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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-02-02

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

February 2, 2006

CONTENTS

  • [01] Greek gov't signs strategic agreement with Microsoft
  • [02] PM to meet separately on Thursday with Serbia-Montenegro leader, Gazprom president
  • [03] Greece supports reconstruction of Afghanistan, FM says
  • [04] Russian FM Lavrov due in Athens next week on working visit
  • [05] EU health commissioner Kyprianou due in Athens on Friday
  • [06] Condemnations continue over labor leader's assault
  • [07] FinMin wishes trade union leader speedy recovery
  • [08] European Socialist Group condemns attack on trade union leader
  • [09] PASOK leader addresses party's Coordinating Body
  • [10] KKE secretary general meets Chinese Communist Party delegation
  • [11] KKE leader holds talks with South Africa's alternate FM
  • [12] SYN leader on current political developments
  • [13] Forum on recent political developments in Lebanon held on Friday
  • [14] Turkish FM Gul makes statements on Cyprus issue
  • [15] Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR, violate national air space
  • [16] Wage rises to match 2006 inflation
  • [17] Opposition and unions blast gov't
  • [18] Greece, Portugal seek closer cooperation
  • [19] Banks to go on 24-hour strike on Monday
  • [20] Papandreou: Gov't behind banks' decision to disregard collective bargaining
  • [21] Coalition of the Left, PASOK parties comment on bank employee issue
  • [22] School building to begin public-private sector joint ventures program
  • [23] Teachers and professors announce industrial action
  • [24] PM inaugurates 'Greek banknote 1822-2002' exhibition
  • [25] Farmers from Halkidiki protest fines imposed by Public Power Corporation
  • [26] Next step in oil pipeline due in March
  • [27] Greek PMI dropped to 49.6 points in January
  • [28] British Airways adds extra daily flight from Athens to London
  • [29] Folli Follie in deal with Lufthansa
  • [30] Greek post office CEO joins board of International Post Corp.
  • [31] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise, fuelled by media shares
  • [32] Search/rescue operation launched for probable distressed vessel
  • [33] Paris appeals court to decide on Bourboulia case next week
  • [34] 'N17' appeals court continues deliberation over defense motions
  • [35] French film festival in Crete
  • [36] HOC to award athletes for performance in 2005
  • [37] Cyprus pledges not to discuss Turkish proposals
  • [38] Cyprus says Putin's statements not reprehensible
  • [39] Barnet Council approves resolution on Cyprus

  • [01] Greek gov't signs strategic agreement with Microsoft

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    The Greek government and Microsoft on Wednesday signed a strategic agreement offering preferential financial terms for the purchase of software licenses by the Greek state, free software use rights for Greek civil servants (including home use) and training by Microsoft on the use of new technologies.

    The agreement was signed in Lisbon by Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis on behalf of the Greek state. It is part of a government plan to promote a new digital strategy in the period 2006-2013 and to forging closer cooperation between the public sector and private enterprises in the IT sector. Under the agreement, Microsoft will set up an innovation centre in Greece with the aim to support the local academic community as well as Greek software companies in developing cutting-edge technologies and to improve their international competitiveness.

    Microsoft will also set up at least 10 computer labs for the vocational training of unemployed people, seniors as well as offering scholarships or free software to Greek universities. The agreement also envisages the introduction of pilot electronic governance program and support of small- and medium-sized enterprises.

    The Greek minister urged Microsoft founder and chairman Bill Gates to hold a future government officials' conference on information society in Athens, while stressing that the agreement offers significant opportunities to a new generation of Greek students, researchers and businesspeople.

    [02] PM to meet separately on Thursday with Serbia-Montenegro leader, Gazprom president

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    The government on Wednesday announced that Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis will receive the president of Serbia-Montenegro Svetozar Marovic, at his office on Thursday.

    Karamanlis will later meet with Gazprom president Alexey Miller, a meeting that will also be attended by Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas.

    [03] Greece supports reconstruction of Afghanistan, FM says

    LONDON, 2/2/2006 (ANA-MPA/L. Tsirigotakis)

    Greece has supported and continues to support the international community's efforts to rebuild Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis said on Wednesday, the second and final day of the international conference on Afghanistan held in London.

    Molyviatis referred to Greece's actions so far, including rebuilding the Kabul museum and thus showing the great importance it places on Afghanistan's culture and history.

    Additionally, the Greek military has been charged with supervising Kabul's airport from the end of 2005 through 2006.

    Molyviatis announced that for the period 2007-2009, Greece will be contributing ¬ 5 million for Afghanistan's development program, noting however, that the funds are to be allocated specifically for the sectors of health care, education and infrastructure.

    The conference on Afghanistan, attended by delegations from 60 countries, concluded with the adoption of a five-year program for the country's reconstruction, which primarily aims at security, human rights, economic and social development and dealing with the country's drug trade.

    [04] Russian FM Lavrov due in Athens next week on working visit

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov will be in Athens next week for a working visit, at the invitation of his Greek counterpart Petros Molyviatis, it was announced on Wednesday.

    Lavrov is due to arrive in Athens on Monday for the working visit.

    The foreign ministry was expected to issue a press release on the visit later in the day.

    [05] EU health commissioner Kyprianou due in Athens on Friday

    2/2/2006 (ANA)

    EU Commissioner Markos Kyprianou, who holds the Health and Consumer Protection portfolio, is due in Athens on Friday on a visit, it was announced on Wednesday.

    During his visit, Kyprianou will inaugurate, together with Greece's development minister Dimitris Sioufas, a conference on "Consumer Strategy 2007-2013: The Greek Proposal", being organized by the ministry on Friday.

    At noon on Friday, Kyprianou will visit the Health Sector Coordinating Body (SOTY), accompanied by Greece's health and social solidarity minister Nikitas Kaklamanis, where the Commissioner will be briefed on matters falling under his competency.

    [06] Condemnations continue over labor leader's assault

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    Top political and labor officials on Wednesday continued to express wishes for a speedy recovery for union leader Christos Polyzogopoulos, following the latter's assault in central Athens a day earlier by a large group of self-styled anarchist youths.

    Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Wednesday added his stern condemnation of the attack, as did main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou.

    Polyzogopoulos heads Greece's largest labor umbrella group, GSEE.

    The president of the civil servants' union, ADEDY, also conveyed his solidarity to his GSEE counterpart.

    Meanwhile, all of the Parliament-represented parties strenuously condemned the attack as well.

    Among others, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos visited the clinic where Polyzogopoulos is being treated.

    On his part, alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros stressed that authorities were making every effort to apprehend the perpetrators.

    According to reports, Polyzogopoulos and another man, a labor law attorney, were driving through the central Athens district of Exarchia -- traditionally considered the hub of self-styled anarchist activity in the Greek capital -- when their car was attacked. The GSEE was later pulled out of the vehicle and beaten.

    He remained hospitalized in an Athens hospital with multiple lacerations and bruising.

    [07] FinMin wishes trade union leader speedy recovery

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis on Wednesday wished trade union leader Christos Polyzogopoulos a speedy recovery, following the 'cowardly and unjust' attack against him.

    "I am certain that this sad incident will enable you to return to your important duties stronger," Alogoskoufis said in his message.

    Polyzogopoulos, President of the Confederation of the Employees of Greece (GSEE), was dragged out of his car on Tuesday night by a group of unknown youths and was beaten.

    He remains hospitalized with bruises and lacerations.

    [08] European Socialist Group condemns attack on trade union leader

    BRUSSELS, 2/2/2006 (ANA-MPA/V. Demiris)

    The Socialist Group in the European Parliament (PSE) condemned the attack against the Greek trade union leader Christos Polyzogopoulos in a statement issued on Wednesday.

    "This was an appalling attack and we hope that those responsible will be brought swiftly to justice," PSE leader Martin Schulz said.

    "We condemn all political violence - and we are outraged by this barbaric assault on leading figures in the Greek trade union movement. People who replace arguments with violence do not belong to the Left," he added.

    Polyzogopoulos, President of the Confederation of Employees of Greece (GSEE), was dragged out of his car and was beaten up by a group of unknown youths on Tuesday night.

    He remains hospitalized with bruises and lacerations.

    [09] PASOK leader addresses party's Coordinating Body

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou, addressing a meeting of the Coordinating Body of the party's Parliamentary Group on Wednesday, said that citizens all over the world are become radicalized and the question is whether this radicalism will be expressed by parties or will it take on extreme forms of expression.

    Papandreou said that PASOK is in favor of reforms with security for the citizen and accused the government of, just as is the case with all conservatives, creating chaos and aiming at the demolition of everything, together with the 20-year work of the governments of the party.

    He also said that the work of the 20-year period is beginning to appear now and is becoming more noticeable for citizens.

    The PASOK leader spoke of a general climate of disdain, which is being created with the slogan "they are all the same and nothing can change."

    Issues concerning the mass media were also mentioned by Papandreou. He said that PASOK's position is that they must be autonomous, although some Parliamentary Group members said that the Socialist International was downgraded by the mass media, and further stressed that members of PASOK cannot become journalists in the place of journalists.

    [10] KKE secretary general meets Chinese Communist Party delegation

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga held talks with a delegation of the Chinese Communist Party's Central Committee on Tuesday, focusing on relations between the two parties.

    "The Chinese delegation expressed satisfaction over relations between the two parties, underlining its particular interest in the work of KKE and in its activities for socialism. It also noted that the issues of building socialism and the experience of communist parties constitute a serious topic of study for the Chinese Communist Party lately," a relevant announcement said.

    The Chinese Communist Party delegation invited a delegation of KKE's Central Committee, headed by Papariga, to visit China in 2006.

    [11] KKE leader holds talks with South Africa's alternate FM

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga met on Wednesday with South Africa's Alternate Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad, who briefed her on the situation currently prevailing in his country.

    The South African minister also informed Papariga of difficulties facing his government in resolving certain major social problems, as well as of its successes.

    Pahad expressed the desire for a further development of relations between KKE and the South African Communist Party and the South African Congress.

    [12] SYN leader on current political developments

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) President Alekos Alavanos on Wednesday lashed out at ruling New Democracy and main opposition PASOK and commented on a series of current political developments.

    He said that SYN's goal is to emerge as a "dynamic opposition force" against governmental policy so that it can deal with an increasing "consensual bipartisanship".

    Regarding the assault on Christos Polyzogopoulos, President of the Confederation of the Employees of Greece (GSEE), who on Tuesday evening was dragged out of his car and beaten by a group of unknown youths, Alavanos said that there is a broader responsibility to be attributed since "today's policies resulting in youngsters' marginalization lead segments of the youth population to resort to violence and aggression."

    According to Alavanos, this tendency for violence, which other countries have experienced more acutely, can be dealt with at its core by "integrating youths in social processes and providing them with possibilities instead of driving them towards random violence."

    On the issue of collective labor agreements, Alavanos lashed out at the government saying that it is responsible for allowing companies to implement their own corporate policies when dealing with employees despite legislation that supports collective agreements.

    He also criticized main opposition PASOK for agreeing with the government's key choices, referring in particular to the government's constitutional revision.

    Regarding SYN's strategy, Alavanos said that cooperation with forces affiliated with PASOK was a possibility.

    However, he said that his party was not open to cooperating with New Democracy on a local level ahead of the municipal and prefecture elections.

    Finally, asked to comment on a possible cabinet reshuffle, Alavanos said that "at present, our country is in need of a policy reshuffle," but not one that can be achieved by simply changing ministers' posts.

    [13] Forum on recent political developments in Lebanon held on Friday

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    A forum focusing on the assassination of Lebanese leader Rafic Hariri as well as other Lebanese leaders, entitled "A Testimony Alive", will be held in Athens on Friday.

    The event, beginning 6 p.m., will be held at the DAIS cultural centre in the Maroussi district.

    Among the participants will be Gisele Khoury, the wife of Samir Kassir, a well-known Lebanese journalist and talk show presenter, as well as Ali Hamadeh, the brother of Marwan Hamadeh.

    [14] Turkish FM Gul makes statements on Cyprus issue

    ISTANBUL, 2/2/2006 (ANA-MPA/A. Kourkoulas)

    Turkey's latest initiative for the Cyprus issue "was met with appreciation," Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said on Wednesday and called for "no haste to be shown in this matter."

    Gul told reporters at Ankara airport "the assessments are continuing," adding that "certain actions of diplomacy may not be done in front of the eyes of the public."

    Gul stressed that "although the first reactions by the Greek Cypriots are negative," he was sure that "they will rethink the Turkish proposals."

    The Turkish foreign minister concluded:" Despite the fact that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots had no response to the openings which have been made since 2003, they will continue the road they are following."

    [15] Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR, violate national air space

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    Ten formations of Turkish warplanes on Wednesday entered the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) without submitting flight plans (12 infringements of the air traffic regulations of the Athens FIR were recorded) and in 12 cases they violated the national air space in the region of the northern and central Aegean.

    In all cases, the 32 Turkish warplanes were recognized and intercepted by corresponding Greek fighter jets, while in two cases the procedure of interception developed into a mock dog-fight.

    Four formations of Turkish aircraft were armed.

    [16] Wage rises to match 2006 inflation

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    Public sector wage rises are to match inflation anticipated for 2006, with pensions topping the figure, the national economy ministry said on Wednesday.

    "The decisions were made bearing in mind the need for faithful adherence to the budget and after exhausting all leeway for fiscal policy," the ministry said in a statement.

    The increases on base wages for state workers will be 3% in 2006 with an additional 1.1% for years of service. State pensions are to rise by 4%, with 7% to be awarded to farmers and recipients of the EKAS bonus for low pensions, double the inflation rate," the statement said

    "Implementation of incomes policy, the rises in wages, pensions and the EKAS bonus will cost the 2006 budget about 761 million euros, while total wages as spending under the budget will be almost 23 billion euros," the ministry added.

    [17] Opposition and unions blast gov't

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    The main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) later blasted incomes policy for 2006.

    "For the first time in 12 years, workers are to see their real wages decline as the increases announced are below inflation and taxation will not be index-linked," PASOK economy spokeswoman, Vasso Papandreou, said in a statement.

    "Pensioners have been made an unprecedented laughing stock. Election pledges of raising farmers pensions to 320 euros and the EKAS bonus to 230 euros have, for a second straight year, been converted into a 15 euro and 10.5 euro hike respectively," Papandreou noted.

    Countering the charges, the ministry later stated that the previous socialist government had hidden the real extent of state deficits, and also awarded below inflation rises for several years.

    The 2006 budget was critical, as the target was the bring the fiscal deficit to below 3% of gross domestic product for the first time, which entailed caution in spending, the ministry said in a statement.

    Separately, the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology said that wage rises under the government's incomes policy lagged inflation, heralding a new round of austerity.

    Greece's largest trade union umbrella group, the General Confederation of Employees of Greece, claimed that this year's wage increases were well below official inflation, and were an insult to workers and pensioners.

    [18] Greece, Portugal seek closer cooperation

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis on Wednesday met here with his Portuguese counterpart Fernando Teixeira Dos Santos for talks on bilateral issues.

    Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the Greek minister stressed:

    "We have many issues of common interest. A program to reducing fiscal deficits and to boost economic growth and employment. We discussed the two countries' stability and growth programs and to implement our National Reform Programs aimed to boost growth and employment in our countries. We have many problems in common, and we maintain a close policy cooperation. Today's meeting was another step forward in the framework of this close cooperation".

    In another meeting in Lisbon, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas met with Portugal's Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education Antonio Gago. The two ministers examined ways of further strengthening bilateral cooperation and discussed ways of European issues. They also discussed details of a bilateral agreement on Research and Technology.

    [19] Banks to go on 24-hour strike on Monday

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    The Federation of Greek Bank Employee Unions (OTOE) on Wednesday called a 24-hour strike on Monday, in response to an initiative taken by banks on Tuesday which, according to unionists, will lead to the abolition of the right to collective negotiations.

    OTOE's executive committee decided, apart from the strike, to organize a series of meetings with the political parties, to resort to the International Labor Bureau and raise a legal issue, calling on constitutional experts, the Bar Association and university professors to state their positions.

    It also decided to convene a special conference to confront the initiative taken by the Greek Bank Union.

    OTOE President Dimitris Tsoukalas said that the target and vision of bankers are not the operational but the individual agreements, adding that at least three out of the six bankers who addressed the relevant letter on Tuesday are acting on orders by the government and predicted that the banks' front will not be able to withstand pressure by OTOE and called on other major federations, including the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE), to show their solidarity.

    Later in the day, a meeting was held between OTOE's directorate and Employment Minister Panos Panayiotopoulos. Tsoukalas said that the employment ministry's leadership expressed support for collective negotiations and, although it lacks an apparatus to exert specific pressure on banks, efforts will be made, together with the economy ministry, to persuade them to agree to dialogue.

    [20] Papandreou: Gov't behind banks' decision to disregard collective bargaining

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    Main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou said both the government and Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, personally, are responsible for a recent decision by six major domestic banks to opt against sector-wide collective bargaining in favor of collective bargaining between individual bank managements and their respective institution's employees' union.

    Papandreou spoke during a meeting of PASOK's Parliamentary group.

    Among others, the former foreign minister charged that the government is simply watching developments from afar, as he cited a recent incident where an army jeep was stolen from within a military base, as well as the recent week-long power outage in a couple of islands due to collapsed pylons from inclement weather.

    Additionally, he said the only consistent policy followed by the government over the past two years is an "attack on the middle-class and poor Greek citizen; a depreciation of the labor movement and a curtailment of employees' rights".

    In reference to the decision by major banks' managements - National Bank, Emporiki Bank, Agricultural Bank, Alpha Bank, Piraeus Bank and EFG Eurobank -- to decline collective bargaining negotiations with the bank employees' union, OTOE, Papandreou called it an "attack that undermines basic democratic rights.

    He also charged that the government was behind the move.

    Gov't reaction: Earlier, however, the alternate government spokesman dismissed press questions citing "governmental intervention" in the collective bargaining process, while again stressing that the issue involves only social partners.

    Spokesman Evangelos Antonaros also dismissed criticism of advance knowledge of the decision by the government, given that the state holds a major stake in three of the six banks.

    "All of these institutions operate with private sector criteria," he said.

    The spokesman also said he absolutely does not share what he called a "strange notion" whereby "the force of reasoning and employees' ability to demand their rights is cast in doubt."

    Finally, in reference to PASOK's charges of "indirect government" collusion with employers' groups, Antonaros responded:

    "PASOK would do better to focus on what it didn't do all of the years it was in power, as well as on the major omissions during its reign. Let the Greek people judge, as they do very well, the government's reforms".

    [21] Coalition of the Left, PASOK parties comment on bank employee issue

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    The Political Secretariat of the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) party said in an announcement on Wednesday that "bank capital, which with scandalous support from all governments is obtaining great profits from the looting of the Greek people, is proceeding now with a new allout attack against employees in banks and the entire world of salaried labor."

    The announcement added that bankers "are trying to pulverize agreements, divide employees and facilitate the shaping of employers' unions with the aim of looting working people even more."

    The Political Secretariat expressed its "radical disagreement and denounced such methods that concern all working people" and called on the government "to stop immediately this state of facilities for employers that is making our country a social wilderness."

    The Coalition party expressed its undivided support for the Federation of Greek Bank Unions (OTOE) and reassured that "it will stand in the front line of social struggles to prevent the anti-labor plans of capital and of the government from passing."

    Referring to the same issue, main opposition PASOK party employment and social policy spokesman Evangelos Venizelos said that "the responsibility for the problem created with the attempt to abolish all collective agreements lies with the government", adding that "we have warned that these class and unilateral interventions, which the government has been doing for months, are aimed at the ordinary employee in the private sector."

    [22] School building to begin public-private sector joint ventures program

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    The School Buildings Organization will be the first public sector agency to participate in a government-sponsored program aimed to promote joint ventures between public and private sectors. The organization is expected soon to submit a detailed plan to Economy and Finance ministry over the number of schools to be build under the program.

    The Information Society special secretariat and the Merchant Marine ministry are expected to follow through with the submission of plans.

    The Economy ministry on Wednesday presented a detailed plan over the procedures of submission and approval of joint ventures under the Greek law 3389/2005.

    A special secretariat will have the task of collecting all information needed to evaluate public agencies' plans before the plan was submitted to an inter-ministerial commission to decide on its future. A decision was expected to be taken in two months.

    [23] Teachers and professors announce industrial action

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    Teachers and professors have announced industrial action lasting until March 17, warning that if their economic and institutional claims do not meet with a positive response they will proceed with strike action which will last until the end of the school year.

    Union representatives decided during a meeting on Wednesday to organize rallies throughout the country from February 11 to March 17, beginning from the city of Iraklio on the island of Crete and culminating in Athens. Other events, including discussions and conferences, will also be taking place.

    Final decisions on the course of the industrial action will be taken during the general assemblies of local teacher and professor union presidents on March 19.

    [24] PM inaugurates 'Greek banknote 1822-2002' exhibition

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Wednesday evening inaugurated an exhibition entitled "Greek banknote 1822-2002".

    In his address, Karamanlis said that "Greece today enjoys an unprecedented for its history monetary stability which our participation in the euro secures." He added that the government is continuing with determination "the battle for the reduction of the deficits and of the public debt so as to secure a better tomorrow in a really strong economy."

    Karamanlis stressed that "Greece is jointly shaping European monetary policy through the participation of the Bank of Greece in the European Central Bank."

    Referring to the exhibition, organized by the Social and Cultural Benefit Foundation and the National Bank of Greece, he stressed that "it symbolizes the market, both in the modern and classical meaning of the term, of this community of the exchange of views."

    Karamanlis was welcomed at the Diomidis Mansion, where the exhibition is being held, by Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia, Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis, Deputy Development Minister Yiannis Papathanasiou and National Bank of Greece President Takis Arapoglou.

    [25] Farmers from Halkidiki protest fines imposed by Public Power Corporation

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    Farmers from the region of Halkidiki, northern Greece, organized a protest gathering outside the Ioannis Vellidis convention centre in Thessaloniki, Macedonia, on Wednesday against what they said were exorbitant fines imposed on them by the Public Power Corporation (DEH) for excessive electric power consumption.

    The farmers protested that they are paying for electric power with rates charged for household use and not for agricultural use, which are less.

    A delegation of farmers met with Agricultural Development Minister Evangelos Basiakos, who visited the convention centre to attend the inauguration of the AGROTICA exhibition. A discussion will also be held on the issue at the agricultural development ministry at 1 p.m. on Monday.

    In addition, the farmers from Halkidiki are planning to drive their tractors to the Thessaloniki-Moudania motorway, at the location of Triglia, on February 23.

    [26] Next step in oil pipeline due in March

    SOFIA, 2/2/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    The next step in a project to build a pipeline carrying Russian oil to Greece through Bulgaria is expected in March.

    According to news releases from the two countries after meeting in the Bulgarian capital on Wednesday of the Russian and Bulgarian energy ministers, the interested parties will meet early in spring for talks including private sector participation in the project.

    After that meeting, firms still interested in joining the 800-million US dollar project will meet in Athens for further debate.

    [27] Greek PMI dropped to 49.6 points in January

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    Greece's Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) dropped to 49.6 points in January from 51.1 in December, reflecting lower new orders in the manufacturing sector.

    The index, measuring business activity in the manufacturing sector, fell below to 50 level indicating a shrinking sector, for the first time in nine months.

    The index also showed a slight improvement in employment, a moderate decline in orders, a moderate increase in export orders and a sharp rise in inflow prices.

    [28] British Airways adds extra daily flight from Athens to London

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    British Airways will add to its summer program an extra daily flight from Athens to London, thus increasing to four the daily flights from Athens to the British capital.

    British Airways in an announcement on Wednesday said that from March 28 to the end of October, flight BA2641 will be carried out from Athens to London's Gatwick Airport.

    The price of the return flight from Athens to London starts from 140 euros in the four daily flights. The offer is valid for trips which will take place between February 1 to March 31, 2006, while the reservation and issue of the ticket must be done from February 1-28.

    [29] Folli Follie in deal with Lufthansa

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    Products by Athens-quoted Folli Follie are to be available for sale on Lufthansa flights, the Greek firm said in a statement on Wednesday.

    Sales will begin on March 1, boosting Folli Follie's position in travel retail sales, the statement added.

    [30] Greek post office CEO joins board of International Post Corp.

    2/2/2006 (ANA)

    The managing director of state Hellenic Post Offices has been elected to the board of the International Post Corporation.

    Andreas Taprantzis will have a three-year tenure on the board. He will also represent post offices in southern Europe.

    [31] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise, fuelled by media shares

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    The Athens share index closed at 4,007.35 points, showing a rise of 0.74%. Turnover was 453.0 million euros.

    The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.53% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 2.18% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 3.02% up.

    Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 231 to 64 with 30 remaining unchanged.

    Bond Market Close: Buyers match sellers

  • Greek benchmark 10-year bond (exp. 20.7.2015): 3.79% yield

  • German benchmark 10-year bund: 3.52%

  • Most heavily traded paper: 10-year bond, expiring 20.7.2016 (1.0 bln euros)

  • Day's Total Market Turnover: 3.4 bln euros

    Derivatives Market Close: Intracom top in stock futures trade

    Stock Futures:

  • Most Active Contract (volume): Intracom (3204)

  • Total derivatives market turnover: 153.9 million euros

    Foreign Exchange Rates: Thursday

    Reference buying rates per euro released by the European Central Bank:

    U.S. dollar 1.218

    [32] Search/rescue operation launched for probable distressed vessel

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    A search and rescue operation was launched late Tuesday to locate and rescue members of a boat feared to be in distress, the merchant marine ministry said, but efforts so far had proved fruitless

    The ministry's Search and Rescue Coordination Centre launched the operation after a distress signal was received from an unidentified boat shortly after midnight, which was pinpointed south of Messinia prefecture.

    The automated Emergency Positioning Radio Beacon (EPIRB) device has already been pinpointed, and an Airforce Super Puma all-weather helicopter and the frigate "Limnos" were scouring the area, assisted by two vessels sailing in the area.

    A ministry announcement said that a land station in Italy informed the Centre at 21:05 pm. on Tuesday that it had picked up an EPIRB transmission from an unidentified vessel, with the location at 30 nautical miles south of Pylos.

    The Operations Room immediately mobilized ships sailing in the vicinity, after which the Italian flat frigate "CAPE" reported that it had pinpointed an EPIRB device floating in the water, but due to adverse weather conditions and 8-beaufort velocity easterly winds blowing in the region, it was unable to approach the device.

    The search operation was expanded to the wider sea area in search of crew members in the water or traces of a shipwreck, but has so far proved fruitless.

    [33] Paris appeals court to decide on Bourboulia case next week

    STRASBOURG, 2/2/2006 (ANA-MPA/O. Tsipira)

    The Paris Appeals Court announced on Wednesday that it will decide on executing the European arrest warrant issued for wanted former justice Constantina Bourboulia next week.

    The decision came after the judge heard the evidence that served as the basis for the arrest warrant.

    Bourboulia fled Greece in the summer of 2005, after she was found guilty of corruption and sentenced to serve some three years in prison.

    She was arrested in Paris in a joint operation between Greek police and French authorities on January 18.

    [34] 'N17' appeals court continues deliberation over defense motions

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    The closely watched "November 17" appeals trial resumed on Wednesday with deliberations focusing on defense attorneys' motions that numerous pre-trial depositions and confessions be thrown out due to legal violations and because they were allegedly the product of duress and coercion.

    The five-member tribunal on Wednesday ordered a brief continuance so that defense attorneys could review the transcripts of statements made by the trial's two prosecutors, as both recommended that the motions over legal procedures be thrown out.

    Conversely, the reserved an opinion on the motion citing duress during the pre-trial period.

    [35] French film festival in Crete

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    A five-day French film festival opens in Hania, Crete, on Saturday, organized by the Polytechnic University of Crete in cooperation with the French Embassy in Athens and the French Institute of Athens.

    During the February 4-8 cinema festival, French films will be projected at the Attikon cinema in Hania.

    The films are quality and popular films of contemporary French cinematography, and reflect the modern-day film trends in France, according to a Polytechnic announcement.

    Soccer

    Results of the first division soccer championship matches played over the weekend:

    Akratitos Athens - Egaleo Athens 0-3

    Kallithea Athens - Larissa 2-1

    Xanthi - OFI Crete 0-0

    Atromitos Athens - PAOK Thessaloniki 2-1

    Iraklis Thessaloniki - AEK Athens 4-0

    Panathinaikos Athens - Ionikos Piraeus 1-0

    Panionios Athens - Olympiakos Piraeus 2-3

    Levadiakos Livadia - Apollon Kalamaria 1-0

    The standings after 17 games:

    Olympiakos 45

    AEK 39

    Panathinaikos 33

    Iraklis 28

    PAOK 27

    Xanthi 26

    Egaleo 25

    Atromitos 24

    Ionikos 22

    Larissa 20

    Apollon Kalamaria 19

    Levadiakos 17

    OFI 13

    Panionios 12

    Kallithea 12

    Akratitos 10

    [36] HOC to award athletes for performance in 2005

    ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

    The Hellenic Olympic Committee will be handing out awards to those athletes who distinguished themselves in 2005 during a ceremony to be held on Thursday.

    A total of 60 athletes and teams who won medals in world and European championships will be awarded, as well as the winners of the Mediterranean Games, the sponsors of the Olympic Torch Relay for the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics and television stations for their coverage of the Greek segment of the Olympic Torch Relay.

    [37] Cyprus pledges not to discuss Turkish proposals

    NICOSIA, 2/2/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

    The Greek Cypriot side refuses to discuss the ''hilarious proposals'' of the Turkish side, Undersecretary to the President and acting Government Spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardis stated, noting that ''we do not see how we can evaluate a proposal which in substance is not a proposal.''

    ''This is Nicosia's position and we have said from the beginning that the so-called proposals by (Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah) Gul are not proposals for us. They are merely proposals to reject and under no circumstances can they be accepted by us,'' Pashiardis added.

    He said that if some welcome the proposals or consider them constructive, ''then there is a fundamental difference of opinion and I really wonder how some find proposals constructive that solely concern Turkey fulfilling its EU obligations and at the same time call on the Greek Cypriot side to pay for Turkey's obligations towards the EU.''

    Asked about the UN stance on the proposals, Pashiardis said that for the time being the UN have not said anything specific about the content of the proposals.

    Pashiardis said that the Turkish Foreign Minister's proposals do not concern the substance of the Cyprus problem but solely relate to creating impressions and ''we, the government, are not dealing with impressions but the substance of the Cyprus problem.''

    [38] Cyprus says Putin's statements not reprehensible

    NICOSIA, 2/2/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

    The substance of the statements made by Russian President Vladimir Putin centers on his reaffirmation that Russia continues to follow a clear policy of principles on the Cyprus problem, Undersecretary to the President Christodoulos Pashiardis said here on Wednesday.

    He also said that Russia continues to follow its proclaimed intention to become actively involved in the Cyprus problem and to cooperate, to a large extent with the UN Secretary General, to achieve an agreed solution.

    Referring to the issue of financial support to Turkish Cypriots which Putin mentioned in his remarks during a press conference at the Kremlin on Tuesday, Pashiardis said ''we were the first to promote, through our initiative, this support, therefore Mr. Putin's reference can be interpreted as welcoming our policy towards Turkish Cypriots.''

    Asked if there was anything reprehensible in Putin's statements, Pashiardis replied ''not at all.''

    To a question regarding Putin's reference to the ''northern'' part of Cyprus, currently under Turkish occupation, Pashiardis said this phrase had a geographic sense and not a political one.

    Answering a question, Pashiardis said Putin's remarks that the Turkish Cypriots pursue a settlement and was associated by him with the financial reinforcement of the Turkish Cypriots is something which ''we surely do not disagree with.''

    ''First and foremost we are pursuing a solution. If everyone wants a solution, and a solution is not found, then surely this is due to the substantial dispute regarding the quality and form of a solution,'' Pashiardis added.

    ''We are pursuing a solution which will be functional and viable while the Turkish side is pursuing a solution which will have the title of a federation but will contain the element of confederation,'' Pashiardis concluded.

    [39] Barnet Council approves resolution on Cyprus

    NICOSIA, 2/2/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

    Barnet Borough Council, in the UK, has unanimously approved a resolution calling on the Chief Executive to write to British Foreign Secretary and the three British MPs of the Borough to protest an attempt to implement a development plan in the Turkish occupied municipality of Morphou, in Cyprus.

    The resolution, tabled by Councilor Brian Coleman, also asks them to appeal to UK residents not to purchase illegally built properties in the northern occupied areas of the island.

    "This Council notes recent media reports that the illegal regime in the occupied areas of Cyprus in driving forward a development plan in the occupied municipality of Morphou, which is twinned with the London Borough of Barnet. The plans indicate that a designated "tourism area" of 1,000 square meters and a 17-kilometre road are amongst the features now destined for the beautiful and unspoiled countryside of Morphou," it said.

    "Bearing in mind the special relationship between the London Borough of Barnet and the Municipality of Morphou, this Council calls upon the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and the three MPs for the Borough (Conservative Theresa Villiers and Labor Rudi Vis and Andrew Dismore) urging them to protest this blatant attempt to consolidate an illegal occupation and the violation of property rights it entails, and to appeal to UK residents not to purchase illegally built properties in the occupied zone," the resolution added.


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