Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-07-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't steadfast in goal to bring fiscal deficit below 3.0 pct in 2006, FinMin says

[02] EU satisfaction on Eurozone countries' progress in containing deficit

[03] President hosts banquet for visiting Cyprus counterpart

[04] Cyprus President confers with opposition parties in Athens

[05] US welcomes Papadopoulos-Talat agreement

[06] FM meets with US ambassador

[07] FM Dora Bakoyannis holds telephone conversations with Chinese and Japanese FMs on North Korean missiles issue

[08] Valynakis advocates in favor of Mediterranean coastguard at Rabat conference

[09] Deputy FM Evripidis Stylianidis meets Argentinian president

[10] Deputy FM Theodoros Kasimis visits Munich

[11] Papandreou holds talks with Syrian President Assad

[12] SI president Papandreou on Syria visit

[13] PASOK's Papoutsis: Athens should request convening of UNSC over Gaza

[14] PM Karamanlis sends condolences letter to Pakistani counterpart

[15] Cabinet discusses local authority issues, local elections

[16] PASOK leader to address event in Thessaloniki on local gov't elections

[17] PASOK secretary in Thessaloniki meeting

[18] Press conference on Indian vessel on Tues.

[19] Antonaros on the Malliakos Gulf horseshoe project

[20] Antonaros of the return of Greek antiquities

[21] President Papoulias meets Greek Ombudsman

[22] Dep. Defense minister attends SEECP meeting in Croatia

[23] Government rules out change to minimum pass mark

[24] GSEE proposes more flexible system for setting pass marks

[25] Adult education programs detailed

[26] PASOK to submit draft law on public sector hiring

[27] Interior ministry replies to PASOK on hiring issue

[28] Pro-Palestinian demonstration organized in Athens

[29] Industrialists' president calls for 'flexible' constitution spelling out personal liberties, free market notion

[30] EU regulating authorities discuss better cooperation

[31] Employment minister comments on Olympic Village

[32] Contract on Thessaloniki-Edessa motorway

[33] Athens bids for 2007 'City Break Expo'

[34] Egnatia Bank approves share capital, bond issue plans

[35] Bioenergy Feres SA established in Evros

[36] Greek Competition Commission's work praised in global report

[37] Greek bond market closing report

[38] Washington Forum on Trafficking of Persons praises Greece's progress in combating the phenomenon

[39] Rescuers scour Mt. Olympos for missing driver of car that fell over precipice

[40] German killed falling off bridge on Crete

[41] Austrian teenager seriously injured by falling rock in Samaria Gorge, Crete

[42] Hashish seized in Patras port, coastguard officer injured

[43] "Waves of Culture" events open in Alexandroupolis

[44] Bill on sports unions voted in Parliament

[45] Cyprus President: Meetings in Athens very useful and fruitful

[46] US official sees positive developments in Cyprus

[01] Gov't steadfast in goal to bring fiscal deficit below 3.0 pct in 2006, FinMin says

BRUSSELS, 12/7/2006 (ANA-MPA/V.Demiris)

Speaking to reporters, after an ECOFIN meeting in Brussels, the Greek minister said the general government's deficit fell from 6.9 pct of GDP in 2004 to 4.5 pct in 2005 and was expected to fall to 2.6 pct in 2006. Alogoskoufis stressed that from the 4.3 percentage point's fall in the deficit, 3.7 points were of structural nature.

The Greek minister said 2005 was a crucial year for the Greek economy, since the government had to achieve a significant fiscal adjustment and to avoid the risk of economic recession after the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. "An economic recession could risk the sustainability and the public acceptance of our fiscal effort," Alogoskoufis said adding that "by implementing a carefully drafted mixture of economic policy, were managed to maintain growth rate at 3.7 pct and to lower unemployment, achieving one of the biggest fiscal adjustments in a year".

The Greek minister said structural reforms focused on medium-term goals of improving competitiveness and establishing fiscal discipline.

Commenting on this year's budget, Alogoskoufis said the state budget's deficit eased to 3.625 billion euros in the first five months of 2006, from 6.164 bln in the same period last year, a decline of 41.2 percent. Primary spending rose 4.1 pct, down from a budget target for an annual growth rate of 6.0 pct and a projected growth of nominal GDP by 7.4 pct this year.

Alogoskoufis said regular budget revenues rose 6.7 pct, not including a 409 million euros in non regular revenues. Net revenues, after tax returns, rose 10.5 pct compared with a 10.3 pct budget target for the year. VAT revenues rose 12.6 pct, while total revenues were up 14.8 pct in June and VAT revenues jumped 22 percent in the month.

The Greek minister underlined that Greek authorities would continue their fiscal restructuring and structural reform program in the coming years and stressed that the government aimed for a fiscal deficit of 2.3 pct in 2007 and 1.7 pct of GDP in 2008, goals based exclusively on permanent measures as included in the country's updated Stability and Growth Plan.

Alogoskoufis underlined structural reforms made in domestic markets of products, simplification of procedures for start-up of new enterprises, and corporate taxation. "A new improved investment law led to a more efficient system of public procurement and tax inspections," he said adding a program of privatizations, a reform of banks' pension system, a restructuring of public sector enterprises, expanding shopping hours and changes in working time and overtime pay was currently under way.

Alogoskoufis said the government's aim was to focus more on micro-economic reforms in the pension problem saying "we are aware of the problems in the existing pension system" and added that a long-term dialogue has begun to find the wider possible consensus on solving the problem.

The Greek government was in close cooperation with Eurostat seeking ways to improve collection and processing of fiscal data and said any differences with the EU's statistics agency would be resolved soon.

Commenting on a meeting with EU Commissioner on Regional Policy, Danuta Hubner, Alogoskoufis said discussions were currently underway to cover lost ground after a low absorption rate of EU funds in the first four years of a Third Community Support Framework Program.

Alogoskoufis said the government has made significant progress in the last two years doubling the absorption rate of EU funds and expressed the hope that the issue would be resolved by the end of October.

[02] EU satisfaction on Eurozone countries' progress in containing deficit

BRUSSELS, 12/7/2006 (ANA-MPA/V.Demiris)

The two leading EU officials made the comments in Brussels after the Eurogroup meeting on Monday evening, while they also stressed that all Eurozone countries should intensify efforts to achieve lasting fiscal reform and criticized the fiscal laxity tendencies observed in certain countries which currently are not being subjected to the procedures aimed at controlling excessive deficit and are not taking any steps to prevent this from happening in the future.

Referring to the Greek economy, Almunia pointed out that it has made notable progress during the past year, like the economies of France, Germany and Portugal which are also countries with large deficits.

On the prospects of the Greek economy, the Spanish European Commissioner noted that Greece's national economy and finance minister George Alogoskoufis briefed the Eurogroup on Monday that state revenues are on a satisfactory course and the Greek government target for 2006 to bring deficit below 3 percentage points of GDP will be met.

However, Almunia pointed out that he and the European Commission were expressing caution, as always, and anticipate that the Greek deficit in 2006 will be "around 3 percent".

The Commissioner reiterated that it is important to stabilize fiscal balance with interventions of a structural nature adding that in order to decide if this is the case with Greece he will have to review next year's budget figures, which he expects to receive in the autumn.

[03] President hosts banquet for visiting Cyprus counterpart

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

The banquet was attended by foreign minister Dora Bakoyannis, national defense minister Vangelis Meimarakis, and diplomatic and ministry officials, as well as Cyprus foreign minister George Lillikas, government spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardes, and diplomatic and other officials.

[04] Cyprus President confers with opposition parties in Athens

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

The talks come on the heels of a five-point agreement reached Saturday in Nicosia by President Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehment Ali Talat, during a three-hour meeting with UN Undersecretary General for foreign affairs Ibrahim Gambari, that provides for the immediate commencement of talks at technical level on day to day issues of the Cypriot citizens, essential aspects of the Cyprus problem, and confidence-building measures (CBMs). Papadopoulos and Talat agreed during the meeting with Gambari that the technical committees on the Cyprus problem should begin their work by the end of July and that the leaders themselves would meet from time to time to review the process.

Meeting with Papandreou

Main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou told reporters after his meeting with Papadopoulos that the latest developments in the Cyprus issue should be used to advantage, adding that he was absolutely in agreement with the Cyprus President' view that the technical committees should begin work not only on the day-to-day issues but also on the substance of the Cyprus issue.

"Here, there must be a positive response on the part of Turkey, and of course on the part of the Turkish Cypriots," Papandreou said, adding: "This new beginning being attempted by the United Nations, and naturally Turkey's European course, must be used to advantage."

He said that the current Finnish presidency of the EU "provides a new opportunity, particularly to Greece, to play a role in the formulation of a new Helsinki-style road map that will give an exodus to the current stumbling block between Cyprus, Turkey and the European Union," Papandreou said.

Addressing a message to Turkey, Papandreou stressed that it was "absolutely necessary that it meets its promises, all the requirements of the course to the EU, as a country that must respect International Law and maintain good-neighbor relations with Cyprus and Greece and, of course, to follow the acquis communautaire".

"We cannot speak of a common family when there are (Turkish) occupation troops on Cyprus," Papandreou added.

Describing his discussion with Papadopoulos as "positive", the PASOK leader said that the close cooperation would continue under the Finnish EU presidency "with initiatives of our own".

Talks with Papariga

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga stressed after her meeting with Papadopoulos that, given the current "so-called mobility" surrounding the Cyprus issue, it was important that the road to a Cyprus solution should result in the creation of a bizonal, bicommunal federation that is politically independent, without arbitrators and regulators, without foreign troops, with a single political presence outwards, with a single international personality".

"What is of importance is that, independent of the developments arising in the context of the UN and the technical committees being set up in Cyprus -- and I hope that these processes will lead to a good result -- is the stance that the EU maintains on the process of Turkey's accession," Papariga said, adding that "much is being said about the European acquis and the European Law, we believe that the EU has a responsibility, regardless of the means one uses or believes can be used, for a resolution of the Cyprus issue in the spirit of the UN resolutions".

She warned that the Cyprus issue cannot be confronted as a side-issue in the more general aspirations of the EU and the internal antagonisms.

Consequently, she added, treating the Cyprus issue as a side issue cannot result in its substantive resolution, and "in that respect, regardless of the opinion we may have on the EU, Turkey and EU enlargement, we will try to intervene to the benefit of a just resolution of the Cyprus issue also from within the European Parliament bodies".

Asked whether she had perceived a difference of views between President Papadopoulos and the Greek government, Papariga replied that "the President of Cyprus told us that which he has said publicly and to the press, nothing different".

To another question on whether the KKE disagreed with the Greek government's handling, Papariga said that "for many years we have been speaking of the responsibilities of the PASOK governments, and currently we have exercised criticism on the ND government, on foreign policy and on matters pertaining to Cyprus, the Aegean and Greek-Turkish relations. I have nothing new to add".

Discussion with Constantopoulos

Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) MP and former leader Nikos Constantopoulos stressed after his meeting with Papadopoulos that a national strategy is necessary that will co-estimate and serve the interests of all of Hellenism and not its individual sections in a piecemeal fashion.

At the forefront is a resolution of the Cyprus issue that will utilize the UN resolutions and the European acquis, Constantopoulos told reporters after his meeting with Papadopoulos, at the head of a SYN delegation.

"Perpetuation of the present situation and the so-called dogma of inertia leads to consolidation of the current partition of the island," he warned.

"The national strategy required must aspire to the reunification and rapprochement of the two communities in the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation and must also serve Turkey's European course, with the assessment that in the framework of the European acquis Turkey can respond to all those that today constitute the conquest of all the peoples of Europe," Constantopoulos continued.

He said SYN assesses that the Papadopoulos-Talat agreement was "positive, noting that the Republic of Cyprus is an EU member and therefore it would be a paradox that Cyprus, as an EU member, should remain partitioned by an occupation force maintained on the island by a country that wants to become a member of the EU," the former SYN leader stressed, adding that "in this perspective, we assess that there must be coordination, exchange of views, and a national strategy that must serve all these goals".

[05] US welcomes Papadopoulos-Talat agreement

WASHINGTON, 12/7/2006 (ANA-MPA/T.Ellis)

''We look forward to the start of the talks by the end of the month, as agreed by the leaders, on both everyday and substantive issues'', he said adding that ''we hope that the agreed formula will set the stage for comprehensive negotiations on the Cyprus issue''.

''As always, we stand ready to assist the U.N. and the two sides in this important effort, and continue to encourage the parties to remain flexible and engaged'', he concluded.

Asked what happened to the Annan plan, McCormack replied: ''We think that this is certainly a promising development and we're going to try to build on it''.

Cyprus President Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat agreed last Saturday during a meeting with UN Undersecretary General for political affairs Ibrahim Gambari that the technical committees on the Cyprus problem should begin their work by the end of July and that the leaders themselves would meet from time to time to review the process.

[06] FM meets with US ambassador

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

The talks centered on US deputy assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian Affairs Matthew Bryza's imminent visit to Athens on Friday, and the latest developments in the Cyprus issue.

[07] FM Dora Bakoyannis holds telephone conversations with Chinese and Japanese FMs on North Korean missiles issue

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

The foreign minister told her Chinese counterpart that Greece, together with the remaining European members of the UN Security Council, is one of the eight member-states of the Council that have jointly fostered the draft resolution that is being examined by the Council for this issue.

She clarified at the same time that Greece's steadfast position and pursuit is maintaining the unity of the Security Council. In this way, the strength of resolutions, the effectiveness of actions by the Security Council and the message by the international community, particularly for issues of particular gravity for international security as is that of the test firing of North Korean ballistic missiles, will be increased.

Bakoyannis reiterated this position of Greece during the telephone conversation she had on Monday with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso at his request.

[08] Valynakis advocates in favor of Mediterranean coastguard at Rabat conference

RABAT, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

According to a foreign ministry press release, sixty European and African nations participated in the conference. EU Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security Franco Frattini and Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighborhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner also took part.

Addressing reporters after the conference, Valynakis said that Greece "supports the creation of a European coastguard in the Mediterranean which could contribute in the fight against illegal immigration."

"The Rabat Europe-Africa conference is a first basic step for establishing a substantial relation between European and African nations in actions relating to immigration and development. And this is of particular importance to all Mediterranean countries and especially to Greece, which is situated at the geographical and cultural crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa," Valynakis noted.

"The safeguarding of a balance between the North and the South is, in the medium and long term, in favor of our interests. The Mediterranean Sea constitutes at this moment the political and economic frontier that separates regions with the greatest inequalities in the world. No other frontier separates peoples registering such enormous differences in the per capita GDP, in the human rights protection and democratic institutions areas. It is worth working systematically and with clear objectives towards transforming the Mediterranean from a separating frontier into a sea of cooperation," the Greek deputy minister added.

"Reinforcing the state of law, economic development and the welfare of countries where immigration originates, is not just a rhetoric and moral obligation of our societies. It is a political priority for the 21st century," Valynakis concluded.

The deputy minister also had brief encounters with European counterparts on the sidelines of the conference.

[09] Deputy FM Evripidis Stylianidis meets Argentinian president

BUENOS AIRES, 12/7/2006 (ANA-MPA/N. Melissova)

Stylianidis had earlier met with Argentine President Néstor Kirchner and Foreign Minister Jorge Enrique Taiana.

It is the first contact taking place for many years on behalf of the Greek government to strengthen bilateral economic relations during a favorable conjuncture since the economy of Argentina is "running" with impressive rates of 8 and 9 percent, following its "recovery" from the crisis in 2001.

Stylianidis delivered a letter by Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis to her Argentinean counterpart in which she expresses her intention to visit Buenos Aires in 2007 in the framework of an integrated and systematic overture by Greek economic diplomacy in Latin America that is expected in the middle of next year.

Taiana praised the "momentum" and the prospect of the visit by Bakoyannis for economic cooperation in many sectors and referred to the respect existing for Greek culture, part of which is even expressed today with the adoption of ancient Greek names by the Argentineans.

"We discussed fields of cooperation, such as the extraction of iron ores, exports, investments, shipping, tourism and energy," Stylianidis said after his meeting with the foreign minister.

Earlier, the Greek delegation held talks at the Greek embassy with representatives of Argentinean shipyards on the possibility of cooperation. The Greek side discussed with the Argentinean shipbuilding industry the possibility of shipbuilding and ship repairs work being carried out in this country on behalf of Greek ship-owners with the prospect of increasing the transportation share of Argentina's exports with Greek merchant navy ships.

Stylianidis was due to depart for Brazil later Tuesday.

[10] Deputy FM Theodoros Kasimis visits Munich

MUNICH, 12/7/2006 (ANA-MPA/S. Aravopoulou)

During his visit to the "heart" of Bavaria, Kasimis had the opportunity of meeting with members of the local government and Greek community representatives and shape a complete view of the situation of expatriate Greeks in Germany, as well as of the excellent level of Greek-Bavarian relations.

The deputy minister also briefed the Greek community representatives on the way with which the question of issuing new passports will be handled in the region of Nuremberg, where a general consulate is operating.

[11] Papandreou holds talks with Syrian President Assad

DAMASCUS, 12/7/2006 (ANA-MPA/P.Haritos)

The talks focused on the situation in Iraq, developments in the Middle East and especially in the Gaza Strip.

Papandreou said his talks were the continuation of his initiative, on behalf of the SI, regarding Middle East issues and the Arab world in general.

"We had the opportunity to discuss with the Syrian President the situation in Iraq and ways to get out from the occupation status and enter and new Iraq of peace, cooperation and stability for the wider region," Papandreou told reporters after the meeting.

"The basic issue discussed was the Gaza Strip crisis. A crisis which must be defused and Syria can play an important role towards this direction. We had the opportunity to examine details in defusing the crisis and for the peace process to resume," Papandreou added.

Papandreou also met with Syria Vice-President Farouk al-Sharaa who briefed him on the country's internal situation. The Socialist International president again presented his proposal for a regional conference on the Middle East problem, a proposal made to Israeli and Palestinian officials during a recent visit in the region.

[12] SI president Papandreou on Syria visit

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

Papandreou said that there is an emerging crisis in the Middle East with the clashes in Gaza and the abduction of an Israeli soldier, stressing that the situation is unacceptable and that Israel was engaging in excessive moves. Syria can play an important role, he said, adding that the issues under discussion will be the Palestinian affairs, Lebanon-Syria relations and the role Syria can play in defusing the crisis.

PASOK party spokesman Nikos Athanasakis had announced on Monday that Papandreou will visit Damascus on Tuesday for talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Over the weekend, Papandreou had telephone discussions with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz and United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan.

[13] PASOK's Papoutsis: Athens should request convening of UNSC over Gaza

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

Top PASOK deputy Christos Papoutsis, a former EU Commissioner and the head of the party's foreign affairs sector, said Athens' participation on the UNSC as a non-permanent member should be "finally exploited" by the government in order to take action.

"We are following, with particular concern, the continuing conflict in Palestinian territories and with innocent Palestinians as the victims. The international community, unfortunately, remains apathetic in the face of the unrestrained actions of the Israeli army in Gaza; actions disproportionate with the desired goal; actions that violate the principles of International Law, EU resolutions and the spirit of the UN..." Papoutsis said, while criticizing the Karamanlis government for remaining "voiceless" and "untouched" by the crisis, as he said.

Weapons purchases

Meanwhile, in an unrelated development, Papoutsis emphasized that any upcoming decision over a massive contract to purchase fourth-generation fighter planes must be transparent and based absolutely on open international tender procedures and democratic Parliamentary oversight.

He also proposed the establishment of a joint parliament commit-tee to review major weapons purchases.

[14] PM Karamanlis sends condolences letter to Pakistani counterpart

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

A Pakistan International Airlines' (PIA) plane crashed on Monday killing all 45 people on board, according to a senior Pakistani official.

[15] Cabinet discusses local authority issues, local elections

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

Only a very few things remained to be done and most were linked with the formal pre-election period, Pavlopoulos added.

The minister also outlined the government's policy for local government, stressing that all its pre-election pledges had been implemented from the middle of the government's term.

Among them, Pavlopoulos listed the enactment of a new code for municipalities and communities, and the ¬ 3.5 billion that were given to local government via the 'Thiseas' program for joint ventures between private firms and public-sector organizations, roughly double the amount given under previous PASOK government.

He also stressed the government's support for prefecture authorities, such as a 2005 law that trebled the net funds going to prefectures to ¬ 330 million and work currently underway to prepare a prefecture authority code.

Pavlopoulos also clarified that EU citizens were also entitled to vote in the upcoming election and that the registers will be completed by July 15, while a decree is being prepared that will allow foreign nationals from non-EU countries to vote in the next local elections.

[16] PASOK leader to address event in Thessaloniki on local gov't elections

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

Papandreou is expected to arrive in Thessaloniki on Wednesday at noon.

[17] PASOK secretary in Thessaloniki meeting

THESSALONIKI, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

The meeting examined preparations for Wednesday's visit to the northern port city by party leader George Papandreou and his scheduled speech on Wednesday.

[18] Press conference on Indian vessel on Tues.

PIREUS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

The flagship is the Indian-built "Delhi-class" guided missile destroyer "Mumbai", commanded by Capt. RK Pattanaik.

The other ships participating in the squadron's Mediterranean training exercise are the "Brahmaputra", "Betwa" and "Shakti".

The commander-in-chief of India's western fleet, Vice-Adm. Sangram Singh Byce, will also visit Athens this week in the wake of the vessels' arrival.

According to an Indian embassy press release, Indian naval vessels have regularly paid visit to the Mediterranean over the years to reaffirm their "peaceful presence and solidarity with the countries in the region."

The latest humanitarian mission undertaken by an Indian warship was the shipment of food and material relief to earthquake-stricken Indonesia last May by the INS "Tabar".

[19] Antonaros on the Malliakos Gulf horseshoe project

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

Citing statements made on Monday by Public Works Minister George Souflias, alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros said that four contractors are at already work in the region, while two more will undertake parts of the project before the end of the year. Supplementary projects with an overall budget of 800 million euros will also move forward, he added.

The Malliakos portion of the Athens-Thessaloniki highway has long been considered one of the most hazardous provincial roadways in the east Mediterranean country, with a high rate of accidents caused by a lack of barriers between opposite lanes, heavy traffic, numerous curves and steep hard shoulders, among others.

[20] Antonaros of the return of Greek antiquities

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

According to a statement made by Culture Minister George Voulgarakis on Monday, the Getty Center board of trustees agreed to return two of four important antiquities in the Getty Museum's collection that have claimed by the Greek culture ministry for over 10 years.

The decision is of global importance and is the outcome of coordinated efforts by the Greek government, which will continue by holding negotiations for the return of more objects of major archaeological importance, Antonaros said.

The spokesman concluded that Voulgarakis will soon announce the way in which a number of Greek antiquities scattered in different parts of the world will be brought back to Greece. The effort is continuous and the first tangible results are here, he stressed.

[21] President Papoulias meets Greek Ombudsman

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

Kaminis also briefed the president on the types of cases undertaken by the independent authority and the most important issues facing the public.

[22] Dep. Defense minister attends SEECP meeting in Croatia

DUBROVNIC, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

Mihaloliakos referred to the importance that the EU accession prospects of South East European countries had for the region's stability and the role that SEECP member-states could play as a cultural, political and economic factor for cooperation and stability in the region, via their accession into the European Union, which would also emerge enriched as a result.

He stressed the need for "candidate-countries and potential candidate-countries for EU accession to continue the path of reforms, some of which may prove onerous," while noting that Greece was prepared to take part in processes concerning the next enlargement of the EU.

The meeting was attended by the prime ministers of Croatia, Romania, Albania and Montenegro, while Turkey, Slovenia, Slovakia, Lithuania, Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) were presented by ministers.

[23] Government rules out change to minimum pass mark

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

"Tertiary education courses are not seminars. Tertiary education is science and research. All those who tried via the method of access to convert [tertiary education courses] into seminars did not succeed in the end," she stressed during a press conference.

Regarding Technological Educational Institutes (TEI), which were relatively recently given status equal to universities, the minister stressed that none of these would close because of the sharp drop in students that qualified to attend university-level courses as a result of the new pass-mark rules.

The education minister said that she planned to meet with the principles and teachers at TEI to examine possible courses of action, such as mergers or the transfer of positions from the centre to regions outside the capital.

Yiannakou's statement came just hours after the General Confederation of Employees of Greece (GSEE), Greece's largest trade union umbrella group, unveiled a proposal for a more flexible system to determine the minimum pass mark in nationwide university entrance exams, rather than the blanket 50 percent minimum (or an overall mark of 10 out of 20) proposed by the government.

GSEE's proposal called for pass marks to be set based on the nationwide average for each of the five categories in which candidates compete, and for those who achieve this average within a range of about 700 points to be offered a place in university or other tertiary education institute.

The head of GSEE's Educational Policy Centre Mihalis Kouroutos announced that the proposal would be presented to Education Minister Marietta Yiannakou on the grounds that an inflexible pass mark of 10 was not based on correct educational criteria and concealed a number of dangers, since at least 13,500 school leavers will not be able to attend university this year.

This left them with the options of either leaving to study abroad or attending degree courses offered by foreign universities in Greece through 'free studies centers' that are not recognized by the Greek government, or attending a vocational training institute, he noted.

Kouroutos stressed that exclusion of thousands of young people from tertiary education actually costs the state more, while GSEE's proposal would allow many of them to attend university with marks that were very near a 50% pass.

[24] GSEE proposes more flexible system for setting pass marks

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

GSEE's proposal called for pass marks to be set based on the nationwide average for each of the five categories in which candidates compete, and for those who achieve this average within a range of about 700 points to be offered a place in university or other tertiary education institute.

The head of GSEE's Educational Policy Centre Mihalis Kouroutos announced that the proposal would be presented to Education Minister Marietta Yiannakou on the grounds that an inflexible pass mark of 10 was not based on correct educational criteria and concealed a number of dangers, since at least 13,500 school leavers will not be able to attend university this year.

This left them with the options of either leaving to study abroad or attending degree courses offered by foreign universities in Greece through 'free studies centers' that are not recognized by the Greek government, or attending a vocational training institute, he noted.

Kouroutos stressed that exclusion of thousands of young people from tertiary education actually costs the state more, while GSEE's proposal would allow many of them to attend university with marks that were very near a 50% pass.

[25] Adult education programs detailed

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

Computer and new technology training, long deficient in the east Mediterranean nation, was highlighted by the relevant general secretariat for adult education, with officials noting that 45,000 participants attended training programs.

[26] PASOK to submit draft law on public sector hiring

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

Addressing the party's political council on Tuesday, Venizelos said that PASOK is taking this initiative which also binds it as a future government, adding that with the draft law being submitted by PASOK all the "windows" will close.

The former minister said that the draft law anticipates:

"A) There would be no possibility of the wider public sector evading control by the Supreme Staff Selection Council (ASEP), Parliament, the mass media and public opinion for all hiring procedures, regardless of legal characterization.

"B) ASEP will be supported, that can do its work well and speedily and issue results with guarantees of transparency and legality, provided that it is provided with staff and certain procedures are simplified.

"C) As project contracts are very often abused and circumvented and a second generation of contract workers is created who can enter a hostage state, the full subjection of all project contracts with private persons to control by ASEP is anticipated, because employment contracts might be concealed behind these contracts.

"D) The interview 'that could be evaluated arbitrarily and reverse the grades obtained in written examinations or the grades of degrees, diplomas and all the other evaluation criteria of candidates to get a job in the wider public sector' will be abolished."

[27] Interior ministry replies to PASOK on hiring issue

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

The press office termed statements by PASOK officials Evange-os Venizelos and D. Rovlias on the issue "pompous and inaccurate" and a "communication pendulum that moves between political hypocrisy and political audacity."

It also said that "first of all, PASOK must explain when did it come into contact with the sense of meritocracy and objective-ness in hirings."

[28] Pro-Palestinian demonstration organized in Athens

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

The demonstrators marched to the U.S. and Israeli embassies condemning the Israeli military actions in the Palestinian territories.

[29] Industrialists' president calls for 'flexible' constitution spelling out personal liberties, free market notion

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

The proposals were presented by the federation's new president, Dimitris Daskalopoulos, during an open forum on constitutional revision organized by the influential business group.

Daskalopoulos, a well-known executive and the major shareholder in the mostly foodstuffs group Delta Holding, focused attention on three points: education, free markets and environment-growth.

On his part, ruling New Democracy deputy Aris Spiliotopoulos proposed that the president of the republic be elected by popular vote; abolition of the office of prefect and re-establishing the role of regional authorities.

Spiliotopoulos also support a redefinition, as he said, of Church-state relations and curbing the ability of governments to call early elections before the completion of their four-year term. He also supported the idea of cabinet ministers being selected from outside the limited pool of serving MPs.

Main opposition PASOK deputy Evangelos Venizelos, a former top minister and constitutional law professor, said the notion of a flexible constitution does not exist, in his opinion. He said such a prospect would allow omissions and gaps in the constitution to be filled and interpreted by the courts, which he said would lead to the establishment of a powerful and unrestricted judiciary in the country. "The problem is not the constitution but a lack of policy and vision in the country," he opined.

[30] EU regulating authorities discuss better cooperation

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

According to a relevant announcement, also discussed during the meeting, that included preparation for the summit of Independent Regulating Authorities in Portugal in October, were the future of the Group and the development by the Independent Authorities of effective models of harmonizing regulating terms that are implemented in member-states for the electronic communications sector, as well as the best possible utilization of know-how obtained.

[31] Employment minister comments on Olympic Village

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

Commenting on the pensioning issue, Tsitouridis stressed that the government "is responsible for what it says and does and called for distortions that create a climate of insecurity to be avoided" and reiterated that the general age limits and insurance time will not change.

On the question of the Olympic Village, the minister said that the government wants 1,700 families to have settled by September compared to 700 that have already settled.

He added that it was agreed with the Organization's administration that all procedures concerning the delivery of the project should be speeded up and warned construction joint ventures that unless existing deficiencies are corrected the government will not receive the project.

Tsitouridis also noted that the development of tendering was agreed to enable the Commercial Centre to be created in the region to emerge as a centre having the possibility of providing services not only for the inhabitants of the Olympic Village but for a wider region.

[32] Contract on Thessaloniki-Edessa motorway

THESSALONIKI, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

The project will be completed in three years and is expected to serve both the local population and international transport.

In another development, the Naousa General Hospital modernization project has been auctioned by the Public Works Department. The total budget of the project, expected to be completed in about nine months, amounts to 4,470,000 euros and 75 percent of it will be financed by European Funds and the remaining 25 percent by credits of the Public Investments program.

[33] Athens bids for 2007 'City Break Expo'

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

Athens' candidacy file was officially submitted to ECT's leader-ship at an exhibition earlier this month in Helsinki by a municipality delegation that also included Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) President Dimitris Lambadarios.

The Expo and the annual conference is organized by the ECT and Reed Travel Exhibitions, according to a press release by the municipality's tourism and economic development organization.

[34] Egnatia Bank approves share capital, bond issue plans

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

The plan was already been approved by a general shareholders' meeting in June 22. Under the plan, Egnatia Bank will issue 18,640,298 new common and 2,217,731 new preference nominal shares at a price of 4.5 euros per share and a ratio of one for five.

The bank will also issue a convertible bond loan worth 400 million euros at a convertible price of 7.60 euros and a common bond loan worth 600 million euros. Egnatia Bank said it would use the new money to boost its liquidity and capital adequacy ratio.

[35] Bioenergy Feres SA established in Evros

ALEXANDROUPOLI, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

The Bioenergy Feres SA company has already been established and according to the Austrian investors, the 20-million-euros project will be completed by the end of the year and will employ a total of 12 people.

The biofuel production plants will have a total capacity of 28,000 tons per year, while the subproducts will be fertilizers and animal feed. Facilities will feature the necessary infrastructure to be able to increase production capacity to 70,000 tons of biodiesel annually.

The construction of a biogas plant for the production of 1-1.5 MW of electricity is also among the company's plans.

[36] Greek Competition Commission's work praised in global report

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

The independent authority rose to the 32nd position last year, up seven places compared with 2004's ranking, the report said, adding that the Greek Competition Commission completed 17 surprise inspections last year, one of the most aggressive records for the year, while the report also noted that a radical restructuring of the Commission in 2005 contributed to the improvement of its ranking.

Commenting on the report, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas and Deputy Minister Yiannis Papathanasiou, said the development was the result of new legislation granting full independence to the Competition Commission. Both added, nevertheless, that progress must be continued and intensified over the coming years to radically combat practices by enterprises or special interest groups.

[37] Greek bond market closing report

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

[38] Washington Forum on Trafficking of Persons praises Greece's progress in combating the phenomenon

WASHINGTON, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

Particular emphasis was placed on the "scope of the problem in Europe and the appropriate regional response". The discussion, moderated by adjunct professor of law and executive director of the SAIS's The Protection Project (TPP) Dr. Mohamed Mattar. Other panellists included head of the US state department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (G/TIP) Ambassador John Miller, Greece's ambassador to the US Alexandros Mallias, and the Geneva-based non-governmental organization (NGO) Terre des Hommes head of mission in Albania Thierry Agagliate.

Ambassador Miller stressed that confronting the problem was a challenge for the entire world, including the US, regardless of whether a nation was a country of origin, transit or destination of the victims of this modern-day form of slavery -- as people trafficking is described -- which needs to be abolished.

Miller noted the progress achieved in combating this phenomenon, particularly in Europe, and made special mention of the case of Greece which, he stressed, had been upgraded this year in the State Department's annual report on Trafficking in Persons globally, given the improvement in its performance via the approval of strict legislation and establishment of protection centers for the victims, the government's cooperation with NGOs and its public awareness campaign.

He also praised Ambassador Mallias' personal and family interest in the issue, given that the elder of Mallias' two daughters, Leonora, is Terre des Hommes' Project Manager for abused children in West Africa.

Ambassador Mallias, in turn, stressed that even more important than the approval of legislation was its effective application, and described the recent bilateral agreement signed between Greece and Albania as a model in combating trafficking in persons.

Mallias outlined in detail the three relevant laws passed by the Greek Parliament, and stressed the importance of the systematic briefing of the public, as well as that of regional cooperation.

He further read out a message by Greece's foreign minister Dora Bakoyannis on the country's commitment to facing down this criminal activity, which was a serious violation of human rights and an offense to human dignity, and on the measures that have been taken by the Greek State for the prosecution of people traffickers and protection of the victims, in cooperating with NGOs.

Agagliate outlined the Terre des Hommes activities in Albania, and its steps for protection of some 1,200 Albanian children which, since 2003, have fallen victims to human trafficking rings that force them into begging, mainly in Greece.

The Protection Project (TPP) is a human rights research institute based at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, D.C., established in 1994 to address the issue of trafficking in persons as a human rights violation. In addition to its continuing commitment to the issue of trafficking, TPP focuses on promoting universal human rights values throughout the world by engaging in academic research and conducting training, exchange, and fellowship programs. Currently,TPP's work thus focuses on trafficking in persons and child labor, women's empowerment, state compliance with internationally recognized human rights, human rights education, and capacity building for civil society, particularly in developing and transition countries.

TPP is a member of the War Against Trafficking Alliance.

[39] Rescuers scour Mt. Olympos for missing driver of car that fell over precipice

KATERINI, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

Rescuers were in a quandary over the mysterious disappearance of the driver of a Hyundai passenger car that was seen Monday afternoon by German tourists, who were walking along a mountain path, as it fell off a precipice in the hard-to-access area of Prionia.

The search teams on Monday spotted the car in the ravine, at a depth of 100 meters, but when they climbed down were surprised to find no trace of the driver inside the car or in the immediate surroundings.

The search operation resumed at dawn on Tuesday to locate the 23-year-old driver, a resident of Litochoro in Pieria prefecture.

[40] German killed falling off bridge on Crete

HANIA, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

An operation was set up by the local fire department and police to retrieve the man's body, while an inquiry has begun to determine the conditions that led to his fall.

[41] Austrian teenager seriously injured by falling rock in Samaria Gorge, Crete

HANIA, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

The accident occurred around noon near Xyloskalo, in the first kilometer of the journey into the gorge. Guards immediately ran to assist the boy, who had passed out, and called an ambulance to take him to hospital.

The ambulance reached the nearest ER department about two hours later, where doctors are trying to stabilize the boy's condition.

They said the boy remains unconscious and has serious cranial injuries, while the next few hours could prove crucial for his life.

This is the second such incident in the space of two months, following the serious injury by a falling rock at roughly the same spot of a 52-year-old Frenchman, who was initially treated at a hospital in Hania but died when he was transferred to a hospital in France.

[42] Hashish seized in Patras port, coastguard officer injured

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

The drugs were spotted in a suspect private car by a specially trained sniffer dog during regular controls held by the Coastguard in the Port of Patras. When the officers tried to remove the driver and the passenger, both foreigners, from the car, the driver sped off and hit a Coastguard officer who tried to stop the car.

The 21-year-old driver of the suspect car was arrested after a car chase but the other individual, who was armed, managed to escape arrest.

[43] "Waves of Culture" events open in Alexandroupolis

ALEXANDROUPOLIS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

The municipality of Alexandroupolis is organizing events including theatrical performances, music concerts, exhibitions, and film screenings.

Music bands and many popular singers will perform within the framework of the cultural events while a special performance will be given on August 7 by the Irish folk music and dance group "Coronet".

[44] Bill on sports unions voted in Parliament

ATHENS, 12/7/2006 (ANA)

The bill, which was voted by ruling New Democracy party deputies, is expected to open the way for the withdrawal of a recent decision by FIFA banning Greek soccer clubs from international competitions.

[45] Cyprus President: Meetings in Athens very useful and fruitful

LARNACA, 12/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

He noted that in the framework of their regular coordination, Cyprus and Greece have determined their future strategy on Cyprus. Invited to say if he is going to meet with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza, who will be visiting Cyprus July 16-19, Papadopoulos said he would not meet with Bryza.

Replying to a question about his talks in Greece, Papadopoulos said "we have made our evaluations on the possible developments and we have decided as always on the coordination of our actions."

Invited to comment a statement by Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul that there is no issue of withdrawing Turkish troops from Cyprus and returning the occupied town of Famagusta, Papadopoulos said that the withdrawal of troops is one of the basic aspects of the Cyprus question.

"I think that any settlement of the Cyprus problem should provide for the withdrawal of Turkish troops from Cyprus. Particularly given the fact that Turkey has a particular policy of joining the EU, it would have been absolutely inconceivable for a candidate country and later a member state to maintain troops to another member state, without the will of its government and its people," he added.

Furthermore he noted that the issue of Famagusta has been linked since the EU Luxembourg Presidency and later during the Austrian Presidency with the discussions on the EU direct trade regulation.

"I don't think that Gul's statement contributes to the climate in which we are all trying to function, so that with the good will of both sides this process will open the way for a Cyprus settlement," he said.

Invited to say if it is possible for Cyprus to give its consent so that the evaluation of Turkey's EU course in October is postponed, asking at the same time for some exchanges, Papadopoulos said that no one has asked for such a postponement, adding that therefore the progress report on Turkey's EU bid will be issued.

"It is not yet known if the report will just refer to the facts, as the non compliance of Turkey, for the time being, to its obligations or whether it will make any suggestions," he added, noting that this was one of the issues discussed in Athens.

Replying to a question regarding the technical committees he expressed hope that the discussion of issues of substance will be possible, along with the discussion of day-to-day issues.

President Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat agreed Saturday during a meeting with UN Undersecretary General for political affairs Ibrahim Gambari that the technical committees on the Cyprus problem should begin their work by the end of July and that the leaders themselves would meet from time to time to review the process.

[46] US official sees positive developments in Cyprus

NICOSIA, 12/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

A statement issued by the US Embassy in Nicosia said the purpose of Bryza's visit to Cyprus is ''to get acquainted with the Cypriot leadership and listen to their views.''

''In addition to the Cyprus issue, Mr. Bryza's discussions will cover the wide areas of cooperation between the US and the Republic of Cyprus,'' the statement added.

Bryza, who discussed the Cyprus problem in Ankara Tuesday, said the US continue their efforts to end the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots.

He added that Turkey should implement the additional protocol to its customs union with the EU.

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