Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-12-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis says an EU Summit consensus on budget 'feasible'

[02] Striking EU budget deal a difficult proposition, PM stresses

[03] U.S. Assistant Secretary of State DiCarlo discussed developments in Balkans during Athens visit

[04] Government denies secret U.S. deal under Greek EU presidency

[05] Deputy FM meets with German ambassador, Romanian MPs

[06] PASOK leader blasts government, policies

[07] Government responds, accuses PASOK of 'twisting truth'

[08] EU warns Greece over failure to apply Single European Sky laws

[09] Gov't on Iraq election

[10] Papoulias receives interior ministers of Iran, Pakistan and Turkey

[11] Interior minister receives counterparts from Iran, Pakistan and Turkey

[12] MRB poll shows ND leading PASOK by 2.2 pc

[13] European Commission and interior ministry sign agreement on readmission

[14] Alternate government spokesman comments on telephone call registration

[15] Bar Association Plenum criticises EP's decision on registration of telecommunications data

[16] Israeli diplomats cite closer ties with Greece during informal briefing

[17] Athens Bar Association wants 'in-depth investigation' into 'abduction of Pakistanis issue'

[18] Coalition leader outraged by Church document attacking MPs

[19] Ecumenical Patriarch receives former Romanian presidnet Iliescu

[20] PASOK's Papoutsis meets presidium of U.S. PanMacedonian Union

[21] Senior justice accused of corruption released on bail

[22] Finmin presents updated Stability and Development Programme

[23] Parliament passes bill to overhaul state corporations

[24] Public utilities, pensions system 'time bombs', EBEA President says

[25] Agriculture minister presents Greek positions at

[26] Kyriakopoulos elected as president of PPC board

[27] National Bank of Greece chief sees credit growth easing

[28] Retail sectors create more jobs in 3Q 2005

[29] Tourism agreement with Moldova pending

[30] AirSea Lines expected to begin hydroplanes routes in two months

[31] Greece convicted for failing to apply EU directives for company accounts

[32] SEBE organises meeting in Skopje on 'economic growth through international trade'

[33] ANA launches Digital Greece website

[34] Marak Electronics to supply Montenegro police

[35] Athens Bourse Close: General index reaches 5-year high WTO

[36] Deputy Culture Minister Tatoulis inaugurates Greek art exhibit in NY

[37] Orthodox Church decides to provide land for Moslem cemetery

[38] American professor Nussbaum lectures on 'Religious Intolerance and the Future of Democracy'

[39] Greek journalists meet with Bulgarian colleagues

[40] Two policemen attacked and injured by group of youths

[41] President Papadopoulos: UNSC doesn't equate both sides on Ledra Street deadlock

[42] Russian Deputy FM reaffirms position of principle on Cyprus

[43] Helios air crash reconstruction to take place December 19

[01] PM Karamanlis says an EU Summit consensus on budget 'feasible'

BRUSSELS, 16/12/2005 (ANA/A.Panagopoulos)

Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis in his remarks during the dinner referred to EU fiscal prospects in the 2007-20013 period underlining: "We have reached the moment of decisions. All are awaiting from us to show political courage and a European spirit. I am convinced that the sought consensus is feasible and I hope that this will appear tomorrow."

Karamanlis asked for more funds than those proposed by the British presidency noting that "total expenditures must reflect our vision for the EU. The presidency's proposal is restrictive, taking into account the total amount of the available funds.

A satisfactory solution for the cohesion and agricultural development funds is the basic element for the achievement of a final solution. On the other hand, the presidency's proposal alters the ceiling for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). In any case, any revision of the CAP should deal with the post-2013 period."

[02] Striking EU budget deal a difficult proposition, PM stresses

BRUSSELS, 16/12/2005 (ANA - A. Panagopoulos)

Karamanlis, who had earlier taken part in the European People's Party (EPP) summit, essentially repeated his state-ments after meeting British Prime Minister Tony Blair last week, in which he had pointed out the difficulties of finding a common goal between 25 member-states that each had their own interests and agenda and underlined Greece's determi-nation to contend for its interests.

"It is a difficult matter, especially after the inability to achieve an agreement last June. Finding a common ground between 25 member-states that each have their own views and set their own priorities is, by definition, a particularly difficult affair," he noted.

