Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-01-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM, PASOK leader hold first discussion on planned revision of Constitution

[02] Government's goal is broadest-possible consensus, Roussopoulos says

[03] Govt's constitutional revision aims to eliminate social state, SYN leader claims

[04] Municipality and Community Union leader comments on constitutional revision

[05] Greece to pledge ¬ 600,000 to global fight against bird flu

[06] Greek delegation in China for bird flu conference

[07] Health minister urges Greeks to avoid travel to Turkey due to bird flu

[08] Coalition party official says 1.5 billion dollars requested by WHO for bird flu must be collected

[09] Army scientists contribute in prevention of bird flu

[10] Greece and Bulgaria discuss cooperation in cross-border projects

[11] Greece, Italy join forces for EU development funding for small islands

[12] Main opposition must focus on citizens' 'real problems,' Papandreou says

[13] Interior minister outlines human rights achievements in 2005

[14] KKE leader on local gov't elections, bird flu virus

[15] Defense Minister Spiliotopoulos meets Russian Ambassador Vdovin

[16] Athens Mayor Bakoyiannis on contribution of the Municipal Police

[17] Athens Bar Association opposes CoE memorandum

[18] Key Sino-Greek business priorities before PM's China visit

[19] Gov't announces support package for poultry industry

[20] Greece expects more Austrian tourists in 2006 17/1/2006 (ANA)

[21] Commission on Friday OKs purchase of Q-Telecom by rival TIM Hellas

[22] Alpha Bank unveils ambitious 5-year strategy plan

[23] President meets deputy finance minister Folias

[24] Changes in public utilities will be ineffective, union leader says

[25] European Commission decides to refer Greece to European Court for two cases concerning cars

[26] Drama prefect dismisses idea of wage freeze

[27] Banned insurer seeks return of license to operate

[28] Cyclon Hellas to buy companies in Bulgaria, Romania

[29] Greek-owned banks account for 20% of Bulgarian market's assets

[30] Three bids in OPAP's IT supply tender

[31] No buyout for Hellenic Exchanges

[32] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise in across-the-board buying

[33] Three injured in bank robbery shootout in central Athens

[34] Primary trial-fixing suspect Yiossakis appears before examining magistrate

[35] Exhibition on Parthenon Marbles to be held in Frankfurt

[36] EKO gas company teams up with School of Fine Arts

[37] Opinion poll focuses on public's stance towards drug use, users

[38] Deputy sports minister to give awards to seven athletes and three clubs for fair play

[39] Greek soccer results

[40] Straw's visit might be postponed, Cypriot FM says

[41] FM Iacovou says there is contact with the occupied areas on bird flu

[42] Cypriot FM says representations over UNDP fund will not be exhausted

[43] Ireland seeks to further enhance its good relations with Cyprus

[44] Justice Minister cautions Turkey over illegal immigrants

[45] New Spokesman pledges to fulfill his new duties

[01] PM, PASOK leader hold first discussion on planned revision of Constitution

ATHENS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

"The purpose is to find common targets," Karamanlis said while greeting Papandreou at the Maximos Mansion (government headquarters).

Papandreou added that it was important for common targets to be found, but also focused on everyday matters on which, he said, the present Constitution provided solutions.

Karamanlis replied that there was always room for improvement.

During their meeting, Karamanlis briefed the main opposition leader on the government's proposal for the Constitution's revision. The issue is also slated for discussion on Tuesday at a meeting of the ND parliamentary group to be chaired by the premier.

After the meeting, Papandreou voiced support for a "bold revision", noting that he had Karamanlis had "exchanged views" on the issue.

Papandreou reiterated that many of the problems existing today could be solved with the existing Constitution, noting that such problems were related to the economy, unemployment, healthcare, and bureaucracy.

"The present Constitution does not hinder any government from exercising correct policies," he said.

Papandreou said his PASOK party would submit its own proposals, following serious study and deliberations with the citizens, so that the revision would be a bold one.

"We are in favor of a corrective revision," Papandreou said, adding that his party did not want to become embroiled in a meaningless, disorienting discussion.

He also said he was against a "petty political revision with a short range".

