Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-07-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] Eurostat: Greek economy grew 4.1 pct in 1st quarter 2006

[02] Karamanlis condolences to Indian PM Singh

[03] Government reiterates concern over Middle East developments

[04] Deputy FM Valynakis meets with Finnish official

[05] State Dep't confirms Rice raised Ecumenical Patriarchate issue with Turkish FM

[06] Premier confers with health minister

[07] Hiring of 1,700 medical treatment employees will not fill vacancies, PASOK spokesman says

[08] Government rejects PASOK remarks on major arms contracts

[09] Austrian president refers to excellent bilateral relations

[10] Greek envoy in US details Athens' Balkan policy

[11] Com't focusing on constitutional revision to convene

[12] Gov't OKs emergency funding for TEI schools

[13] PASOK leader opens party's local gov't election campaign in Thessaloniki

[14] PASOK officials visit Hellenic Vehicles Industry plant

[15] Socialist International presidium to convene on Samos Saturday

[16] KKE questions Papandreou's visits to Middle East

[17] Ecumenical Patriarch to visit Lesvos, Samos in August

[18] Rallies in Thessaloniki in support of Palestinians

[19] PM to speak at ONNED festival in Lefkas

[20] Gov't focused on fiscal, structural reforms, FinMin says

[21] Sioufas in Turkey for the inauguration of Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline

[22] Parliament plenum gives 'green light' for creation of National Registry

[23] Employers' union calls for economic reforms

[24] Greeks dissatisfied with state of economy, Eurobarometer says

[25] Eurobarometer: Greeks and Cypriots have higher sense of security because of EU membership

[26] Greece aiming to make 'digital leap', government stresses

[27] Funding of Acropolis Information Systems project

[28] Contract for e-learning system of Community Support Framework agencies

[29] Emporiki Bank evaluates bids by Credit Auricle, Bank of Cyprus

[30] Two exhibitions to be staged within 22nd PHILOXENIA fair

[31] Greek stocks rise for third consecutive session

[32] Additional evidence in phone-tapping case sent by ADAE to Parliament

[33] Another batch judges charged in trial-fixing conspiracy

[34] Opening of controversial Drumilan International accounts in Switzerland

[35] Mediterranean Sea at risk, Greenpeace warns

[36] Meeting of local administration officials from Europe

[37] Manhunt for the arrest of hunting rifle robbers

[38] Border guards seize over 90 kilos of hashish

[39] FIFA International Football Federation lifts ban on Greek soccer

[40] FÌ outlines positions on direct trade to Finnish Ambassador

[41] Cypriot Foreign Minister says government to meet with Bryza

[42] British diplomat: Outcome of Gambari's meetings very positive

[01] Eurostat: Greek economy grew 4.1 pct in 1st quarter 2006

BRUSSELS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

Based on available figures, Greek economic growth was 2.8 percent in the first quarter of 2006 compared to the fourth quarter in 2005 and, together with Latvia's, is the highest among the member states for which there are available data, followed by the Czech Republic and Estonia with 2.0 percent. During the same period of time, an increase of 0.6 percent was recorded in the Eurozone countries while GDP growth in the EU "25" was 0.7 percent.

Meanwhile, domestic demand in Greece in the first quarter of 2006 rose 2.9 percent (+0.3 percent in the Eurozone and +0.5 percent in the EU "25") compared to the same period in 2005. Greek exports dropped 8.5 percent (+3.8 percent in the Eurozone and +3.9 percent in the EU "25") while Greek imports declined 4.7 percent (+2.9 percent in the Eurozone and +3.3 percent in the EU "25").

[02] Karamanlis condolences to Indian PM Singh

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

Karamanlis strenuously condemns what he calls the murder of innocent people, while noting that Greece has also been severely tested by the scourge of terrorism. He also expresses his solidarity to the families of the victims and the injured.

Greece condemns terrorist attacks in India The Greek government condemned on Wednesday the multiple train bombings in Mumbai, India, a day earlier.

"We expressly condemn the terrorist attacks against the railway network of Mumbai, causing the death of a large number of citizens," a press release by the foreign ministry said.

"We express our sincere condolences to the victims' families, the government and the people of India," it added.

"Nothing could justify such barbarous acts. The effective confrontation of the phenomenon of terrorism as well as the arrest and the bringing before justice of people responsible for such cowardly and hideous acts, remains the steadfast position of Greece," the press release concluded.

[03] Government reiterates concern over Middle East developments

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

Alternate Government Spokesman Evangelos Antonaros referred reporters to previous statements by Foreign Ministry Spokesman George Koumoutsakos saying that "Greece expresses its concern over latest developments in Israel that can lead to a dangerous escalation of the tension."

"It is neither with military actions nor with abductions that we can advance on the road of peace. Greece considers that cool headedness and self-restraint by all are necessary, and continues to support efforts by the international community for peace and the implementation of the road map," Koumoutsakos had said.

[04] Deputy FM Valynakis meets with Finnish official

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

The meeting focused on the current Finnish European Union presidency's priorities especially the Union's enlargement and future.

The excellent climate in the two countries' cooperation, particularly after Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' and Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis' recent visits to Finland was also confirmed during the meeting.

[05] State Dep't confirms Rice raised Ecumenical Patriarchate issue with Turkish FM

WASHINGTON 13/7/2006 (ANA-MPA/T. Ellis)

Gul had confirmed that Rice brought up the issue of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the reopening of the Halki Seminary School while replying to questions the day after his July 5 meeting with his US counterpart.

"They did have a discussion about that, and it was a good open discussion," McCormack said, adding that "it's something that does come up from time to time in the Secretary's (Rice) meetings with Turkish officials".

McCormack further noted that US president George Bush had also discussed the issue with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan

"Religious freedom is fundamental to any democracy. And yes, we did raise it with them," the State Department spokesman said.

[06] Premier confers with health minister

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

Avramopoulos told reporters after the meeting that the ASEP should not be abolished, and characterizing it as a guarantor of transparency and meritocracy, adding that the relevant procedures were being accelerated and that the desired results will be here soon.

Avramopoulos said that the meeting was held within the framework of his regular contacts with the premier, whom he briefed on the programs being advanced by the health ministry.

[07] Hiring of 1,700 medical treatment employees will not fill vacancies, PASOK spokesman says

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

The PASOK spokesman accused Avramopoulos of making a "communication game" when the latter was speaking of hiring 9,000 medical treatment employees and called on the government and the minister "to stop communication gimmicks and to address the sector and the needs of health seriously" which, as he said, needs medical treatment employees, "while the government is providing funds for the hiring of watchmen in agricultural areas." Athanasakis also criticized Avramopoulos once again for the statement he made some days ago on medical treatment employees being hired outside the procedures anticipated by the Supreme Staff Selection Council (ASEP).

[08] Government rejects PASOK remarks on major arms contracts

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

"The master-builders of no-transparency are the last people who can tell the present government what it should do," alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros said, while stressing that the government was handling "every last euro of Greek citizens with prudence, responsibility and transparency for the benefit of the country's defense and security."

The arms procurements under the previous PASOK governments, by contrast, were still being investigated by justice, he added.

Antonaros was responding to statements made on Tuesday by the head of PASOK's foreign affairs sector Christos Papoutsis, who 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 overseen by Parliament.

[09] Austrian president refers to excellent bilateral relations

VIENNA, 23/7/2006 (ANA-MPA / D. Dimitrakoudis)

Speaking during a reception here Tuesday evening, Fischer said Vienna considers Athens a 'true friend', and vice versa.

"This excellent level of relations was clearly evident during the visit last year to Austria by Greek President Karolos Papoulias, whom I know very well and hold in great esteem," the Austrian head of state said.

[10] Greek envoy in US details Athens' Balkan policy

WASHINGTON 13/7/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Among others, the veteran Greek diplomat cited three main aspects of this policy, namely, inclusion of the region's countries in the EU and NATO; economic growth and investments as well as regional development.

He also emphasized the immense role played by Greek businesses and investors in the area, noting that Greece is the largest investor in the region with roughly US$10 billion, outlays that have resulted in the creation of some 200,000 jobs.

Finally, Mallias reiterated standing Greek policy regarding Kosovo, saying Athens opposes the province's division or its annexation by another country, as Greece desires a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural Kosovo based on European principles.

[11] Com't focusing on constitutional revision to convene

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

Sessions of the relevant committee are expected to be held every Wednesday.

[12] Gov't OKs emergency funding for TEI schools

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

Afterwards, Yiannakou announced that emergency funding will be granted to the institutions in order to meet current expenditures.

On his part, the head of the instructors' federation, Yiannis Tsaknis, said his group was satisfied by the ministry's response to their demands, while agreeing with the establishment of a committee to study the newly arisen issue of sharply decreased numbers of freshmen in several provincial TEIs this year.

Dramatically reduced enrolment in several TEI schools follows the inaugural implementation of a minimum passing grade (10 out of a possible score of 20) for university and TEI admission -- a Karamanlis government measure aimed at ensuring that undergraduates attending higher education schools retain a bare minimum of skills.

[13] PASOK leader opens party's local gov't election campaign in Thessaloniki

THESSALONIKI, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

"The Greek citizen feels strongly insecure and the New Democracy government has succeeded in transforming the country into a champion of pessimism in Europe," Papandreou noted.

"We are here to give again a vision to the farmer, the worker and the pensioner. To voice out that there is another path," he added. "This country, our Greece, has a voice. A strong voice which should be heard, even from the main opposition's post. We won't let this voice to fall silent. Let the present government wake up at last. It has already lost the train," the PASOK leader pointed out.

He termed the government "not serious, dangerous and unreliable", claiming that it had ridiculed the country on the fiscal audit issue and the FIFA affair.

Papandreou accused Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis for "covering up the phone tapping scandal for eleven months." He also criticized the government on its education reform plans.

Referring to Thessaloniki he said he wanted the port city to become a "competitive city" adding that it "must find its identity".

Papandreou also presented his party's mayoral and prefecture candidates for Thessaloniki Chrysa Arapoglou and Voula Patoulidou respectively.

Government response: Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, responding to Papandreou accused him of irresponsible populism.

"Mr. Papandreou chose Thessaloniki today to stage one more performance of irresponsible populism. Thessaloniki, which the practices of the governments of the past had made a city-symbol of mockery and unreliability. Thessaloniki of promises that remained unfulfilled. Thessaloniki of the 'major projects' which were announced every year, but which never got under way. Mr. Papandreou made one more unfortunate choice. Thessaloniki has turned a new page. In Thessaloniki, as well as all over Greece, the citizens have a means of comparison. Mr. Papandreou cannot deceive them," Roussopoulos said.

[14] PASOK officials visit Hellenic Vehicles Industry plant

THESSALONIKI, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

Xenoyiannakopoulou addressed the plant's workers regarding the future of the defense industry and Greece's industry in general, highlighting the new opportunities created with the opening of new Balkan markets, while she criticized the government, saying that it lacked any plan or direction for the future.

[15] Socialist International presidium to convene on Samos Saturday

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

Party Spokesman Nikos Athanasakis also announced that Papandreou sent on Wednesday a condolences letter to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh condemning the multiple train bombings in Mumbai a day earlier.

[16] KKE questions Papandreou's visits to Middle East

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

After criticizing both the New Democracy government's and PASOK's stance on developments in the Middle East, charging that they adopted a "policy of equal distances" regarding the "massacre of the Palestinian people and the raids by Israeli occupation troops with the support and tolerance of the U.S. and the EU", KKE in a statement said that while the PASOK leader found himself two times recently in the Middle East region "not only had he not condemned the crimes of Israeli occupation troops, not only had he not expressed solidarity to the heroic resistance of the Palestinian people but he had not found a single word of sympathy for the Palestinian people."

"Consequently, a number of reasonable questions arise from PASOK leader and Socialist International president's tour of Israel, Syria etc. What was the purpose of his visit? Maybe to add his contribution to U.S. and EU blackmail and threats against Middle East peoples and countries that resist or do not adjust themselves to their dangerous plans?" the statement asked.

"When PASOK calls on the (Greek) government to take initiatives, it means initiatives in this direction