Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-02-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't: Mobile phone-tapping plot targeted PM, ministers

[02] U.S. does not comment on phone-tapping issue in Greece

[03] Vodafone managing director on phone-tapping plot

[04] Cosmote, TIM assure customers of communications security

[05] Interior minister comments on phone-tapping issue during Parliamentary debate

[06] PM Karamanlis, Serbia-Montenegro President Marovic discuss State Union, EU prospects, Kosovo future

[07] Russian foreign minister due in Athens next Monday

[08] Foreign ministry on Turkey's European rapprochement

[09] GSEE President Polyzogopoulos released from clinic after attack against him

[10] Police arrest two men involved in attack against labor confederation leader

[11] DM addresses defense and security seminar

[12] Roussopoulos holds first meeting with parties on media licenses bill

[13] Romanian PM visits Ecumenical Patriarch

[14] SEEPAG chief on fight against cross-border crime, weapons smuggling

[15] SECI Centre coordinator for cyber-crime speaks on counterfeiting and forgery

[16] U.S. sees 'moderate' progress by Greece against human trafficking

[17] Greece eyes extension of Russian natgas supply pact

[18] Greek govt, Gazprom seek closer cooperation

[19] Govt seeks consensus on reforming the pension system

[20] Farmers rap gov't over pension rise

[21] Finmin backs private, public sector digital ventures

[22] PASOK's Athanassakis slams government's incomes policy

[23] Greek participation in Fruit Logistica fair in Berlin

[24] KKE leader holds talks with bank federation officials

[25] Opposition wants hazardous work recognized by state

[26] Spanish energy company IBERDROLA plans major investments programme in Greece

[27] Marfin to get stake in Popular Bank of Cyprus

[28] Report on the advantages of supermarket chains in Greece

[29] Deputy environment minister issues message on occasion of International Wetlands Day

[30] Section of Venetian Fort Koule in Iraklio dislodged

[31] Patient successfully air-lifted from Turkish freighter

[32] Education minister attends athletes awards ceremony

[33] French FM Douste-Blazy calls on Ankara to recognize Cyprus

[34] Cyprus satisfied over French FM's statements on Cyprus

[35] Cyprus Spokesman Lillikas reminds Turkey its EU course goes through Nicosia

[36] Cypriot President Papadopoulos assures Russia's stance remains unchanged

[37] Switzerland ready to support talks on Cyprus

[38] State Department: US is not building a naval base in Cyprus

[01] Gov't: Mobile phone-tapping plot targeted PM, ministers

The government on Thursday confirmed that a year-long investigation is focusing on a mobile phone-tapping conspiracy that targeted the prime minister himself, as well as high-ranking ministers and business leaders, among others.

A trio of the government's top ministers, in fact, held a nationally televised press conference in the early afternoon to answer questions over the unprecedented affair. News of the investigation was the object of a front-page article in the Athens daily "Ta Nea" on Thursday.

Minister of State Theodoros Roussopoulos along with Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis and Justice Minister Anastasis Papaligouras told reporters that 14 pre-paid cell phones, all operating within the Vodafone Greece network, monitored mobile phone conversations of the targeted individuals.

Additionally, what the ministers referred to as "phantom software" was located by the company and the multinational Ericsson in former's system, before it was disabled in early March 2005. Roussopoulos emphasized that the software did not belong to Ericsson.

According to the government, 100 mobile phone numbers were being monitored before the 2004 Olympic Games of Athens until early March 2005.

"On March 10, 2005, the managing director of Voda-fone/Panafon George Koronias asked to meet with the director of the prime minister's political office, Yiannis Angelou, in order to brief him on an extremely urgent issue; the meeting took place at 8 p.m. that evening in the presence of Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis," Roussopoulos told reporters.

Among the mobile phones monitored were ones used by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis, Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos, Voulgarakis, Greek EU Commissioner Stavros Dimas, a high-ranking main opposition PASOK cadre and even Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyanni.

Roussopoulos nevertheless underlined that most of the prime minister's cell phone conversations are conducted via special encryption phone devices.

A full list of names was released by the government hours later.

One mobile phone was registered to the US embassy in Athens, others to ruling New Democracy party, the navy's general staff and the construction company Akete, which is owed by the premier's family.

In response to repeated questions at the hastily called news conference, the ministers said authorities could not trace the perpetrators once the monitoring software was disabled by Vodafone.

Voulgarakis explained that the 14 pre-paid mobile phones are believed to have been planted in fixed positions within the radius of targeted individuals' offices and homes. Additionally, the 14 phones also received calls, with authorities tracing the identities of callers, which however, did not turn up any wrongdoing.

All 14 pre-paid cell phones ceased to function after the "phantom software" was disabled, the ministers said. The cellular coverage area where the 14 phones operated was pinpointed in downtown Athens.

Justice Minister Papaligouras said a glitch was detected at Vodafone on March 4, 2005, with the suspected software pinpointed on March 7, 2005. An order disabling it was given the next day, March 8, 2005.

He added that a prosecutor has already filed felony charges against unknown persons, with the ongoing investigation expected to focus on possible espionage as well.

Finally, the justice minister said he personally briefed PM Karamanlis over the matter, with the latter also directing that the president of the republic and party leaders be briefed.

Political reactions

In earlier reaction, high-ranking PASOK deputy Evangelos Venizelos called for a Parliamentary committee on institutions and transparency to convene and take up the subject of the phone taps.

He also called on the government to stop acting like a "victim or mere observer", but to instead understand that it has the primary responsibility for protecting the confidentiality of phone conversations.

Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) party leader Alekos Alavanos charged that the government has major responsibilities in the matter because it delayed in making it known, while saying that the issue had been reported in the press for several months now.

"The government must proceed with a full investigation of this case; to name names and also name the companies, as large as they are, that my have been implicated in this case," he said.

Main opposition on phone-tapping plot

Main opposition PASOK President George Papandreou slammed the government on Thursday for the mobile phone-tapping plot that came to light and whose targets included the prime minister, high-ranking ministers, business leaders and others.

Papandreou said that the government was partly to blame for the incident and also criticized it for how it handled the situation.

In a written statement, the main opposition leader said that this was only 'the tip of the iceberg' regarding lack of transparency and deterioration of services due to irresponsible political maneuvering.

He also criticized the government for the way in which it chose to publicize the matter and the related investigation, adding that the government "cannot guarantee Greek citizens' safety nor does it enjoy their trust."

Papandreou demanded an in-depth investigation, expressing doubts that the government can be relied upon to carry it out.

He particularly slammed the government for not informing PASOK's leadership that one of its MPs was among the targets.

Earlier on Thursday, the government confirmed that a year-long investigation has been under way into a mobile phone-tapping plot.

DM spokesman on phone-tapping plot, Gov't spokesman responds to PASOK

The Defense Ministry and Armed Forces conduct all national-security related conversations over encrypted systems, the defense ministry spokesman told reporters on Thursday, responding to a question regarding the phone-tapping plot targeting the prime minister and government officials that came to light.

Regarding the same issue and in response to main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou's comments, Government Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said: "The government handled and is handling this major issue within institutional frameworks and with the appropriate gravity. Citizens judge for themselves."

Earlier on Thursday, Papandreou criticized the government for the way it handled the case and for not informing the main opposition that one of its MPs was among the phone-tap targets.

Former DM, main opposition spokesman on phone-tapping plot

Former defense minister and main opposition PASOK MP Yiannos Papantoniou and PASOK Spokesman Nikos Athanassakis criticized the government for its handling of the mobile phone-tapping plot that came to light on Thursday.

Papantoniou, one of the targets of the mobile phone-tapping, called it "unacceptable and incomprehensible" that the government did not inform him that his phone conversations were being monitored, although it had discovered the plot months ago.

Papantoniou called for a full investigation and for those responsible to be held accountable.

On his part, Athanassakis commented on the press conference held by Minister of State Theodoros Roussopoulos, Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis and Justice Minister Anastassios Papaligouras earlier in the day, saying that it was "a very well rehearsed interview," during which, the three ministers "explained why they don't think any evidence will be found."

Phone-tapping has double objective, KKE leader says

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga, referring on Thursday to the phone-tapping issue, said that phone-tapping "has a double objective".

"It is aimed at creating preconditions for dealing a blow at the radical movement and at gathering information on the war taking place between countries, governments and business groups," she said.

"It is a branch of the big and bushy tree of generalized monitoring of parties, governments and movements, monitoring which benefits countries, governments, intelligence services and business groups," Papariga added.

The KKE leader further said that "from then on, at a time when there is the 'Echelon' which monitors everything, when various other ways exist, satellites and various systems, we can say that monitoring through a network of modern mobile telephones appears to be 'innocent'."

Lastly, Papariga said "this does not mean that we are facing the issue in a fatalistic manner, nor do we believe that we must incriminate new technologies which are at the service of monitoring movements, citizens and parties. The problem is that those who have the sweet melon also hold the knife. And, of course, we believe that not only are government members under surveillance. One branch of the issue has merely appeared."

[02] U.S. does not comment on phone-tapping issue in Greece

In response to reporters' questions on Thursday on the issue of phone-tapping in Greece, a U.S. senior official referred for answers to the Greek government and to the investigations being conducted by the relevant Greek authorities.

The official added that "the United States has no reason to make any comment on an issue which does not concern it."

[03] Vodafone managing director on phone-tapping plot

Vodafone Greece immediately disabled the phone-tapping software it discovered in its system and informed the government, the company's Vice President and Managing Director Yiorgos Koronias said in a statement on Thursday.

The company also turned over all available evidence to the judiciary along as its expertise in order to help the investigation.

"All of us at Vodafone-Panafon, as our ethos and professionalism dictate, remain strictly dedicated to the principles of legitimacy, to servicing our customers, and protecting the interests of our shareholders and employees," he said.

[04] Cosmote, TIM assure customers of communications security

Mobile phone operators Cosmote and TIM reassured their customers that personal data and the content of communications are secure, in statements they released on Thursday, following the government's announcement that a mobile phone-tapping plot had been discovered, targeting the prime minister, government officials and business leaders among others.

"Cosmote has security policies and procedures in place, as well as rigorous control mechanisms which ensure the security of their customers' communications," the company said in its statement.

The mobile phone operator said that after being informed of the phone-tapping that was carried out with the use of 14, pre-paid mobile phones operating within the Vodafone Greece network, and 'phantom software' operating in the company's system, Cosmote ran system checks and confirmed that there had been no breach of security within its own system.

On its part, TIM said that its customers' communication is carried out within a secure environment, while any risks are dealt with both on a short-term and long-term basis.

Additionally, TIM said that the Public Order Ministry informed it about the phone-tapping in March 2005, at which time it ran an in-depth check of its security systems in cooperation with the ministry.

The system checks found that the company's software had not been compromised in any way nor had their been any leak of its customers' personal data.

[05] Interior minister comments on phone-tapping issue during Parliamentary debate

Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos, commenting on Thursday on the phone-tapping issue during a Parliamentary debate on extending the suspension of the law on the "principal shareholder", said that "the government, the moment that the issue of phone-tapping appeared, let Justice address it and solve it."

Pavlopoulos announced that the government has requested the convening of the Parliamentary Institutions and Transparency Committee for measures to be taken to shield institutions.

Opposition parties also referred during the debate to the handling of the phone-tapping issue, government options regarding the attack on General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) President Christos Polyzogopoulos in Athens earlier this week and to the announcement of income policy.

Main opposition PASOK party Thessaloniki Deputy Evangelos Venizelos said that "if the government cannot guarantee the security of the citizen in the centre of Athens and the confidentiality of the communications of the prime minister, ministers and of the members of Parliament, then it is exercising its duties in an incomplete fashion and it is incapable of either planning policy or providing the citizen with the benefit of the feeling of safety and security."

Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) party rapporteur Fotis Kouvelis said "we are making constitutional clauses and this Parliament cannot defend them and we are informed that a para-state is operating. The government is obliged to brief us on this morbid situation."

Pavlopoulos replied that "today, everything is coming to light and there is a government that respects legality. When did you want the government to inform Parliament when Justice's report was announced today?"

[06] PM Karamanlis, Serbia-Montenegro President Marovic discuss State Union, EU prospects, Kosovo future

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Thursday met with visiting Serbia-Montenegro President Svetomar Marovic, with whom he discussed the issue of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, the country's European prospect, and the future status of Kosovo.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Karamanlis stressed Greece's support for the European prospects of the western Balkan countries, while, regarding the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, Karamanlis said there was understanding between the government and the opposition, with EU intermediation, adding that the result of the referendum on the issue must be respected by all, on condition that it was transparent and democratic.

Karamanlis stressed that the Greek government would respect the volition of the people of Montenegro under such conditions.

Regarding Kosovo, he said there must be self-restraint and moderacy, adding that the negotiations must commence in an environment of mutual understanding, in which the treaties concerning the Serbs of Kosovo will not be violated.

Marovic said his discussion with Karamanlis had been a "friendly" one, adding that the case of Ratko Mladic should be an obstacle to Serbia-Montenegro's European course. "We cannot give promises. We want to resolve the issue and cooperation with the International Court of Justice at the Hague, and are preparing for Mrs. Del Ponte's (the int'l Court's chief prosecutor Carla) visit to Belgrade," he said.

The Serbia-Montenegro Defense Council on Wednesday acknowledged that Serb officers had aided prominent war crimes fugitive Mladic, who is wanted on two counts of genocide in the 1992-95 Bosnia war, by allowing him to hide on army premises until mid-2002, and then letting him get away. It said a group of former Bosnian Serb army and former Yugoslav army officers hid Mladic after that. The Military Intelligence Agency (VBA) is currently investigating who was involved and if any officers were still in touch with the former Bosnian Serb Army commander, who is accused of orchestrating the 1995 Srebrenica massacre of an estimated 8,000 Muslims, which is said to be Europe's worst atrocity since World War II.

Regarding the State Union, Marovic thanked the European Union for its intermediation, noting that there was understanding between government and opposition on the issue and stressing that regardless of the outcome of the referendum, relations between Serbia and Montenegro must remain good, given their historic bonds, "which no politician must forget".

On Kosovo, he stressed that any solution must not be the product of imposition, adding that the situation must improve for the non-Albanian citizens so that they may live better, and their homes, monuments and culture will be protected.

Marovic said the present situation must be corrected, and that conditions must be forged of confidence among the populations, stressing that the participation of the Serb population in the Kosovo institutions was important, as were relations with Serbia.

He warned that a unilateral solution would benefit neither Kosovo nor the Balkan region.

[07] Russian foreign minister due in Athens next Monday

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov is due in Athens next Monday for talks with Greece's leadership, including President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis. The visit returns a recent visit by Molyviatis to Moscow.

The agenda for their talks will cover a broad range of issues, including bilateral relations, the Cyprus issue, developments in the Balkans and Kosovo, Russia's relations with the European Union, cooperation in the Black Sea, the Mideast issue and Iran's nuclear programme.

Also due in Athens next week is Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, who will have talks with Molyviatis on Tuesday on the future of Europe, the Constitutional Treaty, the EU accession prospects of the western Balkans, the Middle East, EU-Turkey relations and developments in Latin America.

[08] Foreign ministry on Turkey's European rapprochement

The Greek government was steadfast in its chosen strategy for Turkey's rapprochement with Europe, Greek foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos noted on Thursday. He stressed that Turkey had before it a specific negotiation route with prerequisites and that its progress was being constantly assessed.

He made the statement in response to questions concerning Turkey's progress in the five months since the start of EU accession negotiations and the 10th anniversary since the crisis at Imia.

[09] GSEE President Polyzogopoulos released from clinic after attack against him

General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) Christos Polyzogopoulos was released on Thursday from the Athens General Clinic where he was hospitalised after being attacked by a group of youths in central Athens on Tuesday night.

In statements he made, he thanked all those who stood beside him and supported him "in this difficult and unjust moment" of his life.

Polyzogopoulos referred to the clinic's staff, the political and religious leadership, the trade unionists of all the political parties and to the citizens who supported him.

The GSEE president said he hoped that his nasty experience "will be the last act of the drama with the 'known unknown'," who, as he underlined, "acted unhindered even under the nose of the Police."

Polyzogopoulos declared that "such types of fascist behavior will not deter the popular movement and the trade unionist struggles."

[10] Police arrest two men involved in attack against labor confederation leader

Two men involved in the beating up of General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) President Christos Polyzogopoulos and of his associate professor Savvas Rombolis in Athens earlier this week were arrested by police on Thursday and will be brought before a public prosecutor.

The two assailants are 28 and 40 years old and were identified by finger prints found on the car Polyzogopoulos was driving when he was attacked by a group of youths, while they were also recognized by eyewitnesses.

[11] DM addresses defense and security seminar

Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos talked about the armed forces' role in security and the ministry's main priorities during a seminar held by the School of National Defense in cooperation with the School of National Security on Thursday.

"One of our main policies is to reshape defense and security and to adapt it to new approaches, strategies and tactics, particularly in regards to anti-terrorism activities," he said.

Specifically, the ministry is focusing on formulating and implementing protective measures against terrorism; improving cooperation regarding information; and upgrading inter-operability between military and non-military agencies.

"Successful handling of traditional, but also new threats must be based on effectively using all available means of technology and the close cooperation of security forces," he said.

Spiliotopoulos cited Olympic Games security as an example of the military's involvement and close cooperation with the Greek police.

"With the determined involvement of the armed forces and security forces, in combination with up-to-date technology provided by the defense industry, we created a security shield that covered the entire country, international waters and international air space," he said.

[12] Roussopoulos holds first meeting with parties on media licenses bill

Minister of State Theodoros Roussopoulos, in charge of press and media issues for the government, on Thursday held the first of a round of meetings with the political parties in Parliament to discuss a draft bill being prepared by the government on the concentration and licensing of the mass media.

The meeting was attended by representatives of ruling New Democracy, main opposition PASOK and the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology party but not the Communist Party of Greece.

Roussopoulos said the meeting had been "interesting and important" and that the government aimed for the greatest achievable consensus between the political parties and bodies involved.

He said the next meeting with the parties and organizations in the media sector will take place in February, when the various views and the government's proposals would be codified as law.

Regarding the government proposals, he stressed that these were not final but open for discussion.

[13] Romanian PM visits Ecumenical Patriarch

Romanian Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu met with Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos in Phanar on Thursday.

Vartholomeos congratulated Tariceanu on the progress the latter's country has made over the past 15 years as it prepares for EU accession in early 2007.

On his part, Tariceanu asked to be briefed on the problems facing the Ecumenical Patriarchate and thanked Vartholomeos for the support he has shown Istanbul's Romanian community.

Tariceanu is currently in Turkey as an official guest of Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan.

[14] SEEPAG chief on fight against cross-border crime, weapons smuggling

Specialized and dangerous operations in which agents were sent to infiltrate weapons trafficking networks and collect information and data on the activities of criminals were among the practices implemented by the South Eastern European Prosecutor Advisory Group (SEEPAG) in their efforts to tackle this specific form of cross-border crime, SEEPAG chairman Jovan Krstic, Serbia's deputy prosecutor general, told ANA-MPA on Thursday, who is in Thessaloniki for a two-day seminar on Combating Cross-Border Crime in SE Europe organized by the Thessaloniki-based Stability Pact and the Pact's Secretariat for combating organized crime.'

The problem of weapons trafficking exists in all the countries of SE Europe, and more intensely in the region of former Yugoslavia, where criminal groups in possession of large quantities of weaponry were active, he explained.

"To wipe out weapons smuggling, careful planning of the operation and being inside the racket is necessary. These operations naturally entail great professional risk and demand significant preparation," Krstic said.

He stressed that, in addition to planning the operations, an analysis was also necessary of the causes for which weapons continued to be an immensely profitable smuggling commodity.

Regarding the problem of illegal possession of weapons in the countries of SE Europe, Krstic said that there needed to be standards and a system of checks of the citizens and military, stressing that there was a problem in the control of borders, the manufacture of weapons, and the training of weapons holders. "We cannot sit and wait, but must check every national legislation and ascertain whether it provides control measures," he said, adding that the state must exercise authority as a regulatory state. "Our countries have not developed as states with a regulatory role, but simply administrate the problems. This is why strong state institutions that will control possession of weapons and narcotics are required," the SEEPAG chief stressed.

Turning to cross-border crime in general, Krstic underlined the need for the law enforcement agencies to intensify their investigations and include prosecutors in the special operations on organized crime, adding that the prosecutors should be present at the police headquarters, the customs houses, and the secret services in order to collect the necessary proof so as to ensure that the evidence is adequate to secure judicial prosecution and conviction of those involved in cases of organized crime.

He noted that SEEPAG employed specialized tactics, techniques and methods in its efforts to wipe-out organized crime groups, and also brought protected witnesses for the prosecution to court proceedings.

"From the experience we've acquired in previous cases, we learn more and exchange valuable information. We know each other well and are in contact 24 hours a day, so as to make possible the provision of information to other countries and guidelines for investigations that are underway," Krstic explained.

SEEPAG is the fourth largest network of prosecutor's worldwide active in combating organized crime, and its members include representatives from 12 countries: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, FYROM, Moldova, Romania, Serbia-Montenegro, Slovenia, and Turkey. Established in 2003, SEEPAG is headquartered in Belgrade.

[15] SECI Centre coordinator for cyber-crime speaks on counterfeiting and forgery

Financial crime, and especially document forge and currency counterfeiting, has taken on "aggressive dimensions" in the SE Europe region in recent years, according to Ilinka Dimitrieva, the FYROM representative to the seminar and coordinator of the SECI Centre's group on economic crime and cyber-crime.

She told ANA-MPA that increasingly larger numbers of criminals and crime groups were becoming involved in this form of organized crime, which she said had links with all the other forms of organized crime, such as trafficking, particularly drug and weapons trafficking, given that criminals as a rule used forged passports and counterfeit money.

Dimitrieva said that the most prominent crime rings involved in forgery and counterfeiting were from Romania and Bulgaria, while organized crime groups were also active in FYROM, Serbia and Moldova.

She said in recent years an intense problem has also arisen with credit card forging, the tackling of which the SECI (Southeast Europe Cooperation Initiative) Centre has also focused its attention, and was cooperating with other agencies in the region.

"We have consolidated very good contacts with the financial and credit institutions (of the countries of the region) and with the National Fora on Fraud -- the specialized enforcement agencies on financial crime that have been established in almost all the countries of the region," she said.

The SECI Regional Centre for Combating Trans-Border Crime, which is headquartered in Bucharest, in 2005 organized the first meeting of representatives of the National Fora on Fraud, banks, police and judicial authorities of the region and representatives of the US department of justice and the US secret services, aimed at finding the best possible solution for averting this specific type of crime, while a new meeting is being planned.

[16] U.S. sees 'moderate' progress by Greece against human trafficking

Greece has made "moderate" progress against human trafficking in the second half of 2005, according to the interim report on "Trafficking in Persons" prepared by the U.S. State Department, which was presented during a press conference at the U.S. Embassy in Athens on Thursday.

The report also called on Greece to complete and implement promised measures against human trafficking.

An Embassy official stressed that there was good and long-lasting cooperation with Greek authorities and individual ministries on this issue.

The report notes as positive the signature of a cooperation memorandum between the government and 12 non-governmental organizations in November, as well as the International Organization for Migration that makes cooperation between the Greek government and NGOs official.

It also points to the $600,000 pledged by Greece for a three-year programme to deal with illegal trafficking in children from Albania in cooperation with USAID and the 22 special residence permits issued by Greece for victims of human-trafficking, as well as the arrest and questioning of 162 people in connection with related offences.

At the same time, it raises questions about whether these arrests led to convictions or prison-time for offenders and whether protection of the victims was continued.

Embassy officials stressed that there was a large discrepancy between estimated numbers of human-trafficking victims in Greece and those actually located by authorities, which pointed to a need for more effective control and reporting mechanisms. They also stressed that Greek law had harsh penalties for human-trafficking offences but these were too few convictions.

[17] Greece eyes extension of Russian natgas supply pact

Greece is considering increasing supplies of natural gas it receives from Russia, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas said on Thursday.

"The two sides agreed to set up a working group that will soon examine extension of the agreement on supply of natural gas from Russia to Greece," Sioufas reported after attending a briefing for Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis by Gazprom's chairman and the Russian envoy in Athens.

"The existing agreement covers supplies until 2016, with a 10-year extension. The details will be studied by the working group to be set up by both parties," Sioufas told reporters.

Also discussed was interest shown by Gazprom in taking part in construction of an oil pipeline the two governments are planning with Bulgaria to carry Russian oil to Alexandroupoli in northern Greece through Burgas, Sioufas said.

Gazprom would also consider talking to Greek banks on cooperation in the domestic phosphoric fertilizers industry, he noted.

Company chairman Alexei Miler said Gazprom was interested in investing in Greek industrial and energy units, including the fertilizer producer and the market's distribution network.

He added that Greece could become a transit point for natural gas entering Western Europe.

"We have assessed the outcome of these meetings as highly constructive, and we believe that today we have laid very good foundations for increasing cooperation between Gazprom and its Greek counterparts to a new level in terms of quality, and in all areas of cooperation," Miler added.

[18] Greek govt, Gazprom seek closer cooperation

Greek Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas on Thursday met with visiting Gazprom's chairman Alexei Miller and discussed the Russian company's participation in an oil pipeline project linking Burgas and Alexandroupoli and plans for Greece to become a transit country for Russian natural gas to Europe.

Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Sioufas said the meeting was very positive and noted that Gazprom, DEPA, Greece's natural gas grid operator, and officials from the Development and Foreign Affairs ministries would meet again soon to discuss details over the issues.

Gazprom's chief said the meeting was very constructive. The meeting was attended by Development ministry officials and the management of DEPA.

[19] Govt seeks consensus on reforming the pension system

A dialogue over the country's pension system will not begin from ground zero, Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters, Alogoskoufis said the pension system problem needed consensus and stressed that the government would not take any initiative during its four-year term. There are many reports over the cost resulting from any reforms in the system, while the Economic and Social Commission was also drafting a survey on the issue. The Greek minister said that the conclusions of all independent reports should be transparent in order to proceed with the next steps.

Alogoskoufis said that the pension system was closely related with the country's demographic and immigration problems and stressed that the government -through its tax policy- was seeking to resolve the demographic problem.

He noted that resolving the pension problem system was of grave importance for the country's future and noted that a successful solution of the problem in the banking sector cleared the way for a further privatization of state-owned banks.

Referring on the government's goals, Alogoskoufis said 2006 would be a year of "intensive reform efforts", such as a more effective use of the state's real estate assets, improved control of public spending and completing a tax reform programme.

The government will also take initiatives to improve management of EU funds, to promoting a digital strategy, drafting a new export policy, and a National Strategic Benchmark Framework.

"Our goals will be achieved," Alogoskoufis said that GDP growth reached 3.6-3.7 pct in 2005. He added that a recovery in European economy would also benefit the Greek economy.

The key for the good operation of banks is competition, the Greek minister said, adding that ATEbank was the only state-owned bank. The government intends to appoint a privatization consultant for Emporiki Bank, he said.

Alogoskoufis distanced himself from a confrontation between bank employers and unions over the signing of new collective pay agreements, saying that the government would not participate in negotiations.

The Greek minister said budget revenues rose by 17.8 pct in January 2006, while VAT proceeds rose by 11.0 pct over the same period and reiterated the government's commitment to reduce the country's fiscal deficit below 3.0 pct of GDP this year.

[20] Farmers rap gov't over pension rise

The GESASES farming cooperative trade group on Thursday complained that the government had awarded a low pension rise for 2006.

"The increase announced by the government this year also is lower than rises in past years that the government (then in opposition) had characterized as 'crumbs'," GESASES said in a statement.

[21] Finmin backs private, public sector digital ventures

Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said on Thursday that he backed close cooperation between the private and public sectors as part of the government's digital strategy.

Cooperation could take the form of joint ventures for digital services or strategic alliances in order to accelerate the implementation of information technology projects.

The minister was speaking at a meeting with the Association of Infotech and Communications Companies of Greece.

[22] PASOK's Athanassakis slams government's incomes policy

Main opposition Panhellenic Socialist (PASOK) Spokesman Nikos Athanassakis said on Thursday that "after 12 whole years, the working people will endure a reduction of their real earnings due to the government's incomes policy."

Commenting on the announcement of the incomes policy "which was sent to the mass media by FAX," Athanassakis attributed it to "the unwillingness of the relevant ministers to link their image with this policy."

[23] Greek participation in Fruit Logistica fair in Berlin

Sixteen Greek enterprises are participating in a 14th Fruit Logistica, an international trade fair on fruit and vegetables, which official opened its gates to the public on Thursday in Berlin, with the aim to improve Greek fresh product export performance in the German market.

Greek Agricultural Development and Foods Minister Evangelos Basiakos, speaking to reporters in Berlin, said Greek farm products offered both safety and quality and underlined the favorable prospects opened to Greek farm exports in central European markets. The fact that a "Mediterranean diet" was globally acknowledged as a model of hygiene food supported this trend, Basiakos said.

The German market is traditionally one of the biggest export markets for Greek fresh farm produce, with an annual turnover of 150 million euros in 2004. The main export products are grapes, asparagus, oranges, apricots, peaches, etc.

[24] KKE leader holds talks with bank federation officials

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga held talks with the Federation of Greek Bank Employee Unions (OTOE) on Thursday, focusing on current issues concerning the sector.

"The employers' leadership of the banking system is heading for the abolition of collective agreements, making an organized attack not only against bank employees but also paving the way and giving the green light for this barbaric measure to be generalized everywhere," she said after the talks.

Papariga added that what is necessary is a unified and more generalized struggle by workers and employees to defend the institution of collective agreements and for collective agreements which will meet the current needs of working people, bearing in mind the high level of profit-making by capital in Greece.

"The movement of workers and employees must prepare itself because it will be sustaining a stronger attack in the years to come and in this attack it must not expect, of course, either to have the protection and defense of the government or, and we say this with emphasis, that of the main opposition party and of all those who claim that working people must handle their problems in the framework of competitiveness, so-called real convergence and so-called beneficial production investments," Papariga pointed out.

[25] Opposition wants hazardous work recognized by state

The Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology wants recognition of heavy and hazardous work to be extended to public workers from the private sector, where it currently applies.

The party's leader, Alekos Alavanos, charged that the government and the Federation of Greek Industry were seeking full abolition of the category, even in the private sector.

[26] Spanish energy company IBERDROLA plans major investments programme in Greece

Spanish energy company IBERDROLA plans to invest one billion euros in Greece over the next 2-3 years, the company's managing director Ignacio Sanchez Galan said on Thursday during a meeting with the Development Ministry's leadership.

Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas, Deputy Development Minister George Salagoudis and the ministry's general secretary, N. Stephanou, met on Wednesday with Galan and IBERDROLA's Renewable Sources of Energy chief Pedro Bariuso.

IBERDROLA is the second largest energy company in Spain and one of the biggest private companies worldwide in the production, transport, distribution and supply of electricity and natural gas and in the sector of renewable sources of energy.

[27] Marfin to get stake in Popular Bank of Cyprus

Athens-quoted Marfin Financial Group said on Thursday that it had forged an agreement to buy 9.98% of shares in Cyprus Popular Bank Group.

Investment Bank of Greece, a subsidiary of Marfin, concluded an investment banking agreement for the sale of stock held by HSBC.

[28] Report on the advantages of supermarket chains in Greece

Forty-two percent of Greek consumers believe that supermarket prices are high, although cheaper compared with other retail food stores, while more than 20 percent of consumers believe that money spent in supermarkets was not worth it reflecting increasing frustration over rising prices in the domestic market, a survey by the Economics University of Athens showed on Thursday.

The survey, conducted by the Electronic Business Laboratory (ELTRUN), was presented by professor George Doukidis.

The survey said that supermarkets' dominance was based on the variety of their products, added services (car parking), packaging services and a modern environment for consumers.

A 63 percent of respondents said supermarkets were contributing in combating unemployment, although a 20 percent of self employed and company executives said supermarkets were negatively contributing to the economic prosperity of a region.

A 40 percent of consumers said their food quality has improved through purchases from supermarkets.

[29] Deputy environment minister issues message on occasion of International Wetlands Day

Deputy Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Stavros Kaloyiannis issued a message on the occasion of International Wetlands Day on Thursday, pointing to the preservation of the country's wetlands which is being promoted through six ministry guidelines.

These guidelines are defining protected regions in the country's most important wetlands, preventing the downgrading of wetlands by projects and activities, implementing sustainable managing practices in wetlands, monitoring the quality and quantity of waters, briefing and sensitizing citizens and achieving international cooperation on issues concerning the management of wetlands funds.

Kaloyiannis said that new actions and activities are being planned at the environment, town planning and public works ministry to promote the country's wetlands with the purpose of achieving more effective protection for nature and biovariety.

[30] Section of Venetian Fort Koule in Iraklio dislodged

A roughly 10-metre-square segment of the masonry on the southeast side of the Venetian Fort Koule in Iraklio on Crete had fallen away, it was announced on Thursday.

Local officials immediately visited the scene to view the damage and got in touch with Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis, who agreed to fast-track the restoration of the monument as soon as a study was completed by OANAK.

[31] Patient successfully air-lifted from Turkish freighter

The Greek Airforce on Thursday successfully air-lifted a 58-year-old man that had suffered a stroke from the Turkish-flagged freighter "M/V Villa" while it was sailing near Karpathos and took him to Rhodes for emergency medical treatment.

An all-weather Super Puma helicopter was sent out to pick up the patient, who was placed in a special basket and lifted into the chopper while the freighter was sailing in choppy seas and gale-force winds.

The ship originally sent out a call for help in the early hours of Thursday but was unable to pick up the patient because of the deck area was filled with cargo. A chopper was sent again at around 13:00 after the crew had cleared a space on the deck where the special basket for the patient might be lowered with safety.

[32] Education minister attends athletes awards ceremony

Education Minister Marietta Yiannakou attended the annual athlete s awards ceremony at a downtown Athens hotel on Thursday night. Also present at the event were Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos, Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia, Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis, Athens Prefect Yiannis Sgouros, deputies and Sports Secretary General Costas Koukodimos.

Athletes given awards included Aristidis Grigoriadis, Vassilis Polymeros, Ioannis Tamouridis, Emilios Papathanasiou and Ilias Iliadis.

Also given awards were the men's national water polo team, the men's national basketball team and the women's beach volleyball stars Vassiliki Karantasiou and Vassiliki Arvaniti.

[33] French FM Douste-Blazy calls on Ankara to recognize Cyprus

A landmark in Turkey's EU procedure would be its recognition of all EU member states, stated in Ankara French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy.

The French minister who was speaking during a press conference on Thursday with his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul said Europeans cannot comprehend Turkey not recognizing a member State and stressed that the Cyprus problem should be resolved under UN auspices the soonest.

In his statements, Douste Blazy said everyone wishes to see a restoration of relations between the two sides in Cyprus the soonest and remarked that France welcomes all initiatives which aim at finding a lasting solution.

Douste-Blazy called on Turkey to keep its promises concerning the freedom of expression, women's rights, minorities and the customs union agreement.

[34] Cyprus satisfied over French FM's statements on Cyprus

The Cyprus government has expressed satisfaction over statements made by French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy that Europeans cannot comprehend Turkey not recognizing an EU member state (Cyprus).

Invited to comment on Douste-Blazy'ss statements, Government Spokesman George Lillikas said on Thursday that "the French government's positions are known."

"We are fully satisfied with France's position and approach," said Lillikas, noting that "the government has developed close political relations with France, has signed a memorandum for structured dialogue that will enable us to further deepen relations in various fields, including politics."

"I am glad because France continues to maintain and uphold a position of principles on the Cyprus issue, just like on other international issues. One may easily ascertain that Cyprus and France's positions coincide on many international issues," the spokesman concluded.

[35] Cyprus Spokesman Lillikas reminds Turkey its EU course goes through Nicosia

Turkey has not proposed any solution plan for Cyprus, stated here Thursday Government Spokesman George Lillikas noting that Turkey's EU course goes through Nicosia.

Invited to comment on statements made by Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul that if Turkey's proposals on Cyprus are not accepted then Ankara will be obliged to continue its path and the chances for a Cyprus settlement will diminish, the spokesman replied that "the first thing I want to say is that Mr. Gul and Turkey have not proposed any solution plan for Cyprus. They have presented the views they showed us a year ago, which we rejected for the same reasons."

Lillikas said Gul's approach aims at upgrading the regime, does not lead to a solution that will reunite Cyprus, on the contrary it leads to the final division of Cyprus. ''That is the main reason such approaches are rejected," he said.

A Cyprus solution demands "understanding from all involved parties, such as an agreement on issues of principle, which is the nature of a solution. The solution should lead to a real reunification of Cyprus and to an independent state which will not be under Turkey or any other country's guardianship," he noted.

For this reason, he said, "we have repeatedly stressed that we are ready for negotiations and the President of the Republic has many times called on the UN Secretary General to undertake an initiative to prepare the ground and to create the proper conditions to resume a negotiating process which will have chances of a success and prospects to lead to an agreed solution."

The spokesman further said that Turkey "has never ceased trying to politically upgrade the illegal regime and we did not expect Mr. Gul's warning to see Turkey's practice."

Lillikas said that Gul must know that Turkey bears completely the responsibility for the non-solution of the Cyprus problem since it is the occupying force and that the solution is completely dependent on the facts of the invasion, i.e. the withdrawal of the Turkish army and settlers."

Therefore, he added, the occupation force cannot blame the victim for the non-solution of the Cyprus problem. Mr. Gul must remember that Turkey's course to the EU goes through Nicosia."

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the islands northern third.

[36] Cypriot President Papadopoulos assures Russia's stance remains unchanged

There is absolutely no change in Russia's policy on Cyprus, President of the Republic Tassos Papadopoulos said here Thursday.

"I am able to speak more correctly on this issue because I just had the chance to discuss all these issues with the President of Russia. It is gleeful to cling onto some words and try to give interpretation to them, such thing is out of this world," the president said.

Asked if he sees any change in Russia's stance on Cyprus, following President Vladimir Putin's statements, President Papadopoulos said "none whatsoever."

Asked who he means when he refers to being gleeful, he said "I am not referring to anyone. People can read, judge and decide."

Asked whether Russia's stance on Cyprus remains unchanged, President Papadopoulos said President Putin had already stated that.

The president was speaking after signing the book of condolences at the German Ambassador's residence, for the death of Germany's eighth president Johannes Rau.

He expressed the deep condolences of the government and the people of Cyprus for Rau's death.

[37] Switzerland ready to support talks on Cyprus

Switzerland pledged that it stands ready to support talks on Cyprus for a just and lasting settlement establishing a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.

The statement was made by the new resident Ambassador of Switzerland to Cyprus Marianne Engler while presenting her credentials to Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos on Thursday.

Noting that she is the first Ambassador of Switzerland with residence in Nicosia, Engler said the upgrading of the Swiss Embassy in Nicosia was long overdue. "With Cyprus becoming a full member of the EU, the already existing excellent relations between our two countries have undergone an important qualitative development," she said, adding that a series of 18 rather complex bilateral agreements which Switzerland has concluded with the EU is now also applicable to the Republic of Cyprus.

Although not a member of the EU, Switzerland is, without any doubt, an integral part of Europe.

In Cyprus, she said Swiss nationals deploy their activities in the fields of teaching architecture, in medicine and in archaeology while tourists from Switzerland continue to choose Cyprus for their holidays. Engler remarked that Cyprus will also benefit from a decision taken by Switzerland to contribute to the reduction of the economic and social disparities within the enlarged EU where an amount of one billion Swiss francs will be made available to support the ten new member states in their effort towards the economic and social cohesion.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Engler remarked that "Switzerland would be more than happy to contribute to the efforts of the international community to settle the long-standing and unacceptable division of Cyprus."

In this spirit, she said, her country has supported the most recent Good Offices Mission of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in providing experts as well as in hosting the last round of negotiations in 2004 in Burgenstock.

Noting that Switzerland respects the outcome of the referendum of April 2004, she said "we hope that not all is lost of the Plan for a comprehensive settlement worked out between 1999 and 2004. We also hope that in the not too distant future, time will come when the parties will be ready to sit again at the negotiation table with the determination to reach a just and lasting settlement establishing a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. Switzerland stands ready to support such efforts," she added.

[38] State Department: US is not building a naval base in Cyprus

The United States is not building a base on Cyprus, nor does it plan to do so, a press release issued on Thursday by the US State Department Spokesman's Office said.

Replying to a question regarding Turkish Cypriot press reports that the US Government is building a naval base in Karavostassi in the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus, the press release said:" The reports are false. The United States is not building a base on Cyprus, nor does it plan to do so."

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