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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-12-05Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>December 5, 2005CONTENTS
[01] PM Karamanlis tours large Aegean island of LesvosLESVOS, 5/12/2005 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis arrived on the eastern Aegean island of Lesvos on Saturday for a detailed briefing on projects currently taking underway on the isle as well as on problems faced by local residents.The prime minister initially visited the town of Kalloni, which sustained damages by recent floods, while he was later given a briefing on the course of work being done on a provincial highway. At noon, Karamanlis chaired a meeting at the Ministry of the Aegean, attended by Minister of the Aegean Aristidis Pavlidis, social partners and agency representatives as well as local officials. "Significant work has been accomplished over the first 20 months of the new government," the prime minister said, listing off a series of initiatives for the island regions. Karamanlis cited increased absorption of 3rd CSF funds for the northern Aegean region, among others; an improved emphasis on transport and state services on islands; a reduced VAT rate and secured infrastructure funding for islands under 3,100 permanent residents, as well as care for the environment and the Aegean archipelagos' cultural heritage. "The (ND) government on March 7 inherited problems that accumulated over the past 20 years, problems that were exacerbated by a perception, of recent years, that 'two Greeces' existed. One of the centre (Athens), and the other of the provinces... For us there are no 'two Greeces'. In our develop-ent model Greece cannot grow at two or three different speeds. We believe deeply that the path towards a truly strong Greece, for development and convergence, passes through robust provinces, ones that are prosperous," he said. In again linking European Union policy with islanders' prospects, the Greek premier said Athens was keen to exploit European policies aimed at developing border and island regions, especially ones that fight illegal immigration, establish an EU coast guard corps, and protect islanders' interests, particularly fishermen. [02] PASOK leader tours Laconia prefecture in southern Greece5/12/2005 (ANA)Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou toured the province of Laconia, southern Greece, on Sunday and talked with local officials, farmers and local inhabitants.His first stop was Monodendri where he laid a wreath at the monument built for the 118 Spartans who were executed by the occupation forces on November 26, 1943. He also visited Sparti and Mystras afterwards. Papandreou toured the traditional Farmers Cooperative, which has been operating since 1915, and watched how the processing of olives and the production of olive oil is carried out. The PASOK leader congratulated all the producers on the Cooperative's operation, saying that the method they are using is the one that he endorses for the course of agriculture in the country and criticised the government for not having the same view on the development of the countryside and the provinces. Papandreou then visited the towns of Githio, Skala and Elos. He said that for years PASOK had believed that the Cooperative effort must be strengthened, adding that indeed problems exist for which PASOK also has its own responsibilities. "Considerable renewal is necessary and a different concept must be applied," he noted. Referring to the future, the PASOK leader said that when PASOK comes to power it will cooperate with the farmers' movement for substantive reforming for the benefit of the farmer and this will be achieved with "better organisation, effective reforming and better training for the farmer." Papandreou also visited the Evrotas bridge, where floods occurred last week and was given a briefing on the damage caused. In the evening, Papandreou attended a dinner at the Mystras Centre and made an address at the indoor stadium in Sparti. [03] Patriarch again expresses hope for better future via Turkey's European courseISTANBUL, 5/12/2005 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos on Sunday reiterated his hope that Turkey's closely watched European course will lead to a reversal of past injustices against the Patriarchate as well as minorities in the predominately Muslim nation."We do not interfere with politics; we simply stand up for our rights as citizens of this country (Turkey). We hope that within the framework of Turkey's European prospects and course all of these things will be rectified; that injustices will be put right, and that we, our Patriarchate, the ethnic Greek community and all the other minorities that live in this country will retain all that belongs to them," the Patriarch told a group of pilgrims from the Greek town of Nea Moudania. [04] Steps taken by government so far in right direction, Athens mayor saysATHENS, 5/12/2005 (ANA)Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyiannis, speaking at a press conference in Komotini, northern Greece, on Saturday referred to the course and effectiveness of the government, saying that the steps it has taken so far are in the right direction and are correct."I believe that the steps taken by the government so far are in the right direction and are correct. From then on, the further implementation of policy in its entirety, just as with economic policy, will be judged at the end of the four-year term," she said. Bakoyiannis also commented on the issue of corruption and the struggle against vested interests, noting that "the prime minister has proved that he is a pioneer in this struggle. I believe that the Greek people will be vindicated for their choice to trust the government that is combatting corruption." Asked on the possibility of her being summoned to serve the government from a different position, Bakoyiannis said that she is the mayor of Athens and she is struggling for the interests of citizens and of local administration in general. "From then on, nobody knows in politics what will happen tomorrow. Only God knows," she said. [05] Bakoyiannis ends visit to prefecture of Kavala5/12/2005 (ANA)Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyiannis ended her visit to the northern prefecture of Kavala on Sunday with the inauguration of the municipality of Keramotis' new coastal zone.Bakoyiannis was invited by the ruling New Democracy party's local eastern regions organisation of the municipality of Kavala to address a political event on Saturday night. Speaking during the political event, the Athens mayor spoke of the country's great growth possibilities and of new factors being created on the globalised economic scene and of challenges the country has to face. [06] Developments at PPC major moral and political order issue, PASOK National Council secretary says5/12/2005 (ANA)Mariliza Xenoyiannakopoulou, the main opposition PASOK party's National Council secretary, said on Saturday that developments at the Public Power Corporation (DEH) raise a major moral and political order issue, adding that the responsibilities of the prime minister and the government are very serious.She was speaking in Iraklio, on the island of Crete, during a tour in the framework of PASOK's nationwide dialogue campaign with citizens on the economy. Earlier this week, DEH's President Ioannis Paleokrassas had tendered his resignation, while charges he made in his letter of resignation are to be investigated by a Supreme Court prosecutor. "Developments at DEH deal a direct blow at the national economy and the Corporation's employees, but above all they deal a blow at public interest," Xenoyiannakopoulou added. [07] Paleokrassas issue discredited government's prestige, PASOK Deputy Evangelos Venizelos says5/12/2005 (ANA)Main opposition PASOK party Deputy Evangelos Venizelos, commenting on Saturday on the resignation of Ioannis Paleokrassas from the presidency of the Public Power Corporation (DEH) earlier this week, said the issue discredited the prestige of the government and of the prime minister personally, adding that all the pretexts have collapsed.Referring also to the bill on public utilities, Venizelos said it was a political diversion on the part of the government, no step is being taken to modernise public utilities and, mainly, no step to offer the citizen better and cheaper service. [08] Interior minister refers to need for use of new technologies in public administrationATHENS, 5/12/2005 (ANA)Interior, Public Administration and Decentralisation Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos, addressing an event on Sunday in the framework of the Money Show, referred to the struggle against bureaucracy, which is "continuous", and stressed the need for new technologies to be used in public administration and the efforts being made by the government in this direction.Pavlopoulos said administrative reform aims primarily at reshaping the structures of public administration and of relations with citizens which public services concern, adding that the appropriate and timely implementation of new information and communications technologies in the wider public sector constitutes a basic precondition both for the performance of state activity and the quality of relations between the state and the citizen. The minister went on to say that "only through electronic governance, naturally with full respect for the rights of man and with full protection for personal data, will it be possible to handle bureaucarcy effectively and public administration to be transformed from an oppressor to a servant of the citizen." [09] Interior minister inaugurates Thessaly Regional Training InstituteATHENS, 5/12/2005 (ANA)Interior, Public Administration and Decentralisation Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos inaugurated the Regional Training Institute of Thessaly on Saturday, headquartered in the city of Larissa in central Greece. It is the 5th Regional Institute of the National Public Administration and Local Administration Centre to be inaugurated throughout Greece and the aim is to have one established at the headquarters of each Region.The minister said that it is the first time that a programme agreement has been signed between the interior ministry, the National Public Administration and Local Administration Centre and the Civil Servants Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY). Pavlopoulos further said that the agreement introduces a new concept in approaching training for civil servants, with emphasis being placed on decentralisation and the target being to activate the training departments of ministries and agencies. [10] Chrysohoidis leads PASOK delegation in BulgariaSOFIA, 5/12/2005 (ANA - B. Borisov)Former PASOK secretary and public order minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis on Sunday called Greek-Bulgarian relations a "model" for the region, as he arrived here to participate in meeting with Bulgarian officials during the 46th regular conference of the Bulgarian socialist party.Chrysohoidis led a PASOK delegation to Sofia. Bulgarian Prime Minister and socialist party leader Sergei Stanishev, meanwhile, again expressed his optimism that Bulgaria will become a full EU member in early 2007. [11] Opinion poll focuses on renewal of PASOKATHENS, 5/12/2005 (ANA)The latest opinion poll to grace a newspaper's front page focused on renewal of the main opposition PASOK party, in the wake of statements by party leader and former foreign minister George Papandreou last month on the issue of reinvigorating PASOK, in power between 1981-1989 and 1993-2004.According to the poll's results, 64.7 percent of respondents backed new politicians to lead the country in the coming decade; 15.5 percent chose the current bevy of New Democracy cadres, and 15.1 percent favoured current PASOK politicians. Meanwhile, 49.7 percent of respondents agreed with the position that Papandreou should combine new names with a small number of veteran cadres; 20.7 percent said he should rely solely on new faces. Finally, 68.7 percent of respondents believe Papandreou has a better chance against Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis in upcoming elections than any other PASOK cadre; 27.6 percent said another politician would have a better chance. Former minister and high-profile deputy Evangelos Venizelos follows Papandreou in terms of popularity of PASOK politicians. The poll was conducted by the Kapa Research firm between Nov. 23 and Nov. 29 for the newspaper "To Vima". [12] PASOK party Eurodeputy comments on issue of possible torture at secret U.S. prisons5/12/2005 (ANA)Main opposition PASOK party Eurodeputy and Deputy President of the Civil Liberties, Justice and Internal Affairs Committee Stavros Lambrinidis commented during the discussion at the Committee on the issue of the "existence of secret prisons maintained by the United States, of flights and the kidnapping of suspects from European territory," noting that more evidence had to be requested."Did torture take place at secret prisons of the U.S. and where? We cannot know all the details unless we request all the evidence. In a Europe which condemns the violation of fundamental rights absolutely, the European Parliament is obliged to take a clear position and demand the investigation of the secret activity of the CIA in Europe and elsewhere," he said, according to a press release. Lambrinidis requested that every possibility of the issue's official investigation by the European Parliament must be pursued, while this view was shared by the majority of the Civil Liberties Committee's members. [13] Former deputy FM Kapsis criticises ex-PM Simitis' role in Imia affairATHENS, 5/12/2005 (ANA)Former deputy foreign minister Yiannis Kapsis, a long-time PASOK cadre and noted one-time newspaper editor, was the latest veteran politician to release his memoirs, where, among others, he takes ex-prime minister Costas Simitis (1996-2004) to task for the controversial Imia affair's handling.In his new book, excerpts of which were published in the Athens daily "Ta Nea", Kapsis charges that Simitis was not objective in his recent recounting of the Imia affair, a dispute between Greece and Turkey over a pair of rocky Aegean islets in late January 1996 that almost led to conflict. He also said the former premier was wrong to lay the blame on the military's leadership. Regarding a controversial recent statement regarding the main opposition party's "renewal", uttered by PASOK leader George Papandreou, his one-time superior at the foreign ministry, the veteran politician said such a renewal should not be based only on age. Moreover, he expressed opposition to the election of four well-known but previously unaffiliated with PASOK politicians on the party's state deputies list, namely, Maria Damanaki and Mimis Androulakis (both with long-time roots in the communist party before shifting to the Coalition of the left), as well as former high-profile New Democracy ministers Stefanos Manos and Andreas Andrianopoulos, two of the best-known proponents of neo-liberalism in the country. Finally, Kapsis criticises today's PASOK cadres for ignoring the party's late founder, Andreas Papandreou, while at the same time commenting on the issue of corruption: "…we're all accused. At least as accomplices, as we didn't speak up; didn't pass laws we had to, even though we knew … and we knew everything!" [14] KKE leader visits MarathonATHENS, 5/12/2005 (ANA)Communist Party of Greece (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga on Saturday visited the region of Marathon, in the Attica prefecture, which recently experienced floods, stressing that work must be done immediately to prevent a similar problem from reoccurring.Papariga also said that what is necessary is a longterm state policy for all of Attica which will anticipate the development of the prefecture in the coming decades. She criticised the policy applied since the '50s and which led, as she said, to the commercialisation of land and to uncontrolled building. "I do not wish to focus on current issues. I think that it is very evident that Athens and all of Attica is paying a host of crimes of a criminal policy since the decade of the '50s onwards," she said. [15] Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas addresses Hellenic British Chamber of CommerceATHENS, 5/12/2005 (ANA)Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas on Sunday addressed the members of the Hellenic British Chamber of Commerce during a ceremony for awards given to companies, saying that the activities of the Chamber and its business members (that exceed 600) contribute effectively to promoting inter-state business activity and are welcome."During the first eight months in 2005 Greek exports to Britain represent 7.1 percent of the country's total exports, while Greece's imports from Britain approach 4 percent of total Greek imports. In absolute figures, data for 2004 shows that trade exchanges between the two countries, meaning the total sum for imports and exports, neared 3 billion euros," he said. Sioufas further said that with the new development policy "we are shaping a favourable business environment. We are shaping an environment which constitutes a good conduit for the assumption of business risks and which rewards success." The minister pointed out that the government supports the entrepreneurship of the Greek, it is creating terms and conditions to attract direct foreign investments and it is promoting policies which strengthen the competitiveness and extroversion of the economy. Lastly, Sioufas said "we must learn to honour creativity, boldness, effort and struggle. However, we must also learn to facilitate recovery following a possible failure." [16] Renewable Energy Sources market growth to exceed 40 pc in 2005, deputy development minister saysATHENS, 5/12/2005 (ANA)Deputy Development Minister George Salangoudis, speaking at an event organised in the framework of the Money Show 2005 in Athens on Saturday, said that in 2005 the growth rate of the Renewable Energy Sources market will exceed 40 percent, compared to an anual average of 16 percent between the years 2001 and 2004, while the growth rate in 2006 will also be above 30 percent."We want to achieve a greater speedup to approach, as much as possible, the target of 20.1 percent in the year 2010. It is a difficult target and additional measures, additional policies and a greater effort are necessary for us to achieve it," he said. Salangoudis added that the third national report on Renewable Energy Sources, which will be submitted to the European Commission, has already been completed. [17] First joint Greek-Turkish commercial bank on the horizon5/12/2005 (ANA)An application to establish the first-ever joint Greek-Turkish commercial bank is expected to be filed with the Bank of Greece this month under the name Aegean Business Bank.According to a business plan unveiled by the venture's investors, the new bank aims to open 26 branches in Greece and Turkey over the next five years, along with its listing on both the Athens and Istanbul stock exchanges. A share capital of 60 million euros is envisioned for the new retail bank. The venture was unveiled in Athens by the president of the Greek-Turkish chamber of commerce, Panayiotis Koutsikos; the representative of the founders' committee, Dimitris Alexopoulos, and the representative of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce, Ali Tuna Turkay. [18] Teachers rally in Athens and demand 5 pc of GDP for educationATHENS, 5/12/2005 (ANA)Teachers from all levels of education, labour unions and student societies held a rally in downtown Athens at noon on Saturday, demanding public education for all and that five percent of GDP be provided for education. The demonstrators then marched to the Maximos Mansion, where the prime minister's office is housed, after ratifying a resolution listing their claims.Speakers at the event voiced concern over "what is taking place in the sector of education" and over the fact that expenditures were set at 3.5 percent of GDP through the state budget. They also referred to the downgrading of public schools and universities and to the cost of preparatory schools and the hard time pupils are facing to find adequate time for their preparatory lessons. Claims listed in the teachers' resolution included modern upgraded 12-year public education, the safeguarding of the public character of university education, the abolition of policy wanting first stage education to be part of the market and financial and professional upgrading for teachers of all levels. [19] Saturday dedicated to National Day for Disabled PeopleATHENS, 5/12/2005 (ANA)Saturday has been dedicated to the National Day for Disabled People, while in an announcement the Confederation of People with Special Needs reminds both public agencies and society that disabled people are entitled to equal opportunities in life, work and day-to-day life.This year's anniversary has been dedicated to the issue of such people's accessibility to the natural environment, transport, communications and information. Natasha Karamanli, wife of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, visited the Education and Rehabilitation Centre for the Blind on Friday and was given a guided tour of the premises. She talked to children from all educational levels and visited the special department for educating children facing vision problems which is the work of the Information Society. [20] Discussion on culture held in framework of European journalists' conference5/12/2005 (ANA)The contribution of culture to economic development and social progress was examined in a discussion held on Saturday in the framework of the 44th Conference of the European Journalists Union taking place in Patra, western Greece. In less than a month the city will be the Cultural Capital of Europe for 2006.Delegates were welcomed by the honourary international president of the European Journalists Union Athanassios Papandropoulos, who called on them to observe a minute's silence for the tragic death, in a traffic accident, of Patra journalist Eleftheria Vri. Patra Mayor Andreas Karavolas said that "everybody must realise his authority as a mission" and termed 2006 a starting point for the city of Patra's development course. [21] Search continues for suspected migrant smuggler who abandoned vessel5/12/2005 (ANA)The coast guard on Sunday reported that search efforts were continuing for a man that abandoned his vessel east of the large eastern Aegean island of Lesvos late Saturday after being spotted by patrol boats.Authorities are investigating whether the man previously landed illegal migrants on the nearby isle before fleeing towards the opposite Turkish coast. The vessel was later boarded and towed to the port of Mytilene. An investigation is continuing. Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a total of two foreign nationals were arrested at the port of Patra, western Greece, while attempting to board Italy-bound ferry boats with forged travel documents. [22] Artillery celebrates its Patron Saint BarbaraATHENS, 5/12/2005 (ANA)The Artillery celebrated its Patron Saint Barbara on Sunday during an event held at the Artillery Academy in the town of Nea Peramos.The event was attended by Deputy Defence Minister Yiannis Lambropoulos, Army General Staff chief Nikolaos Douvas, party representatives, former Artillery chiefs, local authorities and crowds of people. The Academy's commander Panayiotis Yiannopoulos gave the deputy defence minister an icon of Saint Barbara during the celebration. [23] Journalist killed in traffic accident, minister of state extends condolencesATHENS, 5/12/2005 (ANA)Journalist Eleftheria Vri, 41, from the city of Patra in western Greece was killed at dawn on Saturday while riding a motorbike on the old Patra-Corinth motorway. The accident occurred near the village of Agios Vassilios when, for unknown reasons, her motorbike swerved into an oncoming lane, according to police sources, and crashed into a truck carrying concrete.On hearing of the tragic accident, Minister of State and government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos extended his condolences to the journalist's family. "News of the tragic accident, that cost the life of Eleftheria Vri prematurely filled all the world of journalism with sadness. To Stathis Keramidas (her husband), the family and the relatives of the deceased I wish to express my sincere condolences," Roussopoulos said in a statement. [24] Informal conference of sports ministers from countries of SE Europe endsATHENS, 5/12/2005 (ANA)The 1st informal conference of sports ministers from countries of southeastern Europe came to an end in Thessaloniki, Macedonia, on Saturday. The conference focused on issues concerning countries in the wider region.Participants agreed to promote preoccupation with sports and with activities aimed at healthy lifestyles, the prevention of diseases and the improvement of citizens' quality of life. It was also agreed that steps should be taken towards promoting equal opportunities in sports with regard to special social groups such as drug addicts, gypsies and people in prison, while women should also be given equal opportunities for participation in sports, particularly in administrative and technical roles. The presidency also decided to create a coordinating office in Greece, with the participation of experts from all countries, with the purpose of preparing a proposal on the creation of a framework on holding future games between athletes from the countries of southeastern Europe. The first meeting will take place in Greece in March 2006. [25] Soccer: Results of the Greek first division soccer championship matches played over the weekendATHENS, 5/12/2005 (ANA)Atromitos Athens - Panathinaikos Athens 1-0Kallithea Athens - Apollon Kalamaria 0-0 Egaleo Athens - Olympiakos Piraeus 1-3 Akratitos Athens - OFI Crete 1-1 Iraklis Thessaloniki - Ionikos Piraeus 2-1 AEK Athens - PAOK Thessaloniki 2-1 Larissa - Levadiakos Livadia 1-0 Panionios -Athens - Xanthi (Match to be played on Mon. December 5) The point standings after 12 weeks of play: Olympiakos 30 AÅÊ 29 Panathinaikos 23 Xanthi 20 (11 matches played) PAOK 19 Iraklis 17 Larissa 16 Egaleo 16 Ionikos 15 Atromitos 15 Apollon Kalamaria 12 OFI 12 Levadiakos 10 Panionios 9 (11 matches played) Kallithea 7 Akratitos 7 [26] Cyprus President: No confrontation with the UN as regards Ledra StreetNICOSIA, 5/12/2005 (CNA/ANA)The case of Ledra Street will not consist a precedent for the occupation forces to claim half of the buffer zone area, something which seems to be their plan throughout Cyprus, Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos has said.Papadopoulos also said the Greek Cypriot side does not seek confrontation with the UN Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) ''but where we believe we are right we must remain firm to our positions.'' The Cypriot government has withdrawn its consent for the opening of a crossing point on Ledra Street at the heart of the Capital Nicosia, because it believes that the works carried out by the occupation regime are violating the Green Line status quo. UNFICYP's spokesman has said that ''the construction under-taken unilaterally by the authorities in the north is in our view outside the buffer zone.'' Replying to questions, Papadopoulos noted that the ''UN has shown great tolerance for many years and that is what gives to the regime the pretext to speak about rights that it has.'' ''Of course, no one desires confrontation with the UN, but where we believe we are right we must remain firm to our positions,'' Papadopoulos added, noting that ''the case of Ledras will not be a precedent for the occupation forces to claim half of the cease-fire line area, which seems to be their plan throughout Cyprus.'' 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