"We have a tough and gruelling negotiation ahead of us. We will give battle to safeguard the interests of our country," the Greek premier added.

The summit that begins later on Thursday evening will find European leaders divided over the new British proposal submitted on Wednesday, which is strongly opposed by many member-states.

A similar climate dominated the EPP summit, where Luxem-bourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker called on Britain to back down and help the poorer member-states.

European leader will begin talks at 19:00 Greek time, while the discussion on the EU budget will begin at the dinner scheduled to take place at 21:00 Greek time.

[03] U.S. Assistant Secretary of State DiCarlo discussed developments in Balkans during Athens visit

WASHINGTON, 16/12/2005 (ANA/T. Ellis)

Called on to comment on the content of her discussion with Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis, McCormack said that "Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Di Carlo was in Athens on November 30 for consultations with Greek officials related to Balkan issues", adding that "during her stay in Athens she discussed ways with which Greece and other countries could support the political process under way in Kosovo and developments in the region of the Balkans in general."

[04] Government denies secret U.S. deal under Greek EU presidency

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

Responding to a report in the Greek newspaper "Pontiki", which said that the EU had undertaken to provide services to the aircraft of U.S. services at European airports, alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros said that an investigation at the foreign ministry had revealed no sign of such an agreement, either secret or open.

The spokesman also noted that reporters should seek more details from the current leader of main opposition PASOK, George Papandreou, who was foreign minister during that period.

Answering questions concerning a later agreement signed in November for the participation of 2000 Greeks in a European battle group, Antonaros pointed out that this had been officially announced and was well known.

In fact, he added, the inclusion of Cyprus into the "Balkan" battle group that will be headed by Greece had been seen as something of a coup for Greek diplomacy.

[05] Deputy FM meets with German ambassador, Romanian MPs

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

The meeting with Schultheiss was primarily a courtesy visit, according to a ministry statement.

During the meeting, Skandalakis briefed the German diplomat on issues falling under his jurisdiction as well as problems facing the Greek expatriate community in Germany and discussed ways to improve bilateral cooperation in this area.

Skandalakis then received Romania's Parliamentary Group on Romanian-Greek friendship, headed by Greek expatriate Sotiris Fotopoulos.

According to a ministry statement, Skandalakis discussed with the group the significance of good cooperation in further developing bilateral relations and acknowledged the close ties existing between the two peoples.

Finally, the deputy minister expressed satisfaction with Romania's impending EU accession and offered to help in every way possible.

[06] PASOK leader blasts government, policies

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

Papandreou said the government was "teetering", opining that while the ruling New Democracy party (ND) had assumed the government with arrogance and the certainty that it would rule the country for an eight-year tenure (two terms in office), now its cadres were unsure, from month to month, whether they would succeed in exhausting even the four-year term.

He said that ND entered the government with a slogan championing transparency and against collusion, "but today we have entered a crazy asylum of mutual accusations in which half the government accuses the other half and sends it before the public prospecutor" while the prime minister, playing the role of Pontius Pilate, washes his hands of the situation although hie is mainly responsible for this chaos.

Papandreou said that the country's governance under ND was developing into a negative chapter for Greece "which the Greek people will soon close by placing their confidence once again in PASOK".

The main opposition denied talk that PASOK and ND were "two of the same", saying that while the Karamanlis government was "with the few", PASOK was "with society". "While they hide behind lies, we seek the truth," he added.

"ND and Karamanlis have failed and disappointed (the people). PASOK expresses hope. The ND government is dissolving social cohesion, whereas PASOK is advancing a new national and social pact," Papandreou said.

Turning to the discussion in the EU on the community budget, Papandreou warned the government that it cannot lise another opportunity for the country, and called on the government not to lower the standard "as he does in difficult negotiations, resulting in the country missing out on historic opportunities". He set the "standard" at 28 billion euros, which he said the preceding PASOK government had secured from the Third Community Support Framework (CSF) and farm subsidies for the period up to 2013.

He criticised the government's economic policy, saying that it was accumulating additional burdens for everyone, making major changes in critical sectors for the citizens, increasing insecurity among the working people, leading to a reduction in investments and closure of business enterprises, and abandonment of the periphery.

Papandreou further accused the government of initiating a pogrom against the most capable officials in public administration, and of fearing to undertake diplomatic initiatives and missing opportunities.

On the issue of terrorism, Papandreou said it was a complex problem that could not be tackled with weapons and armies, but through combatting inequalities and backing a new internationalism with solidarity, principles which he said he would promote from the post of president of the Socialist International that he was slated to assume at the end of January 2006.

[07] Government responds, accuses PASOK of 'twisting truth'

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

"The citizens are well aware that we are not all the same and can see the differences between today and yesterday [under PASOK governments]," he said.

Stressing that the government was honouring the mandate it was given to change things and its promise to show zero tolerance toward corruption, Roussopoulos accused PASOK of saying 'no' to all reforms and of having "shone for 20 years in total cover-ups and complete licence".

Now, he added, the main opposition was daily sliding down the dead-end path of irresponsible populism.

[08] EU warns Greece over failure to apply Single European Sky laws

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

The Regulation, which entered into force in April 2004, sets up the institutional framework for the single European sky. A main feature is the separation between the provision of air navigation services on the one hand and the supervision and regulation of these services on the other hand. Member States are required to establish an independent national supervisory authority to assume the different tasks identified in EU legislation, including certification of air navigation service providers and on-going compliance oversight.

Up to now, Greece has failed to establish such an authority.

[09] Gov't on Iraq election

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

Deputy government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros made the statement on the occasion of general elections in the strife-torn Middle East country.

[10] Papoulias receives interior ministers of Iran, Pakistan and Turkey

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

The three ministers were accompanied by Greek Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis.

[11] Interior minister receives counterparts from Iran, Pakistan and Turkey

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

Pavlopoulos said they had discussed issues affecting immigrants, ways to better handle the migration phenomenon and improving conditions for immigrants in Greece.

Noting that Greek authorities had very few problems with immigrants from the specific countries, the minister stressed that immigrants were "sacred" in Greece, who should live in the country legally, with full rights and equality.

[12] MRB poll shows ND leading PASOK by 2.2 pc

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

The New Democracy party received 36.9 percent of the vote, PASOK 34.7, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) 7.3, the Popular Orthodox

Rally (LAOS) 3.6 and the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) 3.4.

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis is considered the most suitable for the premiership with 43.5 percent, followed by PASOK leader George Papandreou with 34.9.

[13] European Commission and interior ministry sign agreement on readmission

16/12/2005 (ANA)

The proposal had been submitted in the framework of the first proclamation of the programme titled "Aineias-Economic and technical aid to third countries in the sectors of asylum and immigration" and it was approved for funding by the European Commission.

The proposal contains a two-year programme of activities, most of which take place in Albania and aim at supporting relevant Albanian agencies for the successful implementation of the readmission agreement for illegal immigrants between the European Union and the Republic of Albania and the handling of consequences emanating from it.

[14] Alternate government spokesman comments on telephone call registration

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

Antonaros said that Justice Minister Anastassis Papaligouras had pointed out at all ministerial meetings the "need to handle the issue soberly and in a way that would secure a balance between the benefits of freedom and security, also taking into consideration the causes of terrorism internationally."

"Thanks to Greek interventions, which were many and dense, various amendments to initial plans submitted by the British presidency, which constituted a more strict approach to the issue, were made possible" Antonaros said.

He further clarified that "in international politics, particularly when it concerns something binding, what counts is not for one to take a sterile opposition position but, participating in agencies, to influence the kind and the quality of decisions taken."

[15] Bar Association Plenum criticises EP's decision on registration of telecommunications data

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

"We are being led in this way to a continuous shrinking of our legal culture, to disdain for human rights, to the degradation of human dignity since everyone will be watched and his entire personal life will be monitored, as well as that of his family, with the abolition of every kind of constitutionally safeguarded protection for the secrecy of communication, of free response and of individual rights in general which our constitution anticipated," the announcement said.

"The Plenum of the Bar Associations of the country expresses its indignation at the continuous desecration of values, democracy and freedom and states that in cooperation with the European Bar Association, which numbers 700,000 members, it will resort to the European Human Rights Court to salvage human dignity and the fundamental principles of European Culture," it added.

[16] Israeli diplomats cite closer ties with Greece during informal briefing

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

Expectedly, discussions centred on the evacuation of settlers and IDF forces from the Gaza Strip last September, as well as the unprecedented formation of a new centrist political party, "Kadima", by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

The mostly informal briefing of local media at Israeli ambassador Ram Aviram's official residence was repeated this December ahead of the holidays.

In terms of Greek-Israeli relations, Aviram emphasised that robust trade relations were heightened in 2005 with the signing of four separate bilateral agreements in the economy (capital markets), agriculture, defence and cultural sectors, whereas two agreements on tourism as well as research and technology are pending.

Along those lines, Israeli officials pointed to what they called substantial interest by the Greece-based firms in working with Israeli IT and hi-tech companies, especially after a 2nd Greek-Israeli Telecommunications and IT Forum that concluded in the Greek capital last November.

[17] Athens Bar Association wants 'in-depth investigation' into 'abduction of Pakistanis issue'

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

Specifically, the announcement said: "The Athens Bar Association feels the need to direct itself to the Justice Minister, who is already active and to ask for an in-depth investigation of the issue of the abduction of Pakistanis by secret services with the attribution of responsibilities, regarding either law enforcement agencies or public prosecution authorities."

The government on Wednesday again vehemently rejected charges that a handful of Pakistani workers living in Athens were abducted and interrogated last July by either Greek of foreign intelligence services, with the relevant public order minister referring to a "provocation or farce" in the case.

Several Athens dailies over the summer initially published allegations by the seven Pakistanis, who said they were arrested in a central Athens residence, handcuffed, hooded and inter-rogated by English-speaking agents for some 48 hours outside of Athens regarding their connections with Britain and London.

The alleged incident took place shortly after the suicide bombings in London.

[18] Coalition leader outraged by Church document attacking MPs

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

He called on Christodoulos to "follow the example of [ousted Jerusalem Patriarch] Irineos" and accused him of "ultra-right-wing views".

"A despicable text from the Holy Synod has circulated that will be read in Churches and refers to us, describing us as butchers, while it ends in a threat to Parliament that says that big decisions belong to the people and not to individuals," Alavanos said in Parliament.

He urged the Parliament president and the minister of education and religious affairs to intervene, saying that "the only service that Mr. Christodoulos can offer is to follow the example of former Jerusalem Patriarch Irineos".

KKE on Archbishop's statements: The Communist Party of Greece on Thursday accused Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos of using religious sentiment to "create divisions" among the Greek public on the separation of church and state.

"He pretends not to understand that the separation of church and state does not offend anybody's religious beliefs, but is a measure that was implemented in other countries 200 years ago," KKE said in a statement.

KKE's statement was issued in response to a document released by the Holy Synod, slamming MPs on the separation of church and state issue.

Furthermore, KKE stresses in its statement that the mixing of church and state has traditionally been and continues to be damaging to the general public.

[19] Ecumenical Patriarch receives former Romanian presidnet Iliescu

ISTANBUL, 16/12/2005 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

Among others, Iliescu said an ongoing dialogue between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches was a "historical step".

[20] PASOK's Papoutsis meets presidium of U.S. PanMacedonian Union

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

Papoutsis stated that he expounded to his interlocutors PASOK's positions for the support of the course of all of the peoples of the region of Southeast Europe towards the European Union, for peace, security and good cooperation. He added that "in this context, our steadfast objective is the finding of a solution to the name issue of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), a mutually acceptable solution which will respect the cultural, historic and geographic particularities of the two peoples."

[21] Senior justice accused of corruption released on bail

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

Dionysatos has denied all the charges against him, which include misdemeanour charges of breach of duty, accepting bribes and conspiracy.

The former senior justice had resigned from his post in late November after he had been ordered to answer charges, expressing surprise at the magistrate's decision to prosecute and claiming that he had fully explained his actions.

The charges against him also relate to a possible connection with then Jerusalem Patriarch Irineos, who was dethroned in the wake of scandal concerning the sale of Patriarchate land to Israelis. The case, chiefly through the presence of a Greek ex-con in the former Patriarch's entourage, also became linked with a corruption scandal involving the Greek clergy and judges that erupted in Greece at roughly the same time.

[22] Finmin presents updated Stability and Development Programme

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

The new programme forecasts that rates of growth will continue to increase combined with a reduction of the public deficit and public debt as employment rises and unemployment falls.

Alogoskoufis said that the government's chief concern in 2005 had been to achieve satisfactory rates of growth and thus avoid a recession, noting that this effort will continue in 2006.

Rates of growth are forecast to reach around 3.8 pct of GDP in 2006 and 2007, rising to 4 pct of GDP in 2008. According to the minister, the increased growth is expected to result from rising growth rates throughout the European Union and also the continuing structural reforms to the Greek economy.

The Programme also sees a gradual decline in inflation, which is expected to close at 3.5 pct in 2005 and then drop to 3.2 pct in 2006 and 3pct in 2007, finally reaching 2.7 pct in 2008.

Alogoskoufis underlined that inflation was one of the more serious problems for the economy, because of its repercussions on the real economy.

The Programme forecasts a drop in unemployment from a 10.4 pct average for 2005 to 9.8 pct in 2006, 8.9 pct in 2007 and 8 pct in 2008.

The public deficit is seen dropping from 4.3 pct of GDP in 2005 to 2.6 pct of GDP in 2006, 2.3 pct of GDP in 2007 and 1.7 pct of GDP in 2008. At the same time, the public debt as a percentage of GDP is forecast to fall to 104.8 pct of GDP in 2006, 101.1 pct of GDP in 2007 and 96 pct of GDP in 2008.

Alogoskoufis described the forecasts in the programme as "moderate" and said that it contained one set of figures based on a "realistic" scenario and another set of figures based on a more unfavourable scenario.

It will also incorporate tax reductions for individuals for 2007 and envisaged increases to the OGA farming pensions and the EKAS low-pension supplement that will be given in two installments (in 2007 and in 2008).

The minister also referred to an increase in tax revenues from VAT, which came to 9.3 pct in October and 11.6 pct in November and said that the finance ministry was preparing a campaign to combat tax evasion and to make the public aware that tax evasion concerned everybody.

Finmin confident deficit will hold reduction target: Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said on Thursday that the fiscal deficit would hold steady below 3.0% of gross domestic product over the next three years even under a worst-case scenario.

Addressing a parliamentary committee on Greece's growth and stability pact for 2005-2008, Alogoskoufis said that along with the lower deficit, tax would be lowered.

Critical years for the economy were 2005 and 2006, but the outlook was favourable.

"An upturn in the eurozone and a decline in oil prices will create a positive framework, while in Greece changes in industrial relations law, faster privatisation, changes in working hours and remaining reforms advanced by the government are already bearing fruit in investment and the labour market," Alogoskoufis said.

Investment has risen by 9% this year and unemployment fallen by 0.5%, he added.

Addressing the same committee, Yiannos Papantoniou, a former finance minister under the main opposition PASOK party, said that since the New Democracy party assumed government, investment and growth had dropped and the fiscal deficit had risen.

[23] Parliament passes bill to overhaul state corporations

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

Deputies of the main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) walked out of the debate to protest against the bill and were absent for the vote.

The protest cented on an article of the bill that scraps free collective bargaining, which PASOK says will end up in the lawcourts.

Employment Minister Panos Panayiotopoulos told parliament that the government was united in its reform drive for state firms.

[24] Public utilities, pensions system 'time bombs', EBEA President says

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

Referring to the Greek economy's course in 2006, Fountou-kakos said that it will be "a good, but difficult year" and predicted that high growth rates will be maintained.

However, the country's economic performance over the medium-term will depend on its fiscal situation.

According to Fountoukakos, the government has taken steps to diffuse the first time bomb with its bill on reforming and restructuring public utilities and state-run enterprises.

"We also support article 14 [of the bill] because the management of the loss-making public utilities (DEKO) and every trade union cannot agree on pay rises that are above and beyond the companies' abilities and then asking the Greek public to foot the bill," he said.

"If pay increases are to be given out, let Parliament decide, since it represents the Greek people and everyone can assume their respective political responsibilities," he added.

Regarding the pensions system, Fountoukakos said that the current New Democracy government, like its predecessor PASOK, "is procrastinating and instead of addressing the issue is postponing it for the future."

Fountoukakos said that EBEA supports dialogue and consensus but also a viable solution to the problem.

As for private consumption, it will remain high in 2006, while company investments will benefit from a contained incomes policy and from expected investments in real estate, according to Fountoukakos.

Finally, regarding investments in 2006, Fountoukakos predicted that contracts totalling ¬ 12.5 billion for public and self-financed projects will have been signed.

[25] Agriculture minister presents Greek positions at WTO

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

Bassiakos, who leads a Greek delegation at the meeting, underlined the need to continue protections for Europe's farmers as decided in a recent reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for nearly all agricultural products.

He also asked for the opening of markets in developing countries in order to facilitate exports of non-agricultural products to these markets and the deregulation of trade in services.

Bassiakos also took part in bilateral and multilateral meetings and discussions, including the EU General and External Affairs Council, to monitor the progress of talks and to promote Greek positions.

[26] Kyriakopoulos elected as president of PPC board

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

Kyriakopoulos was the candidate suggested by the government after the resignation of the PPC's former president Yiannis Paleokrassas.

A former high-ranking bank executive, Kyriakopoulos served as General Manager of Alpha Bank for 20 years until May 2003 and was on the bank's board until April 2005. He was also a member of the executive committee of the Union of Greek Banks and a board member of DIAS Inter-banking Systems and a board member and executive committee member of IOBE.

After his election, the PPC board is now led by Kyriakopoulos as president and Dimitris Maniatakis as board chairman.

[27] National Bank of Greece chief sees credit growth easing

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

Growth in mortgages this year is anticipated to rise by 20%-25% with financing for small and medium-sized companies increasing by 10%-12%, Arapolgou noted.

Mortgages were immediate priority business for Athens-quoted National after deposits, with the bank's housing loan portfolio totalling 11 billion euros in January-September 2005, he added.

[28] Retail sectors create more jobs in 3Q 2005

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

A 0.5-percent increase in the same employment figure was recorded between the second and third quarters of 2005, with rising indices in the retail and super market sectors seen as creating more jobs.

[29] Tourism agreement with Moldova pending

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

According to reports, cooperation is envisioned in areas such as cultural, spa, sports and youth tourism, while Athens will offer know-how in education and vocational training as well as support at international exhibitions etc.

[30] AirSea Lines expected to begin hydroplanes routes in two months

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

The first official routes are expected to begin in about two months by the AirSea Lines company, which has been located in the country for two years, carrying out experimental sea flights from Corfu, Paxi and Ioannina.

According to the company's planning, the investment of 90 million euros for the purchase of 30-40 hydroplanes is being scheduled, covering coastal urban centres, ports and parts of the mainland having lakes.

The Greek Investments Centre cooperated closely with the foreign investors and relevant services to enable necessary procedures to be speeded up.

[31] Greece convicted for failing to apply EU directives for company accounts

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

Greek authorities admitted that they had not incorporated the directive into Greek law within the deadline foreseen and said that a draft bill transferring the directive into domestic law will soon be ready.

[32] SEBE organises meeting in Skopje on 'economic growth through international trade'

SKOPJE, 16/12/2005 (ANA/N. Frankopoulos)

Examined at the meeting were issues of the transfer of know-how and experiences from international trade, while the participants also examined prospects for strengthening business activity between Greece and FYROM.

Taking part in the meeting were entrepreneurs from FYROM, SEBE President Evangelos Plalis, experts from Greece, while a greeting was also addressed by the head of the Liaison Office of Greece in FYROM, Ambassador Theodora Grosomanidou.

All the programme for economic growth through international trade is financed by the Greek Foreign Ministry's international development cooperation service.

[33] ANA launches Digital Greece website

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

Digital Greece can be viewed on  HYPERLINK "http://www.ana.gr/websites/psifi/index.html"
http://www.ana.gr/websites/psifi/index.html

[34] Marak Electronics to supply Montenegro police

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

The equipment will be used to connect border stations through VoIP communications and various types of data, the Greek firm said in a statement.

Marak promotes Redline's products in Greek and Balkan markets, the statement added.

[35] Athens Bourse Close: General index reaches 5-year high WTO

ATHENS, 16/12/2005 (ANA)

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalisation shares ended 1.28 percent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 1.43 percent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished higher by 1.15 percent.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines by 193 to 84 with 52 remaining unchanged.

Stock Futures: