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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-04-06Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>April 6, 2006CONTENTS
[01] Bakoyannis meets Iacovou, criticizes airspace violations by TurkeyNICOSIA, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)The latest round of Greek airspace violations by Turkish fighter aircraft was criticized by Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis on Wednesday after talks with her Cypriot counterpart George Iacovou in Nicosia that were dominated by Turkey's European prospects and the Cyprus issue."This sort of behavior is not consistent with Turkey's expressed desire to enter the European family," Bakoyannis told reporters in a reference to the airspace violations on Tuesday. "I maintain my optimism that the forces desiring a European, democratic future for the country will prevail in Turkey," she added. The Greek minister said that her talks with Iacovou had also focused on European enlargement and developments in southeastern Europe. "We have agreed on everything," Iacovou stressed, while predicting that the Greek minister's visit would be beneficial for the goals of Greece and Cyprus both within the EU and in other areas. He said that Nicosia's interest was now focused on the upcoming meeting where the EU would assess whether and to what extent Turkey had fulfilled its commitments and obligations toward the European Community. Iacovou underlined, meanwhile, that the Cyprus Republic was not prepared to accept any form of "discount" to Turkey concerning the fulfillment of these terms and conditions and said it was too early to draw any conclusions concerning Turkey's future progress toward EU entry. Bakoyannis, on her part, said that the "European choice" would prove beneficial for the Turkish people. The two ministers were also asked to comment on the results of a recent opinion poll which showed that the vast majority of younger Greek-Cypriots, especially, did not desire co-existence with Turkish-Cypriots. Iacovou said he was convinced that this situation would change if there was a good plan and favorable prospects for a solution: "A good plan will be supported by all strata of the Cypriot people," he said. Bakoyannis, meanwhile, reiterated that the Annan plan in the form that was presented and rejected by Greek-Cypriots was now "history". Meeting with Christofias: The Cyprus issue was also the main topic during Bakoyannis' talks later on Wednesday with Cyprus House of Representatives president Demetris Christofias, leader of Cyprus' AKEL party. "The Cyprus issue cannot withstand another failure," she stressed in statements afterwards, while underlining that Greece and the Cyprus Republic had elected to use every opportunity for an agreed solution. She also expressed hope that "this new effort that we have signs is beginning," would produce results. Christofias noted that there was a "joint desire to work in order that recent developments in the Cyprus issue should continue and bring results." He stressed the need to bridge the gap between the positions of Nicosia and Ankara as soon as possible in order to arrive at an agreed solution that would be accepted by both communities on the island. Bakoyannis meets Cypriot party leaders: Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis held separate meetings with Cypriot political party leaders here on Wednesday afternoon. Her program began with a meeting with former Cyprus president George Vassiliou. She then held consecutive meetings with leftist AKEL party representative Nikos Katsouridis, European Party President Dimitris Syllouris, EDEK party President Yiannakis Omirou, Alternate Democratic Party (DIKO) President Nikos Kleanthous, United Democrats President Mihalis Papapetrou, ADHK President Dinos Mihailidis, the Secretary General of the Ecologists George Perdikis and the President of European Democracy Prodromos Prodromou. The Cypriot politicians presented Bakoyannis with their views on the issue of Cyprus and termed their meeting with her "constructive". Bakoyannis will complete her contacts with Cypriot party leaders on Thursday with a meeting with Democratic Rally (DISY) President Nikos Anastasiades. She will also be meeting with former President Glafcos Clerides. Later on in the afternoon, the foreign minister met with a Holy Synod delegation of the Church of Cyprus, headed by the Metropolitan of Paphos Chrysostomos. The Greek Ambassador Dimitris Rallis gave a reception in honor of Bakoyannis in the evening and later on Nicosia Mayor Mihalakis Zambelas hosted a dinner. [02] US still interested in a Cyprus solution, Rice saysWASHINGTON, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice expressed her country's continued interest in a solution to the Cyprus issue, responding to a question posed by Representative Steven Rothman, while she testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee here on Wednesday.Rothman asked Rice to explain the Bush administration's decision to end US funding of the UN peacekeeping mission in Cyprus in the 2007 budget. "I know that we have not provided funding for the peacekeeping force. More obviously, we - if it remains needed - we'll find a way to deal with its needs. But let me just say that I don't think anybody could misinterpret U.S. interest in Cyprus or a Cyprus settlement," she said. She pointed out that during the period of the Annan plan - drafted by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan - the US worked exhaustively - even on a presidential level - in an effort to make the plan acceptable to both sides. According to Rice, the US considered the Annan plan a good compromise for both sides. "We recognize that the Greek Cypriots did not agree, and they voted it down. But we're back at it. We're working again very hard to see if we can help narrow the differences," she said. Finally, Rice also referred to her recent meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, saying that the two discussed the Cyprus issue. "I don't think anybody can say that the United States is not totally devoted to trying to find a Cyprus settlement. We are," she said. [03] Deputy FM Stylianidis attends OECD's DAC conference; positive report on GreecePARIS, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)Greece has been praised by the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) for its development policy in the Balkans, its immediate aid to those affected by the tsunami in southeast Asia on December 26, 2004, its support to poor countries that took part in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and for the sensitivity of the Greek citizens, who through the mass media, campaigned for awareness to the problems of world poverty.DAC Chairman Richard Manning, revealed on Wednesday to Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis, who is representing Greece at the sessions of DAC's Ministerial Conference in Paris, that the report that it will draft for the assessment of Greece's development policy, will include positive comments in the above mentioned sectors of action. It concerns an intermediate report before the final check on Greece which will be made in Autumn by two DAC member-countries, Luxembourg and New Zealand, on the evaluation of the effectiveness of development policy. Manning further appreciated Greece's efforts to respond to the economic aims set by the European Union, according to which, expenditures for development aid must reach 0.33 per cent of the Gross National Product (GNP). "Greece, even though it is the newest member of DAC (it became a donor in 2000), these past two years increased the percentage of its participation from 0.20 per cent to 0.24 percent, while it is continuing its upward trend despite its fiscal difficulties," Deputy Foreign Minister Stylianidis said. [04] Main opposition leader calls for new 'national pact'ATHENS, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)Main opposition PASOK President George Papandreou called for the creation of a new 'national pact' in order to help society assimilate and play a leading role in upcoming changes, during his speech at the Economist's 10th Roundtable with the Greek Government in Athens on Wednesday."There's another path that invests in people and society, a new national pact which requires the social alliance of all social and productive forces, allowing us to reach an agreement through consensus and negotiation so that we can establish a climate of certainty and security for the changes that are up ahead," he said. Papandreou once again hailed the agreement reached between the General Confederation of the Employees of Greece (GSEE) and the Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) regarding a national collective labor agreement on Monday. Referring to the international environment, Papandreou said that basic standards for workers must be defined and should include trade union liberties, the right to collective bargaining, the abolishment of forced and child labor, as well as the elimination of discrimination. He stressed that volition, consensus and dialogue are required to achieve these objectives. Papandreou noted that there is a difference between labor flexibility and transforming labor into a commodity. "Labor is not only a commodity but an identity of man," he noted. Referring to EU enlargement, Papandreou said that effectively, it means that certain countries will have to adapt to new principles and institutions as defined at the Copenhagen Summit. He said that he had always been a supporter of western Balkan countries and Turkey joining the EU and defended his policy when he served as foreign minister, saying that at the time the then PASOK government had taken small steps regarding a rapprochement with Turkey, which the then main opposition New Democracy party had mocked. Papandreou hailed "on a political level" the decision by National Bank of Greece to acquire a Turkish bank. "I expect more from the government and the business community," he added. He pointed out however, that while the political significance of the acquisition is undisputed, the financial side of the deal must be examined closely so that it does not become an alibi for a reduction in the bank's insurance funds' percentages. The main opposition leader also referred to the country's economy, citing bureaucracy and corruption as the two obstacles to the economy's smooth functioning and as deterrents to foreign investment. "Our goal is a highly-specialized workforce, and the combination of fiscal stability with investment," Papandreou said. He said that the Greek economy remains 'inward-looking' and accused the government of not capitalizing on opportunities created by the Athens Olympic Games. Papandreou also noted that while the year 2005 was designated the Year of Competitiveness, investors withdrew roughly ¬ 1 billion from the country, an unprecedented phenomenon, according to the PASOK leader. Finally, Papandreou said that he was in favor of an outward-looking approach for the Greek economy. "It shouldn't be our borders that protect the Greek entrepreneur but his value and competitiveness that protect him and make him feel certain about the future," he said. The three-day Economist conference, titled "Unveiling New Priorities in a Changing World," concludes on Thursday. [05] DM says improvement in Greek-Turkish relations depends on Ankara, addressing Economist conferenceATHENS, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)National Defense Minister Vangelis Meimarakis was the latest high-ranking government official to address an ongoing Economist group conference in Athens, reiterating standing Greek policy vis-a-vis a handful of foreign policy and defense issues, especially sensitive relations with neighboring EU hopeful Turkey."We back, with all our energies, the European vision of all our neighboring countries, and we are devoting a significant portion of our political and diplomatic efforts to boosting and supporting Balkan states so that they can become equal members of a dynamic European Union," Meimarakis told delegates on Wednesday at the 10th Roundtable With the Government of Greece" conference's second day. The up-until-recently secretary of ruling New Democracy party nevertheless emphasized that a continuing improvement in already warming Greek-Turkish relations depends squarely on Ankara, its adherence with EU membership criteria and the universal principles that guide good-neighborly relations between states. "Within this framework, (Turkey's) practice of infringing Athens FIR regulations and violating Greek national airspace and territorial waters -- something that contravenes Turkey's European obligations -- must stop," the minister stressed. Moreover, he again stressed that Turkey's continued threat of the use of violence in the event that Athens legally extends its territorial waters comes into direct opposition with the neighboring country's European course and efforts for a continued bilateral rapprochement and cooperation with Athens. [06] Tourism and development ministers address Economist Roundtable meetingATHENS, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)Tourist Development Minister Fanny Palli-Petralia outlined the government's tourist policy during an address made on Wednesday at the Economist's 10th Roundtable with the Greek Government titled "Unveiling New Priorities in a Changing World."Petralia announced that the ministry is preparing the creation of a new department which will function as a "One Stop Shop" welcoming office for the coordination of major private investments, giving a further impetus to the sector of attracting tourist investments. She also reminded that the government has proceeded with the ratification of a law on joint ventures in the public and private sectors, an implement which provides new and unprecedented prospects for Greece in the field of investments in tourism and culture. Petralia also placed emphasis on both the international and domestic promotion of tourism and reiterated that the creation of strategic and operational marketing planning is being promoted for selected markets and for specific tourist products. Also addressing the meeting, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas said that the development ministry's main weapon for strengthening the competitiveness of businesses and of the economy is the Competitiveness Operational Program which funds businesses for up to 55 percent of an investment. He mentioned that the Program's absorption rate has increased from 14.7 percent in March 2004 to 43 percent. In other words it has more than tripled. Over 530 million euros were provided through the Program in 2005 for the implementation of infrastructure projects and the subsidization of businesses. To date, more than 80,000 businesses have benefited from the Program. Referring to energy policy, Sioufas said that Greece, despite the delays of the past, is already on a good path since a strong institutional framework has been enacted on the deregulation of electricity and natural gas markets. [07] US Under Sec't of State Burns: Overflights over Aegean islands should ceaseATHENS, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns, the former US ambassador to Greece, on Wednesday praised Greek-US relations as being the closest the two allies have enjoyed in the past 20 years, while noting that Washington does not wish to arbitrate in the Aegean or vis-à-vis the "name issue" with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).Burns, the highest-ranking US career diplomat and third in line at the State Department, addressed an Athens audience gathered for the Economist Group's 10th "Roundtable with the Government of Greece" by satellite video-link from Washington. He added that the rapprochement that followed the "earthquake diplomacy" of 1999 should continue, although Athens and Ankara should themselves work-out their differences. In response to a question, moreover, he made it clear that America obviously recognizes Greece's borders, while at the same time citing "incidents" in the Aegean that have caused tension between the two neighbors, at which point he referred to the "Imia incident". At this point the US Under Secretary of State emphasized that "there should not be overflights over the islands," a more-or-less direct reference to persistent violations of Greek airspace in the Aegean by Turkish warplanes. Regarding FYROM, which Burns called "Macedonia" on several occasions -- the name sternly opposed by successive Greek governments -- he said it was also in Athens' obvious interests to see political and economic development in the land-locked country. "We don't take a position on the name issue," he clarified, however, before praising Greek investments and business activity in FYROM as crucial to stabilizing the one-time Yugoslav republic. "Both countries need to match political development (in bilateral ties) with economic development," he added. Following Burns' comments and his initial greeting in Greek, current US ambassador to Athens Charles Ries also briefly touched on a Turkish 'angle', noting that Ankara will need to "meet established criteria" for EU entry. Echoing US leadership's leitmotif of a "strategic partnership" with Greece both on a transatlantic and regional dimension, Ries said Athens has been very active in Balkan-wide initiatives, offers crucial help in Kosovo contacts and is matching Greek-owned tankers' presence on the high seas with important energy transport projects on its territory. Finally, he cited Athens' support in peacekeeping efforts in Afghanistan, the training of Iraqi forces and Greece's active role at the UN Security Council vis-à-vis the situation in Sudan. [08] European Commissioner Kyprianou to visit Greece6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)Cypriot European Commissioner for health and consumer protection issues Markos Kyprianou is due to visit Greece on April 8-10 to brief the country's state and political leadership on his activities within the European Commission.Kyprianou is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou, President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias and Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki on April 10. He will arrive in Athens from Crete, where he is due to be the main speaker at a conference on "Tourism for health reasons: European prospects" organized by Crete's MEPs at Aghios Nikolaos on April 7-8. [09] Government condemns jeering against Papandreou at student rallyATHENS, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos on Wednesday condemned jeering remarks against main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou heard during an event organized by the New Democracy-affiliated student organization DAP in Thessaloniki when Culture Minister George Voulgarakis was speaking.Roussopoulos said that this was an "isolated incident" that was condemned by all, including the culture minister, while adding that he was proud of the ND youth group ONNED. Such phenomena do no honor to party youth groups, he added and cited a similar experience of his own with students in Kozani. "I condemn them now as I did then," Roussopoulos told reporters, stressing that expressions of this kind did not befit the political "culture" represented by ND and Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis. [10] Probe begins into claim that more journalists had phones tappedATHENS, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)The Public Prosecutors' office on Wednesday announced that it was launching preliminary probe into a report by journalist Aristea Bougatsou that the phones of several Greek journalists - in addition to the names released by the government in connection with the Vodafone phone-tapping scandal - were also under surveillance.The head of the prosecutors' service Dimitris Papangelopoulos on Wednesday asked Bougatsou to submit the evidence on which she made her claims and inform him of any documents she had given the independent Authority for the Protection of Communications Privacy (ADAE) concerning the case. He said the evidence would be examined to assess whether a full-fledged investigation by a public prosecutor was justified. In a letter to ADAE, Bougatsou had provided a list of 22 prominent Greek journalists and claimed that their phones had been illegally tapped after the 2004 Olympic Games, some of them by Greece's intelligence agency EYP. The entire report was rejected as unfounded, "especially in the parts relating to EYP", by Public Order Minister Vyron Polydoras on Tuesday, who hinted it might have political motives. Commenting on the affair on Wednesday, meanwhile, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said the government was not aware how the list of journalists allegedly spied on by EYP had reached the media, adding that the matter would be handled by ADAE and the courts. He also backed the statements made by Polydoras regarding the affair and a call for an investigation made by the Athens' journalists' union ESHEA, while confirming that EYP had the right to carry out legal phone surveillance with a public prosecutor's order. [11] Greece announces candidacy for UN Human Rights CouncilNEW YORK, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)Greece announced its candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council on Wednesday.The Council was created following a relevant decision taken by the UN General Assembly on March 15 and replaced the UN Human Rights Commission. According to diplomats, the council possesses some new elements that are expected to improve its performance in comparison with the commission. The UN General Assembly will hold the first elections for the council on May 9. Greece is part of the basic, conventional human rights framework both on an international and regional level. According to a statement issued by the Greek permanent representation at the UN, "Greece is determined to make every possible effort in order to meet the high expectations that are associated with participation on the Human Rights Council. We supported the negotiating process for the creation of the council from the beginning. Throughout negotiations, our most major concern was to ensure the broadest possible consensus and to safeguard the international community's unity. Greece's unshakeable devotion to multilateral diplomacy and to the protection of human rights for all our fellow people will serve as our compass when serving on the Human Rights Council." [12] Former Israeli FM Ben-Ami voices opposition to unilateral drawing up of borders6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)Former Israeli foreign minister Shlomo Ben-Ami on Wednesday reiterated his more-or-less unconventional strategy in dealing with a Palestinian government dominated by militant Hamas, stressing that adoption of a "two-state solution" by the latter is a more realistic prospect for future substantive talks.Ben-Ami's statements, on the sidelines of the Economist Group's 10th "Roundtable with the Government of Greece" in Athens, came a day after new Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmud al-Zahar referred to an unprecedented "two-state solution" in a letter to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and only a short time before the new Hamas-led Palestinian cabinet held its first regular meeting. Ben-Ami, a noted historian and scholar before his political career, also had a good word for a meeting last month in Ankara between Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Hamas leader Halit Meshaad, saying the "Turks did something that they thought needed to be done". In further explaining this position, the former Israeli public security and foreign minister said low-level and behind-the-scene contacts, even via third parties, are necessary to lead to a "quid pro quo" process that will allow Hamas to disavow violence and back a "two-state solution". He further added that Israel doesn't need, in practice, Hamas' "recognition to exist", as a two-state solution will solve the question. Furthermore, he reiterated that a unilateral drawing up of borders by the Israeli side will be viewed as a cause of war by the Palestinians, as only "temporary borders" can be delineated prior to an agreement by all parties. [13] Meeting on future of Kosovo held in VouliagmeniATHENS, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)Satisfaction was expressed by all participants attending the meeting organized in Vouliagmeni by the Greek government on the future of Kosovo, according to an announcement issued on Wednesday."All the participants expressed their satisfaction over the outcome of this meeting and confirmed their will to maintain close contact between them in the future and they reiterated their common conviction on finding a solution to the problem (of Kosovo) based on the guiding principles of the Contact Group, that will not only offer peace and stability to the parties involved but to the wider region," said the announcement by the Greek presidency of the Southeastern Europe Cooperation Process (SEECP). The meeting was attended by high-ranking representatives of the SEECP member-states "for the first time collectively with counterparts of theirs from member-states of the Contact Group and officials of international organizations entrusted with the process of determining the future status quo of Kosovo." According to the relevant announcement, the participants were briefed at length on the development of negotiations on the future status quo by the alternate special envoy of the UN secretary general A. Rohan and on the on-the-spot situation in the region by the head of the UN mission in Kosovo Soren Jessen-Petersen and expressed their full support for the work of the UN secretary general's special envoy Marti Ahtisaari and his group. Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis, who inaugurated the meeting, said that "it is very important that the voice of the region is heard by those who play a leading role in determining the future status quo of Kosovo." The deputy minister added that "it is important that this meeting contributes to the stabilization of the region, for a European orientation for the entire region in the future and for us to reach solutions which are mutually acceptable and not solutions which have been imposed from outside." On the sidelines of the Kosovo meeting, Valinakis had a private meeting with Croatian Deputy Foreign Minister Hidajet Biscevic for talks on Inter-Balkan Cooperation, ways of cooperation between the Greek presidency and the upcoming Croatian presidency of the SEECP, as well as common action for strengthening the European orientation of southeastern Europe. [14] President Papoulias receives BSEC Secretary GeneralATHENS, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias received Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) Secretary General Ambassador Leonidas Chrysanthopoulos at the Presidential Mansion in Athens on Wednesday.[15] Gov't determined to proceed with restructuring of public sector enterprisesATHENS, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)Wage pay increases in loss-making public sector enterprises will not exceed 3.0 percent this year and 4.0 percent in 2007, an inter-ministerial commission agreed on Wednesday.Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said the government would offer pay increases not more than 3.0 percent in 2006 and 4.0 percent in 2007, raising the total payroll cost up to 6.0 percent for the two-year period. The Greek minister said the inter-ministerial commission meeting invited representatives of the four loss-making largest public sector enterprises to discuss ways to ensure their financial restructuring and operation to the benefit of workers and citizens. Alogoskoufis said in case of disagreements between employers and workers over wage increases, then a legislation would be applied. He noted that legislation on restructuring public sector enterprises was a landmark for the government, the society and the economy. Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas said "changes and reforms in public sector enterprises are progressing carefully and with determination. A restructuring of loss-making enterprises will be to the benefit of all and will go all the way. The adoption of a two-year wage pay increase deal is indicative of the government's intentions and sensibility". Transport and Communications Minister Mihalis Liapis said some public sector enterprises have accumulated deficits from the past and added that public transport was a social benefit and was subsidized. He said that a restructuring program in loss-making public transport enterprises would help cut deficits by 10 percent annually. Gov't to seek public sector reforms via dialogue, Liapis says: Transport and Communications Minister Mihalis Liapis on Wednesday said the government was determined to press forward with a plan for the restructuring of loss-making public sector enterprises without undermining employees' vested rights. Speaking to reporters after an inter-ministerial commission meeting, the Greek minister acknowledged that the Organization of Attica Urban Transport (OASA), which runs the bus service in the greater Athens area, was burdened by accumulated deficits from past managements, although he stressed that Greek governments were subsidizing public transports as providers of important social services. Liapis said a restructuring of OASE was underway and that deficits fell by 10 percent last year. Commenting on the results of an inter-ministerial commission meeting, he said substantial decisions were taken to restructure public sector enterprises through a dialogue with employees' groups. The minister said OASA reported a 9.4-pct improvement in its figures last year, with operating expenses lower than initial forecasts and operating revenues slightly lower from provisions. OASA said its operating shortfall totaled 433,177,000 euros in 2005, up 12 million euros from 2004 or 2.8 pct, reflecting higher payroll costs, fuel costs and other spending. The organization expects its results to improve further this year after an 8.0 percent increase in fares from March. Opposition blasts gov't over state utilities: The Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology on Wednesday accused the government of scrapping collective bargaining and trying to impose two years of tight austerity on purportedly loss-making state utilities. The party's economic and social policy spokesman, Panayotis Lafazanis, said that wage increase in public utilities for 2006 were below inflation. [16] FinMin Alogoskoufis briefs Parliament's Economic and European Affairs committeesATHENS, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)National Economy and Finance Minister George Alogokoufis on Wednesday evening briefed Parliament's Economic and European Affairs committees on the results of the recent meetings of the finance ministers of the euro-zone, of the European Union's finance ministers and of the European Council's Spring Council. The deputies of the main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) withdrew from the briefing.Alogoskoufis submitted the conclusions of the EU's Council of Finance Ministers in December 2004, on the basis of which, "the data for the fiscal deficit and of Greece's debt during the period after 1997, as registered in Euorostat's final report, confirm that on the basis of the ESA95 regulations, the deficit was firmly above the cost of reference from 1997 and from then on and that the debt as a percentage of the Gross National Product (GNP) was not reduced and did not touch the cost of reference which is set by Article 104 of the Treaty." The finance minister added:" The Council recognized the initiative of the Greek government and its close cooperation with Eurostat, for the clarification of issues regarding the fiscal data which remained pending for a long period of time and to render them compatible with demands of the ESA95. The magnitude and dimension of the review of the older data in the Greek case is unique and very serious, particularly regarding the general credibility within the context of inspection of data on a multi-sided basis." The minister stressed that the Council of Finance Ministers assessed "positively" the Greek Stability and Development Program for the 2005-2008 period and that "they fully vindicate the government's policy." Alogoskoufis further said:" In my address at the Eurogroup and at the ECOFIN, I stressed that 2005 was a critical year for the Greek economy, because after the Olympic Games, we had to avoid the danger of economic recession, which could have also jeopardized the country's development but also the maintenance and the social acceptance of the fiscal adjustment." [17] Greece, Turkey seek to boost tradeATHENS, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)Greece and Turkey are seeking to boost trade ties by establishing regular cooperation, Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said on Wednesday.After a meeting with Turkey's visiting minister of state for external trade, Kursat Tuzmen, Alogoskoufis told reporters that ways would be found of increasing the volume of trade. "I reiterated to Mr Tuzmen Greece's standing policy of supporting Turkey's European outlook coupled with adherence to EU specifications. Turkey's incorporation into the EU will have a beneficial impact for both countries and for the wider region," he added. Welcoming Greece's position over Ankara's EU entry bid, Tuzman said the two countries shared a complementary role. He also noted that the private sector was ahead with ministries in both countries lagging slightly, welcoming National Bank of Greece's acquisition this week of Finansbank, which he said demonstrated the level of confidence between Greece and Turkey. Only 10 Turkish companies are operating in Greece against 228 Greek firms with a presence in the neighboring country. "Our aim is to increase the number of firms doing business in both countries...Over the last three years, the volume of bilateral trade has doubled," Tuzmen said. Trade data: The trade balance between the two countries remains in favor of Turkey. In 2005, the trade deficit was 245.5 million US dollars. In 2004, Turkey was the seventh largest recipient of Greek exports, accounting for 4.52% of total sales abroad. Turkey ranked 15th among countries that exported to Greece, with a 2.32% stake. On the basis of Turkish data, Greece is 13th among recipients of Turkish goods at 1.9%, ranking 34th on the basis of exports towards Turkey at 0.6%. According to 2004 data, Greek exports to Turkey in recent years have been dominated by fuel (29.9%), cotton (23.7%) and plastics (14.3%). In the same year, Turkey exported a wide range of manufactured industrial goods to Greece including iron (14.4%), vehicles (10.3%), machinery (7.1%), electrical sound equipment (6.5%), and iron products (5.5%). Turkish apparel stores stage Athens debut: Turkey's Ipekyol, Inci and Koton apparel chain stores made their debut at The Mall shopping centre in the northern suburb of Maroussi on Tuesday in a launch attended by Turkey's visiting minister of state for external trade, Kursat Tuzmen. The minister noted at a news conference later in the day that trade between Greece and Turkey totaled 1.8 billion US dollars, expected to top 2.0 billion dollars in 2006. "Our aim is to further strengthen trade ties between the two countries," Tuzmen said. The three apparel chains have 40, 34 and 136 outlets respectively in Turkey and abroad, including the new Greek stores. Anticipated turnover of the three firms in the first year of operation is 2.5-3.0 million euros for Ipekyol, 2.0 million for Inci and 5.0 million for Koton. The total investment for the three companies is 1.950 million euros, divided as follows: Ipekyol, 750,000 euros for two stores (Ipekyol and Machka), Inci, 250,000 euros, and Koton, 950,000 euros. Ipekyol's management, which is seeking premises for a store in the northern port city of Thessaloniki, aims to operate four stores in Greece in 2006, seven in 2007, and 15 in 2010. The firm has 40 outlets in Turkey and 100 corners in shopping malls, and plans to expand into Paris, London and Moscow. Koton's Mall outlet is its 36th outside Turkey. [18] ND Eurodeputy Antonis Samaras comments on EU fiscal prospectsSTRASBOURG, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)Ruling New Democracy party Eurodeputy Antonis Samaras, speaking to reporters on Wednesday, expressed "regret" over the fact that amounts for the upcoming EU 2007-2013 seven-year budget "are not enough for the options of a strategic nature which we had made for present-day Europe, aimed at competitiveness."Samaras, who is a member of the European Parliament's Budget Committee, said that additional amounts totaling four billion euros approved on Wednesday "are not enough even for the convergence and cohesion process, or for the Lisbon strategy or even the protection of the consumer, the environment and health, to the degree that we would like." As regards Greece in particular, Samaras said with satisfaction that the 20 billion euros secured by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis during the British presidency have been safeguarded. This amount gives Greece the possibility "for smooth development and the planning of its investments in the sector of structural needs which it has in its programs lasting for many years." [19] Agreement between labor confederation and employers 'shameful', KKE leader saysATHENS, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga, speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, said that the agreement reached earlier this week between the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) and the Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) is "shameful from an economic policy and moral point of view".According to Papariga, the New Democracy party "increased its credibility" with employers and the same also applies to the PASOK party with the difference, as she said, that PASOK "has a special ability to mislead and deceive working people". The KKE leader also said that the country's economy "has endurance as regards the rapid increase in profits of businesses and industries. However, it has no endurance when it comes to substantive increases for working people." Papariga further said that, "consequently, KKE believes that the increases given are not even crumbs, if one takes into consideration the big and continuous increases in working people's cost of living regarding health, education and services." She also pointed out that KKE will step up its efforts and activities to achieve an intensification of the reactions of working people. [20] Deputy FinMin Doukas to visit Organization of Athens Central Market S.A.ATHENS, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)Deputy National Economy and Finance Minister Petros Doukas will visit the Organization of Athens Central Market (O.K.A.A.) S.A. on Thursday morning to be briefed on the organization's economic course and on the implementation of O.K.A.A.'s Strategic and Operational Plan for the 2005-2007 period.A Finance Ministry announcement on Wednesday said that according to initial assessments of the organization's economic situation, "the implemented targets for 2005 appear to have a particularly satisfactory course." Specifically, data show a clear improvement in the organization's economic situation and of its financial strength, objectives which were set by O.K.A.A.'s Strategic and Operational Plan for the years 2005-2007 and which have been covered in almost all the individual indicators. [21] Irish trade minister arrives in ThessalonikiATHENS, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)Irish Trade Minister Michael Ahern, addressing an event organized by the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce in Thessaloniki, Macedonia, on Wednesday night outlined the "Irish economic miracle" which has brought to the country a GDP per capita equal to 130 percent of the European Union average of the "15" in 2004 (from 64 percent in 1973). The event was held in the presence of Deputy Finance and Economy Minister Christos Folias.Ireland is basing its economic policy in the coming years on research and development, while 646 million euros alone were invested during the 2000-2006 period to back research groups, Ahern told his audience. According to Ahern, support for innovation was one of the seven axes of success for the so-called Irish model. The other six were the young population, the rapidly developing supply of labor, considerable foreign investments inflows, the correct management of funds from structural funds, social consensus, the "overture" made to the international trade of goods and services and adherence to innovative and realistic government policies. Folias declared himself a supporter of the Irish model, adding that the sector in which Greece must invest and will invest is the private one. He further said that he has set as a personal target and wager for on-line biotechnology or nanotechnology companies to be able to be established in Greece in an hour. [22] Greek households' debt grew 33.0 pct in January, yr/yrATHENS, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)Greek households' debt to banks (including mortgage and consumer loans) grew by 33 percent in January, compared with the same month last year, totaling 69.9 billion euros, the Bank of Greece said on Wednesday.The central bank, in its report, said mortgage loans grew 33.5 pct in January to 46.19 billion euros, while consumer credit debt (including consumer loans and credit cards) totaled 22.02 billion euros, up 27.4 percent compared with the same month in 2005. Funding to the public and private sectors rose 15.9 percent in January, although credit expansion was down 0.1 percent over the same period, reflecting a 1.5 pct drop in loans to the public sector and a 0.5 pct increase in credit expansion to the private sector. Bank loans to the private sector (corporate and household) rose by 720 million euros in January to a total 140.89 billion euros. [23] Communist party tables proposed bill on strikesATHENS, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) on Wednesday tabled a proposed bill designed to protect the right to labor strikes.The proposed bill was signed by all KKE MPs in Parliament and, among others, forbids the use of civil mobilization order against strikers or employees engaged in labor mobilization irrespective of whether their action has been judged legal or illegal by the courts. [24] Market authorities slap fines on Technical OlympicATHENS, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)The Capital Market Commission said on Wednesday that its had slapped fines totaling 2,470,000 euros on the chairman of Athens-quoted Technical Olympic and five senior board or management officials for releasing inaccurate and misleading data to investors in its consolidated results for 1999 and 2000.Among breaches were consolidated earnings before tax in 2000 inflated by 20.1 million US dollars that were stated to have derived from the firm's US subsidiary, Technical Olympic USA but were not found in the American firm's accounts. [25] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks nose upATHENS, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)The Athens share index closed at 4,159.60 points, showing a rise of 0.31%. Turnover was 318.0 million euros.The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.22% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.71% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 1.59% up. Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 161 to 116 with 43 remaining unchanged. The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank of Greece, Cosmote, OPAP, and Motor Oil. Derivatives Market Close: Hellenic Technodomiki top in stock futures trade Stock Futures: Bond Market Close: Buyers outpace sellers Reference buying rates per euro released by the European Central Bank: U.S. dollar 1.236 [26] Strong 5.7R earthquake jolts Zakynthos, western Greece, two days after moderate trembler from same epicenter6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)A strong earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale jolted the island of Zakynthos and most of western Greece in the first hours of Wednesday, coming just two days after a 4.8 Richter trembler in the same area, and causing some panic, but no damages.According to the Thessaloniki Aristotelion University's Geophysics Laboratory, the earthquake was recorded by the Lab's telemetric network at 1:05 a.m. at a distance of 384 kilometers southwest of Thessaloniki, with its epicenter in the sea area 15 kilometers off the southern coast of Zakynthos, emanating from the same epicenter that produced the 4.8 Richter quake on Monday morning. Wednesday's earthquake was felt in the prefectures of Achaia, Ileia, Aetoloakarnania, Zakynthos and the surrounding areas in western Greece, causing local residents to run out into the streets, but no damage had been reported as at dawn by police and firefighters who immediately commenced on-the-spot inspections. Seismologists were reserved over the apparent seismic sequence. Athens National Observatory's Geodynamics Institute seismologist Gerassimos Houliaras told ANA-MPA on Wednesday that he was reserved over the seismic activity in the sea area south of Zakynthos, from where both Monday's and Wednesday's quakes emanated. "Unfortunately, we are not in a position as yet to say whether this (Wednesday's quake) was the main quake," Houliaras said, and advised the local authorities and residents to be cautious and take preventive measures, especially inspections of school buildings and other public buildings. Houliaras explained that Wednesday's trembler was a strong, surface quake with a depth of only 10-15 kilometers, and that was why it had been so strongly felt. Aristotelion University seismologist Vassilis Karakostas said "we are following the development of the phenomenon with reservation, without this meaning that there is an intense seismic exacerbation in the wider region of Zakynthos island". Karakostas reminded that the wider region of the Ionian islands presence intense seismicity, and that seismologists were monitoring the development of the phenomenon. Zakynthos prefect Dionyssis Gasparos told ANA-MPA that no damages had been reported as at dawn, and that the residents were calm, adding that the school buildings had been recently inspected. He expressed concern, however, over the two consecutive quakes from the same epicenter. [27] Gov't aims to improve public transport, minister saysATHENS, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)The government aims to improve the quality of public transport by 'cleaning up' the system financially and operationally, Transport and Communications Minister Michalis Liapis said on Wednesday speaking at an event held by the General Confederation of the Employees of Greece (GSEE) and focusing on "Sustainable Mobility within the City.""We aim to narrow the gap between the cost of providing the service and the revenues generated by fares," he said. "It is within this context that the government is proceeding with the 'cleaning up' of state utilities (DEKO) through dialogue and the consensus of workers," he added. Liapis acknowledged the significant progress made under previous governments, particularly in regards to infrastructure, noting that a quick, safe and reliable public transport system is a social service, which the state must protect. "For this reason, mass transport should not fall completely under the terms and conditions of a free market, free of restrictions. Therefore, it [mass transport] must be subsidized by the state because the cost is then returned to society itself," he said. [28] Appeals court sentences former judge to jail for taking bribesATHENS, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)A three-member appeals court on Wednesday sentenced former justice Evangelos Kalousis to serve three and a half years in prison for taking bribes in order to release suspected drug dealers from jail.The court found Kalousis guilty of demanding 50 million drachmas in 2001 in order to arrange the release of G. Iatridis, who was then facing charges narcotics-related charges. Kalousis was acquitted of a charge of breach of duty, again connected to the Iatridis case, with the court finding that it had not been proved that Kalousis, then an examining magistrate, had proceeding with actions as a magistrate on the instructions of third parties. The former judge denied the charges and claimed that the case against him was "fixed" and based on "lies and libel". Among the witnesses in the case were Iatridis and his ex-wife, a U.S. national that was also facing drugs charges. They confirmed that Kalousis had asked for bribes in order to secure their release from prison. Court decisions are still pending for criminal and misdemeanor charges against the former judge concerning his participation in a trial-fixing ring. [29] 'Society of Friends' headquarters discovered in Chisinau oldest buildingATHENS, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)The Headquarters of the 'Society of Friends', the house which hosted its leader Alexandros Ipsilantis, who was preparing the Greek revolution of 1821 against the Ottoman rule, has been discovered in the capital of the Republic of Moldova, Chisinau, after many months of investigation.At present, efforts are being made for it to come into Greek hands, in order for the headquarters to be jointly utilized by the two countries as a historic monument. The whereabouts of the headquarters was revealed following the coordinated actions by Hellenic Republic Parliament Vice-President George Sourlas, who in his capacity as President of the International Institute of Inter-Balkan Cooperation "Rigas Velestinlis", had the first information of the existence of the headquarters for the uprising of 1821. It is the oldest building in Chisinau and has a large courtyard as well as basements. The big secret about the building from where the flame started of the struggle for Greece's independence was disclosed to Sourlas a few months ago. [30] Greek, Bulgarian law students to attend joint classes in Komotini under EU's Interreg programATHENS, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)Twenty Bulgarian university students and another 20 Greek university students will attend joint classes this summer in Komotini in the framework of the EU's Interreg program.The two-year program, which runs through 2007, is being materialized jointly by the Dimocritian University of Thrace's Law School and Bulgaria's Blagoevgrad University's Law School. During the summer course, the students of the two Law Schools will attend relevant courses, being taught in the English language. This is the first time that an EU program is being materialized between an EU university and a Bulgarian university. The students will be taught by Greek and Bulgarian professors. [31] Greek 'mountain tea' or ironwort may guard against osteoporosisATHENS, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)Greek 'mountain tea', a species of ironwort classified as Sideritis syriaca, may provide protection against osteoporosis according to an announcement made by scientists on Wednesday.During a press conference for the 14th Panhellenic Conference of the Greek Society for the Study of Bone Metabolism (EEMMO), which will take place in Thessaloniki on April 7-8, EEMMO president Grigorios Skaradavos revealed that a research team at Athens University was currently carrying out experiments in the laboratory to discover the mechanism involved. Skaradavos said there was reliable evidence that the popular herbal tea - which features prominently in the country's armory of traditional folk remedies - has an active effect against osteoporosis, a problem that currently affects some 500,000 people in Greece alone. He announced that the EEMMO intended to provide a grant of ¬ 6,000 to veterinarian Ismini Donta to begin experimental studies into the herb's effects using tissue cultures and then moving on to female mice in order to discover the details of its action. The mice will all have their ovaries removed so that their metabolism will more closely resemble that of post-menopausal women. [32] Stamps in circulation commemorating total eclipse of the sunATHENS, 6/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)The Greek Post Office (ELTA) and the Philately Department have issued commemorative stamps on the total eclipse of the sun which was seen in full in Greece only from the border Dodecanese tiny island of Kastelorizo on March 29.The stamps are showing the various phases of the eclipse. Among the photographs are five from Athens News Agency-Macedonian Press Agency (ANA-MPA) photographer Orestis Panagiotou. The 15 stamps amount to a total value of 15 euros. The commemorative stamps, "When day became night for a few minutes!", are provided by the Central Philatelic Office (Vyssis 2 and Eolou, 101 88 Athens), but can also be ordered from all the country's post offices. [33] Undersecretary says Annan plan does not exist as solution basisNICOSIA, 6/4/2006 (CNA/ANA/MPA)Undersecretary to the President Christodoulos Pashiardis said on Wednesday that the Cyprus settlement plan proposed by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan as it is does not exist for the Greek Cypriot side as a basis for a solution, adding that the Annan plan ''exists as a document, subject to substantial changes, so that the solution to emerge will be truly functional and viable.''Commenting on remarks by Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Dora Bakoyiannis, who is on an official visit to the island, that the Annan plan is history, Pashiardis said ''departed persons and past events belong in history.'' Pashiardis noted that ''everyone today or almost everyone acknowledges the need for these substantial changes and thus any references to reintroducing the Annan plan, as it is, are without meaning and out of discussion.'' He added that ''if and when these changes are made, it will not matter what the plan is called, but only its content will matter.'' [34] Moller exchanged views with G/C and T/C parties on Cyprus problemNICOSIA, 6/4/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General Michael Moller expressed readiness here Wednesday to accept an invitation by the leaders of all the parties of both communities of the island for a discussion on how to move forward efforts to solve the Cyprus problem.''It was extremely useful for me and I told them that I would be quite pleased to have the opportunity to continue that discussion in the future and I am ready to accept any invitation from them whenever they think it is useful,'' Moller told to journalists after the meeting of political parties from the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot Communities. ''I was very pleased to accept invitation today (Wednesday) from the leaders of all the parties of both communities. They gave me an opportunity to exchange views with them and to hear their point of view and on the way forward in Cyprus,'' Moller said. Asked if the decision for technical committees was raised, Moller said they ''talked about all the issues, but the discussion was how to move forward on the Cyprus problem in a manner that is acceptable to both sides and in a manner that will ensure that we have a successful end of the day.'' ''I am not going to comment on individual issues we have discussed if you don't mind, because we are still on the process of getting the two sides to agree on how we move forward,'' he stated. [35] UN official optimistic Cyprus to be mine-free in a few yearsNICOSIA, 6/4/2006 (CNA/ANA/MPA)The UN Secretary General's Special Representative in Cyprus Michael Moller expressed optimism Wednesday that in a few years time Cyprus could be totally rid of landmines.Moller was speaking at a Mine Awareness De-mining Demonstration in the buffer zone in Nicosia, organized by the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) on the occasion of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, in cooperation with the Mine Action Centre (MAC) in Cyprus. In the framework of the event, a de-mining demonstration was held in the presence of Moller, the UNFICYP leadership, ambassadors and representatives of foreign diplomatic missions in Cyprus, Head of the European Commission Representation in Nicosia Themis Themistocleous, leaders and representatives of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties, and reporters from both communities. Moller said that ''now we must focus on the remaining minefields both inside and outside the buffer zone'' but noted that ''ridding the buffer zone of mines will take an estimated 6 million euros more, while a further 5 million euros is required to achieve the ultimate goal of a mine-free Cyprus.'' [36] President's representative to discuss financial aid with EU officialNICOSIA, 6/4/2006 (CNA/ANA)Director of the President's Diplomatic Office Tasos Tzionis will be meeting with Director General of EU EnlargementMichael Lee, who is on a three-day visit to Cyprus, to discuss the EU's financial aid regulation for the Turkish Cypriots and the proposed regulation for direct trade, in connection with a proposal put forward by the Republic of Cyprus. Undersecretary to the President Christodoulos Pashiardis, replying to questions, told reporters Wednesday that the way the money will be channeled to the Turkish Cypriots ''is clearly determined in the relevant decision.'' 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