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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Bakoyannis meets Iraqi counterpart, stresses respect of Iraq's existing borders

[02] Athens reiterates support for unified Iraq

[03] Athens again repeats position over Turkey's non-negotiable commitments towards EU

[04] Thirty-fifth round of exploratory Greek-Turkish talks on Friday

[05] US State Dep't spokesman underlines good relationship between Greek, Turkish PMs

[06] Gov't on military exercise moratorium

[07] Athens condemns North Korea missile tests

[08] Deputy FM meets with high-ranking delegation from Azerbaijan

[09] Deputy FM Valynakis comments on FYROM elections

[10] President Papoulias meets Grimsson during Iceland visit

[11] President Karolos Papoulias addresses official dinner in Iceland

[12] Defense, Interior ministers discuss public agencies' evaluation system

[13] Greek praise for Austrian EU presidency

[14] Prime minister gives awards to high school students

[15] Premier addresses World Pontian Hellenism congress

[16] DM addresses conference on UN in 21st century

[17] National Defense General Staff chief discusses defense cooperation with Bulgaria

[18] PASOK leader visits Tylos, comments on coastal shipping problems

[19] Greeks satisfied with country's EU membership

[20] European Parliament ratifies report on immigrants

[21] KKE demonstration in support of Palestine

[22] Greece to introduce new investment legislation in September

[23] Greek inflation rose to 3.2 pct in June, yr/yr

[24] Foreign investors have positive stand towards transactions in all categories

[25] Athens hotels report significant hike in May occupancy rates

[26] Visa says debit cards rose 31.1 pct in year to March 2006

[27] Citibank cites network goal of 100 branches

[28] New exhibition centre underway by HELEXPO in Attica

[29] Bank employee federation and bank representatives fail to agree on collective labor agreement

[30] Greek stocks end 0.41 pct lower

[31] Byzantine museum hosts exhibition on Tang dynasty China

[32] Teenager electrocuted on train track

[33] Salamina fire partially under control

[34] Fire in Hania prefecture spreading under high winds

[35] Firefighting plane sinks, pilots safe

[36] Albanians use horse to smuggle hashish into Greece

[37] 12th annual Ardas Festival

[38] Government brings amendment for football federation's autonomy

[39] Deputy culture minister notifies FIFA president of soccer amendment ratification

[40] Amendment for Panathinaikos stadium tabled in Parliament

[41] Cyprus President assures Gambari he will take part in substantial talks

[42] Gambari very satisfied with meeting President Papadoupoulos

[43] P5 meet Gambari, express support for Cyprus

[44] UN Spokeswoman: Gambari had very good meetings in Cyprus

[45] US supports Cyprus solution and Turkey's accession to EU

[01] Bakoyannis meets Iraqi counterpart, stresses respect of Iraq's existing borders

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

Bakoyannis also underlined the need for non-intervention in Iraq's domestic affairs by neighboring countries, in order to build good neighborly relations.

She said that Iraq could become an important trading and strategic partner for Greece, which wants to enhance its business presence within Iraq by supporting the efforts of the Iraqi people.

Talks between the Greek and Iraqi delegations at the foreign ministry in Athens were conducted in a warm and friendly atmosphere, while in joint statements by the two ministers afterward, Bakoyannis expressed conviction that the road to democracy would bring about national unity and reconciliation within the country.

She congratulated Iraq's "constitutionally elected government for its efforts to rebuild modern institutions and its determination", while expressing hope that the current security problem in the country will be solved when the peace and prosperity of its citizens was fully restored.

Bakoyannis also categorically condemned all terrorist actions seeking to prevent efforts for Iraq's reconstruction, while stressing that the country's borders must be respected by all and insisting that all countries must avoid intervention in Iraq's internal affairs.

Zebari expressed appreciation for Athens' role and its support and said that talks between the two sides had examined cooperation in tourism, education and trade.

The Iraqi foreign minister told reporters that, in talks with government officials in Athens and during an earlier meeting with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, he had tried to present a clear and objective picture of the situation in Iraq.

He noted that the present Iraqi government was a legally elected national unity government in which all the Iraqi people were represented and which had a reconciliation plan that took all into account, including those dissenters.

According to Zebari, his government's priority was to establish stability, internal security and calm, while noting that Greece could provide indispensable help in this goal as a member-state of the European Union and by increasing its transactions with Iraq while boosting its trade presence in the region.

Asked about the activities of Kurd rebels from Turkey in northern Iraq, Zebari reiterated that Iraq's sovereignty must be respected, that no one should intervene in the domestic affairs of another country.

