Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-04-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] President Papoulias attends dedication ceremony for Orthodox Cathedral in Alexandria

[02] Papandreou meets with Italian prime ministerial contender Prodi

[03] Deputy Interior Minister Nakos speaks at NY event marking Greece's Independence Day

[04] Yiannakou speaks on the education of immigrants in Greece

[05] Papandreou begins tour of Evros prefecture

[06] PASOK holds event on local government ahead of forthcoming municipal elections

[07] Greece's Deputy FinMin Folias addresses investments conference in New York

[08] Deputy FinMin Folias says Greece 'has taken lessons from globalization'

[09] Sioufas addresses SEECP energy ministers meeting in Thessaloniki

[10] Top State Dept. official cites support for Burgas-Alexandroupoli pipeline

[11] Tsitouridis optimistic over collective bargaining talks on Monday

[12] Foreign Exchange Rates: Monday

[13] Christodoulos refers to efforts promoting atheism

[14] Illegal immigrants intercepted off Kos

[15] HIV-infected blood donor charged with criminal negligence

[16] AEK edges ahead in second-place race

[17] EPP calls on Turkey to recognize Cyprus and withdraw its troops

[01] President Papoulias attends dedication ceremony for Orthodox Cathedral in Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, 3/4/2006 (ANA-MPA / S. Aravopoulou)

The service dedicating the Annunciation Cathedral, which underwent a comprehensive renovation, was among the first items, in fact, on Papoulias' itinerary during his official visit to Egypt.

Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak will receive Papoulias in Cairo on Monday.

A high-ranking ministerial delegation from Athens was led by Tourism Development Minister Fani Palli-Petralia, while several main opposition deputies as well as former prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis attended the service in Alexandria, which was also attended by local leaders and representatives of other faiths.

The leadership of the Alexander S. Onassis Foundation, one of the major benefactors of the effort to renovate and refurbish the Cathedral, was on hand as well.

In the afternoon, a protocol of cooperation was signed between the Onassis Foundation and the monumental Library of Alexandria in the presence of Papoulias and members of the Greek government delegation.

[02] Papandreou meets with Italian prime ministerial contender Prodi

ROME, 3/4/2006 (ANA-MPA/G. Milionis)

"It is with particular joy that I am here in Italy to support my very good friend Romano Prodi, a personality which will again give a voice to Europe and the Mediterranean," Papandreou said after meeting Prodi.

"We need this progressive voice for the Balkans, for the Mediterranean and Greece, for developments in Europe, for a socially just and peaceful Europe," Papandreou told reporters, adding that "I believe that the air of change which has started in Spain and Portugal is hopefully soon coming to Italy as well, and will also embrace the other countries of southern Europe and, of course, Greece."

On his part, Prodi said that he discussed with Papandreou issues related to Europe and the Balkans, including immigration and how Europe will meet international competition from the United States and the growing influence of China.

They also discussed a proposal for promoting the creation of a new Mediterranean bank but also for the strengthening of a Euro-Mediterranean dialogue with a much stronger initiative than that of Barcelona's, in which Mediterranean countries will play a pivotal role in the Union's growth.

[03] Deputy Interior Minister Nakos speaks at NY event marking Greece's Independence Day

NEW YORK, 3/4/2006 (ANA-MPA/P. Panagiotou)

Nakos conveyed "the personal interest and love" which Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis has for the Greek-American community.

Nakos referred in particular to the efforts being made by the interior ministry for the development of Greek regions and called on the Greek-Americans to continue to help in every way possible their village, city and neighborhood, which they left behind, thus giving an opportunity for the development of Greece.

The Greek-American events in celebration of Greece's National Independence Day will culminate in New York on Sunday.

On Sunday, at 8 p.m. (Greek time) the great parade will start at Manhattan's 5th Avenue.

The parade will be preceded by a Te Deum at the Holy Trinity Church and a reception with greetings by official guests.

Apart from Nakos, the Greek government will also be represented by Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Kalatzis.

This year's parade is dedicated to the Greek immigrants and to youth.

The events will also be attended by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) President Andrew Athens, the president of "Marathon" bank, Paul Stathopoulos, and businessman John Ragos.

Nakos addresses Cypriot-American congress in US: Deputy Interior and Public Administration Minister Athanassios Nakos on Saturday addressed the Cypriot Federation of America's congress here, where he stressed that the Annan peace plan to resolve the long-standing Cyprus issue is "a thing of the past."

He also noted that "the European acquis communautaire is a significant reality that no one can now ignore in efforts for a solution to the Cyprus issue."

Finally, Nakos conveyed greetings to the congress' delegates from Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, while citing the "excellent and steadfast cooperation" between Athens and the government of Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos.

[04] Yiannakou speaks on the education of immigrants in Greece

WASHINGTON, 3/4/2006 (ANA-MPA/T. Ellis)

Regarding the situation of religious freedoms and of human rights in Greece, she said that "the reality in the country is much better than that described in relevant State Department reports."

She gave particular emphasis to the fact that "the Greek state cares about the education of the Muslims of Western Thrace."

Yiannakou further described the education ministry's policy for the support of the education of Greeks abroad and of the promotion of the Greek language internationally.

[05] Papandreou begins tour of Evros prefecture

3/4/2006 (ANA)

He initially referred to the recent flooding throughout Evros, conveying a message of "support and solidarity", as he said, to the people that witnessed their property devastated.

In his address, Papandreou said the government "is obliged" to declare Evros prefecture as a flood-stricken area and to advance an inter-state agreement with neighboring Bulgaria and Turkey, for a lasting solution in dealing with the floods.

Papandreou said that Evros must also "exploit its proximity with the enormous market of Istanbul and the developing market of Bulgaria."

"This development plan must be based on special criteria, which will be initially covered by national resources and at the same time, approval and funding must be sought from the European Union."

He further noted that creating a regional transport hub and the Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline are important development parameters for the region.

Finally, the PASOK leader also referred to the upcoming municipal and prefecture elections in October, stating that his party will enter the elections with cadres able to form a new political environment and ones able to support major decentralization reforms.

[06] PASOK holds event on local government ahead of forthcoming municipal elections

ATHENS, 3/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The sessions of the event were opened by PASOK National Council Secretary Mariliza Xenoyiannakopoulou. She said that in May, in view of the upcoming municipal and prefecture elections in October, PASOK will hold 15 regional conferences and a nationwide conference.

The meeting was also addressed by PASOK's Solidarity director Angela Gerekou and the party's Athens-Piraeus Supra-Prefect Fofi Gennimata.

Also taking part in the meeting were members of the Political Council and Local Government cadres.

[07] Greece's Deputy FinMin Folias addresses investments conference in New York

NEW YORK, 4/3/2006 (ANA-MPA/P. Panagiotou)

These were the main conclusions drawn from a conference held here late Friday night which was organized by the Association of Graduates of the Business School of New York's Columbia University, with the cooperation of the International Chamber of Commerce (of Greece) and of the Council of Foreign and Economic Relations of Turkey. The conference had as its theme:" Crossroad for investments and cooperation opportunities: Greece, Turkey and the United States".

The conference was addressed, among others, by Greece's Deputy National Economy and Finance Minister Christos Folias, U.S. Ambassador to Athens, Charles Ries, and Greek Ambassador to Washington, Alexandros Mallias.

Deputy economy and finance minister Folias spoke of "new horizons" and "new ideas", noting that "with a spirit of understanding and cooperation," the peoples of Greece and Turkey "will have a better future."

Referring to "the progress of the Greek economy" and to "the new facts," he underlined the "encouraging developments" in the sectors of tourism, throughout the year, and of investments, calling on American investors "to come to our region."

Folias stressed in particular "the enormous economic importance" of the agreements which Greece has signed in the energy sector.

Speaking to reporters later, Folias said the conference was "an excellent initiative for us to discuss the opportunities of investment cooperation between the United States, Greece and Turkey."

To reporters' remarks that efforts were also made in the past for investments in Greece but did not have a significant result, Folias underlined that "many start something but few can complete it, and we are among these few." The deputy finance minister added:"We came here to present what Greece has achieved these past two years, where our country aims for its future and how we see cooperation, of mutual benefit, with the United States of America, with our neighbors, and therefore also with the Turks and how we will be able to promote the interests of our big neighborhood which is southeast Europe, Turkey, the Middle East, the countries of the Black Sea and of north Africa."

[08] Deputy FinMin Folias says Greece 'has taken lessons from globalization'

WASHINGTON, 3/4/2006 (ANA-MPA/T. Ellis)

"We need more research, effectiveness, better coordination and innovations in services and products so as to successfully compete in an increasingly competitive world market. At the same time, we must continue to support our social model so that pensions and social insurance to be funded, for the viability of the labor market and for environment policy to be improved," Folias said.

The deputy finance minister also underlined that Greece "has taken lessons from globalization" and is working in order for the country to become more attractive to foreign investors. "Our aim is to support the citizens and to strengthen business activity, transforming the state into a force of impetus and not the obstruction of investment initiatives," Folias concluded.

[09] Sioufas addresses SEECP energy ministers meeting in Thessaloniki

3/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The minister underlined that "within the framework of the Cooperation Process of the countries of SE Europe, we are working in order for our region to become a unified area, attractive for investments in energy and in the other sectors of the economy, with the aim of granting high level energy products and services."

Sioufas said the operation of the energy community will benefit household, commercial and industrial consumers.

"We all have an interest for the Energy Community to start operating as soon as possible," he said, adding that "it is necessary for every country to speed up its own internal procedures so that the founding Treaty of the Energy Community to be ratified immediately by all," he said at the meeting, entitled "Fundamental Pillars of Development in SE Europe".

Referring to the construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline, Sioufas stressed: "We are responding to the need for yet another channel for the transport of the oil from the Caspian Sea region to international markets, complementary and not competitive towards the Bosporus or other oil pipelines, which are either already in operation or are in the stage of construction."

"Greece along with Turkey and Italy support the construction of two natural gas pipelines that will transport natural gas from the Caspian Sea region and the Middle East to the markets of Europe."

Meanwhile, a joint communiqué released at the conclusion of the meeting noted that the representatives of the SEECP countries agreed to intensify cooperation so at to improve energy effectiveness and energy-saving and to continue with the implementation of the Treaty of the Energy Community, one aimed at achieving specific results to the benefit of the peoples of the region.

Apart from Greece, taking part in the meeting were ministers and deputy ministers from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Montenegro, Romania, Serbia and Austria. Also taking part as observers were representatives from the United States, Russia and Moldova.

[10] Top State Dept. official cites support for Burgas-Alexandroupoli pipeline

ATHENS, 3/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Bryza, who attended a South East Europe Cooperation Process (SEECP) energy ministers' meeting in the northern city of Thessaloniki as an observer, said the project appears commercially viable and has generated heightened interest amongst the partners in the scheme.

He also noted that Washington was interested in supporting the development of the energy sector in SE Europe, while noting that the strategic interests of the United States' allies in the region also comprise a guarantee for America's interests.

Bryza, who holds the European and Eurasian Affairs portfolio, clarified that Washington's interests involve an overall strategy, one that is not linked to specific companies interested in investing in the region. Finally, he said the US side is particularly interested in the region increasing its use of renewable forms of energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

[11] Tsitouridis optimistic over collective bargaining talks on Monday

ATHENS, 3/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"The level of responsibility is very high on both sides, and should bring about a positive result," Tsitouridis said from Thessaloniki, his electoral district.

In a related question over the possibility of increasing retirement ages, the minister repeated that the government is not considering raising the age requirement or even slashes in the pension rates "during a period when we must approach the Community average".

Employers' representatives, in a meeting on Thursday, offered a 9.8-percent pay hike for the two-year period 2006-07, while trade unions have demanded a 5.5-percent pay increase for 2006 alone, retroactively in effect from Jan. 1, 2006.

[12] Foreign Exchange Rates: Monday

ATHENS, 3/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

U.S. dollar 1.220

[13] Christodoulos refers to efforts promoting atheism

ATHENS, 3/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Nevertheless, he noted that "the overwhelming majority of our people are church-goers."

The Archbishop made the remarks at a service he officiated at an Athens-area Cathedral.

Commenting on an on-again, off-again public debate regarding the separation of the state and the Church in the predominately Eastern Orthodox Christian nation, Christodoulos said from the pulpit: "This people and country appear on the map today due to the Church, and are linked with the Church, Orthodoxy and faith."

[14] Illegal immigrants intercepted off Kos

ATHENS, 3/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

According to reports, the speedboat had disembarked from the opposite Turkish mainland. No information was given regarding the nationalities of the illegals or that of the 21-year-old migrant smuggler.

Meanwhile, two foreign nationals were intercepted at the western port of Patra on Saturday while attempting to board an Italy-bound ferry boat with forged travel documents.

[15] HIV-infected blood donor charged with criminal negligence

ATHENS, 3/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

In testimony before a magistrate, the man claimed that he was not aware that he had been infected with the HIV virus that causes AIDS only days before he donated the blood for a sick relative late last August.

He has subsequently admitted to engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse with unknown partners days before he donated his blood although he allegedly failed to truthfully fill-out a questionnaire requested of all blood donors. Moreover, the man's wife, who is pregnant, has tested negative for the HIV virus.

The man has asserted that he had no intention of transmitting the HIV virus to other people via a blood transfusion.

Finally, the prosecutor found no negligence on the part of physicians at the hospital's blood bank, nothing that staff-members acted within the context of the usual and normal testing procedure.

Soccer

[16] AEK edges ahead in second-place race

ATHENS, 3/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

AEK easily overcame struggling Levadiakos at Athens' Olympic Stadium 2-0 at the same time as Panathinaikos was leaving two precious points on Xanthi's fierce home pitch by earning a 1-1 tie.

In other action:

Egaleo-Larissa 1-0

Akratitos Athens-PAOK Thessaloniki 0-3

Panionios Athens-Apollon Kalamaria 2-1

Kallithea Athens-OFI Crete 0-1

Atromitos Athens-Ionikos Piraeus 3-2

Iraklis Thessaloniki-Olympiakos (April 3)

The standings after 26 weeks of play:

Olympiakos 66 (25 games)

AEK 60

Panathinaikos 58

Iraklis 41 (25 games)

PAOK 40

Skoda Xanthi 40

Atromitos 36

Larissa 35

Egaleo 32

Apollon Kalamaria 31

Ionikos 28

Levadiakos 25

OFI 24

Panionios 23

Akratitos 17

Kallithea 16

[17] EPP calls on Turkey to recognize Cyprus and withdraw its troops

Opposition Democratic Rally (DISY) leader Nicos Anastasiades, expressed here Sunday his satisfaction for the results of the European PeopleÔs Party (EPP) Congress in Rome earlier this week and the resolution on Cyprus that was unanimously approved.

Speaking at a press conference, Anastasiades who headed a delegation at the EPP, said that on the sidelines of the congress he had held a series of contacts with heads of state and government leaders as well as political party leaders.

On Monday, Anastasiades said, he will send a letter to President of the Republic Tassos Papadopoulos to inform him about his contacts and especially the resolution adopted on Cyprus. Letters will be sent by DISY to all the political parties on the island. Anastasiades said that with the resolution, the EPP calls on Turkey to recognize the Republic of Cyprus and to withdraw its troops from the island soon and according to the UN Resolutions.

''I think,'' Anastasiades said, ''that we have a powerful stand with nine points and a Congress resolution coming from the biggest political power in Europe," noting that the resolution "covers the

essence of the Cyprus problem and Turkey's clear obligations."

''We can build on that a new momentum to achieve a comprehensive solution to a problem which concerns our European partners today,'' Anastasiades stated.

According to the resolution, the European People's Party ''calls on the Turkish authorities to effect an early withdrawal, pursuant to the relevant UN resolutions, of its forces in accordance with a

specific timetable; believes that such a withdrawal of Turkish forces is a necessary step forward on the way to further easing tension and preparing for a lasting solution.''

It also ''calls on the Turkish authorities to fully ratify and implement the protocol extending its custom union with all 25 EU members'' and ''to recognize the Republic of Cyprus.''

The EPP draws the attention of the Turkish authorities ''to the fact that the negotiations concerned are intergovernmental negotiations between Turkey on the one hand and the 25 members of the EU on the other; the Republic of Cyprus is one of those Member States.''

With the Resolution, the EPP ''affirms its support to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus, whilst respecting the democratic will of the Greek Cypriot community, regrets that a solution has not been yet reached and it calls on the Secretary General of the UN to resume his initiative for reaching a solution acceptable by all communities in Cyprus''.

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