Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-03-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece 'strategic partner', US Secretary of State says

[02] State Dept. official again refers to 'strategic' Greek-US alliance ahead of FM's visit

[03] FM to meet UN special mediator Matthew Nimetz on Saturday

[04] PM Karamanlis tells EU Summit that speeding up reforms is imperative

[05] FYROM name issue 'not on the agenda' of Karamanlis-Buckovski talks, the latter claims

[06] Government on reforms program, Lisbon targets

[07] Deputy FM on Greek-German relations

[08] Greek parliamentarians visit Paris, discuss Mirage, Balkans, Mediterranean

[09] Psarouda-Benaki to take part in 2nd EuroMed Parliamentary Assembly

[10] Gov't says EYP functioning legally, PASOK responds

[11] DM meets with US Ambassador to Greece

[12] Conference held in Athens on strengthening relations between Greece and Egypt

[13] Cypriot party leader Papapetrou in Athens

[14] Cypriot House president speaks on Cyprus issue in Thessaloniki

[15] Papandreou meets with PASOK new Parliament group presidium

[16] SYN leader attends French communist party conference

[17] Papariga calls for Parliament debate on education

[18] Bill codifying narcotics legislation tabled in Parliament

[19] Reppas re-elected as PASOK Parliamentary group's sec't

[20] EU commissioner welcomes Greek economic overhaul

[21] Development minister addresses event for the promotion of hydrogen in Greece

[22] GSEE urges gov't to change economic policy

[23] Merchant marine minister sets priorities

[24] Hellenic Exchanges seeks to become main capital market in SE Europe

[25] Intralot reports spectacular 2005 results

[26] Employees of Phosphorous Fertilizers Industry head for Athens on buses

[27] Central bank chief, minister hold meeting

[28] Chinese investment fair officials in Athens

[29] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks nose up

[30] PM, Parliament president and parties issue messages on March 25 national anniversary

[31] President Karolos Papoulias issues message to Greeks Abroad

[32] Ambassador Sotiropoulos to host grand reception in Vienna marking Greece's National Independence Day

[33] Gov't unveils details of revised civil servants' code

[34] Athens to again host Europe Corporate Games

[35] KKE leader meets in Ano Liossia with Intermunicipal Committee for removal of landfill

[36] Teachers and students hold protest over private universities

[37] Migrant-laden vessel intercepted off SW Peloponnese

[38] Archbishop of Athens calls for Afghan president's intervention to save a life

[39] Cairo's Greek community to celebrate centennial in April

[40] Another confirmed case of H5N1 in Thessaloniki

[41] Cyprus says Greece to convey positions to US

[42] Cyprus President inaugurates new EU representation building in Brussels

[01] Greece 'strategic partner', US Secretary of State says

WASHINGTON, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA/A. Ellis)

Rice noted that both countries wish to solve many international problems, without this necessarily meaning that they agree on all issues, and referred to Greece's good relations with the Muslim world, noting that they could be useful in promoting peace.

On her part, Bakoyannis referred to the need to solve problems in various parts of the world, referring in particular to the West Balkans, whose future - according to the Greek minister - is in Europe.

As for Kosovo and defining its status, Bakoyannis said that the positions and views of all involved parties should be taken into consideration.

Bakoyannis also underscored the need to resolve the Cyprus issue by finding a solution based on the UN Security Council's relevant decisions that will lead to a united, bi-communal Cyprus.

Also referring to Cyprus, Rice said that the island's reunification must be achieved based on democratic values. She did not refer to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's plan.

On the issue of Greek-Turkish relations, Rice stressed that the US supports the steady improvement in relations which began after the two countries came to each others' aid following the 1999 earthquakes.

Bakoyannis, on her part, raised the issue of the re-opening of the Halki Greek Orthodox Seminary in Turkey, while Rice responded that this is an issue the US repeatedly raises with the Turkish government.

Furthermore, Rice congratulated Bakoyannis on her work as Athens Mayor and accepted the Greek minister's invitation to visit Greece.

[02] State Dept. official again refers to 'strategic' Greek-US alliance ahead of FM's visit

WASHINGTON, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA / T. Ellis)

The State Department official noted that US officials are cooperating with the Turkish Cypriots' leadership, although this does not qualify as recognition. He also said that the previous T/C leadership (Rauf Denktash) pushed for a permanent division on the east Mediterranean island.

Along those lines, Fried added that Washington is also not interested in signing a trade agreement with the T/C "regime" -- established in the Turkish-occupied north of the island and recognized only by Turkey, the occupying military power.

Regarding the "name issue" that still serves as a "thorn" between Athens and its northern neighbor, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), the US official emphasized that the United States has told FYROM's leadership that it must find a solution with Greece regarding the pending matter if it wants to join NATO and the European Union.

Moreover, he again pointed to the UN framework for finding a solution to the "name issue", a process he said is backed by Washington. Additionally, he echoed other US officials' position on the matter, namely, that Washington will accept whatever results emanate from negotiations.

Fried said he believed, however, that it was in Greece's best interests to border with a stable and developed democracy, while adding that relations between the neighboring states are very good, except for the "name issue".

Furthermore, he reiterated the fact that the United States considers Greece as a strategic partner and NATO ally, both in the Balkans and Afghanistan.

Fried declined to comment when asked about an unprecedented phone-tapping conspiracy revealed by the Greek government in early February.

Finally, in response to a question over a government decision last week not to exercise its option for the purchase of an addition 10 US-made F-16 fighter planes, the State Department official disputed any notion that the decision created friction in bilateral relations, stressing that Greece is an independent country.

[03] FM to meet UN special mediator Matthew Nimetz on Saturday

NEW YORK, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA/P. Panagiotou)

Bakoyannis will then attend a religious service on Greece's March 25 national anniversary at the Evangelismos church in Manhattan. On the same day in the evening, she will visit the General Greek Consulate where a reception will be held on the occasion of the national anniversary.

The foreign minister will be meeting UN secretary general Kofi Annan on Monday. The exact time has yet to be set.

She will also be participating in a special UN Security Council session discussing the situation in Haiti.

[04] PM Karamanlis tells EU Summit that speeding up reforms is imperative

BRUSSELS, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA/A. Panagopoulos)

Karamanlis underlined that a basic priority of the EU member-states is the timely implementation of national reform programs and this priority should be the clear result of Thursday's session of the Council, that is, an even greater speeding up of reforms.

The Greek prime minister termed as a positive step the defining of particular actions as necessary priorities in the course of achieving the objectives on a European and national level. He also noted that particular attention should be focused on issues concerning research and development, the improvement of the business environment and the creation of job opportunities.

Karamanlis expressed his disagreement on the quantitative analysis of objectives in particular sectors, as the Austrian EU presidency had proposed beyond what had been agreed on. He noted that quantitative objectives, when set up, should be realistic so as not to create problems of unreliability of the Union.

He also noted that the main priority remains the creation of more jobs, especially jobs for young people and women. Within this framework, he added, "we are promoting a series of integrated actions, aimed at facilitating easier access to the labor market and we are already ascertaining the first results with a drop of unemployment below 10 per cent in 2005."

Referring to reforms which are being implemented for the improvement of the business environment and the support of small and medium-size enterprises, Karamanlis said that all EU policies should aim primarily to small enterprises, particularly regarding the improvement of legislation.

Regarding the Bolkestein Directive, the Greek premier termed as a success the finding of a compromise solution at the European Parliament, which, as he said, should be backed.

As regards the Common Energy Policy, Karamanlis noted that Greece adopts the vision of the European Commission on energy strategy. He also expressed his support for the Commission's initiative to issue the Green Book, underlining the need for the creation of regional energy markets.

The dinner of EU finance ministers, in which Greek finance Minister George Alogoskoufis participated, focused on the labor market. The Greek minister told journalists that the Scandinavian model was analyzed and particularly the Danish model.

Alogoskoufis said that the Swedish model has as its main characteristics the flexibility in the labor market accompanied by a strong social protection.

He also underlined that the Greek government has no relation whatsoever with the policies of the French prime minister regarding employment for young people.

On his part, Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis said that, during the foreign ministers' dinner, the issue which prevailed was the future of Europe and particularly the fate of the European Constitution.

On arriving in the city, Karamanlis immediately took part in the European Peoples Party (EPP) summit that focused on preparations for the later meeting of EU leaders and the EPP Congress that will take place in Rome on March 30-31.

In statements afterward, Karamanlis stressed that he will particularly emphasize employment and sustainable growth during the European Council meeting.

"For us a basic priority is to create more jobs, with especial concern for women and young people, and to strengthen social cohesion and small to middle-sized businesses," he added.

Regarding the EPP Congress, the Greek premier said that this convened every three years in order to adopt fundamental resolutions and to elect the EPP presidium, while this year it would also mark the 30th anniversary since the foundation of the EPP.

[05] FYROM name issue 'not on the agenda' of Karamanlis-Buckovski talks, the latter claims

BRUSSELS, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA/ M. Aroni)

The FYROM premier made the statement after a meeting he had with European Union Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn.

Buckovski told Greek reporters that "our differences on the constitutional name of FYROM are not included in the agenda of the meeting with the Greek prime minister."

FYROM's European prospects were at the focus of Buckovski's talks with EU Commissioner Rehn.

[06] Government on reforms program, Lisbon targets

ATHENS, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA)

"It took many years for PASOK to realize the negative repercussions of its policies on the national economy and Greek society, which are recorded in the figures for the structural indicators of the European Statistics Service in relation to the goals of the Lisbon strategy," the spokesman noted.

He said the government's reforms would secure high rates of growth with a simultaneous rise in employment and greater social cohesion.

Following the European Commission's report uncovering the concealment of deficits by PASOK governments, the report on structural indices showed that PASOK's policies had made Greece last in Europe, not just for economic but for all crucial social indicators, Antonaros added.

In a press release regarding the Greek economy and the Commission's report, meanwhile, main opposition PASOK counter-accused the government of having caused a deterioration of all basic indicators during its two years in power.

"At the European Union Summit, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis will have to explain to our EU partners how his government managed in just two years to stall Greece's longstanding dynamic economic and social progress," the announcement said.

It claimed that Greece's economic progress could be divided into two periods: the years 2000-2003 when there was a marked improvement in the majority of indices and the two years 2004-2005, during which the Greek economy had made its position worse in terms of nearly all Lisbon targets.

"The political fraud of the 'audit' that led to the country being monitored (by the EU) and the policy followed by ND's government are today translated into a slowdown in growth, reduction of real incomes, higher taxes for the many, tax relief and tax exemption for the few, high prices for Greek families, overborrowing by households, asphyxiation of markets, strangulation of public investments, decline of private investments, reduction of foreign investments, a cessation of works in Greek regions. Greece is now diverging from the European average of the 25 member-states, not just the 15," PASOK claimed.

[07] Deputy FM on Greek-German relations

ATHENS, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA)

In defining Germany's foreign policy, Stylianidis said that it functions as a negotiating force and as a balance between the world's major and smaller powers.

Referring to the West Balkans, Stylianidis said that it is of vital interest for both Greece and Germany that stability and economic prosperity are promoted in the region's countries.

Finally, as the person responsible for the country's economic and developmental diplomacy, the deputy minister said that Greece "has laid out a mid- and long-term strategy regarding energy diplomacy."

As for developmental cooperation, Stylianidis underscored the responsibility that Greece and Germany have towards developing countries and the problems they face, such as poverty, malnourishment and illiteracy.

He noted that Germany ranks fifth as a major provider of development aid.

Also attending the event was German Ambassador in Athens Wolfgang Schultheiss.

The event was organized by EKEM in cooperation with the University of Athens' Greek-German relations study lab, the German Embassy in Greece and the Friedrich Ebert Institute.

[08] Greek parliamentarians visit Paris, discuss Mirage, Balkans, Mediterranean

STRASBOURG, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Discussion centered on the Mirage combat aircraft, the Balkans and the Mediterranean.

Seven Greek deputies of the corresponding Committee in the Greek Parliament are in Paris on a five-day visit until Friday.

The seven-member Greek parliamentarians were headed by the Greek Committee's president, ruling New Democracy (ND) party deputy Christos Zois.

At the French Defense Ministry, the Greek delegation, comprised of four ND and three main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) deputies, met with Strategic Affairs Director Jean de Ponton d'Amecourt with whom they discussed the issue of the upgrading of the Mirage 2005 and France's commitment to deliver them in April.

Zois said after the meeting at the ministry:" I am not very optimistic that we will have received the aircraft within this deadline. We noted that this is very serious, given that Greece is at a phase of seeking 4th generation aircraft. We made clear that this pending matter must end as soon as possible, aware of course that it does not concern an issue of a political nature but a technical one."

[09] Psarouda-Benaki to take part in 2nd EuroMed Parliamentary Assembly

24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA)

The EMPA sitting will also be attended by a delegation from the Greek Parliament comprised of Ilias Kallioras (New Democracy), Petros Alivizatos (New Democracy) and Rodoula Zisi (PASOK).

The EMPA session will discuss issues pertaining to the Barcelona Process.

[10] Gov't says EYP functioning legally, PASOK responds

ATHENS, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Asked whether he was referring to this system, Antonaros said that he "is not aware of the system in question" and called on reporters to appeal to the relevant ministry, while stressing that "all the services of the Greek state function within the framework of the law."

Main opposition PASOK party spokesman Nikos Athanassakis said in response and commenting on the relevant press report appearing in Thursday's edition of the newspaper "Ta Nea", that the government "must give explicit answers on whether EYP carried out illegal phone-tapings".

He said that the statement by the alternate government spokesman, Antonaros, that EYP functions in the framework of the law "is not enough".

Athanassakis further said that apart from being said it must also apply, adding that "if all that is mentioned in the report is valid then EYP is moving outside the framework of legality."

[11] DM meets with US Ambassador to Greece

ATHENS, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA)

During the meeting, which according to a ministry statement was within the context of courtesy meetings the minister has with the ambassadors of foreign countries, the two sides confirmed the very good cooperation between Greece and the US in the defense sector.

[12] Conference held in Athens on strengthening relations between Greece and Egypt

ATHENS, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA)

"Egypt lies at the centre of Greece's economic diplomacy and development policy in 2006 in the framework of the overture we are attempting in the countries of the Mediterranean," the deputy minister said, terming Egypt a country of strategic importance for Greece.

Stylianidis further said that if Greece constitutes a commercial gateway for southeastern Europe, Egypt constitutes a gateway for the countries of the Mediterranean and the African continent.

He noted that the sectors of cooperation on which emphasis must be placed are shipping, energy, tourism, agriculture and construction.

[13] Cypriot party leader Papapetrou in Athens

ATHENS, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA)

During talks with Papoulias, Papapetrou noted that this was a "pressured time" for Cyprus due to the upcoming elections and the activity surrounding the Cyprus issue. "It may be time to make some decisions," he noted, with which Papoulias concurred.

Papapetrou also met main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou, a former foreign minister of Greece and current president of the Socialist International

Afterwards, the Cypriot party leader said that they had discussed the Cyprus issue and the view that "time is a factor that consolidates the divisional fait accomplis on Cyprus and the need for a solution must be dealt with through specific initiatives in the direction of the international community," as well as the potential role of the Socialist International in achieving a solution to the Cyprus issue.

[14] Cypriot House president speaks on Cyprus issue in Thessaloniki

ATHENS, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA)

"We must be realists," Christofias told a gathering in Thessaloniki when asked if he felt optimistic after the latest developments, pointing out that Turkey was refusing to implement obligations that arose from the start of its accession negotiations for EU entry.

The Cypriot official said that Turkey was "kicking" and refusing to discuss issues central to the Cyprus issue, while noting that its attitude was a "provocation toward the EU".

Christofias urged the European Union to respond to what it considered its own values and United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan to put into practice the things agreed with Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and involve all five permanent members of the UN Security Council in the process for a Cyprus solution.

He also underlined that changes to the Annan plan were necessary, "otherwise the impasse will remain and this is against the interests of all Cypriots".

At an event at Macedonia University, Christofias noted that mistakes had been made both by "ourselves and others" that made it impossible to reverse the present situation on Cyprus without some cost.

"This does not, however, allow us to accept measures that will begin causing bicommunal tension from the first day, possibly giving rise to the disappearance of the Cyprus Republic and wider threats for the region. We remain firmly committed to a bizonal, bicommunal federation, which is the painful compromise and the price of the mistakes and crimes that were committed," he said.

At the same time, Christofias stressed that attempts to impose a "solution" that was not based on universally accepted principles would lead to a new impasse.

Finally, the Cyprus House president noted that Cyprus wanted to involve the EU, of which it was now a member.

"Since the EU proclaims that it is based on principles and has human rights as its standard, it has a duty to help a member-state restore its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the human rights of its citizens," he said.

[15] Papandreou meets with PASOK new Parliament group presidium

ATHENS, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Papandreou called on the relevant PASOK deputies to intensify their efforts and focus on citizens' everyday problems.

[16] SYN leader attends French communist party conference

STRASBOURG, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA/O. Tsipira)

The conference began with a four-hour delay on Thursday to allow attendees to take part in youth protests in the French capital against French Prime Minister Dominic de Villepin's proposals regarding labor legislation, in which Alavanos participated.

In comments he made, Alavanos said that his presence at Thursday's protest had a symbolic meaning, adding that all leaders of the European left who came to attend the conference took part in the protest "in order to send France the message as well as our countries, that this is a European battle."

The Synaspismos leader also noted that the battle of French students and workers has a "pan-European dimension since the same attacks are made in practically all European countries, including Greece."

Asked to comment on an argument presented by many economic analysts that in light of globalization and the emergence of new economic forces such as India and China, Europeans will also need to become more 'flexible' in their labor relations, Alavanos replied: "For civilization everywhere to develop and continue, workers in India, China, Pakistan and elsewhere must reach the level of European workers, not the other way around."

[17] Papariga calls for Parliament debate on education

ATHENS, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA)

A government initiative to allow the founding and operation of private, non-profit tertiary institutions in the country, a pre-election promise, has generated opposition in some academic quarters, by students' groups and the leftist opposition.

Main opposition PASOK has more-or-less expressed backed the opening of such institutions under certain conditions.

[18] Bill codifying narcotics legislation tabled in Parliament

ATHENS, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA)

The codifies laws that define narcotics and precursor substances, as well as their production, possession and trade, other chapters deal with the control and terms of prescribing narcotics and various other aspects of their use, treatment of addiction, prosecution and other issues.

[19] Reppas re-elected as PASOK Parliamentary group's sec't

ATHENS, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA)

[20] EU commissioner welcomes Greek economic overhaul

24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA)

"These are efforts that deserve all possible support," Kroes was quoted as telling the Greek finance minister, George Alogoskoufis, during a meeting on the sidelines of an EU summit in the Belgian capital.

Also discussed by the two officials was an early retirement scheme by Athens-quoted Hellenic Telecommunications Organization and measures for Hellenic Shipyards, matters currently under investigation by EU authorities for any breaches of the law on state subsidies.

[21] Development minister addresses event for the promotion of hydrogen in Greece

ATHENS, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Sioufas said the development ministry, and particularly the Research and Technology General Secretariat, "is observing and supporting the contribution of Greek agencies in the development of hydrogen technologies."

Sioufas noted the particularities of Greece, with its numerous islands, "where the cost of energy is high, a fact which renders the energy solution of hydrogen as viable, even at the present early stage, regarding the implementation of the relevant technology."

He further underlined that "the ministry is open to proposals for the strategy which Greece needs in order for us 'not to lose the train of hydrogen'."

At an other event on Thursday, Sioufas chaired a meeting at the development ministry with the general secretaries and representatives of the government's 17 ministries. Examined at the meeting was the progress of the implementation of the government's policy for the use of natural gas as a substitute for heating fuel.

This policy has been expressed in a Joint Ministerial Decision between Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos, National Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis and Sioufas.

The decision foresees the connecting of public buildings, where it is possible, with natural gas, which will replace the use of heating fuel.

[22] GSEE urges gov't to change economic policy

ATHENS, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA)

GSEE's president Christos Polyzogopoulos, commenting on remarks made by Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis on low wages and high prices in Greece, urged the government to change in mixture of economic policy. Commenting on the situation faced by Greek workers, Polyzogopoulos said workers were threatened by doubts expressed by employers over collective labor agreements and to increasing prices in domestic prices. Greek enterprises and banks are reporting record high profits, boosted by government policy such as new laws on working hours, overworking pay, public sector enterprises, pension system reform, tax-breaks, a development law and joint ventures between public and private sector companies, he stressed.

Polyzogopoulos also noted that a government's income policy for 2006 offered pay rises below the inflation rate.

Meanwhile, bank workers' union OTOE has called a general meeting for April 17 to decide on its strike mobilizations with the aim to ensure higher pay increases.

[23] Merchant marine minister sets priorities

ATHENS, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Prices are to be deregulated before Easter for ships leaving the port of Piraeus, except vessels subsidized by the state to run unprofitable routes to remote islands, the minister noted.

[24] Hellenic Exchanges seeks to become main capital market in SE Europe

ATHENS, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Presenting its strategic plan to the Association of Institutional Investors, Hellenic Exchanges said the strategy to achieve this goal would focus on improving its functions through raising revenues, reducing costs and sign partnership agreements with neighboring capital markets.

The representatives of Hellenic Exchanges stressed the big increase in trading activity recorded in 2005 and continuing in the first three months of 2006 in the Athens Stock Exchange and the derivatives market.

The Athens Stock Exchange held its annual regular general assembly on Thursday and agreed to re-elect the members of its board. ASE president, Spyros Kapralos, addressing the assembly recommended that medium- and smaller-capitalization stocks would be offered one hour trading extension daily.

[25] Intralot reports spectacular 2005 results

ATHENS, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Pre-tax, interest and amortization earnings (EBITDA) rose 52.2 percent to 160 million euros last year from 105.1 million euros in 2004.

Intralot said revenues from its international activities accounted for 74.7 pct of its consolidated turnover and 56.9 pct of its profits last year.

Parent turnover totaled 123.7 million euros in 2005 from 110.7 million in 2004, while pre-tax profits rose 23.7 pct to 75.2 million euros.

[26] Employees of Phosphorous Fertilizers Industry head for Athens on buses

ATHENS, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA)

The employees were led to this decision, considering the response they expected from Minister of Macedonia and Thrace, George Kalantzis, on their demands as being unsatisfactory.

Earlier, the minister stressed in a written statement that "the government expresses its satisfaction that the administration of the Phosphorous Fertilizers Industry announced its decision to reconsider the parameters concerning the rational operation of the production unit in Thessaloniki."

[27] Central bank chief, minister hold meeting

ATHENS, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA)

[28] Chinese investment fair officials in Athens

ATHENS, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA)

The CIFIT fair, which attracts more than 10,000 visitors from 100 countries, will be held in Xiamen, China on September 8-11, 2006.

[29] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks nose up

ATHENS, 24/3/2006 (ANA-MPA)

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.14% down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 1.15% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.72% up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 171 to 93 with 58 remaining unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: PPC top in stock futures trade

Equity Index Futures: