Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-07-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] Alogoskoufis: Reforms at the forefront over coming period

[02] Greek alternate permanent representative at UN addresses Security Council session on Middle East

[03] 'Hot line' between Greek, Turkish air force HQs operational

[04] Pavlopoulos on 4th Community Support Framework

[05] Parliament president cites need for improvement of civil servants' hiring procedure

[06] PASOK leader addresses party conference on agricultural policy

[07] PPC says surging demand being met

[08] Deputy culture minister expresses satisfaction over holding of World Gymnasiade

[09] Piraeus prefect addresses conference on tourism

[10] Banks must revise policy on interest rate issue, former minister says

[11] Groups representing ethnic Greeks of Istanbul gather in Bosporus metropolis

[12] 'Cultural Amphictyony 2006' begins in Delphi

[13] SAE clinic in Mariupol offering breast cancer screening

[14] Weather Forecast Cloud, showers on Monday

[15] Papadopoulos, Talat meet on Monday

[16] House President: EU law to facilitate Cyprus solution

[01] Alogoskoufis: Reforms at the forefront over coming period

Athens 3/7/2006 (ANA)

In a published interview in the Sunday edition of the Athens daily "Eleftheros Typos", Alogoskoufis, among others, noted that National Bank's intended purchase of Istanbul-based Finansbank is compatible with the government's policy for a further expansion of Greek banks in the Balkans and SE Europe. In fact, he added that he has confidence in National Bank's management.

In touching on criticism, especially by several main opposition PASOK party deputies, over the prospect that foreign interests will gain even more control of whatever Greek companies, Alogoskoufis pointedly said that a mindset pointing to a perpetually "small Greece" must be avoided. "Our future lies in playing our role in the wider southeast Europe region ... We need to fulfill our role, as did all the countries that opened their economies. Ireland, for instance, based its economic miracle on foreign investments. No one, however, spoke of a 'de-Irelandisation' of the Irish economy. Here, though, we're constantly referring to a loss of Greek ownership". Along those lines, he said the government will judge every bid for Emporiki Bank based on the percentage of cash in any offer or the equivalent of cash, "namely, what the shares are worth if sold at the specific moment (of the transaction) and not the price listed on the stock market at the time".

In other comments, Alogoskoufis said the high-profile reforms foreseen in a recently unveiled draft bill for higher education are both significant and mild. "Restructuring is necessary so we're not throwing away money. First, (universities') operation must improve and then we can see about funding issues. If we attempt to solve the funding problem and ignore substantive reforms then all we'll have done is make a hole in the water," he added.

Asked about tax breaks, another pre-election promise by ruling New Democracy, Alogoskoufis said the government's fiscal policy will be more flexible next year, "and with an emphasis on those with the greatest need".

Finally, in reference to a recent prediction by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) regarding early elections in the country in 2007, the economy minister echoed other top government officials in saying that talk of elections was premature.

"Our plan is to exhaust the four-year term, and I don't see any reason to hold elections earlier," he said.

[02] Greek alternate permanent representative at UN addresses Security Council session on Middle East

NEW YORK 3/7/2006 (ANA-MPA - P. Panagiotou)

"Greece remains dedicated to efforts to achieve an overall, just and viable peace in the Middle East, in accordance with all of the Security Council's resolutions," she said.

Papadopoulou stressed at the beginning of her address that "Greece sides itself absolutely with the statement to be made by Austria's permanent representative, representing the European Union", adding that "in the past days, the cycle of violence in the Middle East has experienced a new escalation and the situation appears to be touching dangerous levels."

Lastly, she said "today, we can only reiterate, with regret and abhorrence over the further worsening (of the situation), the same categorical condemnation and deep concern."

[03] 'Hot line' between Greek, Turkish air force HQs operational

Athens 3/7/2006 (ANA)

A moratorium in the Aegean regarding the prohibition of military exercises went into effect on Saturday and will last until Sept. 15.

[04] Pavlopoulos on 4th Community Support Framework

Athens 3/7/2006 (ANA)

Also, referring to the rate of absorption of the Regional Operational Program for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, the minister said that it is at a very satisfactory level, currently reaching 43 percent.

As regards the "Thiseas" program, funds amounting to 214 million euros provided for local administration bodies in eastern Macedonia and Thrace over a period of five years, prefecture administrations in these regions will also be provided with 23 million euros through the 2006 budget and when net funds in this direction had not exceeded 6.5 million euros in the past.

Earlier, the interior minister had attended a conference with non-governmental organizations in light of the 4th CSF was organized by the General Secretariat of the Eastern Macedonia-Thrace Region.

[05] Parliament president cites need for improvement of civil servants' hiring procedure

Athens 3/7/2006 (ANA)

Benaki-Psarouda further stressed that the Constitution "requires a general tidying up and an overall reconsideration" to enable it to become more workable. She proposed the creation of a large committee of experts to study and submit proposals on the Constitution in its entirety, both from a substantive and legal and technical point of view.

"Its reports would be useful for every political leadership," she said.

[06] PASOK leader addresses party conference on agricultural policy

Athens 3/7/2006 (ANA)

A monthly welfare pension for a couple of farmers amounting to 800 euros, support for woman farmers, particularly if they are mothers, in accordance with the number of children had, insurance with the OGA farmers' insurance fund for farmers living in settlements of up to 2,000 inhabitants, even if they are exercising a different profession, and a decrease in the cost of obtaining a building license for their first home by 50 percent for those staying or wishing to stay in settlements of up to 2,000 inhabitants are four of the measures announced by the PASOK leader.

Papandreou accused the government of making superficial and anti-popular proposals without holding any discussion and without handling substantive issues, as well as of exploiting the pain of the farmer before the elections and deceiving him and abandoning promises after the elections.

The PASOK leader further accused the government of successive setbacks in Brussels regarding a series of farm products, stressing that the most painful defeat occurred in December 2005, with the prime minister being present in Brussels, where Greece lost, as he said, 65 million euros a year from agricultural subsidies and 47 percent of funds for agricultural development.

Lastly, Papandreou pointed out that PASOK's proposal for agricultural policy is part of the overall framework of state reforming and of the decentralization of power and of the shaping of a system of welfare, security and confidence for the Greek citizen and of the release and support of productive forces, particularly through education.

Agriculture minister's reaction : Agricultural Development and Food Minister Evangelos Basiakos, commenting on Papandreou' statements, accused him of failing to admit the mistakes made by PASOK governments in the past.

"Instead of Mr. Papandreou admitting the mistakes of the governments of PASOK, he is insisting on supporting the same options that are an example worth avoiding as far as we are concerned," Basiakos said.

"We are implementing unwaveringly, with social sensitivity, together with the farmers, our government program and exhausting every possibility of support by the European Union. For this reason, the great majority of farmers recognize the positive results of our policy," the minister added.

[07] PPC says surging demand being met

Athens 3/7/2006 (ANA)

PPC reiterated that the state-run utility's network is in a state of full readiness and is able to meet surging demand due to high temperatures.

The company also said that small-scale power outages were mainly recorded in the greater Athens and Thessaloniki areas, while again calling on consumers to limit the use of electrical appliances and to reduce consumption during peak hours (11.00-15.00).

[08] Deputy culture minister expresses satisfaction over holding of World Gymnasiade

Athens 3/7/2006 (ANA)

"I express my special satisfaction over the World Gymnasiade held in Athens and Thessaloniki. The successful holding of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Athens sent a true message of friendship, peaceful coexistence and 'fair play' to different peoples and cultures," he said.

Orfanos watched several events and met with athletes of the Greek team and foreign mission leaders and referred to the targets of the World Gymnasiade.

[09] Piraeus prefect addresses conference on tourism

Athens 3/7/2006 (ANA)

"Our dominant strategic option must be the emergence of Greece as a leading tourist force internationally and its staying in this position in the long run," he said.

Mihas also referred to the need "for the necessary regional bodies to be prepared with the participation of local administration, while such bodies as the Greek Tourist Organization (EOT) must acquire an executive character."

[10] Banks must revise policy on interest rate issue, former minister says

Athens 3/7/2006 (ANA)

Christodoulakis met at noon with the new board of the Hania trade society and made his statement afterwards.

"A main issue that we examined is the issue of the decline and of the limited movement observed in many markets due to the considerable increase in interest rates and the possible threat of a new increase," he said.

[11] Groups representing ethnic Greeks of Istanbul gather in Bosporus metropolis

ISTANBUL 3/7/2006 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

Several noted Turkish academics and researchers also took part in the conference, whereas its sessions also generated coverage by Turkish media.

Of particular interest was a study unveiled by Prof. Vyron Kotzamanis, who noted that the ethnic Greek population of Istanbul is now above the 5,000-person mark widely quoted up until today.

Meanwhile, a concert held at the end of the sessions on Sunday was attended by Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos, Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Theodoros Kassimis, Greece's ambassador to Turkey George Gennimatas and the consul general in Istanbul, Alexis Alexandris.

Organizers estimated that more than 2,500 people attended the conference's sessions.

[12] 'Cultural Amphictyony 2006' begins in Delphi

Athens 3/7/2006 (ANA)

The European Cultural Centre of Delphi (ECCD) was again the host and organizing body of the "Cultural Amphictyony", held only a short drive away from the renowned Oracle of Apollo archaeological site, and in the presence of dignitaries and academics from around the world.

"Not only must the UN correct its institutions, not only must these institutions become accessible to all people, but they must embrace a future that will be the best tomorrow, that will be based on the knowledge of the past and that will precisely nurse the hopes of tomorrow. This, therefore, is the Amphictyony that we shall talk about," ECCD board president and Paris-based European University Rector Helen Ahrweiler-Glykatzi said at the opening reception of this year's Cultural Amphictyony on Friday evening.

The director of the Centre, Prof. Christodoulos Yiallouridis, added that "the Amphictyony is the cause, it is the historic memory. The UN and the discussion on its reshaping expresses its modern-day continuation. However, the case of peace was and remains an opportunity for reflection, a possibility to trace the course of our culture, an opportunity for skepticism and concern."

In opening the conference focusing on the United Nations a day later, Deputy Defense Minister Vassilis Mihaloliakos underlined the role played by Greece at the organization, particularly Athens' adherence to peace and democracy with an aim of consolidating stability and security.

On his part, the former foreign minister of Cyprus, George Iacovou, emphasized that the UN remains a guardian of the Republic of Cyprus, as Cyprus has benefited greatly from the international organization. However, he noted that some member-states "are more equal than others", saying that only a few big powers have the first say within the organization.

Lastly, internationally acclaimed composer Mikis Theodorakis told delegates on Saturday that "even until recently, following the general trend, I also believed that violence and war were due to economic interests, religious and national fanaticism and other similar things as the main causes. Today, I am now certain that deep down all these are only pretexts, and that the main cause from where the thirst for conquest emanates lies within man."

On Saturday evening, the cultural portion of the "Cultural Amphictyony" was inaugurated with the premier of the National Theatre group's performance of Aeschylus' ancient tragedy "Persians" at the Delphi Centre's Frynihos outdoor theatre.

The almost month-long series of events take their name from the Great Amphictyonic League of antiquity, founded around 1100 BC for the protection and administration of the temple of Apollo in Delphi, in a stunning mountainside in south-central Greece, and the temple of Demeter near Thermopylae, further to the east.

[13] SAE clinic in Mariupol offering breast cancer screening

Athens 3/7/2006 (ANA)

The operation of the medical centre, built with a donation by Thessaloniki entrepreneur Antonis Doudos, is part of SAE's medical program in countries of the former Soviet Union.

Free medical treatment is provided for citizens regardless of ethnic background.

[14] Weather Forecast Cloud, showers on Monday

Athens 3/7/2006 (ANA)

[15] Papadopoulos, Talat meet on Monday

Athens 3/7/2006 (ANA)

According to press information, the tripartite CMP, which also comprises representatives of the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish

Cypriot communities, is due to convene in its new composition, on July 7.

Exhumations of remains of missing persons are scheduled to continue in August in the Turkish occupied areas as well as in the government controlled part of Cyprus. Remains, to be identified through the DNA process, will be returned to the next of kin.

President of the Committee of Relatives of Missing and Undeclared Prisoners, Nicos Theodosiou, appeared yesterday cautiously optimistic as regards tomorrow's meeting.

"We have to have hope, this is a meeting which can send a message to the international community that this issue is a humanitarian one and has to be settled," Theodosiou told CNA.

He reiterated that the relatives demand an actual and true investigation into the fate of their beloved ones as ordered by the European Court of Human Rights in its judgment of May 10, 2001.

Turkey invaded Cyprus in the summer of 1974 and since then occupies the Republic's northern third.

[16] House President: EU law to facilitate Cyprus solution

PAPHOS 3/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

Speaking at a memorial service in Paphos, Christofias said Cyprus should follow a firm policy, based on principles, through which it must demand its legitimate rights.

"The question is whether the Europeans will stand firm by the EU principles and will not renege under pressure from Britain and the US in order to appease Turkey," he said.

Turkey's main objective, he added, is to upgrade the status of the illegal regime it backs in occupied Cyprus, using as a pretext the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots.

He pointed out that Ankara does not aim at a resolution of the Cyprus question and it refuses to meet its obligations towards the European Union, including opening its ports and airports to Cypriot vessels and aircraft.

"We remain firmly committed to the big compromise we have made a bizonal, bicommunal federation which is the only way out, under the circumstances, to end the Turkish occupation and to reunite our country," the House President said.

The current deadlock in the effort to find a settlement can be overcome with "hard and systematic work" which could lead to a UN invitation for the resumption of substantive negotiations for a solution.

"What we are seeking is to reunite our country and see the people of Cyprus become master of its own fate, without any custody from any foreign power, he concluded.

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