Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-02-22

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Turkey faces dilemma over Cyprus issue, President Papoulias says

[02] DM announces two-day mourning in armed forces after army helicopter crash kills four

[03] Greek PM briefed over large infrastructure projects

[04] PM confers with new health minister Avramopoulos

[05] PM to meet foreign minister, public order minister on Wednesday

[06] Bakoyannis to meet Cypriot foreign minister on Wednesday

[07] Deputy FM meets with Romanian officials, promotes Greek exports, investments

[08] Inner cabinet discusses EU financial services' law, seamen's strike

[09] PASOK leader criticizes gov't on seamen's strike

[10] Seamen's union opts for 48-hour strike extension; court rules previous industrial action legal

[11] Minister and seamen's union fail to reach agreement

[12] EU Justice and Home Affairs Council approves directive on e-communications data retention

[13] Greek, Turkish reps to meet in Ankara on Wed.

[14] Turkey's state minister in Athens on Wednesday

[15] Economic Planning and Defense Investments secretary addresses conference on armaments

[16] Two new opinion polls

[17] SYN denounces U.S. government's 'new long war plans'

[18] Ecumenical Patriarchate to sponsor SI conference for dialogue of religions

[19] Exports up 13.1% in 2005, minister says

[20] Greek trade deficit fell to 27.1 bln euros in 2005, Eurostat

[21] Greek public debt at 215.415 bln euros in 2005

[22] EP Economic and Monetary Committee discusses economic growth in euro zone

[23] Performance of Greece and Luxembourg in transfer of EU directives on domestic market worsened in second half of 2005

[24] Household electricity cheaper in Greece, EU survey shows

[25] Greek businesses sign cooperation agreement with UAE

[26] Greece's largest trade unions announce strikes

[27] Tsitouridis responds to GSEE proposal for workers' strike action

[28] Labor minister inspects Olympic Village residences

[29] Greek gov't to announce tender for electronic public procurement system

[30] Greek, Italian and Portuguese tour operators meet in Athens

[31] Sector group welcomes gov't olive oil publicity campaign abroad

[32] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks show fourth straight rise

[33] Seven new bird flu cases detected in dead swans in northern Greece

[34] Eurobarometer: 96 pct of Greeks believe kids should learn English

[35] Call for withdrawal of Development Ministry's bill on renewable sources of energy

[36] New premises for interior ministry's immigration department

[37] Engine failure in plane transporting air force, navy and police chiefs

[38] Heroin haul near Thessaloniki

[39] Austria faces Cypriot positions in a positive way

[40] Austrian Chancellor: EU Regulations for Turkish Cypriots can be decoupled

[41] Italy hopes Papadopoulos-Annan meeting will be fruitful

[01] Turkey faces dilemma over Cyprus issue, President Papoulias says

ATHENS, 22/2/2006 (ANA)

While noting the existence of diplomatic pressures to separate Turkey's obligations toward the Cyprus Republic from its EU accession course and that diplomacy was not "an affair of morality and justice", Papoulias stressed that Greece and Cyprus had already succeeded in making customs union with the Cyprus Republic a condition for closer EU-Turkish ties.

"This term cannot be removed, no matter what pressures are brought to bear. The dogged course of Cypriot Hellenism from 1974 until today has no return. It is a course orientated toward the reunification of the island with respect for international law and the values of European culture. All Greeks are united behind and committed to this course," he said.

During the dinner, the president also referred to Greece's efforts to make the neighboring Balkans an area of cooperation, peaceful coexistence and progress, supporting the European prospects of countries in the area, while noting that Athens was closely monitoring developments in Kosovo.

Regarding Albania, in particular, he said that Greece supports Albania's efforts to join the EU but stressed that "Albania's progress toward the EU is also dependent on respecting the rights of its Greek minority, which operates and should operate as a bridge for cooperation and understanding."

Papoulias was in Ioannina to attend three days of events for the 93rd anniversary of the city's liberation from Turkish rule, including a ceremonial parade by military troops, police and school children that took place on Tuesday.

Immediately afterward, the president expressed his condolences for the four officers killed while on a training flight in a military helicopter on Monday night.

[02] DM announces two-day mourning in armed forces after army helicopter crash kills four

ATHENS, 22/2/2006 (ANA)

"All of Greece is mourning over the tragic loss. I hope this will be the last on the altar of duty," President Karolos Papoulias said in a message of condolences to the families of the four army air force members.

Meimarakis visited the 2nd Mechanized Division in the city of Edessa, where he was briefed on particulars concerning the helicopter's flight. The briefing also included the National Defense General Staff chief and the Army General Staff chief.

The defense minister also visited the 3rd Helicopter Battalion of the Army Air Force, to which the four servicemen had belonged. Afterwards, he flew over the crash site with the same type of helicopter, accompanied by the unit's commander.

In another development, Meimarakis expressed the government's grief and sorrow over the death of the four servicemen when their "Huey" helicopter crashed.

Replying to questions by the opposition in Parliament, Meimarakis said that the "Huey" helicopters that continue to fly, despite their age, are subject to frequent technical checks and are used primarily for training purposes.

Former PASOK defense minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos reminded of the government's obligation to replace the helicopters, in accordance with the armed forces operational program covering the 2001-2005 period.

Gov't, opposition condolences on deaths of crashed army helicopter crew: National defense minister Evangelos Meimarakis, on behalf of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and the government, on Tuesday expressed deep grief over the deaths of four officers killed in Monday night's crash of a military helicopter in the Yiannitsa area of western Macedonia, and condolences to the families of the deceased. Condolences were also expressed by main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou.

A Greek Army helicopter crashed in the region of Karyotissa, Pella prefecture, on Monday night. The Huey UH-1H helicopter, carrying a four-member crew, was on a training flight when it went missing from radar screens at around 8:10 p.m., 40 minutes after take-off.

A search and rescue operation was immediately mounted, while Meimarakis rushed to the site to supervise the operation.

According to an Army General Staff (GES) announcement, the circumstances of the accident were being investigated.

"I would like to express the deep grief and condolences of the prime minister and the government to the families of the four crew members," Meimarakis said.

In an announcement, Papandreou expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of the Armed Forces officers in the tragic accident, and his warm condolences and support for the families of the victims.

Papandreou added that the causes of the accident must be fully investigated.

Later, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos expressed the government's sorrow over the tragic accident and its condolences to the deceased's families.

He added that a preliminary investigation has been ordered by the Thessaloniki Military Court Prosecutor, while a Sworn Administrative Inquiry (EDE) was also underway, and a fact-finding commission has been set up to investigate the circumstances of the accident.

Meanwhile, medical examiner Matthaios Tsougas, who performed the autopsies on the crew members at Thessaloniki's Papanikolaou hospital, told ANA-MPA that the four men had died instantaneously in the crash.

He said the four bodies bore extensive fractures in the legs, and head and spinal injuries that were indicative of the helicopter's violent crash on land.

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) party leader Alekos Alavanos on Tuesday conveyed their condolences to the families of four servicemen killed when their helicopter crashed during a training flight in northern Greece on Monday night.

"The cause of the helicopter's crash, which resulted in the death of four officers could not be unrelated to the fact that it was antiquated, a flying coffin," KKE said in an announcement.

"It shows that the hundreds of billions spent for the armaments of NATO and all the aggressive plans of imperialism, in which Greece participates, do not allow ground for the protection of human lives," it added.

Lastly, the announcement said that "KKE extends its warm condolences to the families of the unfortunate victims and calls on the people to draw political conclusions."

Alavanos said on his part "we feel profound sorrow, as well as indignation over the new unjustified tragedy that struck the Greek Air force" and extended his condolences to the families of the airmen who lost their lives.

He added that "it is unforgivable, with such great military expenditures which are a heavy burden for the Greek people, that old helicopters should continue to fly with low security specifications. Criminal responsibilities exist which must be sought and attributed."

[03] Greek PM briefed over large infrastructure projects

ATHENS, 22/2/2006 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Souflias said he briefed the Premier over progress in large infrastructure projects in the country, such as the Thessaloniki Metro and expansion plans for the Attico metro in Athens. The Greek minister stressed that the cost of the tenders was one of the lowest in Europe and reiterated his will to defend and protect the public interest, legitimacy and transparency from his post.

[04] PM confers with new health minister Avramopoulos

ATHENS, 22/2/2006 (ANA)

Avramopoulos told reporters after the meeting that, as the new minister of health, he was in a "study period", and would brief journalists and the public on his action program in 2-3 weeks' time.

He further said that on Friday he would be in Vienna for a special meeting on confronting the avian influenza (bird flu) outbreak, adding that the Greek government has handled the matter with success.

On April 10, as chairman of the World Tourism Council's special committee, he was also due to present an analytical report on the issue.

Avramopoulos said that all bills that have been finalized at the ministry were in the process of submission to parliament and slated for debate in early March.

The first bill to be discussed in parliament concerned the benefits for mothers of three or more children.

[05] PM to meet foreign minister, public order minister on Wednesday

ATHENS, 22/2/2006 (ANA)

Asked if resolving differences between Greece and Turkey remained one of the government's priorities, Roussopoulos noted that "nothing has changed regarding what the prime minister has said on the subject".

[06] Bakoyannis to meet Cypriot foreign minister on Wednesday

ATHENS, 22/2/2006 (ANA)

[07] Deputy FM meets with Romanian officials, promotes Greek exports, investments

Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis began his two-day visit to Romania with discussions on the promotion of Greek exports and investments in the Balkan country during his meetings with Romanian Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Matters Gheorghe Pogea and Deputy Finance Minister Istvan Jakab here on Tuesday.

Pogea, acknowledging the significant presence of Greek investment in Romania which totals ¬ 3 billion and is in the form of 3,100 businesses, assured Stylianidis that his country's government is working towards lifting bureaucratic barriers and ensuring greater transparency, the main demands made by the Greek business community.

He also promised the Greek deputy minister that talks will be initiated immediately either on a governmental level or with the Greek embassy regarding problems Greek companies face in their operation.

Pogea also invited the Greek business community to become active in road construction, in education infrastructure (student housing, computers) and in the energy sector.

On his part, Stylianidis conveyed the interest of Hellenic Petroleum (ELPE), of the Public Power Corporation (DEH) and of two banks in becoming active in Romania.

Stylianidis also met with the business community and assured them that the Greek government will support every healthy effort.

Entrepreneurs will be briefing Stylianidis on the problems they face during the Joint Ministerial Committee meeting on Wednesday, over which the deputy minister will preside along with Romanian Minister Delegate for Commerce Iuliu Winkler.

Finally, Stylianidis also referred to the execution of new works under the Greek Plan for Reconstruction of the Balkans. A total of ¬ 70 million will be allocated for Romania, he said.

[08] Inner cabinet discusses EU financial services' law, seamen's strike

ATHENS, 22/2/2006 (ANA)

Addressing the meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, Alogoskoufis said Greece has made big progress and stressed that the country was no longer lagging behind other European countries in adopting EU directives on financial services.

The meeting also discussed developments in a seamen's strike, Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister George Souflias told reporters. Economy and Finance Minister said he discussed the issue in a meeting with Merchant Marine Minister Manolis Kefaloyiannis earlier this morning and stressed: "No one doubts workers' right to strike, but mobilizations should be relative to their demands. The government will discuss every sensible demand but not under pressure".

[09] PASOK leader criticizes gov't on seamen's strike

ATHENS, 22/2/2006 (ANA)

Papandreou accused the government of "Pontius Pilate" tactics and of hiding behind the "polarization and discord between farmers and seamen, between (truck) drivers and seamen, between old and new workers", at a time when "our islands are aflame".

He said PASOK endorsed the development of social cohesion and (sense of) security of the citizen, whereas "conservatism wants insecurity in order to manipulate the citizen".

Gov't on seamen's strike; sharp reaction to Papandreou comments: The government spokesman on Tuesday immediately responded to earlier criticism by main opposition leader George Papandreou over the ongoing strike by coastal seamen in the country, with the spokesman emphasizing that "problems in the economy and society did not suddenly arise in this land".

Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos also told reporters that institutional demands set forth by the seamen's union have been met, in reply to questions over a same-day meeting between Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis and Merchant Marine Minister Manolis Kefaloyiannis.

The strike, which has paralyzed much of the coastal shipping sector in a country with dozens of inhabited islands, even led to a violent protest at Irakleio, Crete's port two days ago by local farm producers angry over the fact that ferry boat connections to the mainland had ceased.

"The government is always in favor of dialogue and consensus," Roussopoulos said, adding that the merchant marine minister has requested an urgent meeting with representatives of the striking union, PNO.

In returning to criticism against main opposition PASOK, the spokesman charged that whatever problems in various sectors are primarily the result of "gridlock policies" of consecutive PASOK governments.

"It's hypocritical, at best, for PASOK and its president to appear today as critics; it's also politically irresponsible for them to attempt to politically exploit workers' demands," he said.

In response to other questions, Roussopoulos dismissed a query referring to government "leaks" as behind press speculation that the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) is promoting the industrial action.

"The government has in no way even hinted that the strikers are egged on by instigators. The only person that has hinted he could instigate strikes is the leader of the main opposition, during an off-the-agenda discussion in Parliament the other day, where he received a reply from the prime minister."

In a related development, Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) leader Alekos Alavanos headed a party delegation during a meeting with striking seamen at the port of Piraeus on Tuesday.

"We believe, unfortunately, that the prime minister is leading the (state) vessel into a social storm, using the well-known method of instigating a civil war within society," he said.

[10] Seamen's union opts for 48-hour strike extension; court rules previous industrial action legal

ATHENS, 22/2/2006 (ANA)

The announcement comes on the heels of a Piraeus first instance court decision declaring the preceding strike action legal, following a lawsuit tabled by ship owners.

Earlier reports that the strike had been declared illegal by the court were inaccurate due to incorrect information received by PNO.

Additionally, Merchant Marine Minister Manolis Kefaloyiannis' office on Tuesday said the minister has requested a meeting with PNO's leadership.

The new 48-hour strike means that ferry boats will not resume routes until at least 6 a.m. on Friday.

The seamen's strike is centered primarily over pension demands and guarantees against lay-offs.

According to press reports, some 1,000 lorries are parked within the port awaiting transport to Greece's numerous islands.

[11] Minister and seamen's union fail to reach agreement

ATHENS, 22/2/2006 (ANA)

He was speaking after his meeting with the union's representatives. The government, Kefaloyiannis added, has exhausted all margins for dialogue, it has brought solutions to all institutional demands and on Tuesday initiated the issue of economic demands by seamen, by formulating a specific timeframe to solve two issues, including that of taxation.

After the meeting, the PNO's board decided to continue the strike until 6 a.m. Friday.

[12] EU Justice and Home Affairs Council approves directive on e-communications data retention

The European Union Justice and Home Affairs Council officially approved the directive regarding electronic communications data retention, during its meeting held here on Tuesday.

Justice Minister Anastasios Papaligouras, representing Greece at the meeting, noted that the directive's objective is two-fold: to protect people's rights and to ensure citizens' safety.

He also said that the directive's final version, to which Greece contributed since discussions began in July 2005, allows EU member states to define, through national legislation, the crimes they deem serious and therefore justifying the retention of e-communications data. The directive also leaves it to member states' discretion as to how long the data is stored - between six and 24 months.

Additionally, each member state will be able to determine the conditions and guarantees concerning use of the stored data.

Papaligouras also noted the usefulness of the directive concerning the European Evidence Warrant, also discussed during Tuesday's meeting.

The minister went on to brief EU ministers on the outcome of the SEECP (Southeast European Cooperation Process) Justice and Public Order ministerial summit held in Greece recently.

He underscored the importance of cooperation on a bilateral and regional level among southeast European countries in the fight against organized crime, particularly against human trafficking and terrorism.

Papaligouras also noted Greece's continued efforts to support countries in the region, particularly in the West Balkans, as they strive for EU accession.

Referring to specific areas in which Greece has been cooperating with neighboring countries, Papaligouras said that Greece is providing legal know-how and assistance to Turkey as the latter tries to establish an Ombudsman and is also helping to train Turkish judges.

Greece is also cooperating with Albania regarding judges' training and is helping the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) establish schools for judges.

It is also offering its know-how to Bosnia-Herzegovina regarding the creation of constitutional institutions and is helping Bulgaria organize its central administrative systems within the judiciary.

In closing, Papaligouras reiterated Greece's view that the EU accession of southeast European countries is the only guarantee for security and stability in the region.

[13] Greek, Turkish reps to meet in Ankara on Wed.

ATHENS, 22/2/2006 (ANA)

[14] Turkey's state minister in Athens on Wednesday

Turkey's State Minister Ali Babajan who heads Turkey's negotiations team in EU accession talks will be in Athens to participate in the meeting of Southeast European finance ministers to be held in the Greek capital on Wednesday.

[15] Economic Planning and Defense Investments secretary addresses conference on armaments

ATHENS, 22/2/2006 (ANA)

Addressing a conference on "Actions of the European Defense Organization in Armaments, Defense Industry and Research", Zorbas said that "the European Defense Organization will now play a considerable role in inter-European defense developments and will primarily determine developments in shaping a new competitive European armaments market."

He also said that "enlarged business cooperation, mergers and joint production constitute catalysts today for organizing the defense products market and at the same time they create relations of interdependence between countries in such sectors as the standardization of weaponry systems, military infrastructure and operational planning."

Zorbas also said that "today, the defense industry does not only support national and European defense and security, but also the securing of jobs, the inflow of foreign exchange and the development of high technologies."

[16] Two new opinion polls

ATHENS, 22/2/2006 (ANA)

In the first poll, conducted by GPO on behalf of Mega TV station, the ruling New Democracy party (ND) maintained a lead of 1.4 percentage points over main opposition PASOK with respect to intended vote, with ND garnering 35 percent of the preference of the respondents, followed by PASOK with 33.6 percent, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) with 6.5 percent, the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) party with 5.2 percent, and the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Progress (SYN) with 3.3 percent.

According to the same poll, 48 percent of the respondents consider current Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis as the most appropriate politician for the post of prime minister, with 34.2 percent preferring PASOK leader George Papandreou.

Regarding the recent telephone tapping issue, 49.7 percent of the respondents believe that the blame lies with Vodafone, while 34 percent put the blame on the government, and 11.2 percent on the justice system.

In the second poll, conducted by Kapa Research on behalf of Antenna TV station, ND was 1.25 percentage points behind PASOK in the Athens B' electoral district, with 30.25 percent against 31.5 percent for PASOK, 8.5 percent for the KKE, 4.8 percent for LAOS, and 4.5 percent for SYN, while 11 percent of the respondents were undecided.

To a question of which political leaders they would found their hopes for the future on, Karamanlis was the top preference with 31.6 percent, followed by Papandreou with 28.9 percent, KKE leader Aleka Papariga with 8.2 percent, LAOS leader George Karatzaferis with 8.1 percent, and SYN leader Alekos Alavanos with 1.8 percent.

The respondents also sought of the government to deal more particularly with the economy (66.1 percent), the health sector (42.8 percent), improvement of salaries (38 percent), and social welfare (28 percent).

[17] SYN denounces U.S. government's 'new long war plans'

ATHENS, 22/2/2006 (ANA)

The Synaspismos announcement said that according to the Pentagon report: "The 'long war' will be a lasting war and the operations may be conducted simultaneously in tens of different countries and for many years."

The party's announcement added: "The fact that it concerns operations with Special Forces will make the temptation much greater to recourse to war. Furthermore, the danger grows of the use of nuclear weapons in these (wars), as new nuclear weapons are being prepared, the so-called 'mini-nuclear' which will be baptized 'conventional'."

[18] Ecumenical Patriarchate to sponsor SI conference for dialogue of religions

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has decided to place under his aegis a major conference planned by the Socialist International to promote dialogue between cultures and religions.

According to a dispatch from Istanbul on Tuesday, the initiative to organize the conference belongs to new Socialist International president George Papandreou, also leader of Greece's main opposition party PASOK, who asked the Patriarch for his sponsorship.

The conference is to take place in Istanbul in the near future and forms part of a series of initiatives undertaken by the Ecumenical Patriarchate to discourage the exploitation of religion for political reasons.

Bartholomew announced his decision during meetings with the Turkish media that he invited to Phanar in order to express the Patriarchate's sorrow at the disruption in relations between Christians and Moslems caused by a series of cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammad that were published in Denmark and other western European countries.

The Patriarch, who was in Latin America when the crisis erupted, underlined that the Orthodox Church believed in dialogue and peaceful coexistence of religions and referred to initiatives by the Patriarchate to establish such peaceful coexistence.

Among these was the "Peace and Tolerance" conference organized in Istanbul during the war in the former Yugoslavia that concluded with a proclamation signed by Muslim, Christian and Jewish religious leaders that denounced wars in the name of religion as an attack on religion itself.

[19] Exports up 13.1% in 2005, minister says

ATHENS, 22/2/2006 (ANA)

"Nevertheless, much work is still needed to boost exports and tackle factors that limit the economy's great potential," the minister told a conference for export directors held by the Hellenic Exports Promotion Board (HEPO).

He noted that HEPO was the seat of coordinated action for companies to penetrate markets abroad that worked to spur an outward-looking approach to business.

"Apart from major target markets of the European Union, America and Japan, HEPO has also focused its efforts on major emerging markets - Russia, China and India," Alogoskoufis said. "Not only is our promotion required in the mature markets, but also our presence in markets that show positive prospects for demand for our products in the future."

The trade group had also raised the number of exhibitions it held to 38 in 2005 from 18 a year earlier; and in 2003-2004 no business delegations abroad had been held but 16 were organized in 2005, the minister noted.

In 2006, HEPO's target was to double its presence versus the previous year, and in two years time to have tripled the figure abroad, which would entail 60 participations in exhibitions and at least 31 delegations.

HEPO president Panayiotis Papastavros, who reported that the trade group was planning to create a brand name that would assist both small and large enterprises, was confident that exports would further improve in coming years.

[20] Greek trade deficit fell to 27.1 bln euros in 2005, Eurostat

ATHENS, 22/2/2006 (ANA)

The EU executive's statistics agency, in a report, said Greek exports totalled 12.5 billion euros, while imports totalled 39.6 billion euros in 2005, leaving a trade deficit of 27.1 billion euros. Greek exports rose 13 percent last year, compared with 2004, while imports rose 2.0 percent over the same period.

Eurostat said Germany recorded the biggest trade surplus in the EU-25, with 149 billion euros, followed by Holland (32.5 bln) and Ireland (31.9 bln). The UK recorded the biggest trade deficit (93.4 billion euros), followed by Spain (67 bln), France (27.7 bln) and Greece (27.1 bln).

Eurozone recorded a trade surplus of 23.4 billion euros in 2005, while the EU-25 a trade deficit of 106.4 billion euros.

[21] Greek public debt at 215.415 bln euros in 2005

ATHENS, 22/2/2006 (ANA)

A report by the General Accounting Office said 78.7 percent of the public debt covered fixed-interest rate loans and a 21.3 pct floating rate debt. The report also said that 98.7 pct of the public debt was in the euro currency. The Greek state has guaranteed loans worth 15.648 billion euros.

[22] EP Economic and Monetary Committee discusses economic growth in euro zone

The European Parliament's Economic and Monetary Committee held an interparliamentary meeting with national Parliaments on the issue of "In what way will economic growth accelerate in the eurozone". Greek Deputies Costas Agorastos (New Democracy) and Nikos Christodoulakis (PASOK) participated in the meeting.

The main speaker was European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet, who spoke of unified monetary policy and the bank's contribution to price stability and development.

A presentation by Commissioner Joaquin Almunia followed on progress achieved regarding the intermediate revision of the Lisbon Strategy and the Stability and Development Pact.

Agorastos said in his address that "the EU must be placed on a course of sustainable development and prepare and implement strategies, primarily in the following four sectors: a) research and development, b) handling dangers emanating from the aging of the population in the future social security system and the viability of fiscal resources, c) improving the market's operation and d) the need to create a common energy policy which will secure the adequacy of funds."

He added that top priority must be given to quality and the equality of tax policy, as well as the utilization of capital for infrastructure projects in a way securing transparency and multiple benefits for development.

Christodoulakis stressed the phenomenon of a "leak on both sides" characterizing the European Union over the past decade. He said that one sees the mass leak of productive European businesses to the East, to Balkan countries, countries of the former Soviet Union and China.

He further said that production emigration decreases employment and economic activity, at least in the short term, because economies cannot be transferred automatically to services sectors or to other competitive sectors.

[23] Performance of Greece and Luxembourg in transfer of EU directives on domestic market worsened in second half of 2005

The performance of Greece and Luxembourg on the issue of the transfer of European Union directives on the domestic market to national legislation worsened in the second half of 2005, compared to the first half.

This conclusion results from European Commission data on the implementation of the domestic market strategy among the "25", publicized here on Tuesday.

According to the data, on December 1, 2005, Greece had not incorporated 3.7 percent of EU directives (60 directives in all) in its national legislation, which it ought to have done by this date.

This performance gives Greece 24th place among the "25", with Luxembourg in last place with 4.4 percent (72 directives).

The countries with the best performance are Lithuania with 0.4 percent (six directives), Denmark and Hungary with 0.7 (with 11 and 12 directives respectively) and Finland with 0.8 (13 directives).

[24] Household electricity cheaper in Greece, EU survey shows

Electricity consumption for households is cheaper in Greece than in other European Union countries, Eurostat said on Tuesday.

In June 2005, household electricity tariffs in the EU ranged from 6.94 cents per kilowatt hour in Greece to 23.20 cents per kilowatt hour in Denmark, an EU survey showed.

The range for industrial consumption was 4.09 cents in Latvia to 9.78 cents in Cyprus.

[25] Greek businesses sign cooperation agreement with UAE

ATHENS, 22/2/2006 (ANA)

SEB agreed with the UAE chamber to organize a series of events in the Gulf nation's dynamic market with the aim to boost Greek business presence in the country. The primary target is to offer information to local representatives, a precondition to entering the market of the highly developed country.

UAE have developed into a hub of international logistics, catering to more than one billion consumers and hosting some of the world's most significant international trade fairs. The country also offers 14 free trade zones, very low tax rates and rapid customs procedures.

The country also reports rapid growth rates in the construction and tourism sectors. UAE have shown interest for investments in Greece and in particular luxury hotels and leisure.

A Greek business delegation visit to the UAE, organized by the Arab-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Development, will be completed on February 22.

[26] Greece's largest trade unions announce strikes

ATHENS, 22/2/2006 (ANA)

GSEE - Greece's largest trade union umbrella group -- and ADEDY, the civil servants' union, said they will hold a four-hour national work stoppage on February 28, from 11.00 to 15.00, and a protest rally in Thessaloniki, as well as a 24-hour national strike on March 15 with a rally in Athens.

Announcing the industrial actions, GSEE's president Christos Polyzogopoulos said bankers were trying to abolish sector labor agreements, a trend likely to expand in the rest of the private sector. Such a development could severely hurt the trade union movement in the country and any effort to impose such a measure would be considered as "casus belli" by trade unions, he said.

Polyzogopoulos urged the government and the Prime Minister to prove that they support a collective labor agreements at all levels, by pressing bankers to return to the negotiating table. He also referred to a wave of lay-offs and factory closures, saying northern Greece was suffering, while he demanded immediate measures to contain this trend, as he said.

The two largest trade unions' demands are: a freeze on lay-offs, maintenance of collective labor agreements and satisfactory pay hikes.

ADEDY president Spyros Papaspyros urged workers to support strike mobilizations, saying the way out of the current deadlock was workers' actions. He also criticized the government's policy saying "each new measure is worse than the previous one".

[27] Tsitouridis responds to GSEE proposal for workers' strike action

ATHENS, 22/2/2006 (ANA)

The employment minister said "Mr. Polyzogopoulos and GSEE are doing nothing more or nothing less than doing their duty and defending the rights of the Greek working people and their role is very much respected," adding that "the institutions are obliged to respect the mission of others."

Tsitouridis added that "we are obliged to respect the trade union movement and we are all obliged with the high sense of responsibility which we have in our country to confront major and significant matters."

The minister further said: «I believe that our own political generation does not have the luxury to hand over major problems to the next political generation. We are certain that we will deal with it."

[28] Labor minister inspects Olympic Village residences

ATHENS, 22/2/2006 (ANA)

All of the Olympic Village's apartments are slated to be turned over to OEK beneficiaries, most of whom won the residences in a lottery.

In particular, Tsitouridis emphasized to representatives of the construction consortium that built the village and to government officials that whatever defects will have to be repaired before the state takes delivery of apartments.

The site sits on 124 hectares of land in the northwest Athens district of Aharnes. Of the 2,292 two- and three-bedroom residences, 918 have been delivered, with 130 families already moved in.

Tsitouridis, in response to reporters' questions, said the quality of the water supply and increased garbage collection are being dealt with, while a commercial centre and adjacent schools will also open in the coming period.

[29] Greek gov't to announce tender for electronic public procurement system

ATHENS, 22/2/2006 (ANA)

Addressing a seminar on "Reform in public procurement contracts", Papathanasiou said the existing system embarrasses the country with time-consuming tender procedures, and high costs both for the public and private sectors. The Greek minister said many contracts are validated 3-4 years after tendering because of appeals while bureaucratic procedures discouraged new suppliers of participating in the system, thus limiting competition and raising prices.

Papathanasiou said the ministry has published two presidential decrees, currently in public debate, aimed to adjust domestic legislation to EU directives on coordinating the signing of contracts in the sectors of water, energy, transport and post services.

Papathanasiou said the ministry has drafted a circular offering tender announcement guidelines and promotes changes in a Public Procurement Regulation aimed to simplify procedures. The ministry also drafts a new legislation on creating an Independent Agency of Public Procurement to ensure legitimacy in all public procurement contracts.

Professor V. Asimakopoulos, special secretary at the Information Society, said the public sector manages huge supply contracts, worth more than 3.5 billion euros annually and presented a plan to promote electronic public procurement tenders.

[30] Greek, Italian and Portuguese tour operators meet in Athens

ATHENS, 22/2/2006 (ANA)

The "Always Tourism; group of three countries under the program was meeting for the first time.

Coordinating the Equal program in Greece is HATTA, the domestic sector trade group.

[31] Sector group welcomes gov't olive oil publicity campaign abroad

ATHENS, 22/2/2006 (ANA)

"This initiative coupled with wider backing from the Hellenic Exports Promotion Board are strengthening an outward-looking approach by Greek companies, and creating a new dynamism and impetus for Greek olive oil exports," SEBITEL said.

[32] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks show fourth straight rise

ATHENS, 22/2/2006 (ANA)

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.87% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 1.11% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 1.61% up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 202 to 79 with 42 remaining unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: OTE top in stock futures trade