Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-02-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] SEECP chairman Greece working for European prospect of neighboring countries, PM Karamanlis tells Athens conference

[02] Southeastern Europe could perform an economic miracle, Greek FinMin says

[03] SE European states seek common market regulations

[04] Commission raises Cyprus ship issue with Turkey

[05] Athens on Turkey's refusal to allow Cyprus ship into Turkish port

[06] PASOK: 'Able F' episode highlights government's wrong handling of foreign policy

[07] Greek, Cypriot parliamentary committees discuss Cyprus issue

[08] President receives Cyprus EU Affairs Committee

[09] PASOK leader meets with Cyprus parliament's EU affairs committee

[10] SYN leader meets with Cypriot deputies

[11] Foreign ministry denies change in Cyprus issue 'phraseology'

[12] Koumoutsakos on enlisting Turkey to improve EU-Moslem relations

[13] Athens condemns latest round of violence in Iraq

[14] U.S. ambassador to Athens pays courtesy visit to FM Dora Bakoyannis

[15] Stylianidis meets US envoy, discusses economic cooperation

[16] Deputy FM, Serbian counterpart promote bilateral ties

[17] Greece's Papadopoulou addresses UN Security Council open session on peace operations

[18] Greece's Telalian addresses UN Security Council session on terrorism issues

[19] Behrakis elected mayor of Athens

[20] ND party's Central Committee convening on Friday to elect new secretary

[21] Greece, Bulgaria to build new electricity transmission line

[22] Development minister briefs EU ambassadors on Greek energy policy

[23] Minister reviews construction performance

[24] Greek trade deficit up 1.7 pct in 2005, yr/yr

[25] Ferry boats resume service; union suspends strike

[26] Bulgarians showing increased tourist interest in the prefecture of Drama

[27] Central banker from Bosnia-Herzegovina in Greece

[28] Senior Chinese official affirms desire for cooperation with Greece

[29] Conference held in U.S. on tourist development and investments opportunities in Greece

[30] Agricultural development minister briefs parties on new Common Agricultural Policy

[31] Greek insurance brokers report improved business in 2005

[32] Cosmote reports rise in 2005 profit

[33] Greek Business Council unites 45 Greek banks and firms

[34] Triple Greek representation at 'Open Days 2006' in Brussels in October

[35] Special secretary named for public utilities

[36] Council of EU education ministers examines European language knowledge indicator

[37] Avramopoulos to attend EU health ministers' informal meeting on bird flu

[38] EU lab confirms swans found in Greece infected with bird flu virus

[39] Health minister visits Attica psychiatric hospital

[40] Inter-ministerial work group to focus on flood prevention

[41] Athens journalists' union visits Cyprus

[42] US say it has trade with Cyprus' occupied areas

[43] Cyprus says Turkey flagrantly violating EU customs union

[44] FM Iacovou says cooperation with Greece is excellent

[45] Moller says UNFICYP's presence still needed in Cyprus

[46] Christofias: Pope's position on Cyprus positive

[01] SEECP chairman Greece working for European prospect of neighboring countries, PM Karamanlis tells Athens conference

Greece, as a member of the European Union and the euro-zone, wants to work for and is working for the European prospect of its neighboring states, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis said Thursday, addressing a conference of economy ministers of the South East Europe Cooperation Process (SEECP) member countries taking place in Athens. Greece holds the SEECP Chairmanship in Office for the period 2005-2006.

Addressing the ministers taking part in the conference, Karamanlis stressed that the wider region of SE Europe has all the prospects for making a leap in economic growth, adding that Greece looked to further development of collaborations in the economic as well as the scientific, cultural and educational sectors.

Referring more particularly to Greece's role, Karamanlis stressed that the country has a significant presence in the countries of the wider Balkans region, with 3,500 Greek companies active in the region as well as 800 branches of Greek banks in operation. At the same time, Greece comprised one of the biggest investors in the region, with invested capital estimated at 8 billion euros, while Greece was the top investor in Albania, FYROM and Serbia-Montenegro, second-largest investor in Bulgaria, and third-largest investor in Romania, Karamanlis said, adding that Greece could also serve as a gateway to SE Europe for business concerns.

Turning to the Greek economy, the prime minister stressed that fiscal adjustment was being achieved gradually, while important results were being produced, and outlined the steps taken in 15 individual areas of the economy, referring in particular to the taxation reform, the country's new developmental law, the new generation of denationalizations, the new operational framework for public corporations and organizations, the liberalization of the energy and natural gas markets, and the strengthening of the country's economic diplomacy relations.

Karamanlis particularly stressed that a substantial reduction in taxation rates on physical entities was being prepared.

The Greek prime minister further emphasized the reforms taking place in the countries of the wider region of SE Europe, noting that this was the only responsible and forward-looking choice for the region's development. He noted, however, that the pace of the reforms was not always satisfactory, but added that the solutions would be provided by the individual countries themselves.

Taking part in the conference are the economy ministers of the 10 SEECP member countries -- Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, FYROM, Greece, Romania, Serbia-Monte-negro, and Turkey, while Moldova currently has observer status but is slated to be offered full membership at the SEECP summit to be held in May, marking the end of the Greek chairmanship of the group, which will be assumed by Croatia. Also participating as guests are representatives of the current Austrian presidency of the European Union and the Office of the SE Europe Stability Pact Special Coordinator.

Greece's economy minister George Alogoskoufis will hold a press conference to present after the meeting to present the results of the conference.

[02] Southeastern Europe could perform an economic miracle, Greek FinMin says

The region of Southeastern Europe could perform an economic miracle, Greek Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said on Thursday.

Addressing a meeting of Economy ministers from Southeastern Europe, Alogoskoufis said the economic miracle could be achieved only if countries in the region worked harder to promote closer cooperation, better coordination of policies and speeding up convergence with the European Union

The Greek government could facilitate every effort by countries seeking to actively participate in the European economy or to enter the EU, the Greek minister said. He stressed that Southeast European countries should adopt policies of promoting free movement of capital, improving infrastructure in transport, telecommunications and energy, creating a positive climate in relations between national authorities and enterprises, improving investment climate and boosting the private sector and encouraging local enterprises to look beyond their borders and seek access in international capital markets. Alogoskoufis noted it was essential to combat tax evasion and informal trade.

The Greek minister said countries in the region should promote closer cooperation in cross-border trade, capital markets, regional banking markets, investment environment and joint ventures between public and private sector companies.

[03] SE European states seek common market regulations

Economy ministers from Southeast European countries are seeking a "common platform" to unify stock market regulations, Greek Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said here on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting of economy ministers representing countries in the Cooperation Process of Southeastern Europe, the Greek minister said there was a discussion between ministers with the aim to agree on a "common platform" of capital market rules in the region, part of efforts to boost transparency and credibility.

The ministers agreed on a joint statement after exchanging views on market deregulation, improvement of infrastructure and boosting cross-border trade.

Alogoskoufis said he did not share the view that labor cost was a comparative advantage for Greece and called for an improvement of Greek products "otherwise the country will not be able to compete with other countries on labor cost".

"Each country has its own comparative advantages," he added.

[04] Commission raises Cyprus ship issue with Turkey

BRUSSELS, 24/2/2006 (ANA-MPA/V.Demiris/CNA)

Replying to questions by reporters on the sidelines of Thursday's meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament on Tuesday, Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said that the enlargement committee has raised the issue to the Turkish authorities, pointing out that Turkey must comply with the obligations it has undertaken in the framework of the customs union agreement and open its ports to Cypriot ships.

Rehn also said the Commission will closely monitor Turkey fulfilling the obligations it has undertaken.

He also warned Ankara that in October the Commission will evaluate the whole situation to ascertain if Turkey has complied with the obligations it has undertaken.

Rehn's representative said the Commission was informed by the government of the Republic of Cyprus that the Turkish port authorities in Mersin had refused the docking of the Cyprus flag ship ''ABLE-F''.

Krisztina Nagy, spokesperson for Rehn, said that the exact conditions surrounding the incident will have to be investigated, noting that the Commission raised the issue directly with the Turkish authorities pointing out the EU's firm position.

She pointed out that as the Association Agreement between the EU and Turkey points out, including the customs union agreement, that Turkey

must allow for the free movement of all EU products.

Nagy added that restrictions in maritime do now allow interested parties to chose a more economic method of transport, therefore creating problems in the free movement of goods and commerce.

[05] Athens on Turkey's refusal to allow Cyprus ship into Turkish port

Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis telephoned her Cyprus counterpart George Iacovou as soon as she learned of Turkey's refusal to allow a ship flying a Republic of Cyprus flag to enter a Turkish harbor, foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said on Thursday.

He said the Greek foreign ministry was informed of the incident on Wednesday evening at 18:30, by the Greek Embassy in Nicosia and the media.

The Cyprus-flagged ship "Able F" had requested permission to dock at the Turkish port of Mersin on Wednesday morning, he added.

He also stressed that Bakoyannis had not been aware of the incident during her meetings with Iacovou or with Turkish Minister of State Ali Babacan on Wednesday afternoon, at which time the affair was not yet known.

Koumoutsakos rejected suggestions of a "different tone" in the announcements issued about the incident by Nicosia and Athens or that either side had been aware of the problem during Bakoyannis' meetings on Wednesday.

The "Able F" had departed from Italy and had requested permission to enter the Turkish port of Mersin in southern Turkey to unload 16 containers, but the Turkish authorities declined to grant permission. The ship anchored two miles off the coast.

Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesman Namik Tan confirmed that the Turkish authorities declined to grant the Cypriot-flagged ship to enter the Turkish harbor, asserting that the ship's intention is ''to create a fait accomplish against the international regulations.''

The Cyprus government on Wednesday accused Turkey of violating the EU-Turkey Customs Union agreement recently signed by Ankara, which extends customs union to the 10 new members of the EU and among others calls for opening Turkish ports and airports to Cypriot planes and ships.

[06] PASOK: 'Able F' episode highlights government's wrong handling of foreign policy

According to main opposition PASOK, the incident with 'Able F' highlighted both Turkey's continued intransigency in fulfilling commitments to the EU, as well as the repercussions of the government's wrong handling of foreign policy.

PASOK Political Council member Christos Papoutsis, in charge of foreign policy, security and defense for the main opposition party, stressed that the government "did not exploit the two big, historic opportunities it was given to establish a clear framework for Turkey's progress toward the EU, with explicit commitments, guarantees and time schedules."

With New Democracy's policies, the country will be constantly caught between concessions and tension and there was a risk of continual glitches and questioning of European legality, which will create these tensions, he added.

He called on Bakoyannis to clarify whether she had raised the issue of Turkey's refusal to allow Cyprus-flag ships to dock at its ports during her meeting with the Turkish minister in charge of Turkey's accession course and to explain what moves the government had made to avert such an incident, as well as how it planned to respond.

Papoutsis also urged Bakoyannis to raise the issue with the European Commission and at the next EU foreign ministers' meeting.

"Once again, we want to stress that Turkey is obliged to implement the Protocol of Customs Union with the EU with all member-states, without exceptions. The Greek government must categorically refuse Turkey's efforts to link the implementation of its European obligations with the de facto recognition of the occupation regime on Cyprus," he underlined.

Papoutsis also called for an end to inaction regarding the Cyprus problem, saying that the government should support all efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue within the framework of UN resolutions, European treaties and the Community acquis.

[07] Greek, Cypriot parliamentary committees discuss Cyprus issue

The European Affairs Committees of Greek Parliament and the Cypriot House of Representatives held a joint meeting in Athens on Thursday to discuss the Cyprus issue.

Kicking off the session, head of the Greek committee Sotiris Hatzigakis underscored Greece's position, as well as the goal of both committees, of finding a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue, adding however that "we must not forget that it also depends on external factors."

On his part, Nikos Kleanthous, head of the Cypriot committee, noted that developments in the Cyprus issue are linked to Turkey's fulfillment of its European obligations or its failure to do so.

"Ankara holds the key to a solution," he said.

"We will encourage the UN Secretary General to appoint as soon as possible a special representative who will begin a dialogue with both sides so that a new initiative can begin," Kleanthous added.

Greek main opposition PASOK MP and responsible for the party's Foreign Affairs division Christos Papoutsis said that,

"The international community needs to hear that we want a solution. However negative Turkey's stance may be towards resolving the issue, inertia also produces a negative effect. We must move away from inertia and we must encourage every effort so that a solution is found within the UN framework, but of course changes must be made to the [UN Secretary General Kofi] Annan Plan."

On his part, Orestis Kolozov, Parliamentary Representative of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), said that his party will continue to support efforts towards a single Cypriot state that will enable Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to live together peacefully.

"Both sides must consent to the solution," he said.

[08] President receives Cyprus EU Affairs Committee

President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias on Thursday received the Cyprus parliament's inter-party European Affairs Committee, headed by its chairman Nikos Kleanthos, currently on a visit to Athens.

Papoulias thanked the delegation for the hospitality and welcome he received during his recent visit to Cyprus, and recalled his references to the Cyprus issue in his recent address in Ioannina and the message directed "to our friend and neighbor that Greece may at some point become tired of its games" (referring to Turkey).

[09] PASOK leader meets with Cyprus parliament's EU affairs committee

Main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou met Thursday with the Cyprus parliament's European Affairs Committee, headed by its chairman Nikos Kleanthous.

In greeting the Cypriot MPs, Papandreou said his main desire was to hear their thoughts and assessments on the Cyprus Republic's course in the European Union.

Referring to PASOK's positions, Papandreou said that "we express our absolute respect for the volition of the people of Cyprus, as expressed in the referendum".

Turkey, Papandreou continued, must fulfill its obligations to the EU, and opined that two important opportunities in Greek-Turkish relations had been lost "which could have resolved many things".

[10] SYN leader meets with Cypriot deputies

Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) President Alekos Alavanos met with members of the Cypriot Parliament's European Affairs Committee, headed by its president Nikos Kleanthous in Athens on Thursday.

Alavanos said that Turkey must respect its obligations as defined in the customs union agreement and expressed confidence that Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos' upcoming meeting with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan "will provide a significant opportunity."

He noted that the process for finding a solution to the Cyprus issue based on UN resolutions may resume again.

On his part, Kleanthous said that while Turkey is being judged at present, the European Union's credibility might also be put to the test depending on how it reacts if Turkey does not fulfill its commitments and obligations.

"At this time, our guarded optimism is also being tested in regards to Turkey and whether it will allow a solution to the Cyprus issue, a proper solution that will be acceptable to the island's both communities," Kleanthous said.

[11] Foreign ministry denies change in Cyprus issue 'phraseology'

Foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos on Thursday rejected suggestions of a change in phraseology concerning the Cyprus issue between Greece's current foreign minister Dora Bakoyannis and that used by the prime minister.

"I do not share the view concerning a divergence in expressions," the spokesman stressed, pointing out that Bakoyannis had referred to the form of the Annan Plan that had been rejected by the people of Cyprus.

He also underlined that the Annan Plan in its present form had unquestionably passed into history and could serve only as a collection of ideas that might form part of a new round of negotiations for the Cyprus issue, but only after considerations such as the European acquis and UN resolutions concerning Cyprus had been factored into it.

Commenting on the prospects of direct trade between the United States and the occupied territories in northern Cyprus, the spokesman stressed that Athens considers that the northern occupied territories must be strengthened economically but that this must be done in a way that is fully in agreement with the decisions of the UN Security Council and the rules concerning Cyprus.

He also noted that the Regulations concerning the occupied territories might be among the issues that will be put to the next EU General Affairs Council in Brussels at the end of February.

[12] Koumoutsakos on enlisting Turkey to improve EU-Moslem relations

"The European Union has repeatedly stated that it is not a closed religious, economic or any other club," Greek foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said on Thursday, when asked to comment on an EU decision to ask Turkey to draw up a plan to improve relations between European and the Moslem world.

[13] Athens condemns latest round of violence in Iraq

Greece on Thursday sternly condemned the bombing of a well-known Shiite mosque in the central Iraqi city of Samarra on Wednesday as well as subsequent attacks on other places of worship in the country.

In a released statement, foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos also referred to a "criminal attack against the world's cultural heritage".

"Such criminal actions result in the rekindling of ethnic tension and the undermining of prospects for achieving peace and stability in the country and the region. We again reiterate our support for the formation of a truly representative (Iraqi) government that will struggle for the building of a peaceful, prosperous and united Iraq," he stated.

[14] U.S. ambassador to Athens pays courtesy visit to FM Dora Bakoyannis

U.S. Ambassador to Athens Charles Ries paid a courtesy visit to newly-appointed Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis on Thursday night.

Bakoyannis, formerly the mayor of Athens, was appointed foreign minister last week during a sweeping government reshuffle.

[15] Stylianidis meets US envoy, discusses economic cooperation

Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis on Thursday met United States Ambassador to Athens Charles Ries and a US Embassy financial advisor to discuss bilateral economic cooperation issues, as well as economic and energy diplomacy.

Also broached during the meeting was the issue of human-trafficking, with Ries congratulating Stylianidis on an agreement that will be signed by Greece and Albania next Monday on combating the illegal trade in persons and providing protection and support to victims.

[16] Deputy FM, Serbian counterpart promote bilateral ties

Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis and Serbian-Montenegrin counterpart Predrag Boskovic decided to create a work group charged with promoting political and economic ties between the two countries, during their meeting in Bucharest on Thursday.

Boskovic, who is also Finance Minister of Montenegro, said that Montenegro wishes to strengthen economic ties with Greece and called on Greek business people to invest in the federal state's energy and infrastructure sectors through public-private partner-ships.

The two deputy ministers also voiced the desire to promote the execution of projects planned under the Greek Plan for the Reconstruction of the Balkans.

Stylianidis stressed that the West Balkans are a key priority for the foreign ministry's Hellenic Aid Agency and reiterated to Boskovic that Greece's political strategy includes Balkan countries' EU accession.

Boskovic, on his part, thanked Stylianidis for Greece's support and all the country has done in helping Serbia-Montenegro come closer to the EU.

He assured Stylianidis that Serbia-Montenegro supports the candidacy of a Greek diplomat to the position of Secretary General of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) organization.

[17] Greece's Papadopoulou addresses UN Security Council open session on peace operations

The Deputy Permanent Representative of Greece at the United Nations, Alexandra Papadopoulou, on Thursday said that "Greece supports the efforts so that the United Nations can develop into a dynamic and extremely effective tool, capable to confront contemporary threats."

She reiterated Greece's position during an open session of the UN Security Council on the management of peace operations.

Having thanked the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mark Malloch Brown on his briefing to the UN Security Council members on the latest report of UN's Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) on peace operations, Papadopoulou stressed that "Greece sides with the intervention of the European Union's Austrian Presidency."

Papadopoulou added:" Bad management, illegal activities and the subsequent weakness of any system demand the undertaking of immediate and decisive action. The case of the United Nations does not constitute an exception. The findings of the investigation, as presented today and are included in the OIOS report, are indeed worrying and we cannot but express our concern. It is apparent that the rules of procurements and more so the practices of procurements should be reviewed. Furthermore, all the relevant charges regarding fraud and mismanagement must be investigated in depth and those who are responsible must be punished."

[18] Greece's Telalian addresses UN Security Council session on terrorism issues

Greece's Deputy Permanent Representative at the United Nations, Maria Telalian, speaking during a debate on Thursday at the UN Security Council on terrorism issues, said that "the United Nations is playing a leading role in the effort to restrict terrorism and to legalize the strong multi-sided answer of the international community to this phenomenon."

She added that "however, in order for this answer to be effective in the long-term, it must be compatible with the nature of democracy, the state of law and the respect of the ecumenical human rights and freedoms."

Telalian hailed the joint briefing by the presidents of the Committees Al Qaeda/Taliban, Anti-terrorism and the Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction "for their infatigable efforts to improve the work of their Committees."

She noted that Greece fully sides with the statement of the Permanent Representative of Austria on behalf of the European Union.

[19] Behrakis elected mayor of Athens

Municipal councilor Theodoros Behrakis was elected the new Mayor of Athens on Thursday, during a vote held within the municipal council. The new mayor belongs to the same New Democracy- affiliated party that originally won the municipal elections, with former Mayor Dora Bakoyannis heading the ticket.

Behrakis received 14 of the 25 votes and his opponent Angelos Moschonas received 10, while there was one blank ballot. A third candidate withdrew from the race shortly before it began.

The vote was held after the elected mayor Dora Bakoyannis resigned her post in order to join the government as foreign minister, during a recent cabinet reshuffle.

[20] ND party's Central Committee convening on Friday to elect new secretary

The ruling New Democracy party's Central Committee will convene under the chairmanship of Prime Minister and party leader Costas Karamanlis on Friday morning to elect its new secretary.

The meeting will begin with an address by Karamanlis, who is expected to refer to the government's policy and to current political developments.

The voting process will follow for the election of the secretary who will succeed Vangelis Meimarakis, who was appointed defense minister during the government reshuffle held last week.

The candidates for the post of secretary are Lefteris Zagoritis and Katerina Papacosta.

[21] Greece, Bulgaria to build new electricity transmission line

Greece and Bulgaria are to build a new electricity transmission line between the two countries.

The 400-kilowatt, two-way line will supplement an earlier facility built in 1970, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas said on Thursday.

He was speaking after a meeting in Athens with the neighboring country's energy and finance minister, Rumen Ovcharov.

The two sides also agreed to accelerate cooperation in a project for construction of a pipeline to carry Russian oil through Bulgaria to Greece before talks in Athens between the three sides. The next step in the process is to found an international company to build and operate the pipeline.

The Greek side also said that Athens-quoted Public Power Corporation would be interested in cooperation in Bulgaria and establishing a presence there in the wake of its proposal to buy the Bobov Dol power station, awaiting a ruling from a Bulgarian court.

"PPC's presence in the entire region, starting from this proposal of an exceptionally large investment topping 100 million euros, would further link not only the two countries' electricity systems, but also lead to closer ties in a sector that would determine the level of cooperation, growth and peace in the region as part of the southeast European energy community," Sioufas said.

Ovcharov informed Sioufas that Bulgaria would no longer be able to export as much electricity as last year's figure of over eight billion kilowatt hours. Three billion of the total were purchased by Greece.

The meeting between the two ministers was attended by the Bulgarian ambassador in Athens, Stefan Stoyanov.

[22] Development minister briefs EU ambassadors on Greek energy policy

Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas on Thursday briefed the 24 ambassadors in Greece of European Union member-states on the country's energy policy, following a relevant invitation by the Austrian Ambassador to Greece Herbert Kroll, during a working luncheon.

Sioufas was accompanied by Deputy Development Minister Yiannis Papathanasiou, the development ministry's secretary general Nikos Stefanou and the special Competitiveness secretary Spyros Efstathopoulos. The ambassadors of Bulgaria, Romania and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) also participated.

The minister made an analytical presentation of the government's policy and initiatives in the energy sector. He underlined policies being promoted to lift the country's dependence on oil and analyzed the characteristics and the new environment following the deregulation of the domestic electric power and energy market.

Sioufas briefed the ambassadors on the big international energy initiatives undertaken by the country (Turkey-Greece and Greece-Italy natural gas pipelines and Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline).

Lastly, he briefed the ambassadors on the new legislative initiative which has entered its final stage of processing and concerns the new system of licensing renewable energy sources and the new considerable incentives to attract large-scale investments in this sector.

[23] Minister reviews construction performance

Public Works Minister George Souflias said on Thursday that his ministry had tendered works totaling 5.1 billion euros since the government took office in March 2004, excluding concession arrangements.

The total so far was half that recorded in 1994-2003, the minister said in a statement.

He added that the projects had been awarded through tenders to a number of companies, with no concentration of projects for specific firms.

[24] Greek trade deficit up 1.7 pct in 2005, yr/yr

The Greek trade deficit rose by 1.7 percent in 2005 compared with the previous year, the National Statistics Service said on Thursday.

NSS, in its report, said exports rose 13.1 percent while imports increased by 5.2 percent over the same period.

The trade deficit totaled 28.566 billion euros last year from 28.097 billion euros in 2004, although excluding trade in oil products the deficit fell by 6.5 percent over the same period.

The value of export-deliveries totaled 13.964 billion euros in 2005 from 12.348 billion euros in 2004. Excluding trade in oil products the value of exports rose 9.9 percent last year.

The value of import-arrivals totaled 42.530 billion euros in 2005 from 40.445 billion euros in 2004, while excluding trade in oil products it fell by 1.1 percent.

[25] Ferry boats resume service; union suspends strike

Calm returned to Piraeus' dockside on Thursday as Greece's busiest commercial port resumed business following a crippling weeklong strike by ferry boat seamen overcome only after the government issued a back-to-work mobilization order early Wednesday for all Greek-flagged vessels.

The seamen's union (PNO), meanwhile, suspended its ongoing 48-hour strike with a unanimous decision early Thursday afternoon by its executive committee. The industrial action was due to end at 6 a.m. Friday.

The decision meant that all tied up ferry boats were to resume service by 6 p.m. Thursday. According to reports, the union may now request that the merchant marine ministry lift the Feb. 22 back-to-work mobilization order.

According to authorities, seven ferry boats carrying a total of 586 trucks left the port of Piraeus over the past 24 hours towards Crete and other Aegean island destinations. Another 11 vessels disembarked from various islands towards Piraeus, carrying more than 700 trucks and nearly 2,000 passengers.

In a related development, the government on Thursday flatly dismissed same-day press reports claiming it issued the back-to-work order while negotiations were still underway with PNO's leadership on Tuesday.

"Talks between the merchant marine ministry and PNO ended late Tuesday evening after the government were informed by the relevant minister (Manolis Kefaloyiannis) that negotiations failed to turn up any result, whereby it (government) proceeded with the specific decision (mobilization), and taking advantage of constitutional rights. The talks collapsed at least one hour before the end of the calendar day Feb. 21," alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros stressed.

Opposition, Parliament debate

On its part, main opposition PASOK issued a sharp attack against the government's actions vis-à-vis the seamen's strike, calling the government "untrustworthy, irresponsible and autocratic".

PASOK MP Anna Diamantopoulou, a former EU Commissioner, charged that ruling New Democracy party had reneged on its pre-election promises to the seamen's union and that it remained a deeply conservative party, while she also called the back-to-work order an "extreme measure".

Asked about a PASOK deputy's proposal -- made during a same-day Parliament debate -- to hire foreign flagged vessels and crews in place of the strikers, Diamantopoulou criticized the notion. She merely added that she was unaware of the specific comment and that official party policy is expressed by PASOK's relevant organs.

The proposal, whereby Cretan products are directly shipped to Western Europe via Italian ports, was made by PASOK MP Manolis Stratakis, whose election precinct is on Crete, one of the strike's hardest hit areas.

"The merchant marine ministry could have intervened so that it had at its disposal foreign-flagged vessels to transport products without anyone interfering," Stratakis said in Parliament.

In reply, Minister Kefaloyiannis reminded that the government did not duplicate measures used by a previous PASOK government in 2002, when the latter issued a back-to-work order two days into a similar seamen's strike.

Finally, the minister asked whether Stratakis' proposal was an official PASOK position.

Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) leader Alekos Alavanos, whose tabled question concerning government measures against the "bird flu" virus was the main object of Thursday's on-the-agenda Parliament debate, charged that the government is employing violence and pitting social groups against each other instead of following its pre-election programme.

"If you're not listening to PNO and Synaspismos, then listen to your own union leaders and deputies, who expressed different positions and who criticized you," Alavanos said.

In response, Minister of State and government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos emphasized that it is unacceptable to have two standards for wage-earners "when we have citizens that are cut-off (on the islands), who can't work or whose products are being destroyed. When the government, over six days, has exhausted every margin of dialogue, it has the right to take decisions within the framework of its constitutional privileges."

Finally, the spokesman repeated that the government increased a lump sum pension payment for retiring seamen by 25 percent a year ago, whereas a demand to eliminate taxes all together for lower ranking seamen, from a current rate of 3 percent, was unreasonable.

Solidarity march for seamen held in Thessaloniki

Members of Leftist movements organized a march in Thessaloniki, Macedonia, on Thursday afternoon as a show of solidarity for the strike and the demands of seamen and to express opposition to the civil mobilization of the strikers.

The demonstrators gathered in a square in the city and, holding banners reading "Down with civil mobilization-Solidarity for seamen", marched through downtown Thessaloniki.

Traffic problems were created in the city throughout the duration of the march.

[26] Bulgarians showing increased tourist interest in the prefecture of Drama

Organizers responsible for the participation of the Greek prefecture of Drama, Macedonia, in the traditional international tourist exhibition, which gathered 340 interested agencies in Sofia this year, among which are many summer and winter tourist centers in Greece, were awarded the prize for the best pavilion.

Virgin nature, the only cave with a river in Europe and seven big wine-producing units whose wines garner gold medals in exhibitions all over the world are offered to Greeks, Bulgarians and other foreign tourists by the prefecture of Drama.

Apart from the industrial centre which produces 20 percent of Greek timber, while hosting seven out of the 10 biggest marble extracting and processing units in Greece, the mountainous region with its forests has been developing rapidly as a winter and summer tourist resort in past years.

The "Falakro" skiing centre was visited by 140,000 tourists recently, which is becoming all the more popular among Greeks and Bulgarians and other foreign skiing enthusiasts over the past four years.

The information was provided by Drama prefect Constantine Evmiridis during a presentation made of the region on Thursday at the National Culture Mansion in the Bulgarian capital. Te event was also attended by the Greek Ambassador to Bulgaria Prokopios Mantzouranis and other members of the diplomatic corps.

[27] Central banker from Bosnia-Herzegovina in Greece

The governor of Bosnia-Herzegovina's central bank, Kemal Kozaric, visited his Greek counterpart in Athens on Thursday.

Accompanied by his two deputies, Kozaric exchanged views with the head of the Bank of Greece, Nikos Garganas, on the state of the two countries' economies, at a dinner hosted by the domestic central bank chief.

[28] Senior Chinese official affirms desire for cooperation with Greece

China's deputy trade minister, Gao Hucheng, on Thursday affirmed interest shown by his country and Greece for cooperation in business.

"Our delegation's visit to Greece and cooperation with the Greek-Chinese Chamber of Trade and Industry follows from the consolidation of business cooperation between Greece and China that was achieved through a recent visit by Greek premier Costas Karamanlis to China," Hucheng noted.

"Good bilateral cooperation in recent years doubled the level of trade transactions between the two countries in 2003-2005," he told a meeting of the Greek-Chinese chamber on Wednesday.

Guests at a dinner underlined the importance of attracting Chinese investments to Greece, which has taken major steps in improving its infrastructure and other facilities to boost business.

On Thursday, Hucheng and his delegation were shown the prefecture of Argolis for meetings with local officials.

On Wednesday, Hucheng met Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis during his official visit to Athens.

[29] Conference held in U.S. on tourist development and investments opportunities in Greece

The natural beauty and tourist services of Greece were highlighted during a conference held at the Waldorf Astoria hotel on Thursday on "Tourist development: Investments opportunities in Greece."

The conference was organized with the cooperation of the tourist development ministry, the Greek Tourist Organization (EOT) and the newspaper "International Herald Tribune."

The tourist and investments forum in New York was held with the participation of international investors and experts in the tourism sector. Similar events have taken place in London and Dubai, while corresponding investments forums will be organized in Berlin (March 9), Cannes (March 15), Moscow (March 23) and Beijing (June 23).

An exhibition of paintings by Hungarian artist Tibor and of photographs of Greece by American photographer Bill Abramowitz will be inaugurated at the Dahesh Museum in Manhattan on Thursday night, as part of the promotion of Greek tourism.

Moreover, the annual exhibition of the "New York Times Travel Show" will be inaugurated at the Javits Convention Center on Friday, in whose framework a seminar will be presented on "Wonderful foods and wines of Greece" with the accompaniment of Greek music.

[30] Agricultural development minister briefs parties on new Common Agricultural Policy

Agricultural Development and Food Minister Evangelos Basiakos on Thursday briefed the agricultural sector chiefs of the New Democracy, PASOK and Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) parties on the course of the implementation of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the country and on the process to be followed for the activation by farmers of finalized unified support rights, in accordance with European Union and national legislation being applied since 2003.

Basiakos told the party representatives that the finalized rights will be sent to all the agricultural cooperatives unions in the coming days and all farmers who are beneficiaries will be made known, to enable their activation process to be completed by May 15.

On the part of the parties, a statement was made only by Coalition party representative G. Benatos, who said that he requested from the minister that the state should assume the cost of activation and not the farmers since, as he said, the task will be assumed by the cooperatives organizations but the farmers will be called on to pay for the activation of their rights.

[31] Greek insurance brokers report improved business in 2005

Greek insurance brokers on Thursday reported a 20-percent increase in net premium production last year to 420 million euros, compared with 2004.

According to figures presented by the Association of Greek Insurance Brokers (SEMA), last year's production accounted for 11 percent of total premium production by insurance firms in the country, with gross revenues from insurance services totaling 50 million euros.

Premium production in the life insurance sector rose 34.14 percent, while production in the general insurance sector increased by 14.19 percent last year. The transport service was the most active in the market, while the car insurance sector recorded the biggest growth rates in the period 2003-04 (50.19 pct).

SEMA's president Lambros Kokkinos said he expected the association's members to enjoy further growth in the coming years and predicted a series of mergers in the domestic insurance market.

[32] Cosmote reports rise in 2005 profit

Athens-quoted Cosmote SA on Thursday reported a rise in consolidated earnings before tax, interest and depreciation to 754.5 million euros, up 11.8%.

The EBITDA margin was at 42% compared to 42.5% a year earlier due to the consolidation of new growth assets, management said in a statement.

Group operating revenues for 2005 were ¬ 1,798 million, up by 13.2% year-on-year, the statement said.

In the third quarter of 2005, Cosmote acquired and consolidated three mobile operations - Globul in Bulgaria, Cosmofon in FYROM and Cosmote Romania (formerly Cosmorom.

"Strong performance in Greece and Albania throughout the year, combined with the exceptional growth exhibited in Bulgaria and FYROM, have resulted in a record year for the Group and set the basis for sustained growth in the coming years. Cosmote succeeded in achieving its revenue, EBITDA and net profit growth targets," the statement said.

"The strong usage increase in Greece, the significant subscriber take up and usage expansion in the international operations, combined with significant improvements in their profitability has led to robust results," it added.

[33] Greek Business Council unites 45 Greek banks and firms

A total of 45 Greek banks and firms, having total investments exceeding one billion euros in Bulgaria, are united by the Greek Business Council about a year after its establishment.

This was told to the Athens News Agency by the Council's President Christos Katsanis during the official inauguration of the head offices of the institution here on Wednesday night.

"Our main aim is, of course, to defend the interests of our members. Another aim is strengthening economic relations between Greece and Bulgaria through the creation and consolidation of a climate of good cooperation between the two countries. As far as possible, we are also trying to contribute with our experience and know-how to the speedier progress of Bulgaria's accession course towards unified Europe," said the executive director of the "United Bulgarian Bank" in reply to a relevant question.

However, the Business Council does not intend to become a club for big interests, but it also has its doors open for small and medium-size enterprises as well.

"The Greek Business Council in Bulgaria is open to all, on condition that they fulfill the terms of our Charter," Katsanis said.

[34] Triple Greek representation at 'Open Days 2006' in Brussels in October

Greece this year will have a triple representation at the European Week of Regions and Cities - Open Days 2006, an institution which promotes cooperation between European cities and regions in the sectors of development and the creation of new jobs.

Athens, Thessaloniki and the region of Western Greece are among the 134 partners of the programme which have been separated into 14 groups, in accordance with their common elements.

Specifically, Athens and Thessaloniki are participating in the Network of European Metropolitan Regions and Areas and the region of Western Greece in the group of regions of sustainable growth.

The partners of the European Week of Regions and Cities will meet in Brussels from October 9-12, 2006, so as to exchange views and experiences in the sectors of investments, the support of innovations, the management of the resources of the structural funds, environmental technology and the activation of social organizations and citizens' organizations.

[35] Special secretary named for public utilities

A special secretary has been named to head a new finance ministry department for public enterprises and organizations.

Emilios Stasinakis was managing director of CSO-Corporate Consultants, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

[36] Council of EU education ministers examines European language knowledge indicator

The Council of European Union Education Ministers convened here on Thursday and examined the European language knowledge indicator, the speeding up of processes regarding the new European cooperation framework for growth and jobs and the issue of lifelong learning. Greece was represented at the meeting by Education Minister Marietta Yiannakou.

Referring to the European language indicator, Yiannakou said that this indicator is essential since "learning foreign languages will help communication between European citizens substantively and will contribute both to the creation of a common labor market and to the achievement of a multicultural European society which will respect the lingual and cultural particularities of its members."

She also called for the use of indicators that will include the completion of compulsory education, securing a satisfactory sample from the pupil's population.

Yiannakou voted for the text on the joint intermediate report of the Council on the "Education and Training 2010" programme, saying that progress achieved in Greece in the education sector, in relation to targets set in Lisbon, is described in this text.

[37] Avramopoulos to attend EU health ministers' informal meeting on bird flu

Health and Social Solidarity Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos is expected in Vienna on Friday to take part in the informal meeting of the EU Council of Health Ministers which the EU Austrian Presidency specially convened due to the increasing spread of bird flu (avian influenza) in Europe.

The informal meeting will give the opportunity to the countries of the EU's 25 member-states to extensively exchange views about their own country's experiences regarding bird flu.

Austrian Health Minister Maria Rauch-Kallat has also invited her counterparts from Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and Turkey to attend the informal meeting.

Also expected to take part in the informal meeting of the EU's health ministers are experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) and from other relevant organizations.

[38] EU lab confirms swans found in Greece infected with bird flu virus

The European Union's Reference Laboratory in London confirmed on Thursday that samples from seven swans found in Northern Greece were infected with the deadly H5N1 strain of the bird flu virus.

The swans were found in Chalkidiki, Pieria, Thessaloniki and Pella.

Veterinary agencies in these prefectures and local government authorities have taken the necessary precautions in accordance with national and EU legislation.

[39] Health minister visits Attica psychiatric hospital

Patients hospitalized in the "Diadromi" ward of Attica's Dafni Psychiatric Hospital were moved to more modern facilities on the suggestion of Minister of Health and Social Solidarity Dimitris Avramopoulos who visited the hospital on Thursday, admitting that conditions in the specific ward were 'miserable.'

During his visit, Avramopoulos, accompanied by Deputy Minister Yiorgos Konstantopoulos, met with hospital staff and the administration.

Referring to press reports about the ward's awful conditions, Avramopoulos said that the publicity was 'extensive and justifiably negative'.

He said the final objective is for mental health care in the country to receive a complete upgrade and for all psychiatric hospitals operating under old standards to be shut down.

"We must cross the threshold of a new era that will honor society and the country's civilization," he said.

Finally, Avramopoulos thanked all those who worked towards refurbishing the hospital's new wards quickly and promised to support the hospital's staff.

[40] Inter-ministerial work group to focus on flood prevention

An inter-ministerial work group will be set up to further cooperation between Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria regarding flood prevention in northern Greece.

Specifically, the group is to work closely with both neighboring countries and particularly Bulgaria, in order to develop an alarm system to help prevent the Evros River from breaking its banks as a result of heavy rainfall in Bulgaria.

The decision was made during a meeting held at the foreign ministry on Thursday and attended by Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis and Deputy Minister of the Interior, Decentralization and Public Administration Athanassios Nakos.

[41] Athens journalists' union visits Cyprus

A delegation of the Athens Journalists' Union (ESHEA) arrived in Cyprus on Thursday for a four-day visit following the invitation of the Journalists' Union of Cyprus (ESK).

The delegation, headed by ESHEA President Panos Sobolos, will visit Rizokarpasso where it will offer school supplies to elementary and junior high school students in the occupied region of Karpassia.

The ESHEA representatives will also attend the annual event of the Farmaka Elementary School which it sponsors.

House of Representatives Speaker Dimitris Christofias will be receiving the delegation during a courtesy visit, while Government Spokesman Yiorgos Lillikas will be hosting a dinner for the ESHEA representatives.

Finally, ESHEA's delegation will be meeting with ESK's Executive Board to discuss issues and concerns specific to journalism, the mass media in Cyprus and Greece, and strengthening bilateral ties.

[42] US say it has trade with Cyprus' occupied areas

US State Department Deputy Spokesman Adam Ereli has said the US has trade with the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus "and that's fully consistent with existing policy and does not imply any change in our recognition policy."

Replying to questions, Ereli noted that "there should be contacts and there should be trade and movement of people and goods between the world and the northern part of Cyprus."

"And that's something that's important and good for the people of the northern part of Cyprus and that does not imply a change in the recognition of the status of that part of Cyprus or in a deviation from our support for the Annan plan and for a negotiated solution to this conflict on the basis of that plan," he added.

Ereli said "there is no change in U.S. policy regarding contacts with the northern part of Cyprus or recognition of entities in Cyprus. So we're working to expand contacts. We have trade with the northern part of Cyprus and that's fully consistent with existing policy an does not imply any change in our recognition policy."

[43] Cyprus says Turkey flagrantly violating EU customs union

Cyprus described as a flagrant and provocative violation on the part of Turkey of its Customs Union agreement with the European Union its refusal to permit a ship flying the Republic of Cyprus flag to enter a Turkish harbor.

Deputy Government Spokesman and Undersecretary to the President Christodoulos Pashiardis said on Thursday the government has already made the necessary representations at all EU institutions.

He said the refusal ''constitutes a flagrant and provocative violation on the part of Turkey of the customs union agreement.''

Pashiardis said the fact that Turkey did not fulfill the specific obligations and commitments does not concern Cyprus alone.

''Foremost, it concerns the EU,'' he pointed out.

A Cyprus-flagged cargo ship, ''Able F'', coming from Italy had requested permission on Wednesday to enter the Turkish port of Mersin in southern Turkey to unload 16 containers, but the Turkish authorities declined to grant permission.

Turkey, an aspiring EU member, has to provide access to ships from EU countries, including the Republic of Cyprus, which Ankara does not recognize.

Pashiardis said the government made ''all representations and actions in every direction primarily and mainly the EU because it is an issue that concerns mainly the EU and not Cyprus alone.''

Invited to comment on Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's statement that Turkey refuses to implement the protocol concerning Cyprus, Pashiardis said that ''again the EU will have to answer to Mr. Erdogan's statements because it was an insulting statement by the Turkish premier, not against Cyprus but mainly against the EU as a whole and its members separately.''

[44] FM Iacovou says cooperation with Greece is excellent

Cyprus Foreign Minister George Iacovou has described cooperation with the Greek Foreign Minister "first class", adding that the existing excellent cooperation will continue.

Replying to questions on Thursday at Larnaca airport, on arrival from Athens where he met new Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyiannis, Iacovou said "we have never had any doubt" about the cooperation between Nicosia and Athens.

Responding to other questions relating to next week's meeting between Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Iacovou said this was one of the issues he discussed with Bakoyannis.

He also said that "there will be more meetings in Athens."

Papadopoulos is due for talks in Athens on March 8.

Iacovou said that at the Paris meeting between Papadopoulos and Annan the two men will review developments in the Cyprus question and talk about future moves, adding that there is an open agenda.

"We are in continuous contact with the Greek government and we have a common position and strategy," he concluded.

[45] Moller says UNFICYP's presence still needed in Cyprus

The UN Secretary General's Special Representative to Cyprus Michael Moller said on Thursday there are still sufficient instances of friction and fractious behavior between the two communities on the island which remind why UNFICYP's presence is still needed in Cyprus.

Moller was addressing the UNFICYP's third Integrated Medal Parade in the buffer zone where he talked about ''the ranks of many nations representing a cross-section of UNFICYP's military contingents from all three sectors.''

''The uniforms may differ from contingent to contingent but the blue berets they all wear remind us that our peacekeepers are here, united in purpose and dedication, to serve in support of the UN's longstanding commitment to the cause of peace, stability and a return to normalcy on this island,'' he said.

Moller noted that ''it has been a year since UNFICYP downsized into a reconfigured force with a concept of operations demanding greater mobility and flexibility,'' adding that ''the buffer zone did not shrink, however, and our patrols must continue to go out and cover the same ground, the same terrain, night and day.''

''While we may be a smaller force than just over a year ago, we do not shrink from our responsibilities of patrol and control,'' he added.

In his remarks, Moller said that ''over the years, the level and nature of incidents has dropped off significantly, however there are still sufficient instances of friction and fractious behavior between the two to remind us on a daily basis of why we, the peacekeepers, are here and why UNFICYP's presence is still needed on this island.''

Moller commended the men and women of UNFICYP for their ''vigilance and dedication and for the way you have so effectively, efficiently and consistently helped implement the UN mandate here in Cyprus.''

[46] Christofias: Pope's position on Cyprus positive

Cyprus House President Demetris Christofias has said the Vatican plays an important role in international relations, adding that "we will to have made the most out of this."

He said the position of Pope Benedict XVI on the Cyprus question is positive.

Speaking on Thursday at Larnaca airport on his return from Italy, where he paid an official visit, Christofias said that the leader of the Catholic Church said that "if the EU really believes in the principles it says it represents, it must indeed help Cyprus to reunite.''

Christofias said they talked about the continuing Turkish occupation of Cyprus' northern part, the looting of the island's heritage, the destruction of churches, cemeteries and the need for the EU to get engaged in these issues and the settlement of the Cyprus question.

He said the Pope "had stressed that if the EU really believed in the values it said it represented it should actually help Cyprus reunite and reconstruct its cultural heritage, religious or archaeological.''

Christofias added that he explained to the Pope that the Cyprus problem is not a religious conflict between Muslims and Christians.

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