Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-04-19

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cabinet discusses foreign policy, Turkey must respect EU commitments

[02] Deputy FM requests 'more effective EU strategy' for regions

[03] Greece, Finland agree on EU regional policy

[04] Greece's permanent UN representative addresses Security Council on Middle East

[05] Bakoyannis receives US envoy for Kosovo Frank Wisner

[06] PASOK leader to visit Skopje on Wednesday

[07] Main opposition questions FM on Turkey's nuclear program

[08] Communist party of Greece opposes visit by Rice

[09] SYN leader cancels EAB visit in protest at TV crew ban

[10] Athens condemns Tel Aviv suicide bombing

[11] Deputy DM visits troops in eastern Aegean islands ahead of Easter

[12] Ministers discuss road safety in light of Easter exodus

[13] Macedonia-Thrace minister receives AHEPA presidium

[14] Easter message by SAE president Andrew

[15] FM thanks Church for property to build Muslim cemetery

[16] Mayoral candidate Tsipras meets Athens Mayor Behrakis

[17] Int'l conference on IT and local gov't to be held in Iraklio

[18] Parliament debate on pension system to begin next week

[19] Government 'attempting to appear as a Pontius Pilate', PASOK employment and social policy official says

[20] SYN on dialogue regarding the social insurance system

[21] PASOK's Xenoyiannakopoulou meets Syros shipyard workers

[22] Greece's trade deficit up 23.4 pct in January-February yr/yr

[23] Greek firms urged to do business in Latin America

[24] Greece expects good year for tourism

[25] Greek alcohol drinks market to remain stable in 2006-07, report

[26] National Insurance unveils three-year business plan

[27] Initial approval for Bank of Cyprus in Russia

[28] EasyCruise plans to visit Greek islands

[29] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks nose up

[30] Voulgarakis on Schinoussa antiquities smuggling case

[31] National Statistical Service prepares report on life expectancy without health problems

[32] National Broadcasting Council issues annual report for 2005

[33] Rare artifacts from Mount Athos to go on show in Thessaloniki

[34] KKE and SYN youth groups object to proposed changes to higher education

[35] Judicial probe into report of state documents in rubbish

[36] ND deputies donate money to charities in memory of late PM George Rallis

[37] Cyprus prepares for Parliamentary elections

[38] Moller assures Girod to contribute positively to CMP's work

[01] Cabinet discusses foreign policy, Turkey must respect EU commitments

ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

In statements after the meeting, Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis stressed that Greece's position was clear and underlined that Turkey must keep its commitments in order to keep open the door to becoming an EU member.

She also noted that the changes in Turkey will benefit the Turkish people as well.

Bakoyannis told reporters that she had briefed the cabinet on European issues concerning Greece, the situation in the western Balkans, relations with the United States, the Cyprus issue, relations with Turkey and Turkey's progress toward Europe.

The minister did not confirm reports that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will not be attending an SEECP summit in Athens because he was suffering from lumbago, saying that the foreign ministry did not have any information to that effect.

Pointing out that the summit will be held on May 3-5, she said the ministry will receive final confirmation on who will attend in about a week's time.

She also denied rumors that U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is due to visit Athens in the coming week, noting only that Rice had expressed a desire to visit both Athens and Ankara at some point.

In response to questions about a newspaper report on Tuesday claiming that foreign ministry documents had been found discarded in refuse, the minister revealed that she had ordered a sworn administrative inquiry into the report, while also calling for a public prosecutor's investigation "in two directions".

Bakoyannis pointed out that, while some documents may have been found in the rubbish, there was also a matter of the publication of false reports that harmed the country.

[02] Deputy FM requests 'more effective EU strategy' for regions

VIENNA, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The conference, which will conclude on Wednesday, is titled "Europe begins at home," and its focus is on the transfer of power from Brussels and national governments to regions and local authorities.

"Greek regions are no longer a passive audience to developments, but rather co-participants in shaping the new, national development policy," Valinakis told the ANA-MPA after the conference.

He said that for years regional problems remained unresolved, leading to a build-up of unfulfilled promises for development.

The result was problems in absorbing EU funds, in capitalizing on local potential, in investment and employment, Valinakis added.

"With comprehensive developmental interventions, decisive-ness in reform and social consensus, we are breathing new life into Greek regions," Valinakis said, also making a reference to the 20.1 billion euros Greece secured from the Fourth Community Support Framework for the 2007-2013 period.

According to Austria's leadership, Austria as EU President, will do everything possible to promote dialogue on the principle of subsidiarity and reinforcing this mindset in member states as well.

Conference attendees included representatives from EU member states, the European Commission, European Parliament and national parliaments.

Representing Greek Parliament was President of the European Affairs Committee Sotiris Hatzigakis, while main opposition PASOK MP Akis Tsohatzopoulos was expected to arrive later on Tuesday.

[03] Greece, Finland agree on EU regional policy

VIENNA, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Peltomaki also expressed satisfaction with Valinakis for raising the issue of taking special measures and financially reinforcing mountainous and border regions as well as the islands, in comments he made during the conference, organized by the Austrian EU presidency.

The two officials had also met on Monday in Athens, and discussed a number of EU-related issues ahead of Finland's assumption of the rotating EU presidency.

[04] Greece's permanent UN representative addresses Security Council on Middle East

NEW YORK, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

He further said that "we also remain adhered to the implementation of a solution of two states, of Israel and an independent Palestine, which will live side by side, within internationally recognized borders, in an environment of peace and security."

Vassilakis also said that "Greece aligns itself absolutely with the intervention by Austria's permanent representative on behalf of the European Union."

The Greek permanent representative expressed "great concern" over developments in the region, stressing that "Greece unequivocally condemns every form of terrorism, including missile attacks against Israel from Gaza, as well as futile suicide bomb attacks, such as the one in Tel Aviv on Monday. We call on the Palestinian Authority to take strict measures against this unjustified violence, as well as against the perpetrators."

He also underlined that "we recognize the right of Israel to protect the country and its citizens. We underline, however, that this right must be exercised within the frameworks of international law. Greece condemns the disproportionate nature of Israeli military operations which cost, or in any case jeopardize, the lives of innocent Palestinian citizens and calls on Israel to respect and fully comply with the Fourth Geneva Pact. We call on both sides to show great self-restraint. We expect them to show political maturity and wisdom and avoid provocative actions and rhetoric."

Vassilakis reiterated that "the Road Map remains the framework of our efforts and that both sides must make efforts to fulfill their obligations in this framework."

[05] Bakoyannis receives US envoy for Kosovo Frank Wisner

ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Earlier, Wisner had met with main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou and Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis.

[06] PASOK leader to visit Skopje on Wednesday

SKOPJE, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

During his visit, the leader of Greece's PASOK party is scheduled to meet in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski and then address the SDSM event, which will also be attended by representatives of several socialist and social democratic parties in Europe.

The SDSM is a full member of Socialist International.

[07] Main opposition questions FM on Turkey's nuclear program

ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Submitting the question to Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, Chryssohoidis referred to a recent statement by the director of Turkey's Atomic Energy Authority, regarding the possible construction of nuclear stations in January 2007 on the shores of the Black Sea.

"Recognizing the obvious possibility that Turkey may use nuclear energy and technology for military purposes; taking into consideration that the neighboring country is proceeding unilaterally, affecting the balance in the area in terms of energy, environment and security; and being aware of the seismogenic character of the region, what additional initiatives does the [Greek] government intend to take within the framework of international organizations and the EU, aside from following the matter long-distance from the Greek foreign ministry," Chryssohoidis asked.

[08] Communist party of Greece opposes visit by Rice

ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

In an announcement, the party said that workers and young people would "reserve for the face of imperialism the reception that she deserves," if the visit should take place.

Rumors that Rice planned to Greece in the coming week were denied on Tuesday by both the U.S. State Department and the Greek foreign minister.

[09] SYN leader cancels EAB visit in protest at TV crew ban

ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"The government, in a display of antidemocratic thinking, places unacceptable restrictions on open dialogue between the parties of the opposition and workers at state enterprises," Alavanos said.

He stressed that the decision, which echoed a similar ban imposed by the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) a short while ago, was verging "on the provocative and ridiculous".

Alavanos pointed out that free access to the exact same facilities had been given to all TV stations and over 150,000 visitors with private cameras just a few months ago in September 2005, during a much publicized "Air Show" organized at EAB, while they had also been used as the set for a popular TV series broadcast by the private television channel Mega.

Condemning the ban as "extreme hypocrisy", Alavanos said that his party would fight for the rights of workers to meet with the parties in Parliament "in the spotlight and not in the dark, as New Democracy intends".

[10] Athens condemns Tel Aviv suicide bombing

ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"This unacceptable action caused even greater horror as it took place during the Jewish Passover," foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said of the attack on Monday, in which nine people were killed and several more injured.

The spokesman also noted that "terrorist attacks like this exacerbate the already extremely sensitive situation in the Middle East and undermine every effort to achieve a peaceful solution to the conflict, which is going through a difficult period in which both sides must display responsibility and self-restraint."

[11] Deputy DM visits troops in eastern Aegean islands ahead of Easter

19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

He was accompanied by the Chief of the Army General Staff, Lieutenant-General Dimitris Grapsas.

Lambropoulos hailed the high level of alert on the military units, which, he said, "secure peace but also contribute to the economic growth of Greece's islands."

[12] Ministers discuss road safety in light of Easter exodus

ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

They said that the government's primary priority was traffic safety and its basic concern was for the prevention of road accidents.

"We do not wish to impose fines after some violation, we want to prevent the violation," Liapis told reporters after the meeting. The transport minister added that its must be made clear to drivers that they "must place the child in the back seat." He further emphasized: "No alcohol consumption during travel."

Asked by reporters whether fines will be imposed on motorists in the event of a violation, Polydoras on his part said "we are not interested in the fine, we are interested in zero accidents." The public order minister noted that "we can guarantee this because we will have good policing in the major road, Patra-Athens-Thessaloniki."

[13] Macedonia-Thrace minister receives AHEPA presidium

19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The AHEPA delegation briefed Kalantzis on the association's activities and on their visit to Thessaloniki.

Earlier in the day, the AHEPA presidium was received by Thessaloniki Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos who was also briefed on AHEPA's activities.

[14] Easter message by SAE president Andrew

Athens 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"We feel that we should reassure our support to our homeland and Ecumenical Patriarchate and peacefully pretend our just demands such are the reopening of the Theological School of Halki and the promotion of our national issues.

"The source of our power is our conviction that only in unity we can achieve even the most difficult goals we set. Together we can contribute to the promotion of Hellenic culture and the Greek Language around the world. This is our sacred obligation, which we inherited from our parents and it is our duty to pass it to the younger generations," he added.

[15] FM thanks Church for property to build Muslim cemetery

ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

In her letter, Bakoyannis said that the Holy Synod's decision shows the Church's contribution to a serious issue and its interest in "our Muslim fellow men."

In closing, Bakoyannis said that the ministry is already in the process of informing the diplomatic authorities of Muslim countries about the decision.

[16] Mayoral candidate Tsipras meets Athens Mayor Behrakis

ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Following the meeting, Tsipras told reporters that "Athens is a municipality with multiple functions and significant problems, while the citizens believe that the quality of life is particularly poor." Despite this, he added, these problems were not the main object of the pre-election debate.

[17] Int'l conference on IT and local gov't to be held in Iraklio

ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The conference is being organized by the Central Union of the Municipalities and Communities of Greece (KEDKE) in cooperation with Iraklio's Local Union of Municipalities and Communities (TEDK).

The aim of the conference is for local government to present its views and strategy regarding IT, evaluating local government's related experience, implementing Society of Information programs and exploring the possibility of new projects and partnerships.

Those interested in attending may visit kedke.ntua.gr.

[18] Parliament debate on pension system to begin next week

ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Speaking to reporters, Tsitouridis said the debate would focus on examining the dimensions of the problem and dealing with pending issues from implementing a current legislation.

The Greek minister stressed that he would invited, probably in May, social partners and political parties to present their representatives to a commission charged with drafting a detailed survey on the pension system by the end of the government's four-year term. Tsitouridis said it was a duty for the next government to decide on any measures and underlined that the ND government was not seeking solutions focusing on rising retirement age or lowering pension payments.

He noted that the ministry would table a draft legislation next month aimed at changing a current status in heavy and unhealthy jobs, while a special commission would be formed to examine a recommendation on making a more efficient use of pension funds' real estate assets. Tsitouridis did not confirm press reports alleging for radical changes in the system that would allow pension funds to put more money to the stock market.

The Greek minister said an effort to restructuring pension funds would bring results this year, while he reiterated the government's will to combat contribution evasion in the country.

Commenting on a demand by OTOE, the country's bank workers' union, to begin tri-party negotiations over sector labor agreements in banks, Tsitouridis said the government supported collective labor negotiations and industrial peace.

[19] Government 'attempting to appear as a Pontius Pilate', PASOK employment and social policy official says

ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Venizelos further said that "with continuous intentional leaks and danger talk it is systematically cultivating the impression that the social insurance system is collapsing and that the cause of the collapse are the 'excessive' and 'disproportionate' social insurance rights of working people and pensioners and, therefore, the only 'compulsory' solution is a cutback of these rights."

He also said that "the government is refusing to implement existing legislation and it is refusing to respect its enacted obligations towards the Social Insurance Foundation (IKA) and the other social insurance funds.

[20] SYN on dialogue regarding the social insurance system

ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

He was responding to statements made by Employment and Social Protection Minister Savvas Tsitouridis.

"The dialogue is a pretext and as Synaspismos, it does not concern us," Stratoulis said.

[21] PASOK's Xenoyiannakopoulou meets Syros shipyard workers

ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The president of the shipyard workers' union George Polydoulis informed Xenoyiannakopoulou of plans by Neorio's management to lay off 82 of the 450 workers and stressed that Syros shipyard was the only one that had not been supported.

Xenoyiannakopoulou also commented on recent opinion polls, noting that PASOK was "steadily moving in front".

"All the measurements record a dynamic course for PASOK that is linked to systematic, positive work, with the presence of our president and all party members and, above all, a firm relationship of trust that we are building with the Greek people against the one-sided, neoliberal and dead-end economic policies that Greek citizens are daily living," she said.

[22] Greece's trade deficit up 23.4 pct in January-February yr/yr

ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The central bank, in its monthly report, attributed a 23.4 percent increase, or 1.024 billion euros, in the country's trade deficit in the January-February period, to a jump (77.5 pct) in net payments for imports of fuel and to a widening of deficits for vessels by 220 million euros. On the other hand, revenues from exports of goods -excluding fuel and vessels- rose 23.3 percent to 1.726 billion euros in the first two months of the year. Imports, however, rose 15 percent to 5.294 billion euros.

The services surplus fell by 229 million euros, while gross revenues from transport services rose 2.4 percent in the January-February period.

The incomes' deficit widened by 195 million euros, because of increased payments in interest, dividends and earnings.

The financial transactions balance reported a net inflow of 364 million euros in the first two months of 2006, after a net outflow of 58 million euros in the corresponding period last year.

The portfolio investment category reported a net outflow of 663 million euros, while the country's foreign exchange reserves totaled 1.9 billion euros.

[23] Greek firms urged to do business in Latin America

ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"The aim would be to increase the few Greek investments in Latin American countries and evolve alliances in sectors such as telecoms, construction, minerals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, farm products, the defense industry, shipping and tourism," Kyriakopoulos told a round-table debate.

The event to promote Greek exports and investment in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Chile was arranged by SEB and the Greek-Latin America Business Council.

"Greek firms need to expand their business horizons in new, emerging markets, overcoming obstacles such as distance, red tape, a lack of information or opportunities, and global competition," he noted.

In addition, trade with Latin American countries remained low, with the deficit on the Greek side.

A pact had been signed with Mexico on avoidance of double taxation, a move that should be extended to other countries, Kyriakopoulos added.

Speaking for the Greek-Latin American council, Marcia Covarrubias underlined that geographical distance had less importance in an era of technology and rapid data transmission.

Greece's secretary general for international economic relations, Theodoros Skylakakis, stated that the foreign ministry intended to strengthen the legal framework for cooperation with Latin American countries and help Greek companies to expand there.

[24] Greece expects good year for tourism

ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"A series of problems in the sector are chronic, and the priorities are currently being set," Palli-Petralia told reporters after a meeting with new leaders of the Panhellenic Hoteliers' Federation.

[25] Greek alcohol drinks market to remain stable in 2006-07, report

ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The survey said that several Greek alcohol production and importing companies came under the control of foreign groups in the last few years, following an international consolidation trend in the sector.

The Greek alcohol drinks market grew slightly in the period 1992-2005, with imported products accounting for the biggest part of the domestic market, while domestic production mainly accounted of ouzo, tsipouro, brandy and liquor. Whiskey accounted for 40 percent of the Greek alcohol consumption market last year, followed by ouzo (25 pct), liquor (10 pct) and vodka (9.0 pct). Brandy (8.0 pct) was next, with gin and rum following through.

Demand for alcohol drinks is mainly affected by consuming habits, lately focusing to a more health diet and way of living, a trend supporting demand for non-alcohol or low-alcohol drinks.

ICAP said that the introduction of special taxes on alcohol was burdening on their final sale price and favored the promotion of other drinks with less alcohol and with lower prices.

The survey said that a relatively small number of enterprises was covering the domestic production of ouzo, liquor and brandy, with smallest companies focusing on ouzo and largest on liquor and brandy. The latter companies operate an extended distribution network covering both the hot and cold markets, while their imports were limited on raw material and exports were mainly ouzo.

Ouzo is an exclusive Greek product and the main export alcohol drink, although consumption is steadily declining since 2000. Consumption of liquor and brandy steadily fell in 2004-05, while consumption of whiskey also fell. On the other hand, demand for rum was stable, while demand for gin and vodka was steadily rising.

The survey expects the Greek alcohol drinks market to show insignificant changes in the 2006-07 period.

[26] National Insurance unveils three-year business plan

ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The three-year business plan envisages raising its premium production to 969 million euros in 2008, from 627 million in 2005 (up 54.5 pct), boosting its after tax profits to 53 million euros from 25.2 million over the same period, respectively, and boosting its capital return rate to 23.6 pct in 2008 from 13.5 pct in 2005.

National Insurance said its business plan was realistic and was based on efforts to promote bancassurance products, using National Bank's customer base and raising its market share through taking carefully planned retail risks.

The company said its insurance contract sales, through National Bank's network, was expected to total 120 million euros this year.

National Insurance said it would maintain its workforce at 1,250 people in the next three years and plans to set up a risk management group and to boost its corporate governance standards.

[27] Initial approval for Bank of Cyprus in Russia

ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"The first stage of approval was provided by the Central Bank of the Russian Federation and is subject to the final approval of both the Central Bank of the Russian Federation and the Central Bank of Cyprus," the statement said.

"The above development is important to the Bank of Cyprus Group as it will be the first financial services group from the Cypriot and Greek marketplace that expands to the Russian market with good expansion prospects," it added.

[28] EasyCruise plans to visit Greek islands

19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

He was speaking during announcement of easy Cruise's latest venture, weekly itineraries along the rivers and canals of Holland and Belgium from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, Brussels, Antwerp and back.

[29] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks nose up

ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.04% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.15% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.96% down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 165 to 95 with 54 remaining unchanged.

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank of Greece, Bank of Cyprus, OPAP, OTE, and Alpha Bank.

Derivatives Market Close: OPAP top in stock futures trade

Stock Futures: