Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-04-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM, Economy minister discuss fourth Community Support Framework program

[02] PM meets with ND Euro-MPs

[03] Rice to visit Greece 'at some point in the future'

[04] Deputy FM meets with Finnish counterpart

[05] Buoyancies-Papandreou meeting in Parliament

[06] PASOK party leader holds talks with Cypriot EDEK party chief

[07] Committee on higher education proposes significant changes

[08] Education minister discusses technical professional schools with private teachers' representatives

[09] PASOK party deputies submit question to PM on presidential decrees

[10] ADAE chief meets EYP's commander

[11] Civil servants delegation meets Serb Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica

[12] 'Active Citizens' alliance begin campaign ahead of prefecture elections

[13] AHEPA delegation in Thessaloniki

[14] Christian Coptic Egyptians to stage protest in Athens

[15] Gov't unveils ambitious plan to promote olive oil

[16] Greek industrial sector's competitiveness worsened en 2005, report

[17] Gov't launches exhibition on renewable energy sources

[18] Education, development ministers discuss developing research

[19] Easter spread to cost up to 15 per cent more, consumer groups find

[20] Basic goods jump 12.9% ahead of Easter, main opposition says

[21] Economic and Social Committee positive on development ministry's trade marks

[22] Derailed train removed from tracks; death toll at 3

[23] 'Cow Parade Athens 2006' to begin in early May

[24] Archbishop Christodoulos visits Athens hospitals

[25] US say every day without political engagement a wasted opportunity

[26] Cypriot government in favor of Kato Pyrgos crossing point

[01] PM, Economy minister discuss fourth Community Support Framework program

ATHENS, 18/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Alogoskoufis said the country has gained a great growth opportunity by ensuring funds totaling 20.1 billion euros from the Fourth Community Support Framework program. The Greek minister stressed that the majority of community funds would be distributed in regional programs.

Alogoskoufis said that the government was determined to give an end to tax violations by Greek banks. Commenting on a draft legislation tabled to parliament on Friday, the Greek minister said "Banks were not surprised but the issue had to be dealt with since banks completed share capital increases in their subsidiaries before absorbing them. With this system banks gained tax discounts".

[02] PM meets with ND Euro-MPs

ATHENS, 18/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

According to senior Euro-MP Yiannis Varvitsiotis, a former long-time ND deputy and minister, the Euro-deputies briefed the prime minister on issues dealing with their particular sector, while the premier referred to issues before the European Council.

Afterwards, the premier met separately with former foreign minister Petros Molyviatis, who held the post in the first Costas Karamanlis government up until mid February 2006.

"We discussed all issues," Molyviatis said upon exiting Karamanlis' office.

[03] Rice to visit Greece 'at some point in the future'

WASHINGTON 18/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"She certainly looks forward to traveling to Greece at some point," McCormack told reporters.

To a question whether Rice will visit Turkey, the spokesman said, "like I said, she looks forward to traveling to both of those places at some point in the future, and we'll keep you up to date on her travel schedule."

A senior US official told the ANA-MPA that the US Secretary of State has expressed for quite some time now her desire to visit Greece and when such a visit will be feasible will depend on her program.

US Secretary of State to travel to Sofia for NATO meeting next week: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will travel to Sofia on April 27-28 to take part in a NATO foreign ministers meeting, US State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack said on Monday.

"It is sure she will go there. I can confirm this," the spokesman said.

Rice is scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the meeting her Greek counterpart Dora Bakoyannis as well as Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul.

[04] Deputy FM meets with Finnish counterpart

ATHENS, 18/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

According to a foreign ministry statement, the two officials also discussed EU enlargement, particularly the course of Turkey's EU accession talks, as well as the latest developments in the Western Balkans, with particular emphasis on Kosovo.

Valinakis told Peltomaki, who is responsible for European Affairs that Greece backs Turkey's and Western Balkan countries' accession based on EU criteria and principles.

The Greek deputy minister noted that he was certain the Finnish presidency would work responsibly and decisively in this direction.

He added that, "We support the EU prospects of our region, which will transform our neighborhood - characterized in the past as "a powder keg" with a history marred by conflict - into a European neighborhood of peace, democracy, prosperity and stability, with a permanent and constant commitment to good neighborliness and with complete respect for human rights and the protection of minorities."

[05] Buoyancies-Papandreou meeting in Parliament

ATHENS, 18/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"Political parties in Greece have common goals regarding foreign policy matters, and a full briefing and an identity of views is very significant," Bakoyannis said afterwards.

In a brief exchange with reporters, the foreign minister responded in the negative when asked if there were any new developments regarding the "name issue" vis-à-vis the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

The meeting comes within a framework of briefings of political party leaders begun by Bakoyannis.

[06] PASOK party leader holds talks with Cypriot EDEK party chief

ATHENS, 18/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Papandreou said that "the present position of Cyprus in the EU must be utilized in a course with new initiatives with the aim of solving the Cyprus issue, always in the framework of the resolutions of the UN and in addition now, with the positive development which is the European acquis communautaire, which is also the result of a longstanding effort by Greek governments", an effort "of course in cooperation with the Cypriot leadership, for Cyprus to ultimately join the EU."

Omirou said on his part that views were exchanged on recent developments on the issue of Cyprus and "we focused in particular on latest developments with the separation of the two regulations in the European Union and on the issue of the Paris meeting," between Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in late February.

The leader of EDEK further said that "prospects might prove to be auspicious, given that Turkey will abandon its intransigent position and I want to hope that, in this climate being created, the Turkish Cypriot leadership will cooperate for a viable, democratic solution to the problem of Cyprus that will also have European specifications."

[07] Committee on higher education proposes significant changes

ATHENS, 18/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

One of the significant changes proposed by the committee is that students who have not completed their studies after their scheduled graduation date will be expelled. Students will be given a "grace period" of 2-3 years depending on the university they're attending.

Another significant change put forth by the committee is that students should vote directly in student elections rather than through political party representatives as is the case currently. The objective is to eliminate representatives' "abuse of power."

The committee also proposes the creation of a "Health Sciences University" which will include all medical schools, and stricter guidelines for professors' attendance in class.

Further, the committee suggests that professors' performance be evaluated by the students themselves.

The proposals are not definitive. The committee will submit its final report to the Education Ministry at the end of April, while the ministry will decide on the legislative framework for universities in June.

[08] Education minister discusses technical professional schools with private teachers' representatives

ATHENS, 18/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Speaking after the meeting, the education minister said that "a circular will be sent and education directors will be made responsible and participants to enable better control and so that these phenomena of students accumulating in specific technical schools, whose system appears to be questionable, will not be observed."

She added that "in any case, as of the next school year, technical and professional education will be upgraded to the same levels with the unified senior high school and all rules anticipated for private senior high schools as well will be anticipated there."

Yiannakou pointed out that "what we want to do now, apart from the issues which will also be referred to justice, is for us to avoid similar phenomena in the examinations. We shall take our measures through a circular so that such phenomena will not be repeated in examinations this year."

[09] PASOK party deputies submit question to PM on presidential decrees

ATHENS, 18/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"The laws which have been ratified from April 2004 until December 2005 are either absolutely impossible to be implemented or are not implemented on a wide scale because the presidential decrees and ministerial decisions anticipated by the laws that the government itself brought to Parliament have not been issued," the two deputies said in their question.

[10] ADAE chief meets EYP's commander

ATHENS, 18/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

In statements afterwards, Lambrinopoulos said that there had been good cooperation with EYP's commander on issues that were now in the news.

On his part, Korantis stressed that EYP always operates within the law and the framework of the Constitution when doing its duty.

He said that he had briefed Lambrinopoulos on EYP's operation, while both men said they were satisfied with the cooperation between them.

[11] Civil servants delegation meets Serb Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica

BELGRADE, 18/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

ADEDY's administration presented to Kostunica its initiative for the creation of an educational, cultural and scientific centre in Belgrade with the purpose of educating and training employees in public administration. In the framework of its network, the centre will also contribute to the development of school infrastructure in Kosovo.

In order to provide technical support for the plan, ADEDY will offer the amount of 250,000 euros that was collected with the money of civil servants in Greece. ADEDY promised to help the centre in the future as well to facilitate a funding flow for its unimpeded operation.

Kostunica, amending his program, will give a dinner for ADEDY's administration on Monday night so that the talks can continue.

[12] 'Active Citizens' alliance begin campaign ahead of prefecture elections

ATHENS, 18/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Present at the event, which was held at a down town hotel, were Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) leader Alekos Alavanos, the party's former leader Nikos Constantopoulos, veteran leftist politician Leonidas Kyrkos, Synaspismos deputies and Eurodeputies as well as intellectuals.

Presented at the event, which was opened by veteran leftist politician Manolis Glezos, were the new candidates for Athens-Piraeus Supra-Prefecture, Yiannis Panousis, for Athens Prefecture, Spyros Lykoudis, and for Piraeus Prefecture, Evi Karakosta.

[13] AHEPA delegation in Thessaloniki

18/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The delegation had earlier visited Cyprus for a series of meetings with members of Cyprus' government, while the visit to Thessaloniki is taking place within the framework of the first Greek-American Forum with a view to strengthening Greek-American ties.

In the afternoon, the delegation attended a reception given in their honor by Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Kalantzis, who was unable to attend, however, because he was called away to deal with problems caused by a tragic train-truck collision in Drama on Sunday evening.

The minister's message, in which he stressed the importance of mobilizing the Greek diaspora, was read out by ministry general secretary Loukas Ananikas.

The AHEPA delegation is due to remain in Thessaloniki for three days, during which they will meet Kalantzis, Thessaloniki Prefect Panagiotis Psomiadis and the city's mayor. On Thursday they will depart for Istanbul for a meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I.

[14] Christian Coptic Egyptians to stage protest in Athens

ATHENS, 18/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

In a letter, clerics representing the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of the Holy See of Saint Mark stressed that the Christian Coptic Egyptians living in Greece reside in a democratic country and have every reason to express their anguish and to demand an "end to the cultural and social genocide of Copts that live as third-class citizens in their own country."

The march will begin in Omonia Square, going up Stadiou Street to the Greek Parliament and then to the Egyptian Embassy in Athens, where the protestors will submit their protest in writing.

[15] Gov't unveils ambitious plan to promote olive oil

ATHENS, 18/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"High quality olive oil, with its special symbolism, should become a vehicle for other Greek products wishing to penetrate foreign markets, while it can also help in the promotion of Greece's tourism," said Alogoskoufis in a joint press conference with another four relevant ministers, namely, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas, Agriculture Development and Foodstuffs Minister Evangelos Basiakos, Tourism Development Minister Fanny Pali-Petralia and Deputy Foreign Minister Evripides Stylianidis.

EU funding for olive oil promotion drive: Greece will receive 145 million euros from the European Union to help finance a drive aimed at boosting olive and olive oil output and sales, Agriculture and Foods Minister Evangelos Basiakos said on Monday.

Part of a total 236 million euros in financing will be ploughed into expanding olive cultivation, especially for organically produced olive oil, the minister told a news conference on Olive Oil Year.

Investment in the sector is to support the incomes of 600,000 olive producers and publicize standardized olive oil, which today represents only 6% of exports, he reported.

[16] Greek industrial sector's competitiveness worsened en 2005, report

ATHENS, 18/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The report, based on published financial reports, showed that: -the manufacturing sector, excluding the oil refining industry, reported stable sales and gross profits, while net profits rose 5.0 percent. Including the most profitable oil sector, the Greek manufacturing sector's profits grew 18.56 percent last year, compared with 2004. -the energy-water production sector recorded a slight increase in sales and a significant worsening of its profitability, mainly reflecting higher fuel costs. -the construction sector recorded a significant drop both in turnover and profitability.

The report said that Greek manufacturing was facing stiff competition in international markets, with Greek export prices, excluding fuel, stable at 2004 levels, while efforts to transfer higher costs to consumers in the domestic markets would not be as easy as in the past due to increased competition.

Manufacturing sector's sales fell 0.34 pct, while gross profits eased 2.94 pct (excluding oil refinery), while pre-tax profits rose 5.0 percent and net profit margin eased to 6.42 pct.

SEB and ICAP said the report was a clear warning signal for the outlook of the manufacturing sector and its ability to deal effectively with similar negative developments in the future.

An examination of the results published by 435 listed enterprises also showed that 48.9 pct suffered a nominal decline in sales (exceeded 10 percent for around one-third of enterprises), while 29.5 pct of manufacturing companies recorded an increase in sales (exceeding 10 percent) last year.

The ratio of profitable-loss making enterprises fell to 2.8 in 2005 from 3.0 in 2004.

The construction sector reported a rapid worsening in last year's results (although the survey was based on a rather small sample of listed companies). The report showed that both sales and profits fell significantly after the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, with two-thirds of construction companies suffering drop in sales and profits. Profitability for 62.1 pct of companies included in the survey.

A sharp fall in Public Power Corporation's profits last year hit the electricity-natural gas-water sector's performance.

[17] Gov't launches exhibition on renewable energy sources

ATHENS, 18/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The exhibition, open from April 17 to May 12, is part of a program to inform the public over the research and scientific work conducted by the ministry's agencies and institutes and focuses on the impact and results of this work on improving daily life and living quality of citizens.

The exhibition presents all forms and advantages of environmental-friendly Renewable Energy Sources in the country and to learn about modern methods and techniques of saving energy in buildings.

Papathanasiou said the ministry has begun a race two years ago to overcome hurdles and resolving chronic structural problems in promoting Renewable Energy Sources and saving energy. The Greek minister said that energy from renewable energy sources totaled 600 MW currently in the country and that the government aimed to raise this total to 3,000 MW by 2010.

[18] Education, development ministers discuss developing research

ATHENS, 18/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Afterwards, Yiannakou said that a scientific committee had been set up headed by the general secretaries of the education and development ministries.

"The aim of this committee is to study and submit proposals so that we can maximize the results of research in Greece and create links between universities and research centers so that we have additive results through a framework of continuously increasing funding. Today a proposal was submitted on how we can create a broader body that will cover all areas of research and, chiefly, how we can meet all the needs met by more advanced countries of Europe, whose research yields constant results for society," Yiannakou said.

Sioufas noted that the committee set up to lay the foundations for the next 20 years of growth in research and technology in Greece had "given us the general guidelines for this important reform, which will make the best possible use of the human resources that are the most important wealth of our country, in matters of research and technology."

The minister said that a system was now being set up that was watching the best systems existing worldwide and would give Greece the opportunity to make up for lost time.

[19] Easter spread to cost up to 15 per cent more, consumer groups find

ATHENS, 18/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The Greek Centre for Consumers (ELKEKA) has calculated that the total cost of an Easter feast will range from ¬ 111.85 to ¬ 115.65, which it says is 13-15 percent more than last year, while journeys to visit relatives or go on holiday will cost 8 per cent more due to higher petrol prices and tolls.

The Consumer Institute (INKA) has put a much higher value on the Easter spread with full trimmings, estimating that it will set back a family of four to six people by ¬ 283.65, but provides a full breakdown for this figure.

Nearly half will go toward the traditional Easter lamb, which is estimated to cost ¬ 110 for an average 10-kilo lamb. The 'magiritsa' soup prepared for the Resurrection mass at midnight is estimated to cost ¬ 23.65, two kilos of 'kokoretsi' are priced at ¬ 28, charcoal for grilling at around ¬ 12. The average family is also expected to consume ¬ 9.00-worth of salads, five traditional 'tsourekia' cakes at ¬ 5.00, two Easter buns at ¬ 12, ¬ 10 worth of eggs and ¬ 20 worth of cheese.

An additional ¬ 34 euros is allowed for the purchase of wine, beer and beverages and ¬ 20 for sundry other items.

[20] Basic goods jump 12.9% ahead of Easter, main opposition says

ATHENS, 18/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

According to PASOK's Development, Competitiveness and Consumer Policy Division, which ran a price check on goods an average family is likely to buy for Easter, the total cost amounts to 128.55 euros compared with 113.84 euros in 2005.

PASOK called on the government to acknowledge "the difficult reality" many families face due to the rising cost of living, and to address incidents of profiteering through stringent audits and checks of the marketplace.

[21] Economic and Social Committee positive on development ministry's trade marks

ATHENS, 18/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

According to the Committee's view, the draft law makes a clear distinction between procedures applied for the national and international trade mark and, in parallel, it is in harmony with the regulation on EU trade marks, as well as with international agreements on international trade marks.

[22] Derailed train removed from tracks; death toll at 3

ATHENS, 18/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Deep sorrow over the three deaths was expressed on Monday by Transport Minister Mihalis Liapis, who noted that trains always have right of way at railway crossings and that 90 per cent of accidents involving trains are caused by drivers violating the traffic code.

Meanwhile, the derailed train, a locomotive and four coaches, was removed from the tracks on Monday morning. The passenger train was heading from Thessaloniki to Alexandropouli, extreme northeastern Greece, when it was struck by the truck roughly two kilometers west of Drama's station late on Sunday evening.

According to initial statements by the state-run Greek Railway Organization (OSE), the driver of the truck, which was loaded with potatoes, illegally attempted to cross the intersection despite the fact that the railroad crossing bars had dropped and flashing lights had been activated. An investigation is continuing, however, as several witnesses claimed that the crossing bars and lights weren't operating.

Both the driver and a lone passenger aboard the truck were among the fatalities.

A later announcement issued by OSE in response to the witness reports pointed out that both crossing lights and bars were working normally when the previous train passed the crossing 15 minutes earlier, as well as after the accident.

According to OSE, signs at the scene show that the truck had actually moved into the opposite lane when it attempted to cross the tracks.

Expressing sorrow for the victims and injured, the railway organization noted that damage to the tracks had been restored and that trains were now running normally.

[23] 'Cow Parade Athens 2006' to begin in early May

ATHENS, 18/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Held under the aegis of the Athens municipality, the exhibition will give thousands of Athenians and visitors an opportunity to enjoy some original and interesting art at close quarters.

Dozens of white fiberglass cows are now in private studios and at the 'Cow Studio' at the Olympic Centre in Goudi, being worked on by their "adoptive" artists in preparation for the official opening at the beginning of May, where all the sculptures in the exhibition will be on show.

The closing date for submitting sketches and proposals for decorating the cows was March 10, with 757 plans submitted by both young and well-established artists. So far, 77 of these plans are being carried out and a small number of 'cows' is still available for "adoption" by prospective sponsors.

After the inauguration and presentation, the completed cows will take up their positions at various public spaces within the city, such as Syntagma Square, Kotzia Square, Old Parliament Square, Omonia Square, Technopolis, the Athens airport, the National Library and metro stations.

"Cow Parade" has become an international institution for the arts since it was started in 1998 in Zurich by Swiss decorator Walter Knapp, while in that time it has appeared in New York, London, Tokyo, Dublin and Moscow, among other cities.

Access to the brightly-colored cows will be free of charge, while the finished bovines will be auctioned off at the end of the exhibition in September and half the proceeds will go to a children's charity.

[24] Archbishop Christodoulos visits Athens hospitals

ATHENS, 18/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Christodoulos spoke with hospital patients, offered them gifts and wished them a "Happy Easter."

He also urged patients to not lose their faith in God.

"With its priests and volunteer groups, the Church is present in hospitals all year round," he said, as he exited Evangelismos Hospital.

In Pendeli, where he visited the Pendeli Children's Hospital, Christodoulos noted that the hospital's mission is more sacred than that of other hospitals since it cares for children and gives hope to parents.

[25] US say every day without political engagement a wasted opportunity

NICOSIA, 18/4/2006 (CNA/ANA/MPA)

Speaking after a meeting in Nicosia with Democratic Rally (DISY) President Nicos Anastasiades, Schlicher said the US call on the parties to proceed with discussions on a technical committee level, and expressed certainty that everybody on the island desires that that political engagement takes place as soon as possible so we can start a negotiating process.

Schlicher said it is ''very useful'' for him to visit the different party leaders to be able ''to get their sense of what the people of Cyprus are thinking about the Cyprus issue and about the wide range of domestic issues that the country faces as well.''

Asked about the technical committees on the Cyprus problem, Schlicher said ''we have been very, very clear in our relations with all of the parties and with the UN that we very much urge that work on those issues that the parties have decided to discuss at the technical level go forward.''

He added that the US urge ''the parties, under the shepherding of (Special Representative of the UN Secretary General Michael) Mr. Moller, to actually talk through those issues in which they don't agree yet and seek to find agreement to establish dialogue on the wide range of political issues that need to be engaged because the US thinks that every day that goes by without that political engagement is an opportunity wasted.''

''It's my very strong sense that everybody on both sides of the island really desire that that political engagement takes place as soon as possible so we can start a negotiating process that will actually address the many overwhelming political questions that still need to be addressed,'' he noted.

[26] Cypriot government in favor of Kato Pyrgos crossing point

NICOSIA, 18/4/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot inhabitants of the Kato Pyrgos, Kokkina and Limnitis area had stated last week that they will be organizing a demonstration on April 29, demanding the opening of the crossing point, and would be presenting the UN and the leaders of the two communities with a relevant resolution.

Lillikas wondered why the inhabitants of the area were to demand the opening of the crossing point from the government, which was all for it. ''As far as the government is concerned, they are knocking on open doors,'' he said.

He reminded that the government had submitted a list in July 2004 proposing the opening of eight crossing points, among which the Kato Pyrgos-Limnitis one, and that the specific crossing point had been included in the EU Green Line Regulation.

''Thus, it is up to the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey to give their consent to open the crossing point, and not the Cypriot government.

As soon as they agree, we are ready to proceed with the opening of the crossing point,'' he added.

Lillikas also reminded that the Cypriot government had unilaterally proceeded with the de-mining of the area, adding that the Turkish side should do the same because ''there will be a safety risk for pedestrians in the case of the crossing point opening and a matter of protecting civilians in general.''

Referring to the electric power provided by the government to the Turkish-occupied areas, Lillikas said the government would continue to meet the requests of the Turkish Cypriots, as long as this was not to the detriment of the government-controlled areas.

Commenting on Turkish Cypriot press reports that the Turkish Cypriots had requested more electricity from the government-controlled areas, Lillikas said he had not read the news item but noted that ''whenever the Turkish Cypriots need help with electricity and as long as we guarantee that there will be no problem in the government-controlled areas, the Cypriot government, through the Electricity Authority, will respond as it has responded since the blackout problem arose in the occupied areas.''

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