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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-11-16Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>November 16, 2005CONTENTS
[01] Greece to replace Olympic Airlines with new companyATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)The Greek government on Tuesday announced the creation of a new airline company to replace Olympic Airlines after an international tender for the sale of the national carrier was declared inconclusive.Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis and Transport and Communications Minister Mihalis Liapis, speaking to reporters, after an inter-ministerial meeting to discuss the issue with the government's financial consultant to the sale, said the solution presented was the only alternative choice and that it was aimed to cover the country's air transport needs. Private investors would have a majority stake in the new airline, along with the management and operation of the company, while the Transport ministry would begin a round of consultation with Olympic Airlines' workers over their labor and pension rights. Transport Minister Mihalis Liapis said the government would seek approval of the plan by the European Union and stressed the government was committed to adhere to community competition rules. Legislation regarding the creation of the new company will be tabled in Parliament in coming days, the ministers said. The government is seeking to achieve the broadest possible consensus, both from employees as well as opposition parties. To this end, Liapis, on Thursday, will be briefing main opposition PASOK MP Evangelos Venizelos and will then brief the Federation of Civil Aviation Societies (OSPA), mainly on issues regarding their employment and pension rights. After the interministerial meeting, Liapis announced that a leading, international firm has been commissioned to draw up a business plan, which will serve as the basis for the new company to receive its license from the Civil Aviation Authority. Until then, Olympic Airlines will continue operating as usual. Opposition reactions: Main opposition PASOK MP and former transport minister Christos Verelis termed the situation "Olympic's free fall", while the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) party, accused the government of "selling out" the national air carrier with PASOK's tolerance. [02] Federation of Civil Aviation Societies satisfied with decisions on Olympic Airlines' futureATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)The management of the Federation of Civil Aviation Societies (OSPA) expressed its satisfaction over decisions taken on Tuesday by the inner cabinet concerning the future of the Olympic Airlines company, meaning the founding of a new company with a joint public and private character.In an announcement, the Federation referred to the government's withdrawal from its initial positions that "Olympic will either be sold or closed" and expressed concern that the national air carrier's further shrinking might be attempted in the new company's business plan. For this reason, the federation has called for the prime minister's intervention "to put an end to dangerous experiments." Transport and Communications Minister Michalis Liapis has summoned OSPA's board for a meeting on Thursday for a discussion on the latest developments regarding the national air carrier's future. [03] Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos holds talks with Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang SchuesselVIENNA, 16/11/2005 (ANA/D. Dimitrakoudis)Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos expressed his conviction on Tuesday that during its European Union presidency, in the first half of 2006, Austria will have the opportunity of "working, as much as it can, for the consolidation and prevalence of religious freedoms and human rights in general."Vartholomeos was speaking after holding talks with Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel in the Austrian capital. The Ecumenical Patriarch said in a statement to the Athens News Agency (ANA) that he had the opportunity of discussing issues of mutual interest with the Chancellor, also in light of the Austrian EU presidency, and ascertained the "existence of a profuse and general desire for promoting and supporting religious freedoms and human rights in general". Vartholomeos added that he had made the same ascertainment during talks he had at the Fanar a few weeks ago with Austrian Parliament President Andreas Kohl. The Ecumenical Patriarch arrived in Vienna on Monday at the invitation of Chancellor Schuessel to participate in the tripartite international inter-religious conference titled "Islam in a pluralistic world." [04] Greece's military role within EU, NATO upgradedATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)Greece's military role within the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization has been upgraded, the organizations' military committees said during meetings held in Brussels.Greece was represented at the meetings by Armed Forces General Staff Chief Admiral Panagiotis Hinofotis. On Tuesday the Greek defense ministry and NATO signed an agreement regarding the multinational training centre on issues of maritime deterrence, which is being established on the island of Crete. The agreement concludes the first stage of the center's operation and regulates operational and procedural issues so that the centre can be fully operational by December 2007. The centre will serve as a reference point in terms of NATO and the Euro-Atlantic Partnership, for specialized maritime training in order to ensure safety in sea transport. Additionally, during the meeting of NATO's Military Committee at Chiefs of Staff with countries participating in the Mediterranean Dialogue, the majority of military chiefs said that exercises, such as the multinational "Dolphin 2005", which Greece successfully organized, are key in reinforcing cooperation. They also responded positively to Greece's proposal to conduct a similar exercise in 2006. Further, Greece and Armenia signed an agreement regarding bilateral, military cooperation for the following year. During the meeting of the EU's Military Committee, the creation of a Battlegroup, headed by Greece, and including Cyprus, Bulgaria and Romania, was discussed. A relevant agreement is expected to be signed by Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos during the EU defense ministers' meeting on November 21. [05] Government rules out withdrawal of Greek troops from AfghanistanATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)The government on Tuesday ruled out the withdrawal of Greek troops stationed in Afghanistan, noting that they were there at the request of the United Nations and that Greece "has obligations that it must observe".Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said that Greece had sent one company of 128 men from the army engineers corps to support roadbuilding networks and provide humanitarian and public benefit services and, since August this year, an additional 45 troops to provide services to the 291st mobile hospital. From December 1, meanwhile, another 44 Greek Airforce officers will be sent to the area to take over the rotating command of Kabul airport. Protest over presence of Greek troops in Afghanistan in Athens: Members of the "Stop the War" coalition on Tuesday held a protest outside the Greek defense ministry in Athens over the presence of Greek troops among the NATO mission in Afghanistan. The protest was organized after two Greek soldiers stationed in Afghanistan were injured during an attack on a Greek convoy outside Kabul. According to Alexandros Magakis, a former minister under main opposition PASOK, the injury of the two soldiers highlighted in the most dramatic way the dangers of escalating Greece's involvement in the U.S. war on Afghanistan. According to coalition member Petros Constantinou, mean-while, the Greek government shared the guilt and responsibility for Bush's crimes by sending troops there. [06] Defense Minister meets with Israeli counterpartATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos and his Israeli counterpart Saul Mofaz discussed security issues in Southeast Europe and the Middle East, international terrorism and the potential of cooperation within the framework of the Mediterranean Dialogue, during their meeting in Tel Aviv on Tuesday.The two officials also renewed the bilateral military and defense agreement, which enables each country to send a team of observers to the training activities and exercises of the other country, to conduct joint military exercises and to cooperate in the areas of defense, research and technology. Spiliotopoulos reiterated Greece's role in helping to bring stability to the broader region, in comments he made after the meeting. The Greek minister also placed a wreath where former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated 10 years ago. [07] Foreign minister Molyviatis to attend farewell dinner for FischerLONDON, 16/11/2005 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis will be in London on Tuesday night to attend a farewell dinner for outgoing German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, organized for EU foreign affairs ministers by British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw at his official residence.Not every EU foreign minister has been invited to attend the dinner and, according to sources, the guest list was drawn up by Straw after consulting with Fischer. [08] Greece lost two opportunities, PASOK leader says after meeting with Cyprus' Democratic Rally party leaderATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)Main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou on Tues-day met with visiting Cyprus Democratic Rally party leader Nikos Anastassiades.After the meeting, Papandreou said that Greece had lost two very important opportunities -- on December 17, 2004 and on October 3, 2005 -- to "create a new Helsinki, a roadmap for the solution of the Cyprus problem". Papandreou opined that the situation situation was more difficult following the loss of those opportunities, and endorsed the assumption of substantial initiatives, as soon as possible, and exploitation of the time factor. Anastassiades said that everyone must realize that "time, when not put in the service of a solution, acts counter to the well-meant interests of the Cypriot Hellenism". "There are the coming 12, beneficial -- in our view -- months during which Turkey will be under scrutiny as to how compatible Turkish law is with the European acquis. If we use and utilize this time, I believe that we can avert much of what is taking place every day, and which day by day become irreversible," he said. The Cypriot official described the meeting as "exceptionally useful" because "through George Papandreou's experiences and his genuine interest, we take strength, but also many thoughts which find us in absolute agreement". Coalition of the Left and Cypriot Democratic Rally party leaders discuss Cyprus issue: Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) party leader Alekos Alavanos discussed the issue of Cyprus on Tuesday with visiting Cypriot Democratic Rally party leader Nikos Anastassiades and stressed the need afterwards for the shaping of a common stance between Athens and Nicosia on this question. "We must take lessons from experiences we had so far, we must shape a common stance with specific targets which could be promoted by also utilizing Turkey's accession procedures with the European Union, which in order to be promoted require the consent of all member-states, meaning of the Republic of Cyprus and Greece as well," Alavanos said. Anastassiades said that he and Alavanos discussed the situation created after October 3 with the purpose of "reaching a solution which will meet the reasonable concerns and claims of the Greek Cypriots and which will be acceptable by both communities." Athens mayor meets visiting Cypriot party leader: Athens mayor Dora Bakoyanni met Tuesday with visiting Cyprus Democratic Rally party leader Nikos Anastassiades. After the meeting, Bakoyanni said that "we are all devoted to the great effort, and I want to believe that the year that will commence shortly will bring interesting news for the Cyprus issue". Anastassiades said he and Bakoyanni discussed "issues concerning Cyprus". "We have explained how necessary a new effort on the Cyprus issue is, particularly during the next 12 months, which is a period during which Turkey will be under review for its compatibility with the European acquis. The time factor must be taken into consideration, and placed at the service of a solution. Otherwise, the situation, as it is developing in Cyprus, will not be as pleasant as it is made out to appear," he said. Papariga meeting with Cypriot party leader cancelled: A scheduled meeting between Communist Party of Greece (KKE) General Secretary Aleka Papariga and Cyprus Democratic Rally party leader Nikos Anastassiades was cancelled on Tuesday, after Anastassiades was unexpectedly obliged to cut short his visit to Athens and return to Nicosia. [09] PASOK leader Papandreou places flower at Athens Polytechnic monumentATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)On the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of the Athens Polytechnic student uprising against the junta on November 17, 1973, the gates of the Polytechnic opened at 9 a.m. on Tuesday and scores of Athenians paid tribute at the monument of the uprising.Main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou went to the Polytechnic and placed a flower at the monument. "I simple came and humanly placed a flower," Papandreou said. Papandreou noted his respect to the generation of the Polytechnic which struggled for democracy and added that "the slogans for employment are at the forefront of demands." SYN message, ONNED event marking 32nd anniversary of Athens Polytechnic uprising against the junta: Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) on Tuesday issued a message marking the 32nd anniversary of the Athens Polytechnic student uprising against the junta on November 17, 1973. The Synaspismos message said "the Polytechnic lives through the struggles for peace, social liberation, freedom and rights in the tough opposition against the forces of war and neo-liberalism." SYN noted that this year's anniversary coincides "with the uprising by the socially excluded individuals in France, with the great changes taking place in Latin America and the continuing drama in Iraq." The message added that the "popular movements confirm the timeless value of the messages for social solidarity, peace and equality which were also the messages of the uprising in November 1973." The party called on the people, especially the youth, to take part in the events and marches throughout Greece marking the anniversary of the Athens Polytechnic student uprising. On its part, the ruling New Democracy party's youth organization ONNED, on the occasion of the anniversary, will organize an open debate on the theme "Greek Culture - Foundation stone for freedom and democracy" at the Benaki Museum (138, Pireos Street) in Athens at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Taking part in the event will be Culture Ministry General Secretary Christos Zahopoulos, actor Antonis Kafetzopoulos, former New Democracy party deputy Dionysis Behrakis and publisher-director of the "Adesmeftos Typos" newspaper" Dimitris Rizos, while the debate will be coordinated by journalist Penelope Gavra. [10] EU Education Ministers Council examines research in European universitiesBRUSSELS, 16/11/2005 (ANA/M. Aroni)The European Union's Council of Education Ministers convened here on Tuesday and examined the plan of action in the sector of lifetime learning, the mobilization of Europe's scientific potential and boosting research in European universities.Education Minister Marietta Yiannakou said that in Greece the possibility was enacted this year for Greek universities and technological foundations to carry out joint postgraduate studies with other countries, while universities are operating for working people, such as the Open Greek University in Patra. The education minister further said that the EU spends 1.9 percent of its GDP on research, while Greece spends 0.6 percent of GDP (from the development budget), an amount expected to reach 1.5 percent of GDP by the year 2008. She added that her ministry is cooperating with the development ministry on the creation of a "joint committee" which will probe the institutional status of research. The funding of research in Europe will also preoccupy the spring Council of Education Ministers in Vienna on March 16-17. [11] Gov't stresses ASEP president's support for interviewsATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos on Tuesday stressed the support lent by the head of the civil service recruitment body to an interview process introduced by the government, while presenting the organization's report for 2004.Supreme Council for Personnel Selection (ASEP) President George Veis had called for the interviews to be organized by ASEP so that they will be completely unbiased. Roussopoulos also pointed out that the report had cited 2004 - the first year when the present government was in power - as being the year in which the fewest procedural irregularities in the hiring of staff in the public sector had occurred. [12] Turkish PM Erdogan complains because Greek counterpart Karamanlis 'cannot pay official visit' to TurkeyANKARA, 16/11/2005 (ANA/A. Abatzis)Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in a speech he gave at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly meeting in Denmark on Tuesday, complained because "the official visit to Turkey by Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis is not taking place."Following his speech, Erdogan replied to questions regarding the re-opening of the Halki Theological School. "The issue of the Theological School is an annoyance between the two sides which has taken a political form," said the Turkish prime minister, who added:"Both sides must make an effort so that an end be put to this issue becoming a political one." Erdogan linked the issue with Premier Karamanlis' visit to Turkey, stating:"Up to now I have repeatedly visited Greece. However, at this moment, the prime minister of Greece, my valuable friend, cannot come to Turkey. He has come after private invitations, but he cannot come officially. And I cannot ask my friend why he is not coming. Yet, he also came to my child's wedding and was a witness. We have very close relations, but he cannot pay the official visit." [13] PASOK leader pledges party's renewalATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)The renewal of the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) and of its parliamentary group, "constitutes the primary concern" of PASOK leader George Papandreou.Speaking on Tuesday to parliamentary reporters, during a luncheon, the main opposition party leader said that he has proceeded in major organizational changes in the party, noting that "more things have occurred these (past) 18 months than what the ruling New Democracy party had not done in 11 years." "I have the obligation to bring to the forefront a new generation of politicians," Papandreou said. "If I were (Prime Minister) Costas Karamanlis I would have a dilemma about conducting early general elections, because in 2007 they would not have been in my favor, and now it would be a risk, according to the latest public opinion polls," The PASOK leader also asserted. He emphasized that "we believe that we can win (the general elections) whenever they take place." [14] Supreme court to bring MP Mantouvalos to trialATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)The Supreme Court public prosecutor Dimitris Linos on Tuesday officially asked Parliament to lift the immunity of independent MP Petros Mantouvalos so that he can stand trial.A former deputy with ruling New Democracy, Mantouvalos unexpectedly resigned from the party's Parliamentary group last month in the wake of press reports linking him to scandal and was shortly afterwards expelled from the party. He retained his seat in Parliament as an independent MP. According to the judicial report, there are adequate grounds for charging Mantouvalos with bribery as a misdemeanor and with legalizing income from criminal activity, a criminal offence. The acts were allegedly committed on 27-29 November, 2000, and the misdemeanor offence will be automatically statute-barred at the end of November, unless he is charged. They concern the sum of seven million drachmas deposited by the MP's associate H. Hatzipanagiotou, a partner in Mantouvalos' lawyer's firm, into the account of former first-instance court judge Evangelos Kalousis, who has been remanded in custody to be tried on corruption charges. Hatzipanagiotou has claimed that the money was deposited on behalf of a woman named Anastasia Delli, who was buying a car for her nephew from Kalousis. Investigation showed that Delli was in dire financial straits at the time and was also under temporary court protection because she was suffering from dementia. [15] PASOK's Venizelos accuses govt's policy in the health sectorATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)Main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) deputy responsible for the party's social affairs sector, Evangelos Venizelos, on Tuesday strongly criticized the government's policy in the health sector.At a press conference in Athens, Venizelos, who presented his general conclusions from the two-day nationwide visit by party members to hospitals, Social Security Foundation (IKA) branches and health centers, criticized the government of "systematic demagogy" and spoke of "two wasted years" in the health sector. The former minister said there was "a conscious disdain of the public health system" and spoke of "a provocative lack of social consciousness." [16] SAE's Tamvakis hails reduction of army service for ethnic GreeksALEXANDRIA, 16/11/2005 (ANA - N. Katsikas)The Alternate President of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) Stephanos Tamvakis on Tuesday praised the government's decision to reduce the term of military service for ethnic Greeks to three months, from six months previously.In charge of youth issues for the SAE, Tamvakis thanked National Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos and others involved in the decision, which allows young people of Greek origin to study in Greece and retain their status as permanently resident abroad, as well as reducing the term of army service. [17] Roundtable discussion on UN in Greece to be held at foreign ministry on ThursdayATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)A roundtable discussion on "The UN in Greece - Greece in the UN. Their role in our region" will be held at the foreign ministry's Kranidiotis Hall on Thursday afternoon.The event will be organized by the Society of UN Cadres, the Greek International Law and International Relations Society and the International Law Society. [18] Int'l meeting of communist and labor parties to be held in AthensATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)The International Meeting of Communist and Labor parties will be held in Athens from November 18-20 and will have as its theme "Modern trends of capitalism and their economic, social and political repercussions. The alternative outlet of the communists". Up to now, 73 parties from 61 countries from all the continents have declared that they will participate.Specifically, taking part will be 42 parties from Europe, nine from the Middle East, seven from Asia, eight from Latin America, two from the North America, three from Africa and one from Australia. [19] Turkish warplanes violate Greek national air spaceATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)National Defense General Staff sources said on Tuesday that 12 formations of Turkish warplanes entered the Aegean without submitting flight plans, while 19 infringements of air traffic regulations were recorded in the Athens Flight Information Region. In 34 cases the Turkish warplanes violated national air space in the northern, central and southern Aegean.In all cases, the 35 Turkish aircraft were recognized and intercepted by Greek air force jets, while in four cases the interception process developed into a mock dogfight. It was also revealed that six Turkish formations were armed. [20] Roussopoulos defends govt's economic policyATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)"Further progress in the government's economic policy will be achieved mainly through measures of permanent nature, focusing on containing public spending and combatting tax evasion without any new tax measures," government spokes-man Theodore Roussopoulos said on Tuesday.Speaking to reporters, during his regular briefing, Roussopoulos stressed that "no other European country has managed to achieve so much in such a short period of time". The government spokesman stressed that the government has achieved in reducing its fiscal deficit by two percentage points and maintain the highest growth rates in the Eurozone and reducing unemployment by one percentage point. Roussopoulos said the government has reached a decision not to include proceeds from a debt securitization plan in its 2005 budget until completion of technical consultations with Eurostat over the issue. "In any case, debt securitization is a temporary measure and the adjustment from 2005 to 2006 will not change if proceeds were included in budget revenues or not". The spokesman said EU Monetary Affairs Commissioner Joaquin Almunia "has publicly given a political approval to proceed with the procedure. What is left is to continue a technical consultation between the Greek government and Eurostat, likely to be completed by the end of 2005. Since the Greek budget had to be tabled to parliament in November 21, proceeds from debt securitization were not included in the budget". Roussopoulos said that a 3.6 percent economic growth rate currently was a success of the government's economic policy -a result of reforms and not of temporary or fake measures. [21] Greece needs to redesign its national energy policy, reportATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)Greece needs to redesign a national energy policy and its long-term energy planning in electricity, a report on "Electricity Market" by the Institute for Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE) said on Tuesday.The report also underlines the need for a more effective introduction of recent legislative interventions by the government to ensure a successful transition from a monopoly to a free market model in the country. IOBE said a deregulation of electricity market in Greece was not followed by competition growth in energy production and distribution with the entry of new businesses in the sector delayed so far due to high capital demands, Public Power Corporation's dominant position in the market, low capability of international interconnections and inadequate regulatory framework. Domestic final consumption of electricity grew from 23,833 GWh in 1985 to 48,595 GWh in 2003, recording an average annual growth rate of 4.0 percent over this period. Total final consumption was distributed between households (33.8 pct), commerce and services sector (30.8 pct), manufacturing (29.1 pct), farming (5.7 pct) and transportation (0.5 pct). Average electricity price (pre-tax) for household use fell by 0.3 pct in average in the period 1991-2004, although the price grew by 3.3 percent annually in the last three years. Electricity prices in Greece are lower compared with the average EU-15. Average prices for household use are 40 percent up in the EU while prices for industrial use were 1.0 percent higher. Public Power Corporation accounted for around 96 percent of total domestic electricity production, while it owned the domestic distribution grid. Net power of electricity production stations in Greece totalled 12,057 MW in 2003, with thermoelectric power stations accounting for 71 pct of total, hydro-electric stations accounted for 9.8 pct and the remaining 3.0 percent resulting from renewable energy sources. Power stations using lignite maintained their dominance in the domestic electricity production market, with power stations using oil losing ground in the period 1985-2003, the report said. IOBE said Greece needed to add around 1,950 MW by 2010 to its electricity grid to ensure safety margin of the system. The report warned that any further delay in adding new power in the system could result to serious power shortages in the future. IOBE said investment interest in the electricity sector was high and did not exclude the appearance of joint ventures with large foreign enterprises in the domestic market. [22] Tourism minister upbeat on sector's performanceLONDON, 16/11/2005 (ANA/K.Halkiadakis)Minister of Tourism Development Dimitris Avramopoulos concluded his series of meetings in London on Tuesday, deeply satisfied with the performance of the Greek tourism sector.Tour operators were also pleased with the Greek tourism industry, as a result of the ministry's efforts, Avramopoulos told Greek correspondents. He also announced that the wax figures of former Greek politicians - Eleftherios Venizelos, Constantine Karamanlis and Andreas Papandreou - will soon grace London's Madame Tussaud museum. Avramopoulos noted that this event, the result of his ministry's efforts, is particularly important given that there was no Greek presence in the museum prior to this. The minister also referred to the possibility of major movies being filmed in Greece, saying that while there is great interest to do so much better organization is needed. On Tuesday morning, Avramopoulos addressed an international business forum on tourism investment in Greece, saying that "Greece is opening its doors to the world." "We are moving forward realistically and with confidence, doing the best we can in order to rise to international challenges," he said. Avramopoulos presented the ministry's new tourism policy, saying that the objective is to develop year-round tourism, to upgrade services and infrastructure, and to create investment opportunities. The minister also referred to the new development law, saying that private investment is being bolstered through the adoption of incentives, continuous cooperation, the ministry's active support towards private individuals, and reduced bureaucracy. Other speakers at the forum included Deputy Tourism Development Minister Anastasios Liaskos, EOT President Aristidis Kalogeropoulos-Stratis, Tourism Development Company (ETA) Managing Director Kostas Zacharopoulos and the ministry's Special Secretary Harris Kokkosis. The conference was organized by the ministry, the National Tourism Organization (EOT) and the Tourism Development Company in cooperation with the Paris-based newspaper, The International Herald Tribune. It is the first of 10 forums organized by the IHT and The New York Times at major capitals around the world. [23] Transport minister to Tunis forWSIS ATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)Transport Minister Mihalis Liapis is due to visit Tunis on Wednesday to attend the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) taking place on November 16-18, at the head of a Greek delegation.A ministry announcement said that Liapis will be presiding at the summit caucus, which will convene to discuss specialized strategies for the Information Society, the development of electronic applications and content and the use of the information and telecommunications technology for growth, as well as lowering prices for these services throughout the world in order to reduce the 'digital gap'. There are 193 countries represented at the highest levels at the Tunis summit, which is organized under the aegis of the United Nations. [24] Greek economy grew by 3.7 pct in third quarter, Eurostat saysATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)The Greek economy grew by 3.7 percent in the third quarter of 2005, compared with the same period last year, Eurostat said on Tuesday.The EU executive's statistics agency, in a report, said Gross Domestic Product grew by 1.5 percent in the Eurozone and by 1.6 pct in the EU-25 in the third quarter of the year, with Lithuania (8.2 pct) recording the biggest percentage increase and Italy (0.0 pct) the lowest. Greece's Gross Domestic Product grew by 1.7 pct in the third quarter compared with the second quarter of 2005. GDP growth in the Eurozone and the EU-25 was 0.6 pct in the same period. [25] Media employees to hold 24-hour strike on November 24ATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)Journalists' and other media unions have declared a nationwide 24-hour strike on Thursday, November 24. The strike will affect all media companies providing news services and the main demands will be protection of jobs in the implementation of collective agreements and the payment of employer debts to social insurance funds.Participating in the strike is the Athens Union of Journalists of Daily Newspapers (ESHEA), the Union of Athens Daily Newspaper Staff (EPHEA), the Union of Thessaloniki Daily Newspaper Staff (EPHETh), the Union of Daily Newspapers Technicians, the Union of Athens Newspaper Sellers, the Union of Piraeus Newspaper Sellers, the Union of Attica Private Television Technicians and the Union of Greek Radio Technicians. The strike will be carried out in collaboration with the union federations of POESY, POSPERT, POEPTYM and Paper in all media companies. [26] Greek farm exports up 17.5 pct in Jan-Aug, yr/yrATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)Greek farm exports rose 17.5 percent in the first eight months of 2005, compared with the same period last year, reflecting government measures to boost exports, Agricultural Development and Foods Minister Evangelos Basiakos said on Tuesdsay.The value of farm exports rose to 1.768 billion euros in the January-August period, from 1.505 billion euros last year, with the ministry forecasting that farm exports would exceed the 2.8 billion euros mark recorded in 2004. Basiakos said the ministry took measures to promote Greek farm products in international food and beverage fairs and promoting simpler export procedures by creating distribution networks abroad. The minister said Greece was awaiting EU approval on new programs aimed to promote Greek farm products to third countries, such as exporting saffron to Russia, Switzerland and Dubai, promoting mastiche to the US, Japan and the Middle East, introducing advertising campaigns to boost Greek cheese in the US, Canada and Australia, promoting Greek canned fruits to Russia, India, Ukraine and Romania and Greek olives to the US, Canada and Australia. [27] Hellas SAT expands collaborations, signs cooperation accord withSES ASTRA ATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)Greece's telecoms satellite Hellas-SAT on Tuesday announced an expansion in its collaborations, with the signing of a cooperation agreement for the use of capacity of the Hellas-SAT 2 satellite by the European satellite organization SES ASTRA. The agreement allows SES ASTRA to include the Hellas-SAT 2 capacity in its offers, and to provide an integrated European-wide coverage to its clients. Hellas SAT and SES ASTRA have been closely collaborating in recent years by virtue of various services agreements, while the SES ASTRA subsidiary company SatLynx already uses capacity of Hellas-SAT 2 in its Eurozone services platform "Connect", providing Eurozone (broadband) services from one end of Europe to the other. [28] Greek Network on Partnership Social Responsibility presents first good practices catalogueATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)The publication of the first 'Good practice catalogue of associative-social responsibility for Greece', titled "Partnership Responsibility, 50+ good practices", was presented during a special event held on Tuesday by President Nikos Analytis and the board of the Greek Network on Associative-Social Responsibility.Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas congratulated the president and board of the Greek Network for "the effort they have undertaken to promote the meaning and basic principles of the social responsibility of businesses and organizations in our country". He said in a brief address that the meaning of Associative-Social Responsibility and the principles developing at the Network's initiative exceed by far what is necessitated by law. "Associative-Social Responsibility is not limited to the compliance of businesses with the existing legislative framework, with existing laws. It concerns the willing and voluntary development of initiatives which exceed those that are necessary," Sioufas said. Analytis expressed satisfaction over the circulation of the first Good practice catalogue in Greece. He said that most companies that are members of the Network have included specific action in their business strategies which show in practice that they are interested in concerns preoccupying society and communities though which they are active. [29] Building activity up 5.2 pct in Jan-Aug, yr/yrATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)Building activity rose by 5.2 percent in volume and 1.4 percent in the number of permits in the first eight months of 2005, compared with the same period last year, the National Statistics Service said on Tuesday.Private building activity rose by 4.5 percent and 1.2 percent, respectively, over the same period, with building activity recording a spectacular 40.8 percent increase in August. The sharp increase was attributed to the fact that building activity almost froze in August 2004 due to the Athens Olympic Games. [30] KEP centers to take complaints for overchargingATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)Citizens Service Centers (KEP) will in the future also receive complaints by the public about overcharging and profiteering, following a joint decision on Tuesday by the interior and development ministries for cooperation between the KEP network and the Consumer General Secretariat.Consumers can now fill in a special form outlining their complaints at their local KEP centre, which will then forward these to the consumer secretariat so that the businesses involved can be inspected and the required penalties imposed on offenders. [31] Special Audit Service ascertains that 46 pc of businesses guilty of tax offences in OctoberATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)A total of 46 percent of businesses checked by the Special Audit Service in October were found to be guilty of tax offences. According to data revealed by the Service, 3,055 checks were carried out and 1,410 offenders were detected.The highest levels of offences were ascertained in Western Macedonia (61 percent), Ipiros (62 pc), the Peloponnese (61 pc) and Central Macedonia (51 pc). The Service also registered considerable offences during checks made in October in the sale of products, since 4,113 checks were made and 554 offenders were found. [32] Greek stocks ease on profit takingATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)Greek stocks ended Tuesday's session lower as investors took profits, a normal reaction of the market after a multi-day rally to five-year highs.The composite index eased 0.39 percent to end at 3,428.61 points, with turnover an improved 227.2 million euros. Sector indices ended lower with the Refineries (3.05 pct), IT (2.62 pct), Constructions (1.72 pct) and Retail (1.65 pct) suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day. The IT Solutions (1.91 pct), Banks (1.14 pct), Investment (0.61 pct) and Insurance (0.31 pct) scored gains. The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 0.18 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.86 percent lower and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index fell 0.70 percent. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 197 to 83 with another 57 issues unchanged. Stock Futures: • Total derivatives market turnover: 225.9 million euros Bond Market Close: Buyers outpace sellers [33] Interior minister chairs meeting to coordinate preparedness for advent of winterATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)Interior, public administration and decentralization minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos on Tuesday chaired a meeting with all relevant agencies aimed at the best possible coordination for confronting snowfall and frost, particularly on the National Highways network, as winter was approaching.After the meeting, which took place at the Civil Protection General Secretariat offices, Pavlopoulos told reporters that a check was conducted as to whether the various Directorates involved were prepared, with respect to both personnel and equipment, as well as supplies necessary, such as salt (for spreading on streets to thaw frost). He said it was ascertained that the problems were much fewer than in preceding years, and those few that remained would be solved "so that we will be prepared, and at the disposition of the citizens, in order that the phenomena of the past will not be repeated". The minister announced that a similar meeting of relevant agencies would also be held on November 21 for the Attica region, in order to examine preparedness for any problems that may arise on the region's road network. Civil Protection secretary general Panayotis Fourlas, replying to a relevant press question, said that the shortages ascertained were "much fewer than we expected". [34] Weak quake sequence jolts northern AegeanATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)Four consecutive weak earthquakes, of which the largest in magnitude registered 4.9 on the Richter scale, jolted the northern Aegean in the space of two hours on Tuesday morning, but seismologists were reassuring, saying they were "normal phenomena".The quake sequence was recorded between 7:01 and 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, at a distance of 300 kilometers east of Athens, with the epicenter in the subsea between Imvros and Limnos islands. According to Thessaloniki Aristotelion University's Geophysics Laboratory seismologist Costas Papazachos, the region belongs to the northern Aegean fault zone, and is the point where the North Anatolian fault meets the Northern Aegean fault. He explained that the area was highly seismic, and in the past had produced strong earthquakes, the largest being a 7.2 Richter in 1981. It is noted that a 4.0 Richter earthquake emanating from the same epicenter was recorded at 8:23 p.m. on Monday, while another trembler registering less than 3.0 Richter was recorded three days earlier, on November 12. Papazachos said the earthquakes gave no cause for concern, and were considered normal seismic activity for the region. [35] Composer Mikis Theodorakis honored in AustriaVIENNA, 16/11/2005 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)Audiences in Austria were once again swept away by the music of Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis, during a concert given in the town of Wiener Neudorf by the Vienna-based band "The Greeks" that lasted nearly four hours.The concert was held on Monday night under the auspices of the local mayor and was attended by several dignitaries and hundreds of people. [36] Bulgarian minister visits Mount AthosATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)Bulgarian Health Minister Radoslav Gaidarski is carrying out a visit to the all-male monastic community on Mount Athos on Tuesday, in order to attend celebrations for Saint George at the Holy Monastery of Zografou, where there are a number of Bulgarian monks.Gaidarski visited Karyes, the administrative capital of the semi-autonomous religious community, on Tuesday morning. [37] SYN leader calls for incentives for use of bicycles in commutingATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) party leader Alekos Alavanos on Tuesday called for incentives for the use of bicycles in daily commuting in Athens, during a meeting with the Association of the Friends of Bicycle.Alavanos, who was accompanied by Alekos Tsipras -- the candidate for Athens mayor that SYN recently decided to back in the October 2006 local government elections -- called for immediate measures, such as extension of the bicycle lanes and the creation of parking areas for bicycles. He further called for incentives for the use of bicycles, and backing for initiatives such as those undertaken by the Association. [38] Gianna Angelopoulos attends presentation of new book on Olympic GamesATHENS, 16/11/2005 (ANA)Gianna Angelopoulos, the chairwoman of the Athens Olympics Organizing Committee 'Athens 2004' was guest of honor at the presentation of a new book on the Olympic movement entitled "Olympic Gold" that took place at Zappeion Hall in Athens on Tuesday.The book was presented by former marketing director for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Michael Payne, who has since joined Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One management team. Presenting the book, Payne stressed that "the biggest race in the Olympic Games had turned the most unlikely winner: Athens". The book describes the history of managing the unique sporting event of the Olympic Games in the past 25 years, when Juan Antonio Samaranch was at the helm, ending with the absolutely successful Olympics that took place in Athens. Payne noted that Athens, more than any other Olympic city, had been mercilessly criticized by the media, particularly the Anglo-Saxon media. "The Greeks were considered inadequate before the Games had even begun. Athens managed to dispel this image of a stagnant and dirty third-world city. It changed the impression that Greece is the poor relation of Europe, placing on the level of countries that can offer everything," he said. Angelopoulos herself figures large in the book, which outlined the difficult course of organizing the Athens Games and highlighted her personal contribution to the final and hugely successful outcome. The book is published by "Ellinika Grammata" and also outlines the drive by Samaranch and his team to "pull back the Olympic Games from the brink of catastrophe and make it into the most well-known trademark and an extremely expensive world franchise". [39] Cypriot FM pledges reunification through bizonal federationNICOSIA, 16/11/2005 (CNA/ANA)The Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government is pursuing the reunification of the people of Cyprus within the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation.In a statement on the occasion of Tuesday's anniversary of the illegal UDI (unilateral declaration of independence) by the Turkish Cypriot regime, it said ''twenty-two years ago after the illegal unilateral declaration of the secessionist entity of the occupied areas, Turkey continues not to conform with and flagrantly violate resolutions 541(1983) and 550(1984) of the UN Security Council with which the international community condemned as legally invalid the declaration of the pseudo regime and called for its revocation.'' It further noted that ''despite efforts by the Turkish diplomacy and the subordinate to Turkey administration of the occupied areas, the illegal regime has not been recognized by any country apart from the occupying power.'' The ministry's statement said the preservation of the regime ''is a violation of the instructions of the international community, remains a serious obstacle in efforts for Cyprus' reunification, due to the Turkish side's insistence in secessionist policies and pursuits, by promoting the occupation's fait accompli.'' ''The frontispiece of our efforts are the UN resolutions on Cyprus and the relevant European Court of Human Rights' decisions, and we are pursuing the reunification of our people and country within the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation. In a state with a single economy, with social cohesion and united institutions,'' the ministry added. ''We are pursuing to secure fundamental rights and safeguard the fundamental freedoms of all Cypriots and a solution that can function and withstand time, a solution which will safeguard sovereignty, territorial integrity and the independence of the Republic of Cyprus, without foreign guardianship, a solution that will secure the interests and rights of all Cypriots, the withdrawal of settlers and the occupation forces and the respect of principles and values on which the EU is based,'' the ministry's statement concluded. [40] President pledges to continue cooperating in Turkey's EU pathNICOSIA, 16/11/2005 (CNA/ANA)President Tassos Papadopoulos said the Republic of Cyprus will continue to cooperate within the framework of Turkey's accession negotiations and expressed hope that Turkey will rise to the challenge and will prove to be a reliable partner throughout its accession process and later within the Union.President Papadopoulos made the statement during the presentation Tuesday of the credentials of the new Ambassador of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg, stationed in Athens, Conrad Bruch. Presenting his credentials, Bruch said both the Republic of Cyprus itself and the European Union have gained a lot through the accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the European Union. ''It remains vital for the overall success of the European integration process that also the smaller member states can continue to make their voices heard and defend their rightful interests,'' he said. On the Cyprus issue, Bruch said the Government of Luxembourg continues to take a very strong interest in its resolution, as evidenced also during Luxembourg's EU Presidency in the first semester of 2005. Receiving Bruch's credentials, President Papadopoulos said Cyprus and Luxembourg maintain fruitful bilateral relations and belong to the same family of nations of the European Union of which Luxembourg has been a founding member. On the Cyprus problem, President Papadopoulos said that ''despite our continuous and genuine efforts throughout the years to reach a viable settlement, the issue remains unresolved.'' He said the Greek Cypriot community rejected the latest proposed UN settlement plan in the referendum of April 2004 because it did not sufficiently address their legitimate concerns and, primarily, because it did not provide for true reunification of Cyprus, its people, society, economy and institutions. ''I formally reiterate my commitment to a solution of a bizonal, bicommunal federation that will bring about the reunification of our country and its people. We remain committed to working constructively for such a solution that will serve the legitimate interests of the people of Cyprus as a whole,'' he assured. Regarding Turkey, he said Cyprus has been a strong supporter of Turkey's European perspective subject to the firm and strict condition that Turkey, on its side, will prove, in practical terms, its readiness and ability to perform its own obligations towards the European Union, its members and Cyprus. ''We consider it inconceivable that an applicant state for membership, like Turkey, would so provocatively refuse to recognize a full member of the Union, the Republic of Cyprus, and to insist on keeping its occupying troops in Cyprus, in perpetuity,'' he pointed out. He added that ''nevertheless, it is our sincere belief that a 'European' Turkey will be to the benefit of all countries in the area, first and foremost its immediate neighbors.'' ''The Republic of Cyprus will continue to cooperate within the framework of Turkey's accession negotiations; we sincerely hope that Turkey will rise to the challenge and, realizing its resulting obligations, will prove to be a reliable partner throughout its accession process and later within the Union. We firmly believe that the prospect of membership should provide an incentive for Turkey to cooperate on finding a fair and just settlement on Cyprus, based on European principles and values,'' he concluded. [41] President to receive T/C party leaderNICOSIA, 16/11/2005 (CNA/ANA)Leader of Turkish Cypriot United Cyprus party, Izet Izcan, will be received on Wednesday by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides announced here Tuesday.The spokesman made the statement when invited to comment on a relevant statement made by Izcan. Asked if President Papadopoulos will meet other Turkish Cypriot politicians, the spokesman said he was not aware of any other such meetings. "Surely there will be and there are always contacts and consultations with Turkish Cypriot politicians", he added. The spokesman said the meeting is taking place at Izcan's request. Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |