conference on Friday.

The work was commissioned by the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos and the company Mantonanakis.

EU officials, Greek MEPs, local officials from Crete and journalists have been invited to attend the event.

[34] Aristotelion University renews cooperation with Melbourne's La Trobe

THESSALLONIKI,15/10/2005 (ANA)

APTh Dean Yiannis Antonopoulos said that more than half of the university's departments have developed relations with La Trobe.

"Without a doubt, APTh benefits from this collaboration which is why we support the agreement on all levels," he said.

Michael John Osborne, Dean of La Trobe University expressed satisfaction with the arrangement, saying that APTh is one of the best universities in Europe which enables La Trobe to further expand its Greek studies.

The agreement provides for faculty exchange and joint research programs, among other things.

[35] President Papoulias addresses conference of provincial press

VERIA,15/10/2005 (ANA)

Papoulias stressed that the provincial press had a vital role in Greek society, while Roussopoulos said that the attitude that there were "two Greeces" had to be overcome, because it undermined every ambitious plan.

Roussopoulos said the government was currently preparing a draft bill to regulate the operation of the regional media, which would soon be ready to be presented.

[36] Singer E. Paspala performs at Vienna Concert Hall

VIENNA, 15/10/2005 (ANA/D.Dimitrakoudis)

In comments she made to the ANA, Paspala said she had been wanting for years to perform Hatzidakis' songs again but taking a different approach.

Among the 25 songs Paspala and her group performed, "Ta Pedia tou Pirea", Oscar Award-winning song from the movie "Never on Sunday", drew one of the strongest responses from the crowd, leading to an encore and Paspala performing it for a second time.

Thursday's concert was the second in the Hellenic Music Festival series which is being held in Vienna throughout October.

The four-concert series has been organized by the Greek embassy in the Austrian capital.

George Dalaras will be performing on October 22, followed by Dionyssis Savvopoulos on October 27.

[37] Mayors sign protocol for the twinning of Thessaloniki and Korce

THESSALLONIKI,15/10/2005 (ANA)

Papageorgopoulos underlined the historic bonds of the two cities and stressed that Korce in the 18th Century was the most important centre of Hellenism during that period with many schools and many churches.

Referring to the aims of the twinning, he gave emphasis to bilateral cooperation in the cultural, business and economic sectors, while he also spoke about the European prospects of the countries of the western Balkans.

[38] Bishop of Erythres Amphilohios elected metropolitan of New Zealand

ISTANBUL,15/10/2005 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)

The proposal for the election of the new metropolitan was made by Ecumenical Patriach Vartholomeos, the announcement said.

[39] General assembly of European Federation of Victims of Traffic Accidents begins in Rhodes on Saturday

RHODES, 15/10/2005 (ANA)

The general assembly is under the auspices of the Region of the Southern Aegean, while the main speaker will be ruling New Democracy (ND) party deputy Aris Stathakis.

The sessions of the general assembly will come to a close on Sunday afternoon.

[40] Former judge jailed pending a trial for accepting bribes

ATHENS, 15/10/2005 (ANA)

Kalousis has been charged with abuse of authority, forming a criminal gang, legalizing income from illegal activities, breach of duty, attempted extortion and facilitating the prostitution of women, including foreign nationals. Investigators reported finding sums of up to 650,000 euros in the judge's bank accounts.

Also involved in the Kalousis case are several lawyers who are accused of having bribed the judge in order to obtain favorable rulings for their clients.

Prominent Athens lawyer Sakis Kehagioglou is to appear before examining magistrates on October 19 to answer charges of "forming a criminal gang in order to carry out criminal acts". According to the case file, he is suspected of having deposited 25 million drachmas in an account belonging to Kalousis in November 2000, in order to secure the release of a client's relation.

Before being led to jail, Kalousis said the decision to remand him in custody was unfair. He is the second former justice to be jailed pending trial in the judicial corruption case, after former first-instance judge Leonidas Stathis.

[41] Justice Minister visits Halkidiki prison

HALKIDIKI, 15/10/2005 (ANA)

The visit and overall tour falls within the context of the ministry's efforts to reform the penitentiary system and to improve prison conditions, implementing new measures of its correctional policy.

Papaligouras and Panouris toured the facility, were briefed on living conditions and changes that are required and also spoke with inmates.

[42] Priest arrested on the island of Lesvos on charges of pimping

LESVOS, 15/10/2005 (ANA)

The priest, identified only by his initials, K.P., was arrested following an agreement made at a central night club in the area of Petra with a police officer who presented himself as a customer and from whom he received 100 euros in marked bank notes of 50 euros.

The sum of 100 euros was for a 20 year-old Polish citizen to offer her sexual services, whom the priest took with the police officer to a rented room in the area.

The priest was arrested on his departure from the rented room by police. Found in possession of the priest were the marked bank notes.

A second Polish citizen, aged 28, who confessed that she was forced into prostitution by the priest, was also arrested later in the day.

According to a witness, on Thursday morning he had sexual intercourse with the 28-year-old Polish woman following understanding with the priest whom he paid 100 euros.

The priest and the two Polish women will appear before the public prosecutor on Saturday.

[43] Papadopoulos: Cyprus to make representations to Britain

NICOSIA, 15/10/2005 (CNA/ANA)

He also said that if a UN-proposed solution plan for a comprehensive solution (the Annan plan) is brought back (in its current version), it would be rejected by the Greek Cypriots again ''by a larger majority this time'' than the 76 per cent of last year.

Invited to comment on Straw's statements at the House of Commons regarding Cyprus, the Cypriot president noted that they constitute a ''repetition of statements made in the past'' and added: ''I deem that their basis is wrong and misleading. The necessary representations will be made, at least so that he does not distort facts''.

Asked on the overall stance of Britain towards Cyprus, he said that the British ''promote their own interests, like any other country'', adding ''it seems that they prefer to have better relations with Turkey, perhaps because they have bigger interests there''.

British Foreign Minster had said that ''the recognition of Cyprus will follow a peace process - everyone knows that that is the case. They also know - the Turks know this - that a country cannot achieve membership of the EU if it does not recognize another country sitting at the table.''

''The history of the conflict on the island of Cyprus is very complicated. We need each side to recognize the other with dignity and within a unified single Government. I have already made it clear that in the European Union it would not be possible for us to operate if members did not recognize, de jure, the states around the table. That does not mean, however, that the obligations to achieve that position rest entirely on Turkey or on the Turkish Cypriot community. They rest equally on Turkey, the Turkish Cypriot community and the Government of Cyprus, as well as on the international community. That is made absolutely clear in a number of Security Council resolutions, including resolution 1250,'' Straw added.

He was answering a question at the House of Commons on whether the recognition of Cyprus by Turkey as well as the withdrawal of the Turkish armed forces from the island are an indispensable requirement for Turkey's accession to the EU.

Straw said that he had already spoken, since the decision on 3 October, to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan about the circumstances in which he would deem it appropriate to restart his good offices mission in respect of Cyprus under Security Council resolution 1250.

Invited to comment on information that Britain is making efforts to bring the Annan plan back to the negotiating table, President Papadopoulos said ''I don't believe that there are many people who think that it is possible for the plan to be brought back. If this is the case, then it will be rejected again, and this time with a bigger majority''.

He added though that the government of Cyprus wishes to see an intensification of the efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem, provided that these efforts lead to the right direction.

"We too wish the intensification of the initiative, provided that it is well prepared and aims at the right direction'', he added.

Invited to comment on Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat's statements that Turkey would not open its ports and airports for the Republic of Cyprus, unless the so-called embargo against Turkish Cypriots is lifted, President Papadopoulos clarified that Turkey has the obligation to fully implement the Customs Union Protocol it already signed in July, and extend it to all member states, including the Republic of Cyprus.

"This is an obligation that Turkey has towards the EU and Cyprus. It is the right of every sovereign country to determine which are its legal ports or airports, or entrance and exit points'', he said.

[44] Cyprus government ready to participate in new talks for a solution

NICOSIA, 15/10/2005 (CNA/ANA)

As regards British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw's remarks before the House of Commons, on Cyprus, Chrysostomides said that these do not respond to the positions expressed by the EU as regards Cyprus and Turkey's start of accession negotiations nor with what is referred to the EU counterstatement of September 21, 2005, or to the negotiating framework.

Chrysostomides said that there has been a change from the official EU position that is evident in Straw's statements, adding that Straw's capacity as British Foreign Secretary cannot be disassociated from his capacity as President of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council.

Chrysostomides underlined that the UN through Undersecretary General Sir Kieran Prendergast's report made clear that it does not intend to put the last version of the Annan plan on the table.

''The report said that any solution must be to the benefit of Cypriots only and not of any third country,'' he noted.

Asked about the current visit to Cyprus of Deputy Director of the Southern European Affairs at the State Department Douglas Silliman,

Chrysostomides said that he is expected to meet with Cyprus foreign ministry officials.

[45] Cyprus government: US stance promotes secessionism

NICOSIA, 15/10/2005 (CNA/ANA)

The spokesman noted that through their stance, the Americans promote secessionism and support Talat's illegal ambitions.

''They promote secessionist tensions, they support the goals of the Turkish Cypriot community to maintain division and do not contribute to the sincere and right effort for the reunification of our country, and they also support Talat's illegal ambitions,'' he underlined.

Noting that the government has no official information about a meeting between Rice and Talat, the spokesman cited however a statement by US embassy charge d'affaires Jane Zimmerman, that Rice was prepared to meet Talat in his capacity as the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community.

The spokesman said that ''irrelevant of how the US sees Talat, and it is not possible to see him in any other capacity other than the one of the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, it promotes in this way secessionist tensions.''

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article