Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-11-12

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] Karamanlis and Koizumi discuss investments and trade

[02] PM urges Japanese investments in Greece, import of Greek farm products

[03] Parliament debate focuses on fight against judicial corruption

[04] Draft bill against money-laundering tabled in Parliament

[05] Gov't unfazed by results of one opinion poll, points to margins in 3 others

[06] Gov't on Papandreou proposal for bipartisan comm't on migrant issues

[07] Alavanos incensed by ministers' 3rd 'no-show' in Parliament

[08] President Karolos Papoulias proclaimed honorary citizen of city of Iraklio

[09] Papandreou, Palli-Petralia discuss Olympic Truce initiative

[10] Communist Party leader holds talks with Greek Human Rights Union

[11] Athens mayor on local government

[12] Interview: Bosnia-Herzegovina minister stresses Balkans EU perspectives

[13] FYROM PM downplays Athens' 'satisfaction' with EU report

[14] Defence minister briefs LAOS party leader

[15] Greek Social Forum protests outside French embassy

[16] Turkish warplanes violate Greek national air space

[17] Greek economy: weekly review

[18] Gov't on debt securisation plan

[19] Canadian ambassador presents Canadian-Greece Business Awards 2005

[20] Profiles of the award-winning companies

[21] Gov't to crack down on defaulting insurers

[22] Greek economy grew 3.7 pct in third quarter, yr/yr

[23] Greek industrial production up 1.6 pct in Jan-Sept

[24] Bond loan for Intralot

[25] Family and friends pay last respects to Alexandrakis

[26] Germany's ex-pats report drop in hours Greek taught in German schools

[27] Macedonian Studies Society begins international conference on Mount Athos

[28] French Philhellenic Societies convene in Marseilles

[29] Russian Cultural and Science Centre opens in Athens

[30] Government sees crisis in EU-Turkey relations

[31] Government: Turkish Cypriot leadership politically immoral

[32] Cyprus Government: US approach on religious freedom is superficial

[33] Cypriot President expresses condolences to King of Jordan

[01] Karamanlis and Koizumi discuss investments and trade

TOKYO 12/11/2005 (ANA - A. Panagopoulos)

Karamanlis, who is in Japan on a four-day official visit, said that he and Koizumi had discussed the prospects of broader-ranging cooperation between Greece and Japan in international fora. He also noted that the two countries were currently both members of the U.N. Security Council, stressing that this offered "a first-class opportunity to make cooperation closer in the future".

The Greek premier pointed to Japan's "extremely positive presence in the western Balkans," saying that the political and economic interests of the two countries provided margins for greater cooperation.

He stressed that bilateral economic cooperation was currently below its potential for both countries, particularly for Greek agricultural products, shipping and tourism.

"The truth is that the volume of bilateral trade is steadily increasing recently but it can grow even more. The great emphasis placed by Japanese consumers on healthy food opens great prospects for providing the Japanese market with Greek agricultural products - such as olive oil, wine and fruit - that are famous for their high quality and have won the confidence of consumers all over the world," Karamanlis said.

The Greek premier also saw "fertile ground" for cooperation in the investment sector and said that economic cooperation appeared to have a lot of room for growth, especially in tourism, in an air-transport link between the two countries and the transfer of high technology, "taking into account the framework of regular Greek-Japanese dialogue".

In the shipping sector, Karamanlis pointed out that Greece and Japan were both prominent in the world market and placed great emphasis on this sector, working closely on issues like maritime safety for ships and crew, technological equipment and combatting piracy. He also stressed that Greek ship owners held a major part of the maritime transport market to and from Japan.

The Greek premier cited the organization of the Athens Olympic Games as one of the factors that had helped bring Greece and Japan closer in recent years, as well as a series of high-level visits, with the most recent being those of Greek Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis.

On his part, Junichiro referred to Greek-Japanese cooperation within the United Nations, thanking Greece for supporting UN reform. He said the meeting with Karamanlis had given an opportunity to appraise the "development of a common action plan agreed three years earlier".

He also stressed Greece's position in the Balkans, saying that it had a very great influence in that area.

"We agreed that our two countries will continue to support the efforts of Balkan countries for further stabilization in the region," Koizumi told reporters, while noting that the exchange of views with Karamanlis on both bilateral and international issues had been very useful and that the two sides had agreed on further cooperation in educational and cultural exchanges.

After the meeting, the Japanese premier hosted a dinner for Karamanlis, his wife and the Greek delegation accompanying him.

On Saturday, Karamanlis is due to visit the historic Japanese city of Nikko, while on Sunday he will return to Athens.

[02] PM urges Japanese investments in Greece, import of Greek farm products

TOKYO 12/11/2005(ANA/A. Panagopoulos)

Karamanlis, who outlined to Japanese businessmen the comparative advantages of Greece and the Greek economy, as well as the country's geostrategic position, stressed that "investments and business opportunities in Greece are particularly attractive", and noted the "new environment" that has evolved following the successful organization of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and his New Democracy government's political initiatives.

"I am here, my Japanese friends, to invite you all to join this new environment, to invite you to investigate the opportunities offered by the Greek economy," Karamanlis said.

He further highlighted Greece's comparative advantages as a European Union member country, the "penetration" of Greek businesses in the Balkan countries and the experience they have acquired, combined with the knowledge of the region's history, as well as the "stable monetary, political and economic environment, the trained labor force, and the modern infrastructures in strategic sectors such as combined transports, telecoms and energy".

"If the labor-intensive investments in the countries of the Balkans, Black Sea, Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean are combined with capital-intensive investments in Greece, a significant number of business opportunities arise," the Greek premier said, adding that "Greek enterprises are the ideal partner for someone wishing to become active in the region."

The prime minister spoke in detail on the tourism and shipping sectors while, turning to the agricultural sector, he said that Greek farm production "is characterized by top-quality products such as olive oil, wine and fruit, which comprise the basis of a balanced and healthy diet".

Given the importance placed by the Japanese people on natural and healthy nutrition, Karamanlis said, "I am certain that the Greek agricultural products can earn the confidence of the Japanese consumers".

Continuing, the prime minister explained that infrastructures were consistently being improved and upgraded, and made specific reference to the recent inter-state agreements signed by Greece for the construction of natural gas and oil pipelines which, he said, would "render Greece an energy hub".

He further outlined the "steadily improving investment environment" which, together with the policies being followed by his government, aimed at giving impetus to productivity, increase exports, advance the country's regional development, and reduce inflation.

"We seek to contain the consumer expenditure of the public sector, rationalize the Public Investments Program, and substantively promote cooperation between public and private sector so as to boost growth and increase the state revenues," Karamanlis said.

Outlining the risks and opportunities of the "globalized environment", the premier stressed that "the liberalization of the markets, promotion of privatizations, use of modern technologies, and development of entrepreneurship compose a new framework of policies that is in a position to advance the dynamism of every economy, Greece's included".

"The government's primary strategic goal is a State that is closer to the investor, the entrepreneur, the working person, the needy citizen," Karamanlis explained, adding that his government has advanced "a series of measures aimed at rendering the use of new technologies more efficient, to give impetus to productivity and transparency, to reduce bureaucracy, and to boost entrepreneurship".

"An open, productive, flexible and socially sensitized economic system is the vehicle for attaining a noteworthy growth rate," Karamanlis said.

He also spoke of a "closer collaboration", through joint materialization of developmental projects in the developing world, given that Japan is a leading donor in the field of international developmental aid.

Karamanlis, who also heads Greece's culture ministry, further, spoke of cooperating between the two peoples and between the two countries' academic communities.

"The prospect of the operation of an Asian Studies Department at the University of Athens, and the promotion of Classical and Modern Greek Studies in Japan, are important cooperation steps," the premier said, adding that the prospect of establishing in Greece a branch of the Japan Foundation should also be examined.

According to government sources, the Japanese entrepreneurs manifested interest in Greek shipowners continuing to order the construction of their new vessels from Japanese shipyards, while they also expressed interest in the upgrading of the Port of Thessaloniki's role as an "entry gate" for their products to the Balkan countries.

The Japanese businessmen also spoke "warmly" of the government's speedy tackling of the problems that arose in the past concerning the investment in the Aeolic (wind-energy) Park in Laconia, and Karamanlis, in his address to the Keindaren, put great emphasis on investments in the energy sector (oil pipeline, wind parks, alternative forms of energy).

The Japanese businessmen posed questions to Karamanlis on the prospect of establishing a direct air link with Athens, opining that such a move could quadruple the number of Japanese tourists to Greece, which is currently estimated at 70,000-100,000 annually.

Karamanlis explained that a solution was currently being sought for the debt-ridden national carrier Olympic Airlines, but said the decision would be co-assessed on the basis of private-economy criteria.

Also attending the Keindaren working lunch for the prime minister was a senior-ranking Greek business delegation -- the first such delegation to accompany Karamanlis on an official visit abroad -- comprising the presidents of the Athens and Thessaloniki Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Federation of Greek Industries and the Federation of Industries of Northern Greece, the Association of Exporters of Northern Greece, the Union of Greek Shipowners, the Hellenic Investments Centre, the Hellenic Exports Promotion Organization and the HELEXPO trade fair organizers.

Greece's deputy foreign minister Euripides Stylianidis, who is responsible for foreign trade and is also accompanying the prime minister on his official visit to Japan, met earlier with the Japanese deputy minister for European affairs and international economic relations, with whom he discussed matters concerning the avoidance of dual taxation, so as to reduce the counter-incentives to exports.

Interest was also voiced in collaborations in the construction sector, and Karamanlis briefed the Keindaren on the basic principles of the new law on collaborations between public and private sector.

The business delegation members also held bilateral talks of an "institutional nature" with their Japanese counterparts.

Earlier, Karamanlis and his wife, Natasha, were received by Japan's Emperor Akihito, with whom he discussed the history of the two countries, their civilizations, the successful organization of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, and environmental protection issues.

The Greek prime minister further met with the speaker of the House of Representatives, Yohei Kono, which, together with the House of Councillors, comprises the bi-cameral Japanese National Diet (parliament). Karamanlis and Kono discussed bilateral and international issues.

On Friday afternoon (6:00 p.m. Greek time), Karamanlis will hold talks with his host, Japanese prime minister Junichiro Koizumi, and after the scheduled one-hour meeting the two prime ministers will make statements to the press.

On Saturday, Karamanlis will give a series of interviews to Japanese newspapers and visit the historic city of Nikko. He is due to leave for Athens on Sunday.

[03] Parliament debate focuses on fight against judicial corruption

Athens 12/11/2005 (ANA)

His comments came in response to a tabled question by PASOK deputy and former minister Miltiades Papaioannou, who criticised the minister's recent visit to the Supreme Court and his subsequent statements concerning future prosecutions as "meddling" in the independent judiciary and related investigations.

Papaligouras said the judiciary's leadership welcomes the government's support in its efforts to fight corruption within its ranks. "You (PASOK), appearing more 'judicial' than the judges, condemn (this effort) with political sanctimony. You should know, however, that when you judge, you are judged..."

On his part, Papaioannou repeated his sharp criticism, namely, that it is not the justice minister job to intervene in investigations and to announce pending indictments.

Justice minister rejects PASOK criticism

of 'interfering' in justice: Justice Minister Anastasios Papaligouras on Friday rejected main opposition PASOK'S criticism of his visit to the Supreme Court and the statements he made on an investigation into judicial corruption, saying that the main opposition party was "disturbed" by the efforts to clean up the judiciary.

"I was doing my duty," the minister said in Parliament, in response to a question from PASOK MP Miltiades Papaioannou.

He stressed that the government could only be held to account if it had failed to take a stand and to support justice during this difficult period, while noting that the government's support was welcomed by the leaders of the judiciary.

[04] Draft bill against money-laundering tabled in Parliament

Athens 12/11/2005 (ANA)

The bill was drawn up by the finance and justice ministries and establishes an independent authority called the National Authority Combatting the Legalization of Income from Criminal Activity.

The new authority will be comprised of a president and 11 members appointed for three years, while the president will have a rank equivalent to a Supreme Court judge or public prosecutor.

The bill also places the onus on financial institutions to vet suspicious transactions that may be funding terrorist organizations and to take all measures possible to avoid legalizing income from criminal activities.

As well as instituting a series of penalties for the various kinds of offences in this area, with a base sentence of up to 10 years, it also introduces prison sentences of up to two years for intentional failure to report a suspicious transaction, or for providing false or misleading figures.

[05] Gov't unfazed by results of one opinion poll, points to margins in 3 others

Athens 12/11/2005 (ANA)

Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos told reporters that the first opinion poll results of the week, released on Sunday, gave ND a 2.5-percent lead over PASOK; another poll released on Monday put the difference at 2.4 percent, whereas two separate polls on Thursday reported differences of 3.5 and 0.6 percent, respectively.

"In four separate opinion polls, therefore, we see that three report a difference of between 2.4 percent and 3.5 percent," Roussopoulos said.

The smallest difference between the two major parties was given by the Metron Analysis firm, which was commission for and presented by the private television station "Mega".

"The government is proceeding with its work, one that is recognized by the vast majority of the Greek people," Roussopoulos said.

PASOK showing clear improvement in all qualitative indicators, PASOK spokesman says: Main opposition PASOK party spokesman Nikos Athanassakis, commenting on opinion polls publicized on Thursday, said that "all recent polls show a clear improvement for PASOK in all qualitative indicators".

Athanassakis said that all the opinion polls carried out with a ballot box show marginal differences and a clear improvement for PASOK. The PASOK spokesman said that the DIMEL company showed a difference of 0.9 percent, ALCO 1.2 and METRON 0.6, adding that even VPRC is showing a decrease in the difference by two percentage points from June until today.

According to Athanassakis, the polls register the overcoming of the "story" that only the government and not the prime minister have wear and tear and suggested that polls should be read correctly.

The spokesman made special reference to the movement of voters between the two mainstream parties, saying that the poll by Metron Analysis shows a 5.6 percent move of voters from the New Democracy party to PASOK, compared to a 2 percent move from PASOK to ND.

[06] Gov't on Papandreou proposal for bipartisan comm't on migrant issues

Athens 12/11/2005 (ANA)

Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos added, nevertheless, that that the framework of operation for such a committee must first be defined.

Finally, the spokesman reminded that the government recently passed a law implementing a series of measures aimed at normalising the status of tens of thousands of non-EU foreign workers in Greece.

[07] Alavanos incensed by ministers' 3rd 'no-show' in Parliament

Athens 12/11/2005 (ANA)

When Deputy Transport Minister Anastasios Nerantzis once against stood up to give the government's reply to his question, which concerned the privatization of Olympic Airlines (OA), Alavanos said the government was showing "arrogance toward Parliament and attacking the Left" and insisted that the place of the prime minister - who is currently on an official visit to Japan - should have been taken by either the transport, finance or employment ministers.

He withdrew the question and said that he will table it a fourth time, "or until the prime minister of one of the ministers involved" appeared to answer it.

According to a 2nd Vice-president of Parliament, the parliamentary regulations allow the premier to be replaced by the appropriate minister, while parliamentary regulations also gave deputy ministers the same rights and obligations.

[08] President Karolos Papoulias proclaimed honorary citizen of city of Iraklio

Athens 12/11/2005 (ANA)

Speaking during the ceremony, President Papoulias termed Crete "an island marked by history" and referred to the "spirit and virtues mobilized by the Cretans to face the challenges emanating from the island's geographical position."

He added that the adventurous course of the people of Crete through time always had the slogan of Freedom-Democracy-Justice as their destination, adding that "the bravery displayed by the Cretans is monumental, not only in the country's history but for the entire world as well".

Kourakis on his part referred in his address to the ethics and personality of President Papoulias, saying that "we are welcoming the man who in his political course succeeded in promoting our just causes and contributing to the upgrading of the international position of our country."

The mayor also said "however, you gained the trust and confidence of all the Greek people and of the political world, as is also proved by your election to the highest state function. We are absolutely certain that you will honor this post as well."

Before leaving for Athens in the afternoon, President Papoulias was given a guided tour of the Archaeological Museum in Iraklio.

[09] Papandreou, Palli-Petralia discuss Olympic Truce initiative

Athens 12/11/2005 (ANA)

Both Palli-Petralia and Papandreou, one of the architects of the initiative in the run-up to the 2004 Athens Games, are vice-presidents of the International Olympic Truce Centre.

"The Olympic Truce's goal is to unite peoples and civilizations. We have the Olympic Games of Turin ahead of us, while the text for the truce that was approved by the United Nations four days ago, was signed by 190 countries. As always, Greece had a primary role in composing this text," the minister said.

[10] Communist Party leader holds talks with Greek Human Rights Union

Athens 12/11/2005 (ANA)

"The need to separate the state from the Church has matured now and this has nothing to do with the prevention of the adoption of religious beliefs of whatever religion and whatever direction, but it is an issue which can be delayed no more," she said afterwards.

"Unfortunately, a constitution has interceded which did not address the issue. Separation must be complete and substantive and concerns from then on, of course, the various institutions, education and the entire functioning of society as well. This mixing does not help. We have no illusions that the interventional role of the leadership of the Church in political affairs will stop but, however, an umbilical cord will be removed which exists in the specific issue. And I repeat it must have its reflection in education as well and everywhere," she added.

Papariga further pointed out that "we as a party, as it is known, respect the right of every citizen to be involved in religion, to go to Church, to carry out religious marriage or baptism" and noted that "but for us, however, all these manifestations are political above all and their legal form must be a political one."

[11] Athens mayor on local government

Athens 12/11/2005 (ANA)

Bakoyannis said that local government is turning a new page, adding that the congress was particularly important for the future course of local government especially when combined with the reforms the government is promoting.

"It is time for us to trust local communities," she said.

Asked about the government's reform in local elections, whereby mayors can be elected with 42% of the vote, Bakoyannis said she disagreed but respected the decision of her party's majority.

Regarding the latest polls, Bakoyannis said that polls are a tool and while results show the gap between ruling New Democracy and main opposition PASOK narrowing, ND continues to dominate on all points that count.

Finally, the mayor was also asked to comment on ND Honorary President Constantine Mitsotakis' statements regarding the need for a cabinet reshuffle.

Bakoyannis noted that such decisions are up to the prime minister to make and that Mitsotakis expressed his opinion based on his experience as former prime minister.

The congress will conclude on Saturday afternoon.

[12] Interview: Bosnia-Herzegovina minister stresses Balkans EU perspectives

Athens 12/11/2005 (ANA)

Asked about the possible impact of independence for Kosovo on his country, the Bosnian-Serb minister said that he was against further fragmentation of the region.

"I believe that instead of thinking about that, we should start thinking about EU accession. I do not see any point, given that all the countries in the region have the vision of the EU and we are all on the path toward the Union. Now, the story must be about accession, not about dividing up," he said.

Though there was no direct link between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo, an externally imposed solution could have destabilizing repercussions for the entire Balkan region, he warned.

"Anything agreed between Belgrade and Pristina will not have negative repercussions on the region. But if there is a solution that is not the result of agreement between Belgrade and Pristina but a solution that is imposed by the international community, then there could be consequences for the entire region, since many countries have minorities that may start to ask themselves if they do not have the same rights as Kosovo," Ivanic said.

On cooperation with the International Tribunal for the war in former Yugoslavia, Ivanic appealed to the three fugitives wanted for war crimes in Bosnia that were still at large - which include Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic - to give themselves up and stand trial at The Hague.

"I believe that for Bosnia-Herzegovina, and especially for the Serbs of the country, it is very important to close this difficult chapter of our history," he stressed.

Concerning the Dayton Accords and the role of the international community, Ivanic said that these had been a positive influence that, 10 years after the end of the war, had turned Bosnia into a very stable country that was now initiating talks with the EU.

At the same time, he said that the days when the international community had an important role to play in Bosnia were now coming to an end.

"I believe the time has come for the Office of the High Representative to close, chiefly in the sense that I can't see any reason for this Office to have the right to impose laws and rules. If this continues, the message will be that Bosnia is not yet ready to stand on its own feet and I disagree with that," the minister stressed.

He called for the High Representative's Office to be replaced by an Office of an EU Special Representative that would assist Bosnia accelerate processes for EU accession.

To questions concerning the return of refugees and displaced persons that had fled abroad, Ivanic said that 98 per cent of outstanding property cases had now been settled, so that nearly all the refugees officially had access to their property and could return.

While noting that the return had so far been very low - as little as one third of the total - he attributed this to chiefly economic reasons, since most of those who stayed away had started a new life and did not want to return to Bosnia-Herzegovina where the economy was still not good.

According to the minister, unemployment remained a major obstacle to return, since unemployment figures in Bosnia currently stood at 24 per cent.

"For this reason, there has been a more successful return to rural regions where one can live on what is produced on one's farm. In towns, where working is hard to find, the return has been less successful," he noted.

[13] FYROM PM downplays Athens' 'satisfaction' with EU report

SKOPJE 12/11/2005 (ANA - N. Frangopoulos)

The Commission on Wednesday offered the one-time Yugoslav republic official candidate status for EU membership -- heaping praise on the country for its progress in practically every sector only a few years after avoiding civil war -- whereas it declined to set a specific date for accession talks to begin.

FYROM Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told reporters here that the Greek foreign ministry's statements of "satisfaction" with the EU recommendation are "merely being used for internal political consumption."

Moreover, Buckovski was quoted by a Skopje daily as saying that UN special mediator Matthew Nimetz was not planning to resign, nor was he preparing to table another proposal for resolving the last remaining "thorn" in Greek-FYROM relations.

He also again reiterated his country's positions over the issue, whereas in response to press speculation on whether a meeting between the premiers of Greece and FYROM is possible for early 2006, Buckovski said "for the time being, there is no such announcement."

Athens praised the recommendation on Thursday, saying the Commission adopted many of EU member-state Greece's positions on the issue, including its insistence that efforts to find a solution to the name issue must continue before FYROM can join. The Balkan country applied to join the EU in March 2004, with Greek support for its bid to join given under certain conditions.

Although Athens and Skopje have achieved remarkable progress in bilateral relations, especially in trade and investments, since signing a UN-mediated "interim agreement" more than 10 years ago, the "name issue" continues to block the full normalisation of ties.

Athens strenuously opposes FYROM's use of the name "Macedonia", citing historical and political reasons. Moreover, Greece's largest province, which shares borders with FYROM, is called Macedonia, the same geographical region that more-or-less corresponds with the ancient kingdom of Macedonia.

[14] Defence minister briefs LAOS party leader

Athens 12/11/2005 (ANA)

[15] Greek Social Forum protests outside French embassy

Athens 12/11/2005 (ANA)

The protestors' main slogan was "Resist racism - A different kind of world is possible."

They also demanded that the emergency measures implemented in various French cities be suspended.

[16] Turkish warplanes violate Greek national air space

Athens 12/11/2005 (ANA)

In all cases, the 42 Turkish aircraft were recognized and intercepted by Greek air force jets, while in three cases the interception process developed into a mock dogfight. Eight of the Turkish formations were armed.

The Turkish armed forces are carrying out an aeronautical exercise in the northern and central Aegean, which will be completed on November 18.

[17] Greek economy: weekly review

Athens 12/11/2005 (ANA)

Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou, addressing the conference, criticised the government's economic policy saying it failed to take advantage of the great opportunities presented in 2004, while he said that a draft budget plan presented by the government "will not restore confidence in the Greek economy".

EU Monetary Affairs Commissioner Joaquim Almunia expressed his satisfaction over progress of a fiscal adjustment in Greece, although he noted that the Commission was expecting additional information on the 2006 budget. Almunia reiterated the EU's executive position that efforts to reduce fiscal deficits should be made through structural measures accounting for 0.6 percent of GDP and said that Eurostat has not yet reached a decision over a Greek government's debt securitization plan. Greek Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said economic progress in the country was very significant since fiscal improvement was achieved through a gradual adjustment policy, mainly in spending, that ensured strong growth and lower unemployment. Alogoskoufis said the government has prepared alternative scenarios on a debt securitization plans and stressed that draft of national budgets could not be made according to changes in Eurostat's standards.

Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis and Labor Minister Panos Panagiotopoulos initiated a dialogue over the country's pension system. Both ministers, in letters sent to the Economic and Social Commission, GSEE- the country's largest trade union umbrella- and ADEDY -civil servants' union- reiterated that the dialogue would be a long-term procedure and that the government did not aim to change retirement ages.

Greek budget revenues grew by 12.8 percent in October, compared with the same month last year, reflecting a 13.1 percent increase in tax agencies' revenues, a 9.8 percent rise in custom agency revenues and a 9.3 pct increase in VAT revenues.

Greek annual inflation slowed to 3.8 percent in October from 3.9 pct in September, the National Statistics Service said. NSS's secretary-general Manolis Kontopyrakis said the impact of high oil prices on the consumer price index was one percentage point.

The government will announce its incomes policy for 2006 in January, government spokesman Theodore Roussopoulos said this week.

Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis is currently in an official visit to New York as part of a plan to promote the govt's privatization program and to brief US investors over economic reforms in the country.

National Bank of Greece sold its subsidiary in Canada, National Bank of Greece (Canada) to Scotiabank, as part of a strategy to focus on markets with greater growth prospects.

[18] Gov't on debt securisation plan

Athens 12/11/2005 (ANA)

A day earlier, the EU Commission repeated that Eurostat will decide by the end of the year whether a plan by the Greek government to securitize debts to the state is compatible with the bloc's regulations.

"On the issue of what is called the securitization of confirmed, anticipated state revenue in Greece, a relevant decision by the Community's statistical service is due by the end of the year," Amelia Torres, a spokeswoman for EU Commissioner Joaquin Almunia, said in a statement.

[19] Canadian ambassador presents Canadian-Greece Business Awards 2005

Athens 12/11/2005 (ANA)

The awards ceremony, hosted by the Canadian Embassy in Athens in cooperation with the Greek-Canadian Chamber of Commerce, was held at the Athens Hilton's Milos Restaurant, which belongs to Greek Canadian restauranteur Costas Spiliadis. Attending the ceremony were representatives of the Greek government and members of the business community active in the trade sector or investments in Canada.

The Canadian embassy established the Canadian Business Awards in 1991, wishing to recognize companies in Greece and their associates in Canada which have contributed substantively and over a long period of time to an increase in sales of Canadian products or the introduction of new Canadian products in the Greek market.

Companies active in Canada with considerable investments in or exports of goods or services to Canada also have the right to be candidates. The awards are given to three companies every two years for their excellent contribution to the strengthening of trade relations between Greece and Canada.

In 2004, the value of Canadian exports to Greece jumped by 57 percent to 180.8 million euros over 2003, while Greek exports to Canda rose by 14 percent to 80.2 million euros over 2003.

The main categories of Canadian exports to Greece include aircraft and aerospace technology, cereals, fossil fuels, electric machinery, nuclear reactors, furs and paper. The chief categories of Greek exports to Canada include aluminum, fruit and vegetables, fossil fuels, and alcoholic and other beverages.

[20] Profiles of the award-winning companies

Athens 12/11/2005 (ANA)

Neoset was founded in 1980. The company opened its first two stores abroad in 1991, one in Toronto (Canada) and the other in Romania. The company now boasts a distribution network in Greece numbering 65 stores (outlets). The Group's international network numbers more than 50 outlets, including four in Canada (Toronto region).

All the Neoset products are manufactured at the company's factor in Halkida, with building facilities covering 60,000 square meters on a 100,000 square meters expanse. It is one of the most modern furniture factories in Europe.

The products are exported from Greece to company warehouses in Toronto. The company's Canadian branch employees some 50 people. In the lst two years, the Canadian branch has presented a nearly 45 percent increase in turnover, accounting for 2 percent of the Group's total sales.

OKEANIDA PUBLICATIONS: Okeanida Publications, which publishes some 50 new titles annually and has an independent distribution network and a dynamic commercial promotion strategy, today ranks among the largest publishing houses in the competitive Greek market. The categories of books in publishes include modern Greek and foreign prose, classical literature, biographical works, historical works, and illustrated publications. The Canadian writers who have been translated into Greek by the publishing house include Margaret Atwood, Joseph McGillivray and Carol Shields. Okeanida has frequently received international translation subsidies from the Canadian Council for the translation of Canadian works.

Okeanida, in collaboration with 31 other international publishing firms, is circulating a new series of books entitled "Myths". The series comprises a work that is the product of six years of work. It includes a series of stories based on Greek mythology and other myths written by internationally-renowned authors. Margaret Atwood has written one of the stories, titled "The Penelopiad", which is the story of Odysseus and Penelope, but rendered from Penelope's viewpoint.

The first four books of the "Myths" series were recently placed in circulation, while the others will be available in 2006.

[21] Gov't to crack down on defaulting insurers

Athens 12/11/2005 (ANA)

Addressing a conference held by the Union of Insurance Companies of Greece, Papathanasiou said inspections so far indicated a shortfall of about 300 million euros in the market.

"Non-compliance with the law or selective implementation will not be tolerated....the ministry will send companies to the private insurance committee that are systematically inconsistent in their commitments to consumers, and the question will be raised of rescinding their licenses," he warned.

Conversely, insurers that comply with the law and treat customers fairly would be given tax and other incentives for growth, Papathanasiou added.

[22] Greek economy grew 3.7 pct in third quarter, yr/yr

Athens 12/11/2005 (ANA)

NSS, in its report, said investments fell by 1.0 percent in the July-September period, while exports grew 3.5 percent and imports fell by 0.1 percent over the same period.

The statistics service said the country's Gross Domestic Product grew 3.5 percent in the first quarter, 3.7 percent in the second and 3.7 percent in the third quarter of 2005, while investments fell by 1.0 percent in the 1st quarter, 4.5 percent in the second and by 1.0 percent in the third quarter.

Exports rose by 3.5 percent in the July-September period, contributing 0.6 percentage points to final demand in the economy. Exports grew 6.6 percent in the first quarter, 2.4 percent in the second and 3.5 pct in the third quarter.

[23] Greek industrial production up 1.6 pct in Jan-Sept

Athens 12/11/2005 (ANA)

The manufacturing index rose 0.6 percent, reflecting increased production in oil products, machinery, equipment and furniture.

The mining index grew 4.4 percent reflecting higher production in coal and lignite.

The electricity-natural gas-water index, however, fell 3.3 percent, reflecting a decline in the production and distribution of electricity and lower production of natural gas.

The industrial production composite index fell by 1.6 percent in the nine month period from January to September, compared with the corresponding period last year.

The mining index fell 6.9 percent, the manufacturing index eased 1.9 percent and the electricity-natural gas-water index rose 1.4 percent over the same period.

[24] Bond loan for Intralot

Athens 12/11/2005 (ANA)

Underwriting the issue is Athens-quoted Alpha Bank SA.

Proceeds will be used to refinance and/or finance the company and firms in its group.

Foreign Exchange Rates: Monday

Reference buying rates per euro released

by the European Central Bank:

U.S. dollar 1.179

[25] Family and friends pay last respects to Alexandrakis

Athens 12/11/2005 (ANA)

Among those attending his funeral were actress Nonika Galinea - his partner for 21 years - his son and daughter.

"He closes the large circle of people who created modern Greek culture," actor and friend Yiannis Voglis said.

Actor Lakis Lazopoulos called him "the sweetest man", while actress Martha Karagianni said "We are very moved."

"He leaves having enjoyed life and success to the fullest; success that he achieved through his rare talent, sensitivity and humility," Lila Kafantari said in the eulogy she delivered on behalf of the Greek Actors' Guild.

She expressed hope that Alexandrakis would serve as an example to younger generations of actors.

Alexandrakis died at Sotiria hospital, where he had been hospitalized since early October due to a respiratory infection. He suffered from cancer.

[26] Germany's ex-pats report drop in hours Greek taught in German schools

Athens 12/11/2005 (ANA)

In statements to the ANA/MPA, the organization's president Costas Dimitriou said that this was lowering the level of the class and asked the government to raise the issue with the education ministries of the German federal states.

Dimitriou raised this and other issues concerning the teaching of Greek in Germany during a meeting with the ruling New Democracy party's expatriate issues sector secretary, ND MP Vassilis Pappas.

The group also discussed a long-standing Greek request by Greek expatriates to be able to exercise their voting rights from their country of residence - something that is allowed under the revised Constitution but was not implemented because there is no law to execute it.

[27] Macedonian Studies Society begins international conference on Mount Athos

Athens 12/11/2005 (ANA)

Addressing the event, Minister of Macedonia and Thrace Nikos Tsiartsionis termed the conference as "yet another explicit example of the scientific contribution of the Macedonian Studies Society and of its creative intervention in our country's cultural activities."

Tsiartsionis added that "Mount Athos constitutes an inexhaustible source of cultural creation. And this is so because its citizens always have rich cultural experiences to show."

Completing his address, the minister said "Mount Athos is the lighthouse of Orthodoxy, the continuation of our culture, history and nation."

The conference will end on Sunday.

[28] French Philhellenic Societies convene in Marseilles

PARIS 12/11/2005 (ANA/O.Tsipira)

Representatives from 20 societies are attending the conference, which is being presided over by Pierre Echinard, President of the France-Greece organization in Marseilles and is supported by the Greek Foreign Ministry.

Attending the conference were President of the Federation of Greek Societies in France Vassilis Florakis, and the Embassy's press adviser Vassilis Karavassilis.

During the inauguration, Greek Consul in Marseilles Petros Panagiotopoulos conveyed messages from President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias, Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis, Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia and other officials.

The conference will conclude on Saturday.

[29] Russian Cultural and Science Centre opens in Athens

Athens 12/11/2005 (ANA)

The three-storey building, located in Halandri, includes a library, cafe, and an exhibit of Russian painters.

Children as well as youngsters wishing to attend Russian universities, will be able to follow Russian language courses at the centre.

Vdovin described the centre as a "cultural bridge" between Greece and Russia.

He also referred to the two countries' close ties, reinforced by Orthodoxy, adding that the centre will help revitalize and develop relations further on a broader level.

On her part, Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia, who attended the opening, agreed that the centre will contribute to further tightening the two countries' long-standing relations, signaling the beginning of a constant and systematic presence of Russian culture in Greece.

[30] Government sees crisis in EU-Turkey relations

There is a clear crisis phenomenon in EU-Turkey relations, Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides said on Friday.

''It seems that a bill has been given to Turkey form the EU, which Ankara has to pay,'' the spokesman said, adding that Turkey must meet its European obligations or deal with the EU collectively.

The spokesman explained that statements by Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Gul on the European Commission's report show clearly that Ankara is not satisfied and they are clearly in conflict with the statements by Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn.

''The Commission's Report on the accession negotiations of Turkey and the partnership do not satisfy the Turkish Government,'' the spokesman said, noting that Gul believes that the EU documents include unacceptable and unreasonable positions on the Cyprus issue.

If Gul simply sees the accession strategy for the countries, the spokesman said, he will realize how serious the conditions set by the EU are, noting that ''for the first time, the full implementation of the Protocol of the Ankara Agreement is set as a benchmark for the opening of a certain chapter.''

Concluding, he noted that the Turkish stance has not been yet discussed at the Commission level or at the Council level, but this is something that is coming up soon.

''There will be meetings of the Council of General Affairs and the Summit of the EU in December. Our position is that we absolutely agree with the EU collective position that Turkey must fully meet its obligations deriving from the Protocol,'' Chrysostomides said.

[31] Government: Turkish Cypriot leadership politically immoral

NICOSIA 12/11/2005 (CNA/ANA)

He added that the audacity of the Turkish Cypriot leadership as well as its obsession for political upgrading are clear in statements by so called premier Ferdi Sabit Soyer, who insists that the two EU regulations for the Turkish Cypriots should be voted and adopted at the same time, namely the financial assistance and direct trade.

As regards Soyer's statement, who described as politically immoral the proposal of the Greek Cypriot side for the return of the enclosed city of Varosha to its lawful owners, he said that former Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash was ''a little angel compared to today's Turkish Cypriot leadership.''

He noted that according to le Pensec, Talat has expressed to him the view to replace the wire fence that divides the island with a dividing wall, as in the case of Israel.

Ignoring le Pensec, the spokesman concluded, Talat further threatened to open all checkpoints and let all Turkish settlers pass to the government controlled areas of the Republic.

[32] Cyprus Government: US approach on religious freedom is superficial

NICOSIA 12/11/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Responding to questions, the spokesman said that religious freedom is very important in a society and added: ''Let us not kid ourselves, Greek Cypriots living in the occupied north are not allowed to practice their religions freely, Greek Cypriots have been victims of ethnic cleansing during the Turkish invasion of 1974, including a complete destruction of their cultural heritage, meaning the 500 and more churches found in the north.''

Referring to the churches in the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus, he said that those which were not desecrated have been turned into stables, hotels and clubs or, for purposes of impression, have been restored and turned into museums.''

As regards the religious ceremony held in Ayios Mamas Church in the occupied areas, which was allowed by the illegal regime, he said that ''it is one of the places of religious significance which were not destroyed by the occupation tornado for purposes of public relations.''

''The editors of this Report have been lured by the impressions. They should look clearly at the root of the situation,'' the government spokesman concluded.

[33] Cypriot President expresses condolences to King of Jordan

NICOSIA 12/11/2005 (CNA/ANA)

''It is with deep sorrow that I have received the news of Wednesday's terrorist attacks in Amman, which resulted in the loss of many innocent lives and the injuring of many more,'' the president says in his message.

He adds that ''on behalf of the people and the government of the Republic of Cyprus and on my own behalf, I wish to convey to Your Majesty and to the families of the victims our most sincere condolences and deepest sympathy, and our best wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured.''

''Such acts of violence are strongly and unreservedly condemned. Cyprus remains committed, together with the rest of the international community, in the fight against terrorism of all kinds. Please accept, Your Majesty, the assurances of my highest consideration,'' he concludes.

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