Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-12-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM announces intention to revise Constitution

[02] Parliament approves 2006 budget

[03] PASOK leader says new budget 'questionable'

[04] KKE leader Papariga says the two major parties 'has the same anti-working class policy'

[05] SYN leader slams gov't, main opposition

[06] ND dares to take steps PASOK did not, Minister of State says

[07] PM meets visiting King of Jordan Abdallah II

[08] Visiting Jordanian monarch meets Papandreou, Papariga

[09] Jordan's King Abdullah visits parliament

[10] King Abdallah of Jordan meets Greek industry union SEB

[11] Queen Rania of Jordan tours Athens with Greek premier's wife

[12] PM meets with Albanian counterpart

[13] Deputy culture minister briefs PM on China visit

[14] FM briefs President on current affairs

[15] Minister of State meets president, comments on Constitution, elections

[16] Voulgarakis says 'terrorism in the form we have all lived does not exist'

[17] Terrorists cite unemployment, among others, for bomb attack outside ministry

[18] Explosion outside Development Ministry, no injuries

[19] Greek composer says 'shame' on COE for its stance on communists

[20] US Representatives urge FYROM to compromise on name dispute

[21] President meets European Ombudsman, ND Party secretary

[22] Special Inspections Agency presents action plan for 2006

[23] PM confers with agriculture minister

[24] ESEE opposes proposal for shops to be open seven Sundays a year

[25] KEDKE delegation holds rally outside Parliament, hands over resolution

[26] Large quantity of coffee barred from import

[27] Emporiki Bank says rights issue 1.4 times oversubscribed

[28] Building materials' cost up 3.2 pct in November, yr/yr

[29] Orthodox Church leaders worldwide issue Christmas messages

[30] Gov't: First overseas Greek archaeological institute to open next month in Rome

[31] Three life sentences handed down in massive cocaine smuggling case

[32] Piraeus mayor given suspended jail sentence for café licenses on ancient site

[33] Court expected to appoint new defense lawyers for convicted N17 mastermind

[34] Satellite monitoring of air quality in lignite-producing region cited

[35] Culture ministry leadership on death of Takis Binis

[36] Attica Traffic Police on alert for mass exodus of Athenians during the Christmas season

[37] UN chief says parties not ready for talks

[38] Cyprus president comments UNSG's statements on Cyprus

[39] President: Ready to demolish our post if other side demolishes constructions

[40] Spokesman: Need to meet Greek Cypriot concerns recognized

[41] Turkey guilty of human rights violations, European Court says

[01] PM announces intention to revise Constitution

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

Karamanlis made the announcement while addressing Parliament as it concluded its debate over the 2006 budget.

The prime minister began his speech with a reference to the latest EU summit and the ¬ 20.1 billion Greece secured for the 2007-2013 period.

"Greece achieved the best possible result and secured its interests fully," he said.

As for the slight downward adjustment in funds allocated for regional development, Karamanlis promised to cover the difference through national funds, as well as additional support from the Cohesion Fund and the National Strategic Programme for Development.

Regarding the state budget, Karamanlis said that the priorities are reforming the educational sector, ensuring complete transparency for the political system and protecting and upgrading the environment.

"For all these reasons, we are setting in motion a broad public debate and we are beginning procedures so that the new legislature will be able to revise the Constitution," he said.

"The time has come for major and responsible change, which the country needs and citizen's demand," he explained.

The 2006 budget "is one of transition from uncertainty to security," he said, adding that in terms of expenditures, the emphasis is on containing wasteful spending in the public sector.

As for revenues, Karamanlis explained that the top priority is addressing the grey economy, illegal commerce and tax evasion. According to the premier, the government has already made progress in this area, increasing tax revenues by more than 11% over the last two-month period.

He also referred to the government's reforms and the problems they aim to address.

Speaking of the government's efforts to reform and restructure state utilities, Karamanlis said that the government is proceeding with the support of society at its side.

"We are, however, pursuing understanding and consensus among all political forces," he said.

Responding to main opposition PASOK President George Papandreou's remarks, Karamanlis accused him of distorting the truth, glossing over his party's past and taking for granted that he will win the next elections.

"There are three things I cannot forbid you from doing: First, to voice inaccuracies; second, to remember your bad selves; and third - and most important - to dream," Karamanlis said.

The prime minister called on MPs to approve the state budget "in order to shake off the burdens of the past and to secure a just future; as a mandate and commitment to change and reform that will improve citizens' lives; and as a clear message to the social alliance of change and reform."

[02] Parliament approves 2006 budget

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

Following are the main targets in the government's budget for 2006, the first figure in each category refers to 2006, and the second to 2005.

General government deficit: 2.6% of GDP vs 4.3%, General government debt: 104.8% of GDP vs 107.9%, GDP growth: 3.8% vs 3.6%, Growth in private consumption: 3.2% vs 3.2%, Investment growth: 5.4% vs 1.0%, Exports (goods and services) growth: 6.8% vs 5.0%, Imports growth: 4.9% vs 0.7%, Growth in public consumption: 1.2% vs 2.5%, Inflation (private consumption deflator): 3.2% vs 3.5%, Unemployment: 9.8% vs 10.4%

[03] PASOK leader says new budget 'questionable'

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

He was speaking during Parliament's debate on the country's 2006 budget. He added that the "only thing that the Greek citizen can wait for is an even greater undermining of social cohesion".

Papandreou said that the 2006 budget "lacks credibility as was the case with the 2005 budget. The last one was rejected by the European Union".

Referring to what he claimed was the government's intention to proceed to a Constitutional revision, Papandreou said that the government was "looking for ways of escape from the present situations." He accused the government of trying to avoid, by this move, discussion on the new budget. "It is not the Constitution to blame but your government," Papandreou said.

Papandreou said that the Public Utilities and Corporations (DEKO) "were profitable" under PASOK rule "and are now loss-making" under ND governance. He said the government created "hundreds of new 'committees' in the public sector and appointed hundreds of thousands of ND supporters."

[04] KKE leader Papariga says the two major parties 'has the same anti-working class policy'

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

She said that "only through a political clash with the prevailing policy, there can be gains for the working people and a stop be put on the downhill slide."

Commenting on the outcome of the European Union Summit in Brussels last Friday and the EU funding for Greece, she stressed that "with these funds the myth was cultivated that even though the EU has difficulties and still does injustices, it is better than nothing because outside of it there is a storm."

The KKE leader said that the funds from the 3rd Community Support Framework (CSF) "facilitate the taking of profits at the expense of the working people, in favor of EU and Greek capital."

As for the 4th CSF, Papariga said "they went and will go to infrastructure works for big capital, facilitating the liberation of the markets."

[05] SYN leader slams gov't, main opposition

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

He also criticized main opposition PASOK, saying that it does not differ significantly from the ruling party.

In criticizing Alogoskoufis, Alavanos accused the finance minister of serving the interests of the Federation of Greek Industries (SEB).

As for the EU funds Greece managed to secure at the last EU summit for the 2007-2013 period - a total of ¬ 20.1 billion - Alavanos described it as a "mediocre result."

Finally, he described the state budget as being heavy-handed in allocations for weapons procurement, leaving no room for social or developmental spending; dismantling the social state; exploiting public property and shrinking the public sector under 'humiliating' terms and conditions.

[06] ND dares to take steps PASOK did not, Minister of State says

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

"Step by step, day by day we are succeeding in cleaning up the fiscal situation," he said, citing also the measures the government has taken in "quality" reforms.

"Our choice to deal honestly with Greek citizens has paid off," as well as the decision to deal head-on with corruption and graft, he continued.

Roussopoulos accused the former PASOK governments of creating and exacerbating all the major problems that exist today.

"As long as they [the problems] exist we will talk about them and we will also talk about those who created them," he said.

Regarding the EU budget and the funds that Greece secured, Roussopoulos accused the main opposition of 'partisan pettiness'.

"Your leader, Mr. [George] Papandreou, one day expressed hope that the Prime Minister [Costas Karamanlis] would return with ¬ 20 billion and one day later, when ¬ 20.1 billion had been secured, he said we hadn't achieved our goals," he noted.

Roussopoulos also responded in advance to Papandreou, who had distributed key points of the speech he will deliver later on Thursday, noting that the special status granted Portugal which allowed it to secure more funds than Greece at the last EU summit had already been established during former Prime Minister Costas Simitis' term in office in 1999.

[07] PM meets visiting King of Jordan Abdallah II

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

In statements after the meeting, Karamanlis said that Jordan had rightfully earned the respect of the international community for its moderate and constructive stance on world issues and that King Abdallah had helped to further enhance his country's role internationally.

Jordan's positions on the Palestinian issue and other regional issues carried weight and always had particular significance for achieving lasting peace in the Middle East, the Greek premier added.

King Abdallah said that he and Karamanlis had both agreed that the road map for the Middle East approved by the entire international community offered a viable mechanism for seeking a just, lasting and comprehensive peaceful solution in the area.

He also commented on the elections recently held in Iraq, saying that this was an important step forward and marked the start of a new chapter in the country's history.

"We will continue to support the Iraqis so that they too can have a stable, united, prosperous and peaceful country," he said.

Concerning terrorism, the Jordanian monarch stressed his condemnation of all acts of terrorism, in all its forms and expressions.

His talks with the Greek premier had also covered the "Amman message" that aimed at peace, progress, understanding, acceptance and respect for human dignity, Abdallah added.

According to Karamanlis, the prospects for Middle East peace were particularly good at present and he stressed that the present conjuncture, in which both Israelis and Palestinians had made mutual concessions, should not be allowed to pass unused. At the same time, he said that both sides should fully keep their commitments, as these arose from the road map for peace.

The Greek premier expressed satisfaction at the successful completion of Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip but noted that this will only effectively contribute to the peace process if it were considered a first step in the process foreseen by the road map.

Karamanlis called on the Palestinian side to promote the necessary reforms and fight terrorism, while reaffirming that Greece was in favor of a solution that led to two states, Israel and Palestine.

On the economic front, the prime minister said that Jordan was an important Mediterranean partner for the European Union and that Greece could act as a bridge to further develop cooperation between Jordan and the EU.

He called for further development of ties between Greece and Jordan, especially in the economic sector, and said that two recently-signed agreements for cooperation in tourism and the protection of investments would help in this direction.

Karamanlis also underlined his horror at the recent terrorist attack against Jordan and said that Greece and the Greek people were at Jordan's side.

[08] Visiting Jordanian monarch meets Papandreou, Papariga

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

Main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou, who is slated to take over as president of the Socialist International in January, said that they had discussed initiatives for Middle East peace that he planned to launch within the framework of the SI - "as we did during the Greek presidency of the EU" - and that Abdallah had expressed a desire to cooperate closely on these issues.

His meeting with the Jordanian monarch had also focused on the Jordan's relations with the European Union, which had shown marked development within the framework of the Euro Med process, and bilateral relations with Greece, where Jordan sought business people with which it could establish greater trade and economic cooperation, he said.

According to Papandreou, Jordan also sought to cement ties with Cyprus, which was also a member of the EU and could also play a role in the Middle East.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) General Secretary Aleka Papariga said that King Abdallah discussed the "so-called plan to democratize the Middle East prepared by the United States and adopted by NATO and the European Union."

Papariga stressed her opposition to the U.S.-sponsored plan, saying that it had nothing to do with democratization but was chiefly concerned with the distribution of wealth in the region and the launching of a chain of interventions opposed by her party.

According to diplomatic sources, meanwhile, during his trip to the foreign ministry King Abdallah advised Deputy Foreign Minister Panagiotis Skandalakis of his plans to create a mixed Greek-Jordanian committee that will be charged with protecting the Greek Orthodox status of the Jerusalem Orthodox Patriarchate "in order to avoid new adventures".

The committee will be manned by Skandalakis on the Greek side, the Jordanian foreign minister and by representatives of the Palestinian community.

The Jerusalem Patriarchate was rocked by a major scandal earlier this year that involved secret deals leasing property traditionally held by Palestinians in Old Jerusalem to Israeli interests, which culminated in the dethronement of then Patriarch Irineos. The scandal greatly incensed the Patriarchate's Arab congregation and led to vociferous demands for a greater Arab role in the administration of the traditionally Greek Patriarchate.

[09] Jordan's King Abdullah visits parliament

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

Psarouda-Benaki expressed her appreciation for Abdullah's efforts, both domestically in Jordan with his efforts for reforms, and also his role in the peacekeeping effort in Jordan's neighboring countries.

The Jordanian head of state said he considered it a great honor to visit the Hellenic Parliament, and expressed hope that the visit would open up a new page in the strengthening of relations between the parliaments of the two countries.

[10] King Abdallah of Jordan meets Greek industry union SEB

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

The meeting took place during a special event at SEB's offices, during which King Abdallah underlined that boosting cooperation between the two countries was a challenge and suggested that possible areas of cooperation might be found in the tourism, telecommunications, textiles and foodstuffs sectors.

Jordan's economy is currently one of the most thriving and rapidly growing economies in the region, with GDP growth rates reaching 7.6 percent and inflation at around 3.2 percent.

Exports from Jordan to Greece came to 1.6 million dollars in 2005, down from 2.0 million dollars the previous year. Exports from Greece to Jordan were 25 million dollars in both years.

[11] Queen Rania of Jordan tours Athens with Greek premier's wife

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

Their tour was conducted mainly on foot, starting at the pedestrian walkway on Dionysiou Areopagitou street with stops along the way at archaeological sites like the Herod Atticus Odeon, the Stoa of Attalos and the museum at the ancient Agora.

The two ladies, who were also accompanied by the wife of the Jordanian Ambassador to Athens, then walked up Adrianou Street in Monastiraki and boarded vehicles that took them on an unscheduled visit to the Benaki Museum's exhibition on Islamic Culture on Pireos Street.

The tour was concluded with a luncheon offered by Mrs Karamanlis at a restaurant on Lycabettus Hill, which was also attended by Marianna Vardinoyianni, head of the "Elpida" Association of Friends of Children with Cancer.

[12] PM meets with Albanian counterpart

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

The meeting had been requested by Berisha, was to be in Athens for a few hours on Thursday while returning to Tirana from Iraq.

No statements were made after the 30-minute meeting.

[13] Deputy culture minister briefs PM on China visit

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

Palli-Petralia told reporters after the meeting that, during her China visit and in the context of the Greek-Chinese cooperation for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, she presented Athens' experiences and know-how from the Athens Games.

The deputy minister visited China from December 11-15, where she attended the first meeting of the Sino-Greek Joint Committee on Olympic Cooperation, which is slated to hold its second session in Athens in 2006.

Greece and China agreed in May to set-up the Sino-Greek Joint Committee on Olympic Co-operation, following a proposal by Chinese State Councilor and First Vice President of BOCOG (Beijing Organization Committee for the Games of the 29th Olympiad) Chen Zhili. Since then, the two sides have been involved in co-operation on a number of areas, including the incorporation of Athens' experience into Beijing's preparatory work and exchanges of athletes and cultural activities.

Palli-Petralia further said that during Karamanlis' upcoming visit to Beijing next month, a memorandum would be signed formalizing the designation of the "Year of Greece in China".

The period from September 2007 to the end of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games has been designated as the "Year of Greece in China". Greece has also been named the "honored country" of the Beijing Olympics.

[14] FM briefs President on current affairs

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

After the meeting, Molyviatis said that he was satisfied with the achievements of 2005, "despite the fact that it was a difficult year", and expressed optimism for 2006.

Papoulias noted that the foreign ministry has a full workload, adding that "when it also has successes, it is a big satisfaction".

[15] Minister of State meets president, comments on Constitution, elections

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

At the same time, he stressed that the issue of revising the Constitution was in no way linked to holding early elections and that the elections would take place at the end of the government's four-year term.

Roussopoulos said that he had briefed the president on the effort initiated by the government to set up a new legislative framework governing the concentration and licensing of the electronic media, in which it asked for the support and assistance of all the bodies involved.

"It is a framework that will help put in order a field that has been largely lawless for two decades," he added.

[16] Voulgarakis says 'terrorism in the form we have all lived does not exist'

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

The minister added:" All the murderers have been identified and are in prison and there is no other beyond the executive branch. If the file remains open it is because certain elements have not been identified, such as the typewriter and the gun. Let us not look for skeletons in our cupboard and not attribute a political guise to criminal acts."

Voulgarakis also referred to the hooded individuals who "plague," as he said, the Athens district of Exarchia, central Athens, in particular. "They must stop. We are determined for this issue to come to a final end. This state of hooded individuals must stop," he said.

The public order minister furthermore said that there would be a reassessment of the issue of police guarding individuals which are believed to be targets. He said he is awaiting the decision of the ministry's Special Committee, which aims at reducing the number of police which at present stands at 3,500. The remaining police officers will reinforce the Athens street patrols.

Commenting on the 2006 budget, Voulgarakis said "it is completely clear that not only does it have a clear strategy on where the country will be heading, but we are creating completely new prospects for the people and the country."

[17] Terrorists cite unemployment, among others, for bomb attack outside ministry

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

The ultra leftist terrorist cell "revolutionary struggle" assumed responsibility for a bomb blast outside the economy ministry in downtown Syntagma in a letter sent to the satirical/political newspaper "Pontiki".

The letter cited "new labor relations", "exhausting work hours", "hunger-level wages", the "undermining of our self-respect in the work place" as well as "transforming the proletariat into beggars" to justify its terrorist attack. In echoing armed extremist rhetoric of past decades, the group said these ills will be "eliminated by overturning the existing (political-economic) system in its entirety".

In a postscript, the authors of the letter claimed that the terror strike only aimed at "material damages" and that "revolutionary struggle's action is not blind and does not target ordinary citizens".

Initial investigations had pointed to "revolutionary struggle", as experts cited the modus operandi of the culprits and a detonating device used in the Syntagma square strike. The same terrorist organization has been responsible for five strikes since it first appeared in 2003.

[18] Explosion outside Development Ministry, no injuries

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

The explosion was minor thus resulting in minor damages and no injuries.

Police cordoned off the area immediately.

Thirty minutes before the explosion, an unidentified individual called the offices of the "Eleftherotypia" daily informing them of the time and place where the explosion would occur.

The caller did not claim responsibility for the explosion on behalf of any organization.

Police and bomb disposal experts are combing the ministry building for clues.

Shortly after the explosion, another unidentified individual placed a call to the same paper, claiming that a bomb would go off outside the Finance Ministry at 11 p.m.

The call was a prank as there was no other explosion and police did not find any explosive devices in the area.

[19] Greek composer says 'shame' on COE for its stance on communists

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

"Unfortunately, today I am obligated to speak more on behalf of the dead rather than the living. Therefore, in the name of my dead communist comrades, those who suffered from the Gestapo, the death camps and execution areas so that Nazism could be stamped out and Freedom could triumph, I just have one word to say to these gentlemen: shame," Theodorakis said.

Theodorakis accuses the Council of 'distorting' history, by making criminals equal to heroes, occupiers to liberators, and Nazis to communists.

The Council is looking to ratify the memorandum during the winter session of its parliamentary assembly to be held from January 23-27.

[20] US Representatives urge FYROM to compromise on name dispute

WASHINGTON, 23/12/2005 (ANA/MPA/A. Ellis)

In their letter, Bilirakis and Maloney call on the FYROM government to stop its negative nationalistic propaganda and to work with the UN and Greece towards finding a mutually-acceptable solution.

Furthermore, the representatives also call on FYROM to re-examine the content of books, maps and school books and ensure their accuracy.

[21] President meets European Ombudsman, ND Party secretary

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

[22] Special Inspections Agency presents action plan for 2006

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

According to the plan, presented on Thursday to reporters, next year's inspections will focus on VAT payment, combatting a practice of submitting fake data to tax agencies, the services sector and distribution of goods. Inspections in the distribution sector will focus on tanker trucks, shopping centers, open markets, road-tolls, ports and main road networks around the country.

The Special Inspections Agency will maintain as priority a battle against drug and arms trafficking.

The Agency on Thursday announced it has revealed a large-scale tax-evasion and smuggling case by an oil product distribution company based in Attica. Inspections revealed tax-evasion and smuggling activities totalling 55 million euros.

[23] PM confers with agriculture minister

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

Basiakos told reporters that although there had been a risk of reduction in Community support for cotton, the summit agreements ensured the unobstructed payment of the agreed and approved EU subsidies on all farm products up until the year 2013, covering the entire period of the EU budget approved by the summit.

He noted that the farmers, following these "positive developments", must adapt to the EU's new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), become more competitive, and succeed in the penetration of quality farm products in new markets.

[24] ESEE opposes proposal for shops to be open seven Sundays a year

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

The ESEE presidium convened on Thursday to assess the situation which has arisen from the minister's statement.

The ESEE presidium unanimously expressed its complete opposition to this proposal.

"Greek trade, which is comprised in its overwhelming majority by very small, small and medium-sized businesses, cannot withstand such strenuous working hours, which will inevitably lead them to their withdrawal from the market," ESEE said.

[25] KEDKE delegation holds rally outside Parliament, hands over resolution

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

The resolution calls for the 2006 budget to foresee the 250 million euros needed to cover the cost of making permanent 10,000 contract workers.

A KEDKE announcement said that if the 2006 budget does not include specific commitments, then the KEDKE board will convene within the first ten days of January "to re-examine its stance."

[26] Large quantity of coffee barred from import

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

The coffee was reportedly found in three containers at the 5th customs gate at the port of Piraeus.

[27] Emporiki Bank says rights issue 1.4 times oversubscribed

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

The bank said its rights issue, totalling 397,174,410 euros, ended on Wednesday 21, December, with the offering of 26,478,294 new common nominal voting shares at a nominal price of 5.50 euros per share and an offering price of 15 euros per share.

The rights issue was 98 percent subscribed totalling 387,853,005 euros. A clause in the capital increase enabling existing shareholders to bid for any unexercised rights produced a coverage ratio of 41 percent, totalling 163,857,465 euros.

The bank's equity, after completion of the capital increase plan, will reach 728,153,074 euros, with 132,391,468 million common shares, each with a par value of 5.5 euros.

Emporiki Bank Group Chief Executive George Provopoulos said that a strengthening of the bank's capital base and a definitive settlement of the pension issue, Emporiki was well positioned to execute its growth plans and recapture its fair share in the Greek ban king market. "The management will continue to work systematically to strengthen the group's prospects and to successfully complete a privatization plan," Provopoulos said.

[28] Building materials' cost up 3.2 pct in November, yr/yr

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

NSS, in its regular report, said the building materials' cost index rose by 0.2 percent in November from October. The statistics service attributed the increase in the index to higher costs in electrical equipment, fuel and water-heating materials.

[29] Orthodox Church leaders worldwide issue Christmas messages

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

According to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, love was the foundation and shelter of creation and lack of meaning in life was due to a lack of love.

He stressed that the material wealth and worldly power with which people tried to fill this gap was not the true source of life and happiness and urged people to turn back to God.

Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria and All Africa noted that the world was celebrating the gift of love given by God through the birth of Christ in "a maelstrom of guns and violence, terrorism and fear," while he dwelt on the troubles faced by Africa in particular and said that the gift of God's love should be shared with all Africans, Greeks and Arabs.

Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece, meanwhile, noted that the Christian world was celebrating while "surrendered to minor pleasures of consumption" and stressed that real Christmas was a celebration of "humanity, genuineness, hope and the defeat of death".

Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and Albania dwelt on justice and said that the desire for justice dominated people's hearts in a time when injustice continued to injure millions of souls.

"Even if at times it seems that the injustices of the powerful and crafty prevail with every kind of pretext, the Sun of Justice will final reveal and neutralize the circuits of their injustice," he said.

[30] Gov't: First overseas Greek archaeological institute to open next month in Rome

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

Similar state-supported institutes are planned for Cyprus, the Ukraine, Albania, Alexandria and Romania, Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis said on Thursday, during a briefing of reporters.

Meanwhile, in response to a relevant question, Tatoulis referred to a second letter received by the government from the US-based Getty Museum, following Athens' demand for the return of four ancient artifacts held by the museum, items believed to have been illegally excavated and shipped out of the country.

He said Athens' next steps in its case for the artifacts will be determined next month.

[31] Three life sentences handed down in massive cocaine smuggling case

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

The felony court convicted Alexandros Angelopoulos, the accused mastermind of major Latin America-Europe cocaine smuggling ring, as well as defendants Georgios Maragoudakis and Nikolaos Gavrilis of felony narcotics trafficking, racketeering and possession of illegal weapons. The three were also fined 300,000 euros each.

The case stems from the confiscation of 5.5 tons of cocaine aboard a fishing trawler sailing in the Atlantic last summer.

Conversely, two defendants, Nikolaos Antonakakis and Apostolos Bousios, were acquitted of all charges.

The massive cocaine cache was discovered aboard the Belize-registered trawler 'Africa 1' by Spanish customs agents in July 2004 after they were tipped off by Greek authorities. America's Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was also involved in the bust, which took place approximately 100 kilometers off the SW coast of Spain. The crew of the vessel, five Greek nationals and an Italian, were detained on board the vessel.

Angelopoulos, aka "the fat man", was a well-known northern Greece businessman and football club owner prior to the incident and his subsequent arrest in Germany.

According to reports, Angelopoulos purchased the vessel in early May with the intention of sailing from Piraeus to Turkey. However, the vessel was soon placed under surveillance and it was discovered to have changed course and headed towards the Atlantic. The vessel loaded the cocaine in Brazil and headed towards Spain, authorities said.

[32] Piraeus mayor given suspended jail sentence for café licenses on ancient site

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

The entire case, pitting seaside café and restaurant owners with local residents and the influential Central Archaeological Service (KAS), has generated heated debate and accusations, to and fro, over the past years.

In his defense, Agrapidis, a well-known obstetrician in the city before he assumed the mayor's post, denied the charge of breach of duty, saying the relevant deputy mayor at the time of the licenses' issuance was responsible. His conviction can be appealed.

As it turned out, independent MP and currently embattled defense attorney Petros Mantouvalos was the relevant deputy mayor at the time. After the verdict, the court ordered an investigation into Mantouvalos' role in issuing the licenses.

Conversely, the court acquitted the seven café and restaurant owners whose tables and chairs were placed on the so-called walls of Konon.

The two famed "long walls" extended from the port of Piraeus to ancient Athens, with work begun under Themistocles. The walls were used to connect the two cities in case of attack or siege, and were 160 meters apart, 6,000 meters long and 20 meters high. The walls were destroyed by the Spartans in 404 BC and rebuilt in 393 BC by Athenian general Konon when democracy was reinstated.

[33] Court expected to appoint new defense lawyers for convicted N17 mastermind

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

Both of Giotopoulos' attorneys to date, Costas Chrysikopoulos and Yiannis Rahiotis, refused to continue defending the 63-year-old when requested by the president of the five-justice tribunal overseeing the trial. Both cited what they called respect for their client's wishes. Giotopoulos, aka "Lambros" and "Michel Economou", a self-described translator of French texts, this week announced that he will stop attending proceedings at the ongoing N17 appeals trial.

A court decision on the matter is pending, with the automatic appointment of defense attorneys from a relevant Athens Bar Association list not ruled out.

[34] Satellite monitoring of air quality in lignite-producing region cited

KOZANI, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

The project, with implementation set over the next two and a half years, was recently detailed in a one-day seminar by the technical chamber (TEI) of western Macedonia. Florina's prefectural authority will also contribute 100,000 euros to the project.

[35] Culture ministry leadership on death of Takis Binis

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis said his death marked the departure of "one of the last great 'rebetes'" whose 60-year artistic career had included great songs that were now classics.

Takis Binis, one of the last singers of 'rebetika' died at the age of 82 on Wednesday at Sismanoglio Hospital, where he was being hospitalised for kidney failure.

Born in Thessaloniki, Binis made his music career in Athens.

[36] Attica Traffic Police on alert for mass exodus of Athenians during the Christmas season

ATHENS, 23/12/2005 (ANA)

The police checks will have to do with alcohol tests, speeding and dangerous maneuvering.

Drivers must be particularly careful in the early hours of the morning because as noted by the National Meteorological Service (EMY), at a great section of the road networks, due to low temperatures, there will be ice.

There is increased demand for tickets for buses and trains to the provinces as well as for the ports of Piraeus and Rafina. It is estimated that this year's exodus will be at least 15 per cent greater than last year.

[37] UN chief says parties not ready for talks

UNITED NATIONS, 23/12/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Both sides and they both agree and unify and live in peace.

He added that he had not concluded that the situation is ripe to resume negotiations and that the parties genuinely are ready to get into the necessary give-and-take that will lead to a settlement.

''I don't think the name of the plan is important. What is important is that, in the end, there is a plan on the table that rallies both sides and they both agree and unify and live in peace," he told a press briefing on Wednesday.

"I indicated that the last time I spoke to the leaders, but during the General Assembly session I saw both the Turkish and the Greek Cypriot leaders and indicated to them that my good offices are still available, but of course I will have to make a judgment as to whether the situation is ripe for us to resume negotiations and if the parties genuinely are ready to get into the necessary give-and-take that will lead to a settlement," he added.

Replying to questions during a press briefing to mark the end of the year, Annan noted that he had ''not concluded that we are there yet, and I had also, as you know, engaged the Greek Cypriot side as well as the European Union.''

''The European Union has attempted to assist the Turkish Cypriots and did approve a substantial amount of money to help with economic development, but there are some bureaucratic issues which have not permitted them to move ahead with the disbursement. I hope the issue will be resolved shortly,'' he pointed out.

The UN chief said he ''also gave a report to the Security Council indicating that we should make attempts to assist the north.''

''The Council is still sitting on the report; they have not reacted yet. But we will keep engaged. I will be sending envoys periodically to test the ground, to talk to the leaders concerned, for me to make a judgment if and when the time is right for me to proceed,'' he concluded.

[38] Cyprus president comments UNSG's statements on Cyprus

NICOSIA, 23/12/2005 (CNA/ANA)

"What the Secretary General has said is that conditions are not yet ready for dialogue to begin and that is similar to what we ask for, that a new dialogue must be well prepared to create at least rational expectations that it will not collapse soon with all negative repercussions this will have," Papadopoulos noted on Thursday.

He added that it must be taken into consideration what are the messages that will be given by a collapse in short time.

Papadopoulos noted that the Secretary General has reservations to appoint a permanent representative.

He added though, that as the Secretary General says in his report for the renewal of UNFICYP mandate, he continues his good offices, and that he will decide about their intense, time of exercise and procedure, something which Papadopoulos described as "rational and natural."

"We want a more active involvement of the EU to a new effort but the EU neither wants or accept to substitute the UN to their role," he noted.

Invited to comment on Annan's statement that the two sides are not ready to get engaged to a new dialogue and to a give-and-take procedure, Papadopoulos said that "when they have taken everything they have limited potentials to give."

[39] President: Ready to demolish our post if other side demolishes constructions

NICOSIA, 23/12/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking to the press, during a visit he paid to the National Guard observation post a Ledra Street, Papadopoulos said Ledra street is an important area for Nicosia and that efforts by the occupying regime have both symbolism and political essence.

"We have been and we remain ready within 48 hours to demolish our checkpoint, if they demolish constructions on the other side, aiming solely to the establishment of a boarder observation post, at this, in my opinion, important region of Nicosia," he noted.

Replying to a question, Papadopoulos said that the government speaks only with the UN on this issue.

''We have submitted concrete proposals, the same as we had submitted in July and that were rejected by the Turkish Cypriot side, until arbitrarily and unexpectedly for everyone they proceeded and constructed this boarder observation post,'' he added.

[40] Spokesman: Need to meet Greek Cypriot concerns recognized

NICOSIA, 23/12/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Chrysostomides also noted that a second important item is that any settlement must be to the benefit of Cypriots only.

He indicated the statements by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, in the framework of a press conference on the UN works, statements by Britain's Minister of Europe Douglas Alexander, and statement by the new US Ambassador in Nicosia Ronald Schlicher and referred to the latest statement by former Undersecretary General Sir Kiran Prendergast.

As regards the UN Secretary General, Chrysostomides said that as regards the Cyprus problem, he said the name of a plan for a Cyprus settlement was not important but rather that there is a plan on the table that rallies both sides and they both agree and unify and live in peace.

He also referred to an answer by British Minister Alexander to a letter sent to him by British MP Tereza Villiers, at which he said that the British government remains engaged in pursuing an overall

settlement that will meet the concerns of the involved parties.

Alexander also said, Chrysostomides added, that his government pursues a just, viable and last settlement to the benefit of all Cypriots.

The Cypriot spokesman furthermore said that the compliance of Turkey with the European principles and the respect of human rights will surely be to the benefit of the people of Turkey as well.

"This is a permanent obligation of Turkey, if she wants to join the EU," he noted.

[41] Turkey guilty of human rights violations, European Court says

NICOSIA, 23/12/2005 (CNA/ANA)

The Court ruled in April that a property commission, set up in the Turkish-controlled north of the island, did not constitute effective domestic remedy for property claims by Greek Cypriots, whose property lies in the occupied north.

Myra Xenides-Aresti had claimed that Turkey violated her right to enjoy peacefully her property in Turkish occupied Famagusta.

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