Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-12-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis emphasizes determination to proceed with crucial public sector reforms

[02] Public utilities bill to be presented to Parliamentary plenum on Tuesday

[03] FM discusses EU finances with German, French counterparts

[04] PM to meet Tony Blair on Friday

[05] Ceremony for long-awaited new border post on Greek-Bulgarian frontier set for Friday

[06] Greek President sees EU 'social deficit' midway to Lisbon targets

[07] PASOK leader continues contacts with social partners Thursday

[08] Greek representative at UN comments on UNFICYP

[09] Yiannakou opens int'l conference in Paris on digital technology in schools

[10] Seminar for SE Europe deputies for combatting of organized crime begins in Thessaloniki

[11] U.S. State Department avoids comment on November 17 group

[12] Protection of minority rights a problem in Albania, European Commission finds

[13] High-profile attorney/MP to meet with magistrate probing trial-fixing charges on Monday

[14] Amendment for possibility of cremation in Greece submitted by 10 deputies

[15] Finmin sanguine about economy's outlook in address to ND MPs

[16] Development minister stresses energy policy

[17] PPC barred from tender for 900MW power stations, minister confirms

[18] EU Commission to probe state aid to Greek vehicle industry ELBO

[19] Salagoudis in Sofia to attend meeting on SE Europe Energy Community

[20] Gov't wants banks to curb rolling rate cost down to public

[21] Monitoring Committee of 3rd Community Support Framework holds meeting

[22] PASOK party cadre comments on 3rd Community Support Framework

[23] Papoulias opens exporters' conference

[24] Greek products hold third place in American consumers' preference, U.S. ambassador says

[25] Transport Minister meets with Bulgarian counterpart

[26] Coalition leader visits power plant in Megalopoli

[27] Foreign banking groups may find Greek partners

[28] Credit Agricole to take part in Emporiki's share cap rise

[29] Greek exports to Balkans rise

[30] OA launches e-check in for domestic flights

[31] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks drop

[32] Court rules against broadcast of N17 appeals trial

[33] Missing passenger ferry found

[34] Parliament to organize exhibition on political cartoons

[35] Athens Mayor hosts city's senior citizens

[36] Greek-Turkish 'Games without borders' children's festivity in Ankara

[37] President Papadopoulos says Cyprus problem an EU-Turkey issue

[38] COREPER adopts text on Turkey's revised partnership

[39] Cyprus president says failure of talks would be devastating

[40] Government proposes 'way forward' for Ledras street

[41] UNFICYP says Turkish works at Ledra Street must cease

[01] Karamanlis emphasizes determination to proceed with crucial public sector reforms

ATHENS, 9/12/2005 (ANA)

Karamanlis' statements, which coincide with the tabling of a reform-laden draft bill making labor relations at state-run utilities and enterprises more flexible, among others, were made during an address to ruling New Democracy's Parliament group.

"Citizens gave us a clear and precise mandate to change things; to effectively deal with the problems that have accumulated and increased over the past years; to clash with the attitudes of the past; to dare implement all the initiatives that were postponed over the previous years," Karamanlis said, reiterating one of his primary pre-election planks, namely, reforms in Greece's massive public sector.

He referred directly to the draft bill for utilities and state-run enterprises (telephony, power, water etc.), saying his government intends to end the long-standing plague of operating state-run companies with huge losses, whereas a distinct improvement in the quality of services for consumers and citizens is another target.

Moreover, the Greek premier said the draft bill will boost regulatory supervision of state-run enterprises not listed on the Athens Stock Exchange.

Referring to a proposed change that has met with the head-on and sharp opposition of unions and the political opposition, Karamanlis said the employment status of new hirings at public sector utilities and state-run enterprises will gradually shift to the same regime and legal status enjoyed by private sector employees, thereby eventually ending the current "two-speed" distinction between the public and private sector. Karamanlis nevertheless reminded that the status of current employees will not change.

"Reforms being promoted today in state utilities are a one-way street, because they (companies) are obliged to operate in a particularly competitive environment, as well as to cover lost ground in order to become competitive," the premier told ND deputies.

In citing the need for transparency in the wider public sector, Karamanlis then aimed his criticism at the main opposition PASOK party and the latter's long stay in power.

"For those (PASOK) that governed for 20 years; for those that compromised with corruption and graft; for those that now appear as critics, transparency is simply an empty slogan. For them it is a 'pool of Siloam', where they merely want to wash away their sins. For us it is a standing and non-negotiable principle that we demonstrate on a daily basis," he said.

Furthermore, he again echoed criticism of ongoing reactions from a "privileged minority" and "organized vested interests", reactions he said want to deflect the "fight, on all fronts, against corruption and collusion..."

Finally, he referred to the dire situation in the economy inherited from the previous PASOK governments, charging that Greece entered the 21st century "bearing massive economic burdens and deeply ingrained structural problems" that kept it at the bottom of the European Union in terms of important socio-economic indices, such as competitiveness, public debt, budget deficits, GDP per capita and a huge gap in the balance of trade.

"Greece can, however, win the wager of the future; the new era is opening new paths to exploit Greeks' creativeness, society's great abilities and the country's comparative advantages," he concluded.

PASOK spokesman responds to PM: Main opposition PASOK party spokesman Nikos Athanassakis, commenting on the address made by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis at the ruling New Democracy party's Parliamentary Group on Thursday, said it was interpreted by PASOK as an effort to strengthen the spirit of ND's deputies with a display of determination by the prime minister.

Athanassakis said that for 20 months Karamanlis has been "repeating the same announcements which are being denied every day, while at the same time he is continuing to pose as the flag bearer against corruption and to attack the opposition."

The PASOK party spokesman also said that PASOK "has submitted specific proposals on transparency and corruption, but the government remains deaf and is hiding behind vague proclamations."

Athanassakis further said that "the myth that PASOK is to blame for everything is over," adding that the economic policy of ND and Karamanlis "has collapsed and burdens are falling on the many, while those benefiting are very few."

[02] Public utilities bill to be presented to Parliamentary plenum on Tuesday

ATHENS, 9/12/2005 (ANA)

Finance and Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis reiterated that "the government will continue the policy of reforms with the purpose of resetting the Greek economy."

He also said that "with this bill we are trying to achieve the overall handling of the problem of extravagance and mismanagement at public utilities. It is the greatest reform in the country in the past 15 years. Our aim is for them to operate from now on with procedures that will guarantee respect for the money of taxpayers and the providing of appropriate services to society at large."

[03] FM discusses EU finances with German, French counterparts

BRUSSELS, 9/12/2005 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)

Aside from the EU budget, Molyviatis and Steinmeier also discussed the European Constitution and developments in the Balkans. Regarding the latter, Molyviatis briefed the German minister on the meetings he had in Pristina and Belgrade during the informal dinner hosted by the Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht.

[04] PM to meet Tony Blair on Friday

ATHENS, 9/12/2005 (ANA)

The meeting is being held in view of the EU summit taking place in Brussels next week.

[05] Ceremony for long-awaited new border post on Greek-Bulgarian frontier set for Friday

ATHENS, 9/12/2005 (ANA)

Papoulias will be joined by his Bulgarian counterpart Georgi Parvanov at the inauguration ceremony.

Greece's ministers for transports and Macedonia-Thrace, as well as the deputy foreign minister will be on hand. Bulgaria's ministers for regional development and public works, as well as the deputy foreign minister, will head the Sofia delegation.

The two heads of state will meet in the middle of a recently constructed 448-metre two-way tunnel, named the Greek-Bulgarian Friendship Tunnel. Earlier in the day, Greek Deputy FM Evripides Stylianidis and his Bulgarian counterpart Lyubomir Kyuchukov will sign a relevant inter-state agreement.

The new Ilinden-Exochi crossing will link the northern Greek town of Drama with neighboring Bulgarian district of Goce Delcev.

The tunnel's construction was co-financed by the EU's Interreg program and the Greek state.

The initial agreement for the opening of the new border crossing was signed in 1995. It is the first of three new border checkpoints between Greece and Bulgaria provided for in the bilateral agreement, aimed at alleviating congestion at the other busy border posts between the two countries. Besides the actual tunnel, another 800 meters of roadway, state-of-the-art customs posts as well as related administration buildings were constructed.

Two new border crossings are expected to link Komotini, further to the east, with Kurdzhali, as well as the Thracian town of Xanthi with Rudozem.

[06] Greek President sees EU 'social deficit' midway to Lisbon targets

ATHENS, 9/12/2005 (ANA)

"We have reached the mid-way point from Lisbon and we cannot be very satisfied," Papoulias said, while congratulating the OKE members of their work in a difficult time.

"The struggle is joint, you are the frontrunners and we stand at your side," he added.

OKE president Nikos Analytis said the meeting, which had been requested by OKE, had focused on the issue of social consensus.

[07] PASOK leader continues contacts with social partners Thursday

ATHENS, 9/12/2005 (ANA)

Following meetings with the main trade union organizations the day before, Papandreou met groups representing farmers, employers, industry and commerce on Thursday.

Starting at the farmers' umbrella union PASEGES, Papandreou was briefed by PASEGES President Tzanetos Karamihas on the budget's shortcomings for the farming community, such as the reduction of OGA farming pensions, rising oil prices, as well as a special consumption tax and VAT payments that burdened farmers both as producers and consumers.

At the General Confederation of Light Industry and Commerce of Greece (GSEBEE), the main opposition leader was briefed on concerns about new direct and indirect taxes, reduced funds for the GSEBEE social insurance fund and rising taxes for some 630,000 small businesses, as well as steadily shrinking family incomes.

After a later meeting with the National Trade Confederation (ESEE), Papandreou slammed the government's economic performance and said that the budget did not reflect the true needs of the country and again criticized the government's decision to conduct a general 'audit' of state finances at the start of its term.

"We don't see reforms, the bill for public utilities (DEKO) is not a serious reform in our eyes and it moves along lines that do not have a developmental character, nor will it contribute to a plan for the modernization and competitiveness of state services and market reform," he added.

Replying to a statement by the president of the Union of Greek Industry (SEB) Odysseas Kyriakopoulos, meanwhile, PASOK's leader stressed that collective labor agreements were a very important issue.

He underlined that peace in labor relations was an important element of stability and growth, which the country and the social partners had succeeded in creating over the past years.

[08] Greek representative at UN comments on UNFICYP

NEW YORK, 9/12/2005 (ANA/P. Panayiotou)

Vassilakis was speaking after Wednesday's in camera consultations by the Security Council, during which the members of the House were briefed by the assistant UN Secretary General Haid Anabi on the content of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's report on his proposal on a six-month extension for the Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus.

""The building of a bridge by the Turkish troops at Ledra street in Nicosia gives the occupation army military advantages in the specific region and does not help the building of trust, to which the opening of yet another corridor must aim at," the representative said.

"The report by the Secretary General, in general, is good, simple and it describes the situation. We have made certain observations regarding the presence of Turkish troops, which continues to constitute a threat for peace and security. We believe that the proposal by the Secretary General on the extension for six months of UNFICYP's term, with the present form and duties, is correct," he added.

Lastly, the permanent representative at the UN (Greece is a non-permanent member of the Security Council over the 2005-2006 period), replying to a relevant question, clarified that on December 14, when the decision on the six-month renewal of UNFICYP's term will be adopted by the members of the Security Council, the issue of the corridor in Ledra street will not be discussed.

[09] Yiannakou opens int'l conference in Paris on digital technology in schools

PARIS, 9/12/2005 (ANA/O. Tsipira)

Taking part in the conference, titled "EMINENT", are 27 European countries and attracts in its two-day sessions more than 200 experts on logistics, digital technology and training.

Speaking to reporters, Yiannakou referred to the positive role which this conference can play in the general effort, noting that "it would not be harmful if Europe could also acquire a special satellite which would concern training in all of Europe instead of proceeding through conventional lines."

The "Learning" prizes will be awarded on Friday. Information on the participations and awards will be published on the website http://elearningawards.eun.org.

[10] Seminar for SE Europe deputies for combatting of organized crime begins in Thessaloniki

9/12/2005 (ANA)

As stressed by the rapporteurs, they are topics which have been described by the European Union as being of particular importance in the EU's relations with the region's countries.

In his introduction, the head of the headquarters of the Pact in Thessaloniki, Veniamin Karakostanoglou noted that the criminal elements which are active in the region have exploited the progress in technology and stressed that the answer must be overall, as, the combatting of organized crime is necessary for the growth of the region's countries.

Karakostanoglou presented the Pact's initiative on the issue, making also particular reference to the initiatives being taken by Greece as presiding country of the initiative of Southeast Europe, among them being the ministerial meeting which will be held in Loutraki, in the prefecture of Corinth, on February 8. The meeting will be preceded a week earlier by a seminar for the heads of police, public prosecutors and of the customs authorities of the region's countries for the combatting of the trafficking of narcotics and people.

Christiane Kirchbaum presented the general principles of the procedure for decision-taking in the European Union, while Jelena von Heldoff, on behalf of the King Baudouin Foundation, summed up the course of European policy up to the summit at The Hague in 2004.

[11] U.S. State Department avoids comment on November 17 group

WASHINGTON, 9/12/2005 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Speaking in general, Ereli said "what is important is that all of us who are threatened by terrorism must do all that we can to act with determination against terrorist organizations."

[12] Protection of minority rights a problem in Albania, European Commission finds

BRUSSELS, 9/12/2005 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)

Rehn's comments were made in response to ruling New Democracy MEP Costas Hatzidakis' question regarding the status of minority groups in Albania.

According to a statement by Hatzidakis, the Greek minority in Albania continues to face problems despite national authorities' promises to address them.

It is for this reason that the MEP called on the Commission to state its position on four issues of major importance for Albania: compliance with the treaty of the Council of Europe regarding minorities; education; a new census; and returning property to its rightful owners.

Commenting on Rehn's answers, Hatzidakis said that "Albania's European course has certainly contributed to safeguarding certain basic rights of the Greek minority. However, there is definitely much room for improvement as are requirements in the specific sector. What is certain, is that there will be no European prospect for Albania if it does not learn to respect and support minority rights."

[13] High-profile attorney/MP to meet with magistrate probing trial-fixing charges on Monday

ATHENS, 9/12/2005 (ANA)

Mantouvalos, elected on ruling New Democracy's ticket in the March 2004 from Piraeus' 1st election district before resigning recently from the party's Parliament group and declaring himself an independent, was stripped of his Parliamentary immunity from prosecution last week. Mantouvalos, in fact, called on fellow deputies to vote in favor of the lifting, stressing that he wanted to clear his name in any subsequent investigation.

The well-known attorney came under scrutiny after judicial investigators discovered that a lawyer/associate employed at Mantouvalos' law firm deposited roughly 7,000 euros into the bank account of a judge, Evangelos Kaloussis, who was later cashiered and is currently jailed on bribery and trial-fixing charges.

Mantouvalos is being investigated for bribery and money laundering charges.

[14] Amendment for possibility of cremation in Greece submitted by 10 deputies

ATHENS, 9/12/2005 (ANA)

According to the amendment, the lack of a cremation centre for the dead in Greece constitutes a violation of article 13 of the constitution on the inviolability of religious freedom, as well as of international treaties on human rights that Greece has signed.

The possibility is being proposed for permission to be granted for cremation of a person, whose religious convictions permitted this while he was alive, on condition of the "unreserved and without terms and conditions explicit declaration by the person himself while he was alive, or an official declaration by the next of kin of the deceased that this was his expressed desire."

The amendment was signed by the ruling New Democracy party Deputies Miltiades Evert, Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Nikos Georgiadis, the Deputies of the main opposition PASOK party Maria Damanaki, George Floridis, Nasos Alevras, Theodoros Pangalos and Panayiotis Sgouridis, the President of the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology party Alekos Alavanos and the party's Deputy Fotis Kouvelis.

[15] Finmin sanguine about economy's outlook in address to ND MPs

ATHENS, 9/12/2005 (ANA)

Taking the stand after Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, Alogoskoufis stressed that the government - in spite of the "huge difficulties" and "hidden deficits" inherited from its predecessors - had successfully implemented a policy of mild adjustment and managed to reduce the deficits without confirming the main opposition's dire predictions of recession and rising unemployment.

Instead, with a performance unprecedented in the recent history of the EU, the Greek economy had achieved a notable growth rate of 3.6 pct in 2005 while unemployment had dropped by half a percentage point, he added.

According to Alogoskoufis, the coming year was even more crucial and the government's priorities would be to reduce the public deficit to below 3 pct of GDP, to increase productivity and competitiveness through structural reforms and to increase employment with targeted activities for the reduction of social exclusion risks.

He said the immediate goals of the 2006 budget were to reduce the deficit to 2.6 pct of GDP and to further reduce public debt, while reinforcing growth and social cohesion. He also stressed the government's determination to deal with tax evasion, which he described as a chronic structural problem of the Greek economy, with the use of new technologies.

The minister stressed that the government would continue its policy of reforms in order to restructure the Greek economy:

"We are moving things forward and placing the country in a cycle of long-term and sustainable development, creating the conditions for individual and social prosperity," Alogoskoufis added.

[16] Development minister stresses energy policy

ATHENS, 9/12/2005 (ANA)

Sioufas stressed that Greece had "escaped" from the inertia and inaction of the past and that during its 20 months in power, the present government had begun building a "human-centered model for growth that was not built in 20 years of PASOK governments".

Noting that these policies were now beginning to yield results, Sioufas said that the climate was changing and that Greece was now entering a "new developmental track" and "an era of great opportunities".

Mixed messages from employers, trade unions: The parliamentary group meeting was also addressed by employer associations and trade union organizations, with one side pressing for more reforms while the other highlighted the problems faced by workers, farmers and low-income groups.

The head of the General Confederation of Employees of Greece (GSEE) Christos Polyzogopoulos criticized the government, stressing that the problems of workers were increasing and remained unsolved, while he accused ministers of failing to respond to calls for dialogue and claimed that "not everything" reached the ears of the prime minister.

According to the president of the civil servants' union ADEDY Spyros Papaspyros, meanwhile, the 2006 budget would lead to smaller incomes and more taxes for employees and greater difficulty in meeting rising living costs.

The Union of Greek Industry, on the other hand, said society was ripe for more reforms and that the government should not hesitate and called for further curbs to public spending. This was also supported by Greece's National Trade Confederation (ESEE) President Dimitris Armenakis, who said the program of reforms could be more daring and called for bolder privatizations.

General Confederation of Light Industry and Commerce of Greece (GSEBEE) President Dimitris Asimakopoulos, meanwhile, underlined the need to incorporate new technologies in the Greek economy and stressed that Greece spent less on research than any other developed country.

[17] PPC barred from tender for 900MW power stations, minister confirms

ATHENS, 9/12/2005 (ANA)

Speaking at the 10th National Energy Conference "Energy and Development 2005" organized by Southeast Europe Energy Institute, Sioufas pointed out that the ban had also been imposed by the previous government and was necessary, otherwise Greece faced legal action from the EU.

He denied that the PPC was barred from the construction of new power units in general, saying that there was nothing preventing the power utility from building new lignite plants in Drama or Elassona where there were lignite deposits, provided it met the legal requirements.

Sioufas said that the terms of the tender for 900MW power stations will be made public and that a draft bill setting up a National Council for Energy Strategy will be tabled in Parliament next week.

The minister stressed that the priorities in energy policy were to deregulate the markets and build infrastructure that will make Greece an energy junction, while reducing dependence on oil and enhancing energy savings.

The conference was also addressed by main opposition PASOK MP Yiannos Papantoniou, a former finance minister, who stressed that he was a "fanatical supporter" of deregulating markets. He criticized the government's handling of the PPC, however, noting that under the previous PASOK government it had been highly profitable and was now caught up in a storm of scandal-mongering and disputes among its top management.

[18] EU Commission to probe state aid to Greek vehicle industry ELBO

BRUSSELS, 9/12/2005 (ANA V. Demiris)

The investigation will examine the impact of a government decision in 1999 to write off the company's debts to the public sector, which came to 3.5 million end had accumulated between 1988 and 1998.

According to Greece, this assistance only favored ELBO's military production and thus falls under articles in EC treaties that allow derogations from the general ban on state aid for reasons that are directly linked with essential interests of national security.

This claim is disputed by the Commission, however, which questions whether the debt write-off can have exclusively favored the company's activities on behalf of the military and asserts that the civilian production also benefited as a result.

"The EC Treaty ensures that Member States can protect their legitimate national security interests. But this safeguard cannot be used as a pretext for granting illegal state aid to civilian activities. We have to examine such cases with care in order to prevent distortions of competition on markets for civilian products" Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said.

ELBO is the main supplier of motor vehicles to the Greek army, with around 750 employees and an annual turnover of about ¬ 150 million. In addition to military vehicles, such as tanks and armored vehicles, ELBO produces civilian vehicles and products that can be used for military as well as civilian purposes, such as jeeps and spare parts. In 1999, when the aid measure was adopted, ELVO's civilian production constituted a substantial part of its total turnover.

The Commission claims that Greece has failed to provide arguments supporting its claim that the aid favored military production only and the Commission has therefore concluded that only part of the aid falls under the scope of national security articles, while the rest has to be examined under state aid rules.

[19] Salagoudis in Sofia to attend meeting on SE Europe Energy Community

ATHENS, 9/12/2005 (ANA)

Analyzed at the meeting, for approval, will be the conclusions which have been adopted by the High Level Group established in Vienna in July, 2005.

The agenda of the meeting includes issues such as the Strategic Plan for natural gas, the approval of the Energy Infrastructures Plans and their funding by the Regional Funds, the approval of the social matters related to the transitional stage of the energy sector in the region, the approval of the status of Observer for Ukraine and the reconfirmation of the status of observer for Norway and Moldova.

[20] Gov't wants banks to curb rolling rate cost down to public

ATHENS, 9/12/2005 (ANA)

Banks would also be asked to set clear-cut terms in contracts with borrowers, Doukas told parliament.

He was replying to a question from the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology on the impact of a rate rise by the European Central Bank.

[21] Monitoring Committee of 3rd Community Support Framework holds meeting

ATHENS, 9/12/2005 (ANA)

As mentioned during the Monitoring Committee's meeting, if proclamations already publicized, which are expected to be turned into contracts in the near future, are also taken into consideration, then the percentage of commitments exceeds 60 percent. It was pointed out that the remaining 40 percent will have to be turned into contracts by the end of 2006.

Referring to the course of the 3rd CSF during the meeting, Deputy Finance and Economy Minister Christos Folias said that through the revision of the CSF a further 205 million euros were transferred to regions and that major road projects are being carried out in regions, while expressing regret because 13 technical consultants who will assist the implementation of the projects have not yet been established.

[22] PASOK party cadre comments on 3rd Community Support Framework

ATHENS, 9/12/2005 (ANA)

"The government is proving incapable of absorbing the funds and our country is being led to huge losses of EU funds with mathematical precision," she said.

According to Papandreou, the absorption of funds in 2004 decreased by 4.2 percent compared to 2003 while in 2005, until November 15, by about 40 percent, and as a result Greece must absorb almost 7 billion euros a year over the next three years, while this year, until November 15, less than 2 billion euros had been absorbed.

[23] Papoulias opens exporters' conference

ATHENS, 9/12/2005 (ANA)

In a brief address, Papoulias said a more export-driven economy is a national target, especially in an increasingly competitive global market. He also said 12.3-percent rise in Greek exports over the Jan-Sept 2005 period -- in comparison with the corresponding period in 2004 -- was particularly encouraging.

[24] Greek products hold third place in American consumers' preference, U.S. ambassador says

ATHENS, 9/12/2005 (ANA)

The ambassador stressed the fact to show that possibilities exist for the speedy infiltration of the U.S. market by Greek products, in cooperation with major retail dealers.

Referring to the investments environment in Greece, Ries said that considerable improvements have been made but a further effort is necessary in such sectors as taxation, bureaucracy, energy deregulation, etc.

He also noted that what remains a stumbling block for investments activity in Greece is the country's low reputation regarding transparency. Corruption must be combated because investing businesses want a stable and clear environment.

[25] Transport Minister meets with Bulgarian counterpart

ATHENS, 9/12/2005 (ANA)

The two ministers signed a joint declaration agreeing to: upgrade transportation infrastructure along Pan-European Axis IV and particularly the Axis IV rail network (Thessaloniki-Sofia-Vidin Kalafat) by 2011; to build a highway by 2013; and to link Thessaloniki with the Bulgarian city of Lom by road and by rail, by 2013.

[26] Coalition leader visits power plant in Megalopoli

9/12/2005 (ANA)

He said the visit aimed to signal that the PPC was not made up of the few people, like former PPC president Ioannis Paleokrassas or PPC managing director Stergios Nezis, who had dominated the news in the past week but also tens of thousands of ordinary employees working in difficult and often hazardous conditions.

Alavanos stressed that 85 PPC employees had been killed and dozens of workplace accidents had occurred at the PPC over the past 10 years alone, while he strongly criticized government attempts to strip away rights acquired by the workforce and expressed concern at a draft bill to deregulate the energy market.

He also asserted that the government's bill for public utilities and state enterprises, known as DEKO in Greece, effectively abolished collective agreements and he urged all wage-earners to participate in the strike called by trade union organizations on December 14.

The Coalition's leader underlined, meanwhile, that an attempt was being made to carve up the PPC and give it to private interests, along with company infrastructure that had been built with the money of Greek taxpayers.

[27] Foreign banking groups may find Greek partners

ATHENS, 9/12/2005 (ANA)

He was addressing a banking conference in Athens arranged by The Economist business magazine.

[28] Credit Agricole to take part in Emporiki's share cap rise

ATHENS, 9/12/2005 (ANA)

The French bank in a strategic investor in Emporiki and owns 10% of its stock.

[29] Greek exports to Balkans rise

ATHENS, 9/12/2005 (ANA)

The minister was addressing a conference arranged by the Panhellenic Exporters Association to celebrate 60 years since its foundation.

Stylianidis laid emphasis on the government's drive to boost economic diplomacy, including in the energy sector.

Also speaking at the event was Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas, who outlined moves the government had taken to increase exports.

Rise in Greek exports to Romania: Greek exports to Romania rose by 5.3% in January-October against the same period a year earlier to total 296 million euros, according to the Greek embassy in Bucharest.

The value of Romanian imports to Greece fell by 10.79% to 441.56 million euros, the embassy's bureau of economic and trade affairs said in a report.

The trade deficit for Greece with Romania narrowed by about 57.4% to 102.46 million euros, the report noted.

[30] OA launches e-check in for domestic flights

ATHENS, 9/12/2005 (ANA)

The new service allows passengers traveling on domestic flights and without baggage to check-in electronically and choose their seat from between 24 to 4 hours before departure.

[31] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks drop

ATHENS, 9/12/2005 (ANA)

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.75% down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.61 lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.43% up.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 148 to 120 with 131 remaining unchanged.

Stock Futures: