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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-11-15Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>November 15, 2005CONTENTS
[01] Greek gov't to press on with debt securitization planATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)Next year's budget will not include the figure from a debt securitization plan, Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said on Monday. The Greek minister noted that the figure would be included after completion of a technical consultation -currently underway- with Eurostat to approve the plan.Speaking to reporters, Alogoskoufis said the 2006 budget would focus on restraining public spending, and combatting tax evasion. The Greek minister said that even without revenues from a debt securitization plan, the government managed to reduce its fiscal deficit by more than two percentage points, as agreed with the European Union. The deficit will fall to 4.4 percent of GDP from 6.6 pct in 2004, excluding revenues from debt securitization. "We have said from the beginning that debt securitization is a temporary revenue and we have moved according to Eurostat's regulations," the Greek minister said. Alogoskoufis said the government would continue efforts to have a debt securitization plan approved by the European Union and stressed that revenues would be included either in the 2005 or the 2006 budget, depending on the approval by Eurostat. The Greek minister said approval procedures were taking longer these days since Eurostat was more cautious with such plans due to problems surfacing with similar plans in the past. Alogoskoufis said the Greek economy was moving in the right direction and stressed that no other EU member-state managed to achieve so many things during one year. "Our aim was to combine efforts to reduce fiscal deficits, safeguarding growth rates, and boosting employment and social cohesion," Alogoskoufis said. The Greek minister said the government would seek a full privatization of Emporiki Bank, to sell another stake in Agricultural Bank and to list Athens Airport in the Athens Stock Exchange. PASOK, SYN on govt's securitization plan: The main opposition PASOK party and the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) party criticized the government on its debt securitization plan on Monday. PASOK Spokesman Nikos Athanassakis, commenting on Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis' announcements, said that the government's economic policy "has collapsed" and that the government "is transferring the problems of its policy on to the real economy, thus burdening Greek citizens." He also accused Alogoskoufis of "writing and re-writing the 2006 budget," and coming up with different results for the 2005 budget with a deficit that now stands at 4.4%. SYN's Panagiotis Lafazanis, member of the party's Political Bureau and head of the Economic and Social Policy Division, said that without revenues generated from securitization, which he called "accounting alchemy", the 2005 and 2006 budgets will mean "harsh austerity" and new tax burdens for workers and pensioners, as well as "a new wave of out-of-control privatization that threatens to level everything in the public sector." "Government policies are paving the way for very difficult years ahead, at the expense of the Greek public, while major corporations, particularly banks, have seen an unprecedented rise in profits," he said. Alogoskoufis announced that the 2006 budget will not include revenues from a debt securitization plan. [02] Greece now has 'integrated' policy on immigration, Roussopoulos saysATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)Greece now had an integrated policy on immigration, since a bill prepared by Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos was passed by Parliament, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said on Monday."This mainly hinges on the fact that we know which immigrants come to Greece and for what purpose, that immigrants can fully exercise their rights, that they are insured and secure, while the procedures for the issue of residence permits have been simplified and delays reduced to a minimum, avoiding the intercession of any sort of middle-men," he added. The spokesman pointed out that the immigration services had been housed in a new building in the central Athens district of Rouf and had up-to-date IT systems to solve procedural problems. He also stressed the creation of the new category of 'long-term residents' who had lived in Greece for more than five years and were on the verge of acquiring Greek nationality, if they so wished, under the updated national code voted by the government in 2004. Asked whether the passage of the new law might be linked to the torching of 20 cars, Roussopoulos said the incident were probably not linked but did not rule out the possibility that certain parties might have attempted to incite violence along the lines of France in Greece. [03] PM briefed by interior minister over civil servants' code, local gov't election changeATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis was briefed on Monday by Public Administration and Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos over a timetable for a pair of top institutional reforms announced by the ministry, namely, a new civil servants' code and the election of mayors and prefects with 42 percent or more of the vote in the first round of local government elections.Pavlopoulos told reporters afterwards that he was optimistic the civil servants union, ADEDY, will lend its approval to the new code, as a meeting between the two sides was planned for later in the day. The government has announced that draft bills for the two reforms will be tabled by the end of the year. Municipal and prefectural elections are set for next year. [04] Interior ministry and ADEDY close to agreement on Civil Servants' CodeATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)The leadership of the Internal Affairs, Public Administration and Decentralization Ministry is close to an agreement with the Civil Servants' Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY) on the issue of the Code of Civil Servants following a meeting on Monday evening between the board of the civil servants' trade unionists and minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos and deputy minister Apostolos Andreoulakos.The talks are at a final stage, "at a crucial stage," as Interior Minister Pavlopoulos and ADEDY President Spyros Papaspyros said. It is expected that they will reach an agreement in the coming days, because, as repeatedly stated by the interior minister, the Code "must pass" in Parliament by the end of the year. Pavlopoulos stated:" We are at the final stage of the shaping of a Civil Servants Code which, we want to hope, will be the product of a consensus procedure and will place the foundations so that its implementation will be long-term. Today, we examined an evaluation plan of civil servants which is based on a proposal by ADEDY, which is particularly worthy and interesting." [05] Prime minister meets with Cyprus' DISY leaderATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis met on Monday evening with visiting leader of Cyprus' conservative Democratic Rally (DISY) party Nikos Anastassiades. The meeting focused on developments on the Cyprus problem."I expressed our agony and concerns and I briefed (the prime minister) on facts that can not go unnoticed as regards the faits accomplis of the occupation," Anastassiades told reporters after the meeting. "The prime minister's interest in the Cyprus problem remains unchanged," he added. The two also discussed coordination between their parties which are both members of the European People's Party. Anastassiades met earlier in the day with ruling New Democracy (ND) party secretary Vangelis Meimarakis. ND secretary meets with Cyprus' Democratic Rally leader Anastassiades Ruling New Democracy (ND) party secretary Vangelis Meimarakis on Monday met with visiting president of Cyprus' conservative Democratic Rally party Nikos Anastassiades. Meimarakis told reporters after the meeting that he was pleased to greet the leader of "a brother party" and "old friend", adding that discussions with the leaders of the Cypriot parties were always fruitful and interesting. "Our concern is how to advance the reunification of the island, so that all its inhabitants may enjoy the European acquis," he said, adding that such meetings with the Democratic Rally party were frequent so as to coordinate their activities in the European Peoples Party (EPP), the grouping in the European Parliament that the two parties belong to. Anastassiades said they had discussed the Cyprus problem, and ascertained coinciding views in the common desire, which was reunification of the island, and also the two parties' common action in the EPP. He said the Democratic Rally party and ND maintained excellent relations of cooperation on the national, regional and European issues. [06] PASOK says economy in 'poor condition'ATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)Main opposition PASOK's political council convened on Monday evening at the end of which it issued an announcement saying that the country's present economic state of affairs was "disappointing" and that forecasts were "gloomy".The council convened under the chairmanship of PASOK leader George Papandreou and focused on the government's policy and the future of the country's public utilities (DEKO). According to the announcement, the government's economic policy "leads to an impasse" and that "real incomes are diminishing for the first time in the past twelve years, investments are curbed and state revenues have collapsed while tax evasion and black-market activities are rampant and the country's competitiveness is dwindling." PASOK also said that the 2005 budget "is completely collapsing" and predicted that the government was planning "new emergency measures for the coming year" which would "have an adverse effect on working people and pensioners and lead the economy to recession." For all these reasons, PASOK adds, a new policy is needed which will combine growth and social justice. [07] PM's postponed trip to Turkey example of govt's 'sloppy' foreign policy, PASOK saysATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' decision to postpone his trip to Turkey after the New Year is another example of the government's "sloppy foreign policy," main opposition PASOK Spokesman Nikos Athanassakis said on Monday.Athanassakis noted that this is the second time the trip is being postponed, since Karamanlis was initially scheduled to travel to Turkey in August. [08] KKE on 32nd anniversary of student uprisingATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) called on the Greek public to honor the 32nd anniversary since the student uprising that took place at Athens Polytechnic on November 17, 1973 in protest of the then military dictatorship.KKE called on both older and younger generations to celebrate the anniversary, "reinforcing the anti-imperialistic struggle." According to KKE, this year's celebration should be "en masse and powerful" so as "to express the public's displeasure with the policies of ruling New Democracy and main opposition PASOK, with the imperialistic plans of the US, NATO and the EU - of which Greece is a member - against the people in the Balkans, the Middle East and elsewhere." Further, KKE calls on Greek citizens to express their support for the just demands of the people of Cyprus and Palestine. [09] Stepped up security ahead of Polytechnic anniversaryATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)Authorities and university officials on Monday stepped up security measures ahead of Thursday's anniversary of a students' uprising in 1973 at the Athens Polytechnic.Measures includes a ban on parking near the Polytechnic in central Athens, while up to 3,000 police officers will be stationed outside the institution and along a customary route taken by protesters. As in previous years, security within the university is the responsibility of the rector's office. [10] Protest at Athens school of economics ends peacefullyATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)Twenty students who initially refused to leave the Athens School of Economics did so on Monday evening after reaching an agreement with the school's dean.Tension built when the dean decided to close the school ahead of Thursday's anniversary of a students' uprising in 1973 at the Athens Polytechnic, a decision that conflicted with that of the student body which wanted the school to remain open through Thursday. According to police sources, the dean ordered the school shut and police placed at the entrance at around 2 p.m. A group of 20 students, however, remained inside refusing to vacate the building. Special police forces prevented another group of students from entering the building at around 4 p.m., while more than 200 students blocked traffic outside the school, demanding to meet with the school's dean. Upon arriving at the scene, the school's dean gave in to student demands, removing police officers from the school's entrance and re-opening the building. [11] Papandreou meets with Palestinian envoyATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)Main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou met on Monday with the Palestinian Authority's ambassador to Athens, Marwan Abdel Hamid.No statements were made afterwards. [12] Int'l conference on Islam opens in Vienna, Ecumenical Patriarch attendsVIENNA, 15/11/2005 (ANA/D. Dimitrakoudis)Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos arrived in the Austrian capital on Monday to attend the three-day conference "Islam in a Pluralistic World," that will take place November 14-16.Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik inaugurated the conference, held at Hofburg Palace, on Monday evening. According to Plassnik, the aim of the conference is to "foster mutual understanding, dialogue and cooperation between cultures and religions." Vartholomeos, who was officially invited by Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schussel, will be addressing the conference on Wednesday and will also be meeting with various government officials, including Schussel, Plassnik and Austrian President Heinz Fischer, among others during his stay in Vienna. These meetings, as well as the fact that Vartholomeos was invited by the Austrian Chancellor, underscore the respect the Austrian government has for the Ecumenical Patriarch and the institution of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Metropolitan of Austria and Exarch of Hungary and Central Europe Michael told the ANA. Michael noted that as the leader of Orthodox Christians based in a Muslim environment, Vartholomeos' presence at this conference took on additional significance. Vartholomeos' presence at the conference also underlines the patriarchate's concerns regarding the rights of Christians and Greeks living in Istanbul and in Turkey in general, Michael said. Michael added that Vartholomeos' visit to Austria was both a joy and honor for the Church of Austria. Other conference attendees include Jalal Talabani, President of Iraq; Hamid Karzai, President of Afghanistan; and Mohammad Khatami former President of Iran. [13] Ecumenical Patriarch invited to address Council of EuropeISTANBUL, 15/11/2005 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has been invited to address the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) by its president, René Van der Linden, during a visit to the Patriarchate in Fanar, Istanbul on Monday.After his meeting with the Patriarch, van der Linden expressed hope that "we will proceed together for Turkey's accession to the European Union", while stressing that Turkey's course toward Europe must "guarantee freedom of religion". Regarding the operation of the Theological School of Halki, PACE's president noted that Turkey must ensure the freedom to train clerics in its own schools, as in all European countries. [14] Protests against Patriarchate the work of political extremists, Patriarch saysISTANBUL, 15/11/2005 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, in comments on a spate of protests recently held outside the Ecumenical Patriarchate, on Monday noted that these were the work of extremist groups on both sides of the political spectrum in Turkey."In a strange way, supporters of the extreme right and extreme left have coincided in their anger and hate campaign against the Mother Church, our Ecumenical Patriarchate," he told a meeting of ethnic Greeks at the Church of Aghios Minas, near the ancient Byzantine walls in the city. He underlined, however, that the protests and the signatures collected by the protestors were "in vain" and that they would not succeed in relocating the Patriarchate nor dismaying those within it. The Patriarchate had completed 17 centuries and would continue for many more, he underlined. "The generations will succeed one another. The centuries will succeed each other. Greeks, the Patriarchate will always be here and coexist with our Moslem brothers, whose prayers we hear at this time," Bartholomew said. [15] Expulsion of Ecumenical Patriarchate inconceivable, Milliyet journalist saysISTANBUL, 15/11/2005 (ANA/A.Kourkoulas)The expulsion of the Ecumenical Patriarchate from Turkey is inconceivable, former editor-in-chief of Milliyet, Mehmet Yilmaz wrote in an article that appeared in the Turkish daily on Monday.The patriarchate is an integral part of Istanbul and one of the many - perhaps the most important - elements that make Istanbul a 'cosmopolitan' city, he said. Extremists have protested in recent weeks demanding that the patriarchate relocate to Greece, an event that Yilmaz termed a 'racist game.' According to the former editor, the patriarchate, headed by the Ecumenical Patriarch who also has Turkish citizenship, does not belong anywhere else other than Istanbul. [16] Bulgarian culture minister calls for even closer cultural ties with Greece15/11/2005 (ANA)Bulgarian Culture Minister Stefan Danailov stressed that Greece and Bulgaria should do more to bring their peoples closer together, while visiting the opening of an exhibition on the work of Mihalis Garoudis in Thessaloniki on Monday.In an interview with the ANA-MPA, Danailov said an overview of cultural ties between the two countries showed that much had been done in recent years but not yet enough. "I am convinced that cultural ties between Bulgaria and Greece must be developed even more, something that will lead to better acquaintance between our peoples," he stressed, noting that he was making every effort in this direction at his ministry. The minister - who is also one of Bulgaria's most distinguished actors of the theatre and stage - also noted that the countries of southeastern Europe, working together, could "give 'old Europe' a pleasant cultural surprise". Among others, Danailov thanked Greece for ratifying Bulgaria's EU accession treaty and said that the development of cultural ties with Greece and other Balkan countries was a standing goal of the Bulgarian government. [17] Holy Synod statement critical of ex-PM SimitisATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)The Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Greece's powerful Holy Synod on Monday issued a terse statement vis-a-vis references in a book recently released by former two-time prime minister and PASOK leader Costas Simitis."The Holy Synod of the Church of Greece states that it will not be lured by the magnitude of the provocation and the inaccuracies that distort history, do injustice to the political area he (Simitis) belongs to, and which insult the Church. The Holy Synod will respond to the writer, the ex-premier, by restoring the truth in time, and when this is judged as appropriate and undamaging for the country," the statement reads. One of the passages in Simitis' controversial book refers to the background that led to his government's move, several months after the April 2000 elections, to remove the religious affiliation entry from police-issued ID cards, a development that caused a dramatic souring in relations between his government and the Church's leadership. High clergy 'out of line', opposition parties say: The main opposition PASOK party criticized clergy members for engaging in political criticism after the Holy Synod issued a statement on Monday slamming former prime minister Costas Simitis' book. Main opposition PASOK Spokesman Nikos Athanassakis accused certain clergy members of becoming involved in politics and said that unless they're ready to abandon their religious posts "they should respect their [current] role." Former president of the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology party (Synaspismos) Nikos Constantopoulos expressed his opposition in parliament, accusing certain members of clergy of "acting as political party leaders who claim a role both in domestic issues as well as in foreign policy matters." Constantopoulos submitted a question to Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis asking "whether financial audits of dioceses will be carried out, whether a legislative initiative regarding a new Charter for the Church in order to address blatant distortions that have occurred at the expense of the state will be undertaken, and whether the government will propose the separation of Church and State during the upcoming debate regarding the revision of the Constitution." Finally, SYN Secretary Nikos Hountis accused the clergy of "crossing the line" when they attacked politicians and intervened in the country's political scene. The Holy Synod accused Simitis of "inaccuracies that distort history, do injustice to the political area he [Simitis] belongs to, and which insult the Church," in a statement it issued on Monday, adding that it will respond to the writer in due time. On his part Government Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, when asked to comment on statements by Kalavrita Metropolitan Ambrosios, who attacked Simitis, said: "I do not agree with name calling - as that which was expressed - regardless of its origin, when it targets a former prime minister." [18] ASEP President Veis presents supreme council's 2004 annual reportATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)Supreme Council for Personnel Selection (ASEP) President George Veis on Monday said that he was in favor of the institution of interviews for the hiring of personnel in the public sector.Veis made the statement during the presentation on Monday of the 2004 ASEP Annual Report, which recorded fewer violations compared to the hiring of personnel since 1994 when ASEP was created. Veis, who handed the report to Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, Parliament President Anna Benaki-Psarouda and Internal Affairs, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos, expressed his satisfaction over the drastic restriction of cases of violation of the law concerning hirings, cases regarding the country's municipalities and municipal businesses, of which, however, ten were brought before the public prosecutor. On the much discussed issue of interviews, Veis said that he will "handle it with enthusiasm," adding that he could not be against the institution given that he himself recommended the interviews since 1997 for the hiring of special scientific personnel. At the same time, he described interviews as particularly useful, for the choice of personnel who have broad education and who know the difficulties they must confront today. As it was stressed, the interviews do not apply to the hiring of personnel with obligatory training. [19] Parliament president receives Audit Council, ASEP reportsATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki on Monday received the annual report of the Audit Council for 2003 and the annual report of the ASEP civil service recruitment body for 2004.[20] New members of the Personal Data Protection AuthorityATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)The new members of the Personal Data Protection Authority were sworn in on Monday by Justice Minister Anastasios Papaligouras.They are Philippos Doris, professor of the Athens University's Legal Department, Leonidas Kotsalis, professor of the Athens University's Legal Department and Agamemnon Papaneofytou, assistant professor of Panteion University. Three alternate members were also sworn in. The members of the Personal Data Protection Authority were unanimously selected on September at a meeting of the Parliament presidents, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, on September 22. [21] DM attends memorial service for former Israeli premierATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos on Monday reiterated Greece's full support of the international community's efforts for peace in the Middle East, in comments he made in Tel Aviv, where he attended a special ceremony commemorating 10 years since the killing of former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.Before the ceremony, Spiliotopoulos met with Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos, and assured him of Greece's support. On his part, Theophilos thanked Spiliotopoulos for his interest and said that the support of the faithful will be key in normalizing the situation surrounding the patriarchate. [22] Greek convoy attacked outside KabulATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)A Greek convoy of seven army vehicles was attacked outside Kabul, Afghanistan at 2 p.m. on Monday resulting in the injury of two Greek soldiers, the National Defense General Staff reported.According to the statement, the two soldiers suffered minor burns and are not in any danger. The convoy was returning from a humanitarian mission at an Afghan school. [23] Turkish warplanes violate national air space, infringe Athens FIRATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)Nine formations of Turkish warplanes on Monday entered the Aegean without submitting a flight plan (10 infringements of the Athens Flight Information Region air traffic regulations were recorded) and in 20 cases violated the national air space in the northern, central and southern Aegean, according to Armed Forces General Staff sources.In all cases, the 25 Turkish warplanes were recognized and intercepted by corresponding Greek fighter planes. It was reported that six of the Turkish aircraft were armed. [24] National Tourism Organization voted "best tourism organization" in EuropeATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)Greek Tourism Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos on Monday expressed his satisfaction for the award won by the National Tourism Organization as the best tourism organization in Europe.Speaking to reporters in London, to attend an International Travel Fair WTM, the Greek minister said the award was a justification of the ministry's policy in the past year while he predicted that the current year would be successful as well. The World Travel Awards, an organization based in London with BBC World, World Travel Fair and Visit Britain as its main partners, each year awards the best organizations and enterprises in the tourism sector. Winners are elected after electronic voting by executives from the world travel market (tour operators), travel agents and hoteliers' associations. More 175,000 executives participated in this year's voting. [25] Minister sees good year for Greek tourism in 2006ATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)Tourism Development Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos said on Monday that he anticipated another good year for domestic tourism in 2006."We are in continuous contact with tour operators abroad and the message we are getting for the coming year is very positive," the minister told a news conference on the sidelines of London's World Travel Market. "The point is to maintain the rising trend seen in 2005," he said. Avramopoulos gave interviews CNN, BBC World and the Travel Channel, also holding a round of meetings with tour operators and investors interested in Greece. Greece has a pavilion of 900 square meters at the World Travel Market housing 60 exhibitors from around the country. On Tuesday, Avramopoulos will be keynote speaker at a forum on tourism investment in Greece arranged by his ministry and the Greek National Tourism Organization with the International Herald Tribune and New York Times. [26] Government to discuss fate of OA on TuesdayATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)The inner Cabinet will convene on Tuesday morning to discuss the fate of the national carrier Olympic Airlines (OA), while a government meeting between the ministries involved in the airline's privatization will be held in the afternoon, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said on Monday.Concerning the government's overall performance, the spokesman stressed that the government was "productive", noting that this was apparent to anyone who closely followed the initiatives and legislation it had introduced. "The government has undertaken initiatives in a number of areas and the reforms are already yielding results," the spokesman said, noting that government reforms were held responsible for a roughly 2.5 per cent drop in the public deficit. "There are of course always margins for improvement in productivity in all areas," he added. [27] Olympic Airways-Services wins market awardATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)Olympic Airways-Services SA, the handling division of national carrier Olympic Airways, has won for the second straight year the top award from TUI, one of the world's largest tourism organizations, for quality of its ground handling services.Commended were the company's services at the airports of Cephallonia, Thessaloniki, Samos, Kos, Hania (Crete), Zakynthos, Kavala, Rhodes and Iraklion (Crete). [28] Gov't proceeds with infrastructure projects in Cyclades and northATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)The public works ministry said on Monday that four agreements had been signed with engineering contractors for road building projects to extend the range of the Egnatia Way, which crosses the north of the country from east to west.The projects are budgeted at a total of 130 million euros, the ministry said in a statement. In addition, Public Works Minister George Souflias approved tender documents and funding of 13.4 million euros for an improvement project to the island port of Mykonos. [29] Gov't okays funding for Cretan airport projectATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)Public Works Minister George Souflias on Monday approved funding of 28 million euros for construction of a new airport terminal building and other improvements to Sitia airport in Crete.The new building will cover an expanse of 7,650 square meters, the ministry said in a statement. [30] Ministers Alogoskoufis and Sioufas present 'Kouros 2005' awardsATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis and Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas at a special event on Monday evening presented the "Kouros 2005" awards.The Kouros 2005 awards, which are given for the 11th year by the Entrepreneurial Club, were awarded to the following: The Development and Innovation award to Lavrentis Lavrentiadis, primary shareholder, president and managing director of the companies "Neohimiki L.B Lavrentiadis" and "EBIK". The Performance award in the international economic field to Evangelos Pistiolis, primary shareholder, president and managing director of the company "Top Tankers". The Social Contribution award by decision of the administrative council of the club to Yiannis Kostopoulos, shareholder and president of the companies of the Alpha Bank group. The Entrepreneurial Club which is a club with a non-profit character has 73 members, all of them businessmen of the older and younger generation with Dimitris Mavros as president of the administrative council. [31] Growth seen holding at 3.0% or above over next two yearsATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)Growth is seen holding at 3.0% or above over the next two years, slowing from an average 4.5% for the last five years, National Bank of Greece said in a market report released on Monday.Gross domestic product (GDP) is anticipated at around 3.5% in 2005 and 3.2% in 2006, fuelled by a recovery in exports this year and an improvement in exports in 2006, the report said. "Nevertheless, performance of the Greek economy in the medium term will depend on its fiscal condition," it warned. Employment is seen at about 1.5% with joblessness declining to around 9.0%, according to National Bank. [32] Logistics sector has favorable growth prospects, reportATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)The logistics sector showed signs of stabilization this year, reflecting a slowdown of growth rates after the Olympic Games in 2004 and a rising household debt in the country, Hellastat said in a report.The report, however, stressed that the logistics sector had favorable growth prospects despite a continuing entry of new players in the market. Logistics services have a long way to go to converge with existing levels in the rest of Europe, Hellastat said. The report said companies in the sector were facing difficulties because of inadequate offer of real estate in fair prices to build warehouses, with available space in the prefects of Attica and Thessaloniki gradually declining. Inadequate road, railway and port infrastructure was an additional problem to the sector's growth. Hellastat said the vast majority of companies in the sector (166 out of a total 172) were profitable, of which only half (81) reported higher profits in 2004 compared with 2003, 56 reporting lower profits and 19 returned to profitability after reporting losses in 2003. The logistics sector has low levels of consolidation, with the top 10 companies' participation in total revenues falling to 32.8 percent in 2004 from 34.8 percent in 2001, reflecting increasing competition in a market valued at 1.258 billion euros last year. The logistics sector reported a 14 percent average annual growth rate in the last four years. Profitability grew an average 16.9 percent in the period 2002-2004, while the sector's net profit margin was stable at 2.5 percent. Smaller enterprises raised their profits by 32.1 percent last year, compared with 2003 (3.3 times more compared with larger enterprises). Sales totalled 1.272 billion euros in 2004, the report said. [33] Greece, Brazil eye closer trade tiesATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)Greece and Brazil are sounding out the possibility of boosting trade between the two countries.On Monday, the president of Brazil's Organization for Export and Investment Promotion, Juan Quiros, and the head of the organization's export promotion department, Regina Silverio, visited the Piraeus Chamber of Trade and Industry for talks with its president, George Kasimatis on spurring bilateral trade. [34] Cosmote reports improved nine-month resultsATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)Cosmote on Monday reported a 10.6 percent increase in its pre-tax, interest and amortization earnings in the first nine months of 2005, compared with the same period last year.The leading mobile telephony operator in Greece, said consolidated EBITDA totalled 569.5 million euros, while net profits totalled 255.3 million euros, up 9.0 percent from the same period in 2004. Profit margin rose to 44.1 percent, while turnover rose by 7.5 percent to 1.292 billion euros. Cosmote said parent turnover rose 2.0 percent to 1.138 billion euros in the January-September period, EBITDA were up 5.6 percent to 490.6 million euros, net profits rose 10.7 percent to 237.9 million euros and EBITDA profit margin rose by 1.4 percentage point to 43.1 percent. Cosmote (Hellas) announced 14,974 net new contract-based subscriptions and 114,302 net new pre-paid subscriptions in the third quarter of 2005, raising its customer base to 4.5 million, up 10.2 percent from the same period in 2004. Cosmote said its market share was around 37.5 percent. AMC, its subsidiary in Albania, reported a 15.8 percent increase in its nine-month turnover to 102.2 million euros, pre-tax, interest and amortization earnings rose 22.1 percent and net profit margin jumped to 31.5 percent from 29.3 percent in the same period last year. GloBul, its subsidiary in Bulgaria reported a 58.4 percent rise in nine-month turnover to 197.6 million euros. EBITDA profit margin jumped to 42.1 pct from 25.6 pct in 2004. GloBul holds around 40 percent of the Bulgarian market. Cosmofon in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia reported a 66.3 percent increase in revenues to 27.9 million euros. EBITDA profit margin rose to 27.3 percent. Cosmofon holds a 30 percent market share in the country. Cosmote said there were comparable figures for its subsidiary in Romania. [35] Greek semi-conductor firms in Israeli business forumATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)Six Greek semi-conductor start-up firms recently took part in the Israeli premier's economic forum to outline the state of their sector in Greece.The visit to the forum by representatives of GDT, Helic, Inaccess, Phototronics, Sciensis and Theta was sponsored by Greece's development ministry and the Greek Exports Promotion Organization, the Israeli embassy in Athens said in a statement. The Greek companies met executives of key Israeli sector firms including Tower, ITHS and ZMMS, the statement said. Also attending were Greek ministry and trade officials, it added. [36] Book by Deputy Minister Petros Doukas on economic theories presented in AthensATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)The third enriched edition of the book "Economic Theories, Principles of Administration and Ancient Greek Thought" (Livanis Publishing) by Economy and Finance Deputy Minister Petros Doukas was presented at a central Athens hotel on Monday.The guest speakers at the presentation of the book ascertained that the economic theories of the Ancient Greeks can be implemented in the modern era and contribute to the solution of matters which are linked not only to the Greek economy but also to the problems which are being created by globalization. Speakers included Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas, Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) deputy and former minister Vasso Papandreou, Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) parliamentary spokesman deputy Fotis Kouvelis, Athens University Rector George Babiniotis and Cambridge University professor Athanasios Fokas. Attending the presentation were former Prime Minister Costas Mitsotakis, former New Democracy (ND) party President Miltiades Evert, Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyiannis, ministers and former ministers, among them Costas Laliotis and representatives of the business world [37] Greek stocks end 0.58 pct higherATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)Greek stocks ended higher on Monday, pushing the composite index to its highest closing since December 2000 on the Athens Stock Exchange.The index rose 0.58 percent to end at 3,442.20 points, with turnover an improved 244 million euros. Sector indices ended higher with the Holdings (1.44 pct), Constructions (1.17 pct), Food-Beverage (1.0 pct) and Wholesale (0.96 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day. The Telecoms (0.55 pct), IT (0.36 pct), IT Solutions (0.28 pct) and Insurance (0.16 pct) sectors suffered losses. The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.54 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.90 percent higher and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.27 percent up. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 143 to 133 with another 58 issues unchanged. Stock Futures: Bond Market Close: Buyers lag sellers Foreign Exchange Rates: Tuesday Reference buying rates per euro released by the European Central Bank: U.S. dollar 1.180 [38] Miocene mastodon, hipparion fossils unearthed at Dikaia15/11/2005 (ANA)The fossils of prehistoric animals tentatively dated to more than 5 million years ago have been unearthed in Trigonou municipality by crews of the Egnatia company while digging to build a gradient road linking the region with the Via Egnatia highway, it was announced on Monday.The finds, in the Dikaia region, include sections of tusks, a molar and a premolar of a proboscidean mastodon, and bones of prehistoric horses. The work on the road was immediately discontinued, and the Kotini Antiquities Ephorate and the Northern Greece Ephorate of Paleoanthropology and Speleology were immediately alerted. Archaeologists Matthaios Koutsoumanis and Miltiades Myteletsis, geologist Markos Vaxevanopoulos, and Ephorate official D. Retzos went to the site for an autopsy, followed by a team from the Thessaloniki Aristotelion University's Geology Department, which conducted further digging and studies, comprising Aristotelion University Geology Professor and paleontologist Dr. Evagelia Tsoukala, geologist George Lazaridis, and speleologist Vassilis Makridis. According to the archaeologists, the finds of this paleontological dig were very interesting.The fossils found scattered in the sediments came from large prehistoric mammals, and sections of wood. In addition to the sections of the first tusk, initially unearthed by the building crew, archaeologists unearthed three more sections of tusk, a characteristic premolar and molar of a mastodon which, following initial study, is tentatively attributed to the Choerolophodon genus of the Mastodon species from the Miocene Epoch, and dated as more than 5 million years old. Also found were samples of teeth and bones of the postcranial skeleton of Hipparions -- prehistoric horses with three toes on each hoof -- some of which, mainly the astragalus (foot bones), had intense marks due to water action; and the lower jawbone of a small bovine (gazelle or antelope). Dr. Tsoukala told ANA that a future, detailed study could turn up significant information on the region's prehistory. The proboscideans of the Miocene geological epoch (an epoch is a sub-division of a geological period), which lasted from 23.7 to 5.3 million years ago, are generally called Mastodons due to the structure of their molar teeth -- the name Mastodon comes from the Greek words 'mastos' (breast, nipple) and odon, or odont (tooth) -- mainly from the nipple-shaped protrusions on the crowns of their molars. Mastodons also have tusks (overgrown incisors) on their upper and lower jawbones, contrary to the more developed elephants of 2 million years ago to the present, which have tusks only on the upper jawbones. Although the mastodons were smaller in size than the present-day elephants, they can be considered large mammals. From the many species discovered, one can conclude that the proboscideans during this epoch had adapted to all the types of the environment, and the variety of tusks is impressive. [39] PM inaugurates Iakovidis' art exhibitATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)Prime Minister and Minister of Culture Costas Karamanlis inaugurated the retrospective exhibit of Georgios Iakovidis, founder of the National Art Gallery, on Monday evening.Karamanlis called Iakovidis "a major figure in the Greek art world," who despite being underestimated by younger generations of painters and critics, "succeeded in creating works that marked Greeks' unconscious." Karamanlis added that Iakovidis' paintings can be seen as an allegory. "The children he painted represent end of 19th century Greece, as it tries to find its pace among the other European nations, while the elderly men and women that Iakovidis also painted, resemble the historical and cultural origins of the Greek nation which was fervently trying to come together," he noted. In his brief address, Panayiotis Tetsis, Chairman of the Gallery's Executive Board, described Iakovidis as an innovator. He also touched on the issue of the gallery's building, saying that expanding the current building would be "an improvement, but not a solution." Iakovidis served as the gallery's first director in 1900 and was also head of the School of Fine Arts. Present at the opening were Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis, the ministry's Secretary General Christos Zachopoulos, National Art Gallery Director Marina Lampraki-Plaka and others. [40] Culture ministry experts inspect former royal properties at TatoiATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis on Monday headed up what was apparently the first-ever public inspection by a ministry delegation at the former royal family properties of Tatoi, north of Athens.Tatoulis led a delegation of ministry officials and archaeologists for an on-the-spot inspection. The visit comes in the wake of ongoing restoration efforts at the site, especially on the main country residence within the wooded estate. The ministry has also begun to record all of the movable objects left in the buildings of the former royal properties. Finally, Tatoulis said the government will attempt to include the restoration project in the 3rd and 4th Community Support Framework (CSF) programs. Greece paid 13.7 million euros, following a December 2002 European Court of Human Rights ruling, as compensation to the country's former monarch and two of his relatives for properties seized under a 1994 law. A referendum in December 1974 abolished the monarchy by a 2 to 1 margin, paving the way for the establishment of a Parliamentary republic. [41] UN special rapporteur Petit says Greece must continue its efforts for the rights of childrenATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)United Nations Human Rights Committee Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, Juan Miguel Petit, in a press conference he gave in Athens on Monday, said that "Greece has made significant progress on the issue of the protection of human rights this past decade, but the effort must continue particularly with regard to the rights of children."During his visit, which began on November 8 and concluded on Monday, Petit had 25 meetings with at least 100 officials. He held talks with Justice Minister Anastasios Papaligouras, Education and Religious Affairs Minister Marietta Yiannakou, Labor and Social Protection Minister Panos Panayiotopoulos, Health and Social Solidarity Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis, Public Order Ministry senior officials, Parliament representatives as well as with representatives of international organizations and non-governmental organizations. His visit to Greece took place immediately after the conclusion of his visit to Albania from October 31 to November 7 and in the coming days Petit will visit Italy, so as to formulate an overall picture on the phenomenon of the sale of children and of the immigratory tide of unescorted children internationally. Following his visit to the three countries, Petit will prepare a report on the systems for the protection of children, which will be presented at the next UN Human Rights Committee congress in April 2006. At the press conference, UNICEF Greek Committee President Lambros Kanellopoulos expressed the great importance to Petit's visit and investigation. Kanellopoulos said that in a research in 2001 the UNICEF Greek Committee found proof that about 2,000 children in Greece are victims of sexual exploitation. [42] Bears and wolves up for 'adoption' by Arktouros groupATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)The conservation group "Arktouros" has put the bears and wolves under its care "up for adoption" in a bid to raise money for their protection.The adoptive "parents" can be schools, companies and private individuals, who for ¬ 150-¬ 200 a year will receive regular updates on the condition of the animal or animals they have adopted, as well as educational and information packs. According to Arktouros official Lazaros Georgiadis, the adoption of bears began about decade ago, while wolf packs were put up for adoption for the first time five years ago. He stressed that the money raised by the scheme was less important than the chance to sensitize the public to the plight of the animals, which are both now protected species in Greece. He said that wolves were adopted as packs rather than individuals because they were social animals, who needed their pack to survive. He also noted that wolves were still 'misunderstood' to some degree and were less popular candidates for adoption, with people still influenced by the age-old antipathy toward them. "Their population, however, is at risk and it is now a protected species," he stressed. The group currently has 13 bears under its care, of which seven were former performing bears. There are also 12 wolves, divided into two packs, which were either taken from owners that held them illegally or from zoos. The money is mainly used to feed and care for the animals at Arktouros shelters, because their contact with humans has made them unable to care for themselves in the wild. [43] Former justice minister Vassilis Rotis dies, aged 83ATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)Former justice minister Vassilis Rotis has died at the age of 83.Rotis, who passed away on Friday, had also served as president of the Council of State, Greece's supreme administrative court, and chairman of the Central Legislation Committee attached to the Cabinet secretariat. A funeral service will be held on Monday at 14:00 at the Athens 1st Cemetery, while the funeral will take place on Wednesday in Lagadia, Arcadia. [44] Aristidis Daskalopoulos Foundation competition on science and technology of foods and nutritionATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)The "Aristidis Daskalopoulos Foundation" (IAD) has proclaimed the first International Competition of Research Work on issues of Science and Technology of Foods and Nutrition.The competition is directed to Greek researchers, students or professors or research groups with at least one Greek member, which conducts their work in Greece or abroad in the sectors of science and technology of foods and nutrition. The proclamation has been sent to all the Greek and foreign universities which have departments dealing with issues of Chemistry and the Technology of Foods and Nutrition. The research work will be judged by distinguished Greek professors active in Greece or abroad and monetary prizes will be as follows: 1st prize - 10,000 euros, 2nd prize - 5,000 euros, 3rd prize - 3,000 euros. The general terms and prerequisites for participation are contained in the full text of the proclamation, which those individuals interested can find on the website of the Foundation, www.iad.gr. [45] Nat'l football team coach Rehhagel agrees to stay on another 2 yearsATHENS, 15/11/2005 (ANA)German coach Otto Rehhagel on Monday detailed his decision to continue as the Greek national team's skipper for another two years, during a joint press conference with the Greek football federation's (EPO) leadership here.The announcement ends speculation that the veteran coach would leave the Euro 2004 champions for another national or Bundesliga side following Greece's failure to qualify for the World Cup 2006 competition in Germany. According to reports, Rehhagel's contract will be worth roughly 800,000 euros a year. "Never before in my career have the fans and players wanted me to stay on after a team of mine was eliminated. We talked a great deal to the players, and all of the team members asked me to stay. We owe the European championship to the players, and I need to give something back to them; to stay on and continue," Rehhagel said, while adding that the team's target is now Euro 2008. [46] Cyprus spokesman refutes Turkish Cypriot claimsNICOSIA, 15/11/2005 (CNA/ANA)Cyprus Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides on Monday said that the issue of Turkey's compliance with its obligations towards the EU as a whole has no relation nor is it linked with the unjustified demand of Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat to lift the so-called isolation of Turkish Cypriots.Commenting on statements by the Turkish Cypriot leadership, the spokesman reiterated that "isolation" exists as a result of the ongoing occupation and Ankara's and Talat's policy, and noted that there can be commercial and financial relations if the Turkish Cypriot side wants to, on the basis of existing regulations. Referring to a statement by the Turkish Cypriot leader, Chrysostomides noted that Talat has realized that pressure on Turkey is increasing and noted that Talat has probably read a recent interview of EU Commissioner Olli Rehn to a Dutch daily, where he underlined Turkey's obligation to open its ports and airports to Cypriot ships and planes. As regards a statement by the so-called premier of the Turkish Cypriot regime Ferdi Sabit Soyer, that the Greek Cypriot side has lost every incentive for a solution because it has joined the EU, the spokesman described this argument as absurd. Chrysostomides said that the division of the island was a result of Turkey's invasion and occupation "and our side is the one which is making an effort and has lost neither the motive nor the desire for a settlement and the reunification of the country." The spokesman rejected allegations that the Greek Cypriot side is linking the proposal to open the fenced off town of Varosha with the EU financial regulation for the Turkish Cypriots, noting that the proposal is still on the table as it had been submitted to the EU. [47] Cypriot Foreign Minister says UN plans do not evaporateNICOSIA, 15/11/2005 (CNA/ANA)Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs George Iacovou said Monday that UN plans do not just evaporate but are always hovering above, even in the negotiating room when talks start, noting that the plan proposed by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan was not necessarily the only basis of negotiation for a Cyprus settlement.Iacovou pointed out that a dialogue had not yet begun with the UN to determine the negotiating framework, adding that the Annan plan would play a part, as would the proposals of the government, which had taken the Annan plan as a point of reference. Asked about the government's positions regarding the Annan plan, Iacovou said President Tassos Papadopoulos had on many occasions expressed the position that ''the UN plans do not evaporate and are always hovering above, even in the negotiating room, when the negotiations begin.'' ''We have not yet entered the specific dialogue with the UN to determine the negotiating framework. Certainly the Annan plan will play a part and of course the proposals-comments we have made, taking the Annan plan as a point of reference, will play an important part,'' he added. Replying to questions, Iacovou said the Annan plan ''is not necessarily the sole basis for negotiations.'' ''What is needed is a negotiating framework and negotiating methodology, which are not even under discussion at the moment,'' he said. [48] Cyprus President hopes a new UN initiative will bring agreementNICOSIA, 15/11/2005 (CNA/ANA)Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos on Monday expressed hope that a new, well prepared initiative of the United Nations on Cyprus could bring about an agreement for a solution based on Security Council resolutions and on the principles and laws of the EU, since Cyprus is already a full member of the European Union.Papadopoulos was speaking at a formal ceremony during which he received the credentials of the new of the new Ambassador of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Jang Myong Son, based in Cairo. Son assured he will do his best to develop the friendly relations of the two countries during his term in office to Cyprus. Papadopoulos said "we have committed ourselves to a solution that would bring about the liberation and reunification of our country, in a bicommunal and bizonal federation." "But the UN plan which was put to referendum on 24th of April 2004 was not considered by the vast majority of the people as capable of bringing a balanced, functional and lasting solution that would serve the legitimate interests of the people of Cyprus as a whole," he noted. He said the most important consideration amongst the Greek-Cypriots who overwhelmingly rejected the Plan, was that the Plan, did not in fact, provide for the reunification of the country; on the contrary it provided for the perpetuation of the separatist attitudes of the status quo and the legalization of most of the results of the Turkish invasion in 1974 and of the occupation ever since. Especially on the issues of the usurped Greek-Cypriot immovable property (88% in the occupied areas) and on the dichotomy of the monetary, fiscal and economic policies and practices, he added. [49] Slovenian Minister says knowledge on Cyprus not sufficientNICOSIA, 15/11/2005 (CNA/ANA)Slovenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dimitrij Rupel said Monday that knowledge of both his country and the European Union regarding the problems of Cyprus was not sufficient, adding that in order to maintain harmonious relations among EU member states, there should be mutual understanding and support.Rupel, who is on an official visit to Cyprus, was received this morning by President Tassos Papadopoulos and then met with his Cypriot counterpart George Iacovou. Iacovou said that during both meetings ''we covered a wide range of issues, European matters, financial prospects, and the situation in Europe today, Turkey's accession course and of course the Cyprus problem.'' Rupel, who is also presiding over the OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) until the end of the year, said ''we have informed each other, the Cypriot and the Slovenian side, about our positions regarding events and problems of the EU, we discussed the financial perspective, we discussed problems that might occur if this perspective is not adopted by the end of the year, but then we have also touched on other matters, such as the Western Balkans and Cyprus itself.'' ''I realize that the knowledge about the Cypriot problem has not been sufficient in Slovenia and it has not been sufficient in the EU,'' he said, adding that he was grateful that Iacovou ''has explained to me some of the details of historical importance and of course knowledge about historical issues and about fundamental values of a country is vital for harmonious family life,'' Rupel added. He explained that when referring to ''harmonious family life'' he means ''the family of the EU,'' noting that ''in families we have to understand each other and we have to support each other.'' ''Certainly Cyprus is one of the countries that deserves support and of course understanding. We are very similar in size but also regarding our values, orientations, our views regarding the future of European life,'' he concluded. Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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