The revision, he stressed, needed to be for the citizen, and not the opinion polls, if it were to meet the needs of the future generations, while "we have our eyes also on the present, difficult reality".

[02] Government's goal is broadest-possible consensus, Roussopoulos says

ATHENS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

He said the meeting was held to seek and establish a common ground, he added, while noting that Karamanlis will present his own views at a meeting of New Democracy's Parliamentary Group on Tuesday.

Roussopoulos said that the premier had laid down a framework for the planned Constitutional revision and more detailed proposals would be made on Tuesday, while the political parties had not yet presented their own proposals because "we are still at the start of the process".

[03] Govt's constitutional revision aims to eliminate social state, SYN leader claims

ATHENS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

Referring to the possibility of private universities being founded in Greece, Alavanos said "we must all react to that" since allowing the operation of private universities "effectively means turning over higher education to profit-making entities".

Finally, Alavanos called on "all progressive forces, forces from the main opposition PASOK party - which unfortunately agrees on this crucial issue of constitutional revision - to jointly react, to not allow the country to follow this path."

[04] Municipality and Community Union leader comments on constitutional revision

ATHENS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

The KEDKE president said in a statement on Monday that "local administration states its 'presence' in the constitution's revisory process under way. This paramount state issue constitutes the golden opportunity, an opportunity which must be lost by no one, for a change in the structure of the state to go ahead, at last, and the enactment of decentralization in the name of which, in any case, all take oaths."

Koukoulopoulos further said that the country's growth, the needs of citizens and convergence with the acquis communautaire necessitate the adoption of radical positions aimed at, among other things, the upgrading of the role of local administration, the constitutional consolidation of second stage local administration and the consolidation and enlargement of the role of local administration in protecting the environment.

KEDKE has assigned a scientific committee of the Local Administration Institute to process and substantiate scientifically local administration's analytical positions in light of the constitution's revision.

[05] Greece to pledge ¬ 600,000 to global fight against bird flu

ATHENS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

He said the money would be given by the ministry's international developmental aid organization Hellenic Aid, via the Greek health ministry delegation that will attend the conference in Beijing on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Stylianidis made the statements after a meeting with Bulgarian Deputy Regional Development and Public Works Minister Dimcho Mihalevsky in Athens.

A Greek delegation headed by Deputy Health Minister George Constantopoulos had arrived in Beijing on Monday to attend the international conference on bird flu.

Constantopoulos was accompanied by senior foreign ministry and health service officials.

The aim of the conference is to assess the needs that exist and support programs for coordinated action against bird flu in countries affected or at risk through a funding framework with the contribution of all countries.

During his visit to China, Constantopoulos will also have talks with China's health minister.

[06] Greek delegation in China for bird flu conference

ATHENS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

Constantopoulos was accompanied by senior foreign ministry and health service officials.

The aim of the conference is to assess the needs that exist and support programs for coordinated action against bird flu in countries affected or at risk through a funding framework with the contribution of all countries.

During his visit to China, Constantopoulos will also have talks with China's health minister.

[07] Health minister urges Greeks to avoid travel to Turkey due to bird flu

ATHENS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

If a visit to Turkey cannot be avoided, Kaklamanis urged those traveling to closely follow health instructions contained in pamphlets available at the country's entry and exit points.

Kaklamanis' recommendations come despite assurances from Zsuzsanna Jakab, Director of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Asked for advice by the health ministry, Jakab said that Greece does not need to close its borders with Turkey as a measure against bird flu.

Finally, the health minister announced that anti-viral medication Simetrel and Tamiflu has been ordered and will be received next week.

[08] Coalition party official says 1.5 billion dollars requested by WHO for bird flu must be collected

ATHENS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

Trigazis further said that it must be realized that lethal diseases such as SARS and now bird flu "are linked to the great inequalities and to poverty in the world which must be combated. The fact that a third of humanity does not have access to basic medicines is a disgrace for the 21st century."

The Coalition party official added that "in addition, what is necessary is the redetermination of the meaning of security and the subsequent transfer of resources from world military expenditures, which currently exceed one trillion dollars, to build modern health systems, particularly in poor countries."

[09] Army scientists contribute in prevention of bird flu

ATHENS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

At the same time, being created are three joint ten-member Immediate Confrontation Groups, comprised of specialized bird pathologists of the Agricultural, Development and Foods Ministry, veterinarians of the Prefectural Local Governments and of the Army, for dealing with possible cases of the illness.

These Groups are set up:

- in Athens for the immediate transfer of personnel for the confrontation of possible cases in Attica, the Peloponnese, the Aegean Islands, the Ionian islands and Crete,

- in Larissa for the confrontation of possible cases in Thessaly, Epirus and central mainland Greece and

- in Thessaloniki for the regions of central, western, eastern Macedonia and Thrace.

The decisions taken by National Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos and Agricultural, Development and Foods Minister Evangelos Basiakos are within the context of the precautionary measures which Greece is taking for the confrontation of avian influenza.

[10] Greece and Bulgaria discuss cooperation in cross-border projects

ATHENS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

Among these were three infrastructure projects funded by the Greek Program for the Reconstruction of the Balkans (ESOAB) and funding of a study by the Democritian University of Thessaloniki for a system to give advance warning of flood risk along the Evros River.

Stylianidis said the projects discussed included an agreement for a new border-crossing at Ivailovgrad-Kyprinos to boost local trade, the building of a road from Komotini-Nymphaios to Kurdjali and a road from Xanthi to Rudozem.

The Greek ministry also plans to encourage Greek construction companies to take part in a project to improve the Thessaloniki-Sofia road, he said.

The three projects to receive ESOAB funding will be for the renovation and equipping of three Bulgarian hospitals that are near the border with Greece.

Stylianidis said the funds had already been approved and came to ¬ 1.2 million for the first hospital, ¬ 1.050 million for the second and ¬ 200,000 for the third.

[11] Greece, Italy join forces for EU development funding for small islands

17/1/2006 (ANA)

The meeting was held in the framework of initiatives undertaken by the Greek side for the establishment of an "island" designation as an individual criterion in the planning of funding under the EU Actions in the bloc's regional development programs.

Under the new provisions of the European Constitution, Pavlidis said, the idea has ripened for the provision of services to island inhabitants, and thus it was considered important to draft specific positions determining the EU's obligations regarding the small islands.

It was decided to set up a joint ad hoc committee for this purpose, which as early as February would begin to look into the issue and begin preparing specific proposals to be submitted to the EU.

Pavlidis expressed hope other member states concerned would join this bilateral Greek-Italian cooperation in the immediate future.

La Loggia said after the meeting that he was very satisfied with the cooperation between Greece and Italy on this matter, which he noted was taking place for the first time.

He said the Italian side also considered it very important to achieve better utilization of EU funds by 2013, as this would contribute to the development of the small islands but also to the solution of fundamental matters such as healthcare, via tele-medicine, waste management, etc.

Also attending the meeting were Greek finance ministry secretary general K. Mousouroulis and Italian ambassador to Greece Gian Paolo Cavarai, and the president of the non-governmental organization INSULEUR, which comprises the island Chambers of Commerce in the EU (45 members), Romano Mambrini.

[12] Main opposition must focus on citizens' 'real problems,' Papandreou says

ATHENS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

He also stressed the need for the party to intensify its opposition tactics.

During Monday's meeting, Council members discussed and presented their proposals regarding work that needs to be done within the party's various divisions.

Referring to the constitutional revision, currently being promoted by the government, Papandreou said that it needs to be bold and with a forward-looking perspective.

He said that the committee charged with this issue will be set up during the Council's two-day meeting to be held in early February.

Finally, the council also discussed the bank robbery that occurred earlier on Monday in downtown Athens and resulted in the injury of three people - among them one of the bank robbers - concluding that crime seems to be on the rise recently.

PASOK's Coordinators will meet on Tuesday to discuss current events and cultural issues.

[13] Interior minister outlines human rights achievements in 2005

ATHENS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

In his letter, Pavlopoulos referred to the new legislative framework which concerns immigrants' rights and their social integration which safeguards foreigners' rights in the workplace.

Another achievement according to Pavlopoulos is the continued implementation of the Comprehensive Action Plan (OPD) which concerns the social integration of the Roma group. The program's main objective is to help the Roma minority become socially integrated while preserving their cultural characteristics.

The program's key points are ensuring decent housing and provision of services in sectors such as education, health, labor, culture and sports.

[14] KKE leader on local gov't elections, bird flu virus

ATHENS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

"Local government elections are just as important as parliamentary elections," she said, adding that "while the former do not lead to the election of a government (...) they do define the correlation of forces within an institution that is the right arm of the state and of anti-popular governments."

She accused ruling New Democracy, main opposition PASOK and the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) parties of methodically trying to break down the various problems facing the country until "they are devoid of political essence."

According to Papariga, regional elections are a great opportunity for the people to weaken ND and PASOK and to strengthen KKE which will support the popular movement.

The KKE secretary general also referred to the anti-communist memorandum making its way through the Council of Europe, saying that it is a document which strikes a blow to peoples in general, not just communists.

On the issue of the bird flu virus, Papariga said that KKE was promoting two sets of measures: one involved protecting poultry breeders, particularly cooperatives and small producers so that poultry does not end up being imported by large, multinational companies making inspection and control more difficult; the second concerns infrastructure in regards to public health and the ability to address not only obvious epidemic risks but any future hazards as well.

Papariga demanded the adoption of custom measures according to region, with particular emphasis in northern Greece and the Aegean in order to protect the country from possible bird flu cases.

KKE, she said, was not in a state of panic over this issue.

[15] Defense Minister Spiliotopoulos meets Russian Ambassador Vdovin

ATHENS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

According to a Defense Ministry announcement, the two men discussed bilateral issues, while the Russian envoy expressed the Russian side's satisfaction over the course of Greek-Russian defense cooperation.

Vdovin also introduced to the Greek defense minister Russia's new Defense Attache to Athens, Colonel Gennady Mozhaev.

[16] Athens Mayor Bakoyiannis on contribution of the Municipal Police

ATHENS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

Bakoyiannis said that "in the almost three years of operation of the Municipal Police with its new form, it has shown enormous social usefulness for the city and constitutes a friendly institution towards the citizen."

The mayor of Athens noted that "gradually, the initial suspicion by the citizens has been converted to cooperation for the good of the city."

She said that the Municipal Police "also contributes decisively in the protection of the environment."

She underlined that on a daily basis, the Municipal Police conducts 154 patrols, both in the central streets of the city and in the capital's neighborhoods.

[17] Athens Bar Association opposes CoE memorandum

ATHENS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

In particular, the DSA in its announcement said:

"The basic ingredient of every Democracy is the existence and operation of parties in the framework which the Constitution with final judge the people who approve or disapprove, the hour of judgement. The self-declared judges and their efforts to shape history on the basis of their personal evaluations, condemning ideologies, constitutes a dangerous practice, which does not suit countries with a long history of gains through bloody struggles for Democracy and Freedom. Everybody in a democratic country is free to express his views."

[18] Key Sino-Greek business priorities before PM's China visit

ATHENS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

According to a survey by the state Greek Investment Centre (ELKE) released on Monday, other fields of interest are industry, especially food and beverages, and education.

In tourism, the main aim would be to attract Chinese sector investment and tourists. Already, a company named Eastin may plough funds into a five-star hotel, the chain's first in Europe.

Concerning logistics, two major Chinese transit trade firms are eyeing Greek port facilities as a gateway to European markets. Cosco is negotiating with the Thessaloniki Port Authority, and China Shipping Line is believed to be seeking facilities in Crete.

Many Greek shipowners commission the construction of new ships in China, acting as a powerful negotiating tool to bring sector firms to Greece.

In telecoms and information technology, the operations of ZTE Corporation, which has invested about three million euros in Greece so far, could be strengthened both in Greece and the Balkans. It plans to set up a training and demonstration centre for the Balkans.

The company worked with Athens-quoted Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) during the Athens 2004 Olympics.

Other sector companies in the Greek market are Huawei (telecoms and infotech), and Lenovo, which operates in computers and has forged an alliance with IBM Hellas.

Among Greek companies with the longest presence in China are Kyriakidis Marble & Granite; ETMA; Folli-Follie; Cretan Plastics; S&B Minerals Industry; and Promota Hellas.

The firms' total investment in the Chinese market was 139.16 million euros on December 31, 2004 against 71.9 million euros at the end of 2003.

Greek commercial firms operating in China include Lavipharm through a subsidiary, Castalia Laboratoirs Dermatologiques, since 2004.

According to the survey, the most recent Greek operations to enter China are Iktinos Hellas, and Soumelidis.

ELKE says that it has worked with the following Chinese companies that have shown interest in Greece: Chongqing Zong Shen Motorcycle Group Corp; Jiangmen Jincheng Motorcycle Corp; Beijing Chargeking Energy Technology Co; and Wenhao Technology.

The investment centre noted in the report that it hopes to offer know-how to China for creation of a Business Club during the Beijing Olympics modeled on experience of the Athens Games.

A proposal is being drafted following a recent meeting to China by Deputy Foreign Minister Euripides Stylianidis and contacts with Beijing municipal officials, ELKE said.

[19] Gov't announces support package for poultry industry

ATHENS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

Labor Minister Panos Panayiotopoulos and Agriculture Deputy Minister Alexandros Kontos, signed the measures, which include:

- a temporary suspension of social insurance contributions for a period of 13 months (September 1, 2005 to September 30, 2006) and favorable payment procedures in the future,

- a rescheduling of past debts by the industry (including write-off of 50 percent of added fees),

- suspending all enforced measures (both administrative and legal) against firms and producers in the sector.

Speaking to reporters, Kontos again echoed health officials' statements, namely, that there was absolutely no danger from consuming Greek products.

[20] Greece expects more Austrian tourists in 2006 17/1/2006 (ANA)

GNTO said Austrian visitors to Greece were expected to surpass 600,000 in 2006. Greece participated in the tourism fair with the second largest pavilion and attracted the majority of the fair's 150,000 visitors.

Speaking to ANA-MPA, Greek tourism organization office head, Manolis Dialynas, said Austrian tourist arrivals to Greece were expected to rise by 5.0 percent this year compared with 2005. He said Greece would be the honored country in Vienna tourism fair in 2007.

Greece is one of the most attractive travel destinations for Austrians.

[21] Commission on Friday OKs purchase of Q-Telecom by rival TIM Hellas

BRUSSELS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

Q-Telecom is the fourth and smallest mobile telephone operator in the country.

According to a press release issued on Friday on the Commission's website, "after a thorough investigation the Commission has concluded that the operation will not result in a significant impediment to effective competition in the European Economic Area or any substantial part of it."

The Commission noted that TPG IV is a US-based private equity investment fund which invests in a variety of sectors, whereas Apax is the parent of a number of private investment management and advisory companies dealing with private equity investments in Europe.

[22] Alpha Bank unveils ambitious 5-year strategy plan

ATHENS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

Presenting the plan, Alpha Bank's chief executive Dimitrios Mantzounis said it aimed to raise its return over capital rate to 28 percent by the end of the decade and to maintain a 20 percent increase in earnings per share for the period 2006-2008.

Mantzounis noted that Alpha Bank aimed to become a benchmark bank in the wider Southeast European market, with a population of 60 million euros which was rapidly growing and offered significant opportunities. To achieve this goal, Alpha Bank would more than triple its branch network to 1,200 units by 2010 and to raise its market shares to more than 10 pct in Southeastern Europe and 15 percent in the wider area, including Greece.

Alpha Bank plans to raise its domestic branch network to 480 by 2010, from 383 currently, and to 720 throughout the Balkans from the 176 branches it operates today. Profitability is expected to reach 1.2 billion euros, from 500 million currently.

Mantzounis said the bank aimed to raise its share in the domestic credit market to 16 percent by 2008 and said the country's credit market was expected to grow by an average annual 29 pct (consumer), 24 pct (mortgage) and 11 pct (business loans) in the period 2006-08, while interest rate margins were expected to fall gradually.

Alpha Bank said its total workforce would reach 12,600 by 2008, an increase of 1,100 from current figures, or around 13 per branch unit.

Mantzounis said the Greek banking market won't be much different in three year's time and said Alpha Bank would closely examine the Emporiki Bank case when and if more details of the bank's privatization would be offered. He noted that a current opening hours regime was very restrictive and urged for a realistic solution through a consensus with bank employees.

[23] President meets deputy finance minister Folias

ATHENS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

The president expressed hope that bureaucratic obstacles to investments would soon be overcome and Folias underlined that the government's desire to promote investment, placing emphasis on simplifying procedures.

[24] Changes in public utilities will be ineffective, union leader says

ATHENS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

"I believe that all these changes will be ineffective unless there are operational plans and business agreements with the employees which will support these plans," he said.

"Otherwise, we shall have the recycling of a function which will lead, unfortunately, to disdain for the public corporation," he added.

Replying to a question on the possible lifting of permanence for newly-hired employees in light of the revision of the constitution, Polyzogopoulos said "I believe that such an issue cannot be raised in light of the revision of the constitution."

[25] European Commission decides to refer Greece to European Court for two cases concerning cars

BRUSSELS, 17/1/2006 (ANA-MPA/M. Spinthourakis)

The first case concerns the imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) on insurance policies for road safety and the second one assessment duties for second hand cars.

Following the country's failure to amend its legislation, after receiving a relevant notice, the Commission reached its decision to take the cases to the European Court.

[26] Drama prefect dismisses idea of wage freeze

17/1/2006 (ANA)

Drama Prefect Konstantinos Evmiridis called on Federation of Greek Industries' (SEB) president Odysseas Kyriakopoulos to table other proposals towards solving economic and business setbacks affecting the prefecture -- the eastern-most in the Macedonia province.

Among others, the prefect called for special investment incentives, such as subsidizing social security contributions.

However, he dismissed the notion that a wage freeze would help the situation or create more jobs.

[27] Banned insurer seeks return of license to operate

ATHENS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

Withdrawal of the license was ordained by Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas on January 4 for the firm's alleged inability to ensure timely payments to customers and staff, Astra said in a statement.

The company claims the minister's decision was unconstitutional.

[28] Cyclon Hellas to buy companies in Bulgaria, Romania

ATHENS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

Cyclon said it planned to purchase Bulgaria Automotive Products Ltd. and Kartex Trading Srl in Romania, both oil product distributors.

Moore Stephens has completed a due diligence inspection of both companies, while SOL SA is expected to complete an evaluation report to determine the value of the purchase.

Cyclon Hellas said the purchases would be financed with the proceeds of an asset liquidation of Avin Oil Trader, currently under liquidation.

Cyclon Hellas said a subsidiary company, under the name Arcelia Holdings Ltd., would buy the two companies in Bulgaria and Romania.

[29] Greek-owned banks account for 20% of Bulgarian market's assets

17/1/2006 (ANA)

The report, covering the period of the first nine months of 2005, said Bulgarian-owned banks were struggling to improve their financial situations. Unionbank reported a return over asset rate (ROA) of 2.45 pct at the end of September 2005, significantly higher compared with a 0.78 percent average rate in Bulgaria. Several Bulgarian banks are expected to change hands this year, lowering the share of Bulgarian-owned institutions to 23.5 percent of the total market.

Greek-owned banks operating in Bulgaria accounted for 20 percent of the market with an average return over asset of 1.75 percent.

[30] Three bids in OPAP's IT supply tender

ATHENS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

The three bidders include Intralot SA, GTECH Corporation-GTECH Global Services Corp. Ltd. as well as Scientific Games International, INC-Scientific Games Worldwide Ltd.

All three bids will be assessed by an evaluation commission.

[31] No buyout for Hellenic Exchanges

ATHENS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

The company was responding to an article in Investor's World of 14/1/2006 that claimed a large international fund was planning to acquire the Greek markets operator.

"Management of the Company, as part of its policy of regularly informing investors and shareholders, is actively participating in road shows and regularly gives presentations to foreign institutional investors, whose participation as shareholders has increased considerably and is now above 25%," Hellenic Exchanges said in a statement.

"Management reports that none of the meetings-presentations were to consider the possibility of a buyout of the Company by a private equity fund, or by any other interested party," the statement said.

[32] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise in across-the-board buying

ATHENS, 17/1/2006 (ANA)

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 1.43% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 1.90% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.90% up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 205 to 81 with 41 remaining unchanged.

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