The Iraqi foreign minister, who arrived in Athens after a visit to the Turkish capital Ankara, also noted that there had not been any operations in northern Iraq up until now but stressed that Iraq's attitude would be different if something like this happened in the future.

[02] Athens reiterates support for unified Iraq

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

"Greece firmly backs the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and the unity of the state of Iraq. Respect for Iraq's borders and non-intervention in the country's internal affairs comprise a necessary condition, something mandated by respect for good-neighborly relations," foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos told reporters at a regular press briefing in Athens.

[03] Athens again repeats position over Turkey's non-negotiable commitments towards EU

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

"The European Union has set specific conditions, which must be fulfilled over a regular and prescribed time period by the candidate country, in this case Turkey. The European Union honors the agreements it has made with all countries, and of course, candidate state," foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said.

Moreover, the spokesman said numerous, repeated and concise statements have been made by spokespersons of member-states, the European Union and, of course, the Commission, in answer to a question regarding the prospect of an extension being given to Ankara to implement the condition.

Asked if the EU-Turkey association agreement allows Ankara room to postpone any implementation of the customs union protocol, Koumoutsakos said "the decision of Sept. 21, 2005 still stands".

Turkey has refused to extend the customs union with the EU's 10 new member-states in order to avoid extending it to the Republic of Cyprus, which it does not recognize.

[04] Thirty-fifth round of exploratory Greek-Turkish talks on Friday

INSTANBUL, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

Greek Ambassador Anastasios Skopelitis and Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Tuigan will represent the two countries.

[05] US State Dep't spokesman underlines good relationship between Greek, Turkish PMs

WASHINGTON, 7/7/2006 (ANA-MPA/T. Ellis)

McCormack pointed out that Greece and Turkey are NATO allies and "strong allies of the United States".

" I would point out to you in terms of the question of regional stability Turkey has other neighbors other than Greece and certainly there are still important issues of regional stability in those other areas as well. So we want a strong relationship with Turkey. We have it. We want a strong relationship with Greece. We have it. We would certainly encourage Greece and Turkey to resolve any differences that exist between them. But I would just point out that they are NATO -- strong NATO allies and that there is a good personal relationship between the Greek political leadership currently in power and the Turkish political leadership currently in power," McCormack said.

In reply to questions, McCormack said that the Rice-Gul meeting covered a "variety of different topics", including Iraq, Turkey's accession talks with the EU, energy supply, and "they certainly talked about issues related to religious freedom in Turkey".

[06] Gov't on military exercise moratorium

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

The agreement, signed a month ago, is based on the older Papoulias-Yilmaz moratorium signed by the two neighboring countries, a foreign ministry spokesman said.

Asked about a recently activated "hot line" between the Greek and Turkish air force general staff headquarters, the spokesman said the measure was positive and could contribute to efforts at avoiding incidents during military flights.

[07] Athens condemns North Korea missile tests

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

"Yesterday's (Wednesday) testing of ballistic missiles by North Korea has caused heightened concern. The Greek government condemns this action, one that does not contribute to international security and peace, and which causes serious problems in efforts to limit the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Greece, as non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, already works closely with the other members of the Council in order to send the proper message to North Korea," spokesman George Koumoutsakos said.

[08] Deputy FM meets with high-ranking delegation from Azerbaijan

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

On his part, Stylianidis referred to a major natural gas pipeline project currently under construction that will connect the Caucasus country with Italy via Turkey and Greece.

Greek officials announced their willing to convene a joint inter-ministerial meeting in the autumn, while the Azeri side referred to their country's production of oil and gas as well as its role as a distribution hub connecting the Caspian Sea fields with west European markets.

[09] Deputy FM Valynakis comments on FYROM elections

DUBROVNIK, 7/7/2006 (ANA-MPA/N.Pelpas)

"All indications show a change in government. We are awaiting of course for the official announcement of the results, while the forming of a new government will take some time," Valynakis told reporters on the sidelines of the Third Meeting of South East Europe European Affairs Ministers.

"In any case," Valynakis added, "we are ready, on our part, for cooperation and we are expecting from the new government to work in the direction of a further improvement of our relations in all sectors and to adopt the proper stance for the solution, in a mutually acceptable manner, of the (country's) name issue."

"We support the European prospects of the Western Balkans and of FYROM. But what is needed is Skopje's response to its international obligations and the criteria set by the European Union, and the finding of a mutually acceptable solution which will reinforce good neighborly relations and regional cooperation," Valynakis noted.

Greece has contributed to FYROM's stability, economic progress and efforts for development, and can be a "precious partner" in its European course, Valynakis concluded.

Greece opposes to the landlocked country's use of the name 'Macedonia' arguing that it concealed expansionist designs against its northern province of Macedonia.

[10] President Papoulias meets Grimsson during Iceland visit

REYKJAVIK, 7/7/2006 (ANA-MPA - N. Megadoukas)

Papoulias arrived in Iceland on Wednesday night for a four-day official visit - the first by a Greek head of state - that returns a visit to Athens by Grimsson in 2001.

The two presidents said cooperation could be developed further in the telecoms, pharmaceuticals industry and banking, while Grimsson noted the prospects for strategic cooperation between the business sectors of the two countries in central and southern Europe, especially in Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia.

After the meeting, during which Papoulias invited Grimsson to carry out an official visit to Greece, the Greek president toured Reykjavik's National Museum and attended a dinner hosted by the city's mayor. Later on Thursday, he will visit a geothermal energy production plant and attend an official dinner held in his honor by Iceland's president.

The Greek president is accompanied on his visit by Deputy Foreign Minister Theodoros Kasimis. On Friday Papoulias will hold talks with Iceland's Prime Minister Geir H. Haarde while on the same day an agreement on avoiding double taxation will be signed.

[11] President Karolos Papoulias addresses official dinner in Iceland

REYKJAVIK, 7/7/2006 (ANA-MPA/N. Megadoukas)

President Papoulias also said that no growth strategy will be fruitful if it does not begin from the principle of protection for the weak as well, adding that the operation of the market should not be the only regulating factor unless it invests in the upgrading of the quality of education, research and the challenges of new technologies.

The president went on to say that the European Union is being called upon and must honor its commitments towards the countries that are accession candidates on condition that the latter will observe the criteria and the principles governing the European acquis communautaire unwaveringly.

In this framework, President Papoulias underlined the significance of a solution to the issue of Cyprus, "a problem whose prolongation injures the EU's most substantive values."

Earlier, President Papoulias visited a traditional fishing museum and a geothermic energy plant, as well as the Blue Lagoon spas.

On Friday, President Papoulias will be meeting the country's Prime Minister Geir H. Haarde.

[12] Defense, Interior ministers discuss public agencies' evaluation system

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

Ministers of Defense and Interior, Evangelos Meimarakis and Prokopis Pavlopoulos respectively, said after meeting at the Greek Pentagon on Thursday that the participation of the ministry of defense in the evaluation system is placed within the framework of government policy aimed at improving the services provided to the people, limiting bureaucracy and tidying up the wider public sector.

Meimarakis and Pavlopoulos also said that they are considering the likelihood of the ministry of defense's participation in the Citizens Service Centers (KEP) which, according to the interior minister, will be turned into complete transactions centers.

Decentralization, boosting local government, tackling bureaucracy and improving public administration upgrade the quality of our democracy, he continued.

On the occasion of the continuing air traffic regulations' violations in the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) by Turkish aircraft in spite of the moratorium in effect in the Aegean, Meimarakis observed that they there has been a notable decrease in number, and pointed out that the situation is being closely monitored. He opined that Turkey's behavior will adapt to the memorandum and the new confidence-building-measures recently agreed on.

[13] Greek praise for Austrian EU presidency

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

"The successful Austrian presidency acquires even greater significance if we consider the difficulties that arose during the past six-month period in various European Union activities. Austria was able to provide a new dynamic in a number of issues; it played a catalytic role in the search for solutions to demanding problems and it set realistic targets that were met, while at the same time ensuring the collective nature of the European Union," foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said.

[14] Prime minister gives awards to high school students

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

"Education demands stability, consistency, continuity, social consensus. Our aim is to strengthen quality in all stages of education, for young people to have equal opportunities of access in an education system comparable to European and international ones," the prime minister underlined.

"Education is the foundation for all future plannings... and the bridge leading to tomorrow, aiming at the formation of free, responsible and democratic citizens," Karamanlis added.

The premier congratulated the honored students who were awarded a computer.

"Until today, 5,000 computers were distributed and until the end of October the awarding will be completed of students that excelled in their studies and the number of which exceeds 8,000," he concluded.

[15] Premier addresses World Pontian Hellenism congress

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

Addressing the 6th Congress of World Pontian Hellenism, Karamanlis said that Greece was developing "relations of bilateral and multilateral cooperation with all its neighbors", underlining that the Greek people wanted for the broader region to avoid the tragedies of the past. "We want our neighborhood to become a model of peace, security, democracy, growth and prosperity for all," he added.

As regards the congress, which is organized in Greece for the first time, Karamanlis said the participation by all Pontian federations sent a strong message of unity. He also referred to the

Greek Pontians' contribution to Greece's modern development adding that "we owe to our Pontian brothers appreciation and solidarity as we are well aware of our debt." Karamanlis also made a special reference to the genocide of Greek Pontians in Turkey in 1916-1922.

[16] DM addresses conference on UN in 21st century

DELPHI, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

Meimarakis recalled the motto "if you want peace prepare for war" and stressed that the UN needs reforms. He said that mankind did not succeed in creating a collective security system and it often experiences the situation described by Thomas Hobbs ("a war of all against all") and for this reason the responsibility for security remains in the jurisdiction of nations.

Culture Minister George Voulgarakis also referred to the revision and reform of the UN in the 21st century, the main prerequisite being in essence the shaping of a common framework of principles and values for the progress, prosperity and happiness of citizens.

Voulgarakis referred to the UN's role, stressing that its decisions, even when they were questioned, remain a point of reference for the status of international legality, adding that the success and upgrading of the Organization's role passes through a substantive and bold reshaping of priorities.

Former defense minister and longstanding senior official of the UN and of international organizations, Gerasimos Arsenis, said that the form of growth being followed worldwide cannot handle the increase in poverty and inequalities both between developed and poor and rich countries, while leading to the now visible prospect of big and irreversible destruction of the world's environment.

[17] National Defense General Staff chief discusses defense cooperation with Bulgaria

SOFIA, 7/7/2006 (ANA-MPA/B. Borisov)

An announcement by the Bulgarian defense ministry on Thursday on Stojkov's visit to Greece, at the invitation of Hinofotis, also said that the Bulgarian General Staff chief briefed the Greek National Defense General Staff chief on the activities of the Bulgarian unit in the framework of NATO's mission in Afghanistan.

[18] PASOK leader visits Tylos, comments on coastal shipping problems

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

The island's Mayor Tasos Aliferis and other local officials explained the island's coastal shipping problem, while the PASOK leader protested what he called was the unfair and authoritarian policy of the current government, adding that "it is trying to strangle a society and an island which has opened its wings and is forging ahead."

"We shall not allow this to happen," Papandreou said, stressing that "a small miracle has been accomplished" in Tylos and promising that when PASOK comes to power it "will remedy this injustice."

Earlier in the day, being on the island of Rhodes, Papandreou addressed the international conference of Information and Communication technologies on Education, organized by the University of the Aegean and the University College of the Fraser Valley.

Papandreou was due to return to Rhodes later in the day to attend a meeting of party officials.

[19] Greeks satisfied with country's EU membership

BRUSSELS, 7/7/2006 (ANA-MPA/M. Aroni-M. Spinthourakis)

These are the main conclusions drawn from a report by the Eurobarometre service that was publicized here on Thursday.

Responding to the question of whether they thought that their country had benefited from its EU membership, 72 percent of Greeks gave a positive answer compared to the EU average of 54 percent.

Lithuania has the same percentage as Greece, while the most satisfied are the Irish with 87 percent and the Danes with 75. On the other hand, those who are mostly dissatisfied with their country's EU membership are the Austrians (the percentage of those satisfied is 39 percent), the Cypriots (40), the British (42) and the Swedes (43).

The issues creating the most concern for the average Greek is unemployment, followed by the country's economic state, inflation, crime and the state of the country's health system.

These issues together with the prospects of pensioning systems and the phenomenon of the increase in immigrants are the matters preoccupying the average European.

[20] European Parliament ratifies report on immigrants

STRASBOURG, 7/7/2006 (ANA-MPA/O. Tsipira)

Lambrinidis proposed the report on behalf of the Civil Liberties, Justice and Internal Affairs Committee.

The report notes that "the over 40 million immigrants currently in the EU constitute, from a population point of view, a 26th member-state and the fifth biggest in the EU. Consequently, the concern and the efforts of the EU for the integration of this population must correspond to its commitments on the accession of candidate countries."

According to the report, the Eurodeputies invite the Commission and the member-states to launch information and awareness campaigns aiming at the understanding of the phenomenon of immigration and the immigrants' contribution to economic and social development.

[21] KKE demonstration in support of Palestine

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

The demonstrators marched to the U.S. and Israeli embassies shouting slogans against the "imperialist-expansionist policy".

A delegation of Palestinians living in Athens also took part in the demonstration.

[22] Greece to introduce new investment legislation in September

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

The new legislation will introduce new higher limits of subsidies, ranging from 30 percent of an investment's budget to 60 percent (for small and medium enterprises).

Details of the new law were discussed during a meeting on Thursday between Economy Minister, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas and Finance Deputy Minister Christos Folias.

Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Alogoskoufis said an existing legislation offered impressive results in boosting private investments in the country, with a total of 2,119 investment plans submitted for approval, budgeted at 4.2 billion euros. The government has approved 1,241 investment plans budgeted at 1.950 billion euros, which were expected to create 6,424 new job positions.

The new law will be valid from January 1, 2007 and will emphasize on small and medium sized enterprises and regional convergence, the Greek minister said. The new investment legislation is part of a government policy to boost economic growth.

Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas said an existing legislation, introduced in 2004, was the most powerful and effective legislation ever introduced in the country.

[23] Greek inflation rose to 3.2 pct in June, yr/yr

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

NSS, in its monthly report, attributed the increase in the consumer price index to higher shipping fares, to higher potato prices and despite a significant drop in the prices of vegetables and fresh fruits.

Manolis Kontopyrakis, NSS's secretary-general, said higher oil prices were negatively affecting the consumer price index in the country and predicted that the inflation rate would reach 3.4 pct in July. Kontopyrakis said a government decision to introduce higher fuel consumption tax would burden the consumer price index by 15 basis points. The average inflation rate in the 12 month period from July 2005 to June 2006 rose to 3.5 pct.

The statistics service presented two new indices to measuring turnover and orders in the manufacturing sector. The turnover index rose 19.9 pct in January 2006, compared with the same month last year, sharply up from an 1.5 pct increase in January 2005.

The new orders index rose 10.9 pct in January 2006, from a 0.2 pct increase in January 2005.

[24] Foreign investors have positive stand towards transactions in all categories

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

Indicative of this trend is the difference of +319.45 million euros out of the total amount listed which shapes the accumulative influx of foreign investing capital to 2,033.70 million euros, without investments in New Securities Listing being considered (such as the recent one by the Post Office Savings Bank).

Compared to the first half of 2005, when foreign investors had shaped an accumulative difference in the region of +1,160.17 million euros, it is observed that the increase in their investments in 2006 is at least 75 percent.

Turnover in the first half of 2006 has increased considerably, by 110 percent, compared to the first half of 2005 (48,168.32 million euros as against 23,001.87 million euros).

[25] Athens hotels report significant hike in May occupancy rates

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

According to a monthly report by the Union of Attica Hoteliers, occupancy rates in five star hotels rose 19.7 percent in May to 50.07 pct; four-star hotels jumped 24.5 pct to 52.14 pct; three-star hotels rose 18.12 pct to 60.94 pct and two-star hotels rose 19 percent to 56.27 pct.

The union said tourist arrivals in the first five months of 2006 were higher compared with the corresponding period in 2005, especially in hotel occupancy rates.

The group attributed the May improved figures to the organizing of conferences, the holding of "social forum" political gathering in Athens and, of course, to the holding of the Eurovision song contest in the Greek capital.

Average room prices, however, rose 1.6 pct in May, while REVPAR rose 8.8 percent over the same period.

[26] Visa says debit cards rose 31.1 pct in year to March 2006

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

The company announced a 24.4-percent rise in consumer spending and said that debit card holders totaled 2.7 million in Greece out of a total 6.3 million cards (credit, debit and corporate) circulating in the country.

Visa said consumer spending totaled 278.9 million euros, while the average value of transaction using debit cards was unchanged at last year's level (totaling 81.20 euros).

Credit card and corporate cards issued by Visa rose by 2.4 pct and 1.6 pct, respectively, or 3.6 million and 37,300 respectively. Spending using Visa's credit cards totaled 3.7 billion euros (up 4.1 pct), which corporate cards were used in 988,000 transactions (up 7.2 pct) worth 213.2 million euros.

Visa said trends in the Greek market was in line with European trends, with debit cards rising 13.6 pct and consumer spending up 18.7 pct.

[27] Citibank cites network goal of 100 branches

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

Christos Vassiliadis, Citibank's general manager, said the bank would emphasize mortgage loans, while adding that creating "partnership cards" would signal the coming of a new generation of "plastic currency". Citibank also said it planned to hire the best-qualified personnel in the local market.

[28] New exhibition centre underway by HELEXPO in Attica

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

HELEXPO President Aristotelis Thomopoulos said, during a press conference Thursday, that it was a considerable investment on the part of HELEXPO expected to reach three million euros. HELEXPO's new exhibition centre in Attica will be created in an open space of five acres within the Olympic Sports Centre, it will have a total housed exhibition area of 15,000 square metres and it is expected to host up to 15 exhibitions a year, as well as many other events and manifestations.

The new exhibition centre is expected to begin operating in March 2007.

[29] Bank employee federation and bank representatives fail to agree on collective labor agreement

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

According to bank employee unionists, the bank representatives who attended the meeting only showed interest in the discussion on the agenda of negotiations, while stressing that they are not authorized to proceed with official negotiating.

The meeting was discontinued and the OTOE unionists spoke of a "mockery" of the institution of collective negotiations and of "authoritarianism" on the part of bankers.

Following this development, OTOE calls on bank employees to participate en masse in Monday's 24-hour strike, adding that even at the last moment it is ready to enter negotiations but only with authorized bank negotiators.

[30] Greek stocks end 0.41 pct lower

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

[31] Byzantine museum hosts exhibition on Tang dynasty China

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

Comprised of 120 objects found mainly in graves that are on loan from China's largest museums, the exhibition traveled to Athens from Naples, where it first opened to the public.

It is organized along four basic themes that include: "Palace and Administration", "Toward the West", "Afterlife" and "Buddhism".

The Tang era was a time of unprecedented growth and development in China, during which it doubled its territory in Asia and reached a cultural and economic peak marked by some important inventions.

At the Byzantine Museum, visitors will also have the opportunity to juxtapose the course of the thriving Chinese empire in the Far East with the parallel fate of Byzantium to the West, which during that time entered a period of decline coinciding with the so-called "dark ages" and the start of a "Macedonian renaissance".

[32] Teenager electrocuted on train track

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

Police said the 13-year-old boy was rushed to Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, where he died shortly afterwards.

Police were investigating the circumstances of the accident.

[33] Salamina fire partially under control

SALAMINA, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

They said 18 fire-engines and 50 fire-fighters, as well as a force of 40 fire-fighters on foot, had been deployed to battle the blaze, assisted by two fire-fighting aircraft and one helicopter from the air.

[34] Fire in Hania prefecture spreading under high winds

HANIA, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

It said the fire was underway on three fronts and had burnt through olive groves, with fire-fighters were struggling to prevent it spreading to inhabited areas with residences and hotels.

Fire-fighting forces from all over Crete have been sent out to tackle the fire, while Crete authorities have also requested the assistance of two fire-fighting planes.

[35] Firefighting plane sinks, pilots safe

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

According to reports, the aircraft was trying to refill its water tanks in rough seas when it was hit by a large wave. The plane's two pilots had abandoned the aircraft in time and were picked up by a rescue helicopter.

[36] Albanians use horse to smuggle hashish into Greece

FLORINA, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

According to police, the Albanians crossed the border into Greece with the horse, but late on Wednesday evening they were intercepted by border guards at a forest region in Prespes and their cargo was seized.

[37] 12th annual Ardas Festival

ALEXANDROUPOLI, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

Organizers promise to all those who will attend the festival at Kastanies, Evros, a lot of music, fun and games and many surprises, while the whole endeavor is aimed at promoting culture, a bridge that unites people by overcoming prejudices and differences.

The camping sites along the river banks will host the visitors who can enjoy different water sports, participate in fun competitions, watch motocross shows, beach volley and football games and attend music concerts.

The festival program includes music concerts by Raining Pleasures, Mourvatis and Psyche on Wednesday, June 26; Pliatsikas, Famellos, ONAR, Kontakos, and Efstathia on Thursday, June 27; Goin' Through, Portokaloglou, Drogosis, Grandeloopa, Karakostas, Tsakalos, and One Drop on Friday, June 28; Tsaligopoulou, Babali, Evridiki, Korgialas, Emirlis, and Christidou on Saturday, June 29, and Hatzigiannis and ONIRAMA on Sunday, June 30.

[38] Government brings amendment for football federation's autonomy

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

The addition made by Orfanos stipulates that, especially for football, all issues concerning the operation and organization of the sport and the Hellenic Football Federation are regulated autonomously by EPO organs in accordance with its rules and charter, as this is laid out by the European and international football federation "even when different measures are foreseen in law 2725/1999 as this applies and in sports legislation generally".

Issues concerning financial matters and transparency, control of legality, public order and security remain the exclusive "regulatory responsibility" of the state.

An amendment along these lines had been requested on Wednesday by EPO President Vassilis Gagatsis but also the main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement in order to reverse EPO's suspension by FIFA.

The government's draft bill was strongly criticised on Thursday by opposition MPs, with PASOK's George Lianis describing it dismissively as a "monstrosity" and "a chameleon that changes colors every second".

Both the government and the main opposition came under fire from Communist Party of Greece (KKE) representative Angelos Tzekis, however, the first for seeking to wrest control of Greek football from EPO and the second for failing to defend the original 1999 bill passed by a PASOK government, which was essentially being emasculated by the amendment.

According to PASOK's Milena Apostolaki, Parliament was now being called to vote on a draft bill that the latest amendment had rendered pointless and said that someone should resign after "this Waterloo and the humiliation of the government and the Parliament".

A letter sent by FIFA on Monday and signed by its president Sepp Blatter announced the suspension of Greece's football federation for not meeting "the principles of the FIFA Statutes regarding the independence of member associations and the independence of the decision-making process of the football-governing body in each country".

FIFA's decision was taken after it came to believe that the Greek government would not take action to amend current laws that allow third-party intervention in 'football matters', such as by Greek courts or the Greek state, within a July 15, 2006 deadline.

In a statement on Monday night on television, Orfanos promised to honor an agreement with FIFA to take EPO "outside the state's umbrella" - including a suspension of state funding.

[39] Deputy culture minister notifies FIFA president of soccer amendment ratification

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

Orfanos also called on Blatter to make necessary arrangements to release the Greek Soccer Federation (EPO) and Greek clubs from the decision taken by FIFA's Urgent Affairs Committee last Monday and by which Greek soccer was expelled from international competitions.

According to the amendment, "For the sport of soccer in particular, all issues concerning the functioning and organizing of the sport and of the Greek Soccer Federation are regulated autonomously by its organs."

No problems ahead for Greek football, government says:

The government is taking all necessary action to ensure that there were no problems for Greek football, alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros underlined on Thursday.

Commenting on a decision by the international football federation FIFA to suspend the Hellenic Football Federation EPO from international games indefinitely pending a change in Greece's legislation on football matters, the spokesman noted that Greek deputy sports minister George Orfanos had agreed to pass the necessary measures by July 15 and that this date had not yet passed.

Agreements ought to be observed and when an agreement was made regarding the time framework, this applied until the last day, he added.

According to Antonaros, this was an issue with many parameters and various consultations were made in efforts to settle it.

The spokesman also denied that members of the government or the prime minister were dissatisfied with Orfanos' handling of the situation, pointing out that the deputy minister was representing the government during the debate on the draft bill and the amendment required by FIFA in Parliament and disputing reporters' claims that no minister had supported Orfanos.

A letter sent by FIFA on Monday and signed by its president Sepp Blatter announced the suspension of Greece's football federation for not meeting "the principles of the FIFA Statutes regarding the independence of member associations and the independence of the decision-making process of the football-governing body in each country".

FIFA's decision was taken after it came to believe that the Greek government would not take action to amend current laws that allow third-party intervention in 'football matters', such as by Greek courts or the Greek state, within a July 15, 2006 deadline.

In a statement on Monday night on television, Orfanos pledged that the government will bring an amendment to Parliament that honours an agreement with FIFA to take EPO "outside the state's umbrella" - including a suspension of state funding - but did not disclose the precise wording.

[40] Amendment for Panathinaikos stadium tabled in Parliament

ATHENS, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

The amendment abolishes building rights on the Alexandras site, designating this as a public park that can be used to build only a sports museum with an attached hall, recreational centre and restaurant and an underground parking garage with 700 spaces.

It also converts the use of the site in Elaionas/Votanikos and stipulates that the Alexandras stadium can continue being used until the new stadium is completed.

According to the General State Accounts Office, the state budget will be burdened by ¬ 127 million for the construction and maintenance of the infrastructure required for proposed supra-local projects, upgrading public utility networks and compensation for expropriations that must be made.

This amount is expected to be offset by increased public revenues from stimulating economic activity in the run-down Elaionas-Votanikos districts through the development projects, with transactions expected to yield up to ¬ 40 million just from VAT alone.

The City of Athens will pay a lump sum of ¬ 35 million in compensation for property expropriations in Elaionas/Votanikos, while its assets will increase through the acquisition of property owned by the company ETMA SA, its ownership of the sports and other facilities that will be constructed on the two sites and an increase in municipal revenues from use of the sites once the period of exploitation by the contractors has ended.

[41] Cyprus President assures Gambari he will take part in substantial talks

NICOSIA, 7/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

The statement was made by Deputy Minister to the President and Government Spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardes after President Papadopoulos' meeting with Gambari at the Presidential Palace.

In a written statement, Pashiardis said the meeting was held "in an especially good climate and the talks were useful and constructive".

He said there was a "general review of the current situation on the Cyprus problem and views were exchanged regarding the existing prospects and possibilities of paving efforts to hold substantial talks".

"The President of the Republic analyzed our side's positions and assured Mr. Gambari of his readiness to participate in substantial negotiations under the UN auspices", Pashiardes said.

He further noted "President Papadopoulos repeated the need to hold the necessary preliminary and preparatory work, just as the UN SG has ascertained, to secure the fundamental preconditions and prospects for success and effectiveness of the new effort to bridge the gap between the two sides and for an overall Cyprus settlement".

Pashiardes further said President Papadopoulos and Gambari will hold a second meeting on Friday at 0830 local time.

A "review of the result of Mr. Gambari's contacts in Cyprus will be held at the end of his visit", Pashiardes concluded.

[42] Gambari very satisfied with meeting President Papadoupoulos

NICOSIA, 7/7/2006 (ANA)

"I am very satisfied. We had a very good meeting, the issues were clarified and I look forward to the rest of my stay", Gambari told reporters.

He said that after concluding his meetings on the island, he would prepare a report for UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

"This is the first time I come to the island, but it is not my first time in terms of familiarity with the issues. By the time I go back, I will be able to have a report for the Secretary General who sent me as to how to move forward", he noted.

Asked whether after the meeting with President Papadopoulos he feels well informed regarding the Greek Cypriot side's positions, he replied "yes, very much so".

"I am also looking forward to further consultations with all stakeholders", Gambari said.

Present at the meeting on behalf of the Greek Cypriot side were the Director of the president's diplomatic Office Tasos Tzionis, Deputy Minister to the President of Cyprus Christodoulos Pashiardes, Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the UN Andreas Mavroyiannis and Director of the Cyprus problem Division at the Foreign Ministry Erato Kozakou Markoulli.

Gambari was accompanied by Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General to Cyprus Michael Moller and other UN officials.

Gambari was due to meet with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat Thursday afternoon.

In a short statement to the press on arrival at Larnaca airport, Gambari said that he brings greetings from the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and he looks forward to a very fruitful discussion with all concerned on the island.

"I bring greetings from the UNSG and I look forward to having a very fruitful discussion with all concerned. My colleagues and I are here to complement and follow up the work that has been done by the Special Representative of the UNSG to Cyprus, Michael Moller", Gambari said.

"Thank you very much for receiving me on behalf of the President. This is my first time on the island, but it is not the first time that I have been looking at very complicated issues that go on, on this island", he added.

Gambari arrived in Larnaca from Athens, where he held a series of meetings regarding the Cyprus issue, with the Greek political leadership.

Before Athens, he had visited Ankara where he discussed the Cyprus issue with Turkish Foreign Minister Abhdullah Gul.

[43] P5 meet Gambari, express support for Cyprus

NICOSIA, 7/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

The ambassadors of the SC permanent member-states to Cyprus met here Thursday with Gambari, who is holding a visit to the island in a bid to sound out the situation on a possible resumption of the dialogue on Cyprus.

In a statement read out to the press by French Ambassador to Cyprus, Hadelin de La Tour Du Pin, the P5 ''reaffirmed their commitment to a comprehensive, lasting and just solution based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.''

''They encouraged all Cypriots to take this opportunity to relaunch dialogue and reassured all Cypriots that the P5 will continue to support the efforts of the UN Secretary-General to secure an agreed way forward,'' he added.

''In this context,'' the French Ambassador said, ''they expressed hope that Mr Gambari will find a willingness to demonstrate the necessary political will and flexibility to move forward.''

He also noted that ''the P5 look forward to a discussion in the SC on the basis of Mr Gambari's briefing following his visit in the area.''

[44] UN Spokeswoman: Gambari had very good meetings in Cyprus

NICOSIA, 7/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

UN Deputy Spokeswoman Marie Okabie referred to Gambari's visit to Cyprus, where he had separate meetings with Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat.

According to Okabie, ''Gambari told reporters that the 'very good' meetings will help him to prepare his report to the Secretary-General, which he will write upon return to New York.''

''That report will contain recommendations on how best to move closer to the possible re-launching of political discussions and a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem,'' she added.

Okabie noted that Gambari will remain on the island until Sunday morning and has follow-up meetings planned with each of the two leaders, beginning Friday.

[45] US supports Cyprus solution and Turkey's accession to EU

WASHINGTON, 7/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

Asked if there is a connection between the Cyprus issue and Turkey's accession to the EU, McCormack replied: "I think the Cypriots have made that connection via the EU."

"We ourselves, as outlined in the joint vision statement, support Turkey's accession to the EU. We also support a resolution to the Cyprus question. So certainly we would like to see both -- on the first one, that process move forward although that is a question for the EU and Turkey to answer. On the second, we would like very much to see progress be made," he added.

Invited to comment on a reference in a document on a "shared vision", issued after the Rice-Gul meeting, to the effect that the strategic vision of US-Turkish relations is indeed a relation that has a great deal to contribute to regional stability, McCormack said "Greece and Turkey are NATO allies and they're strong allies of the United States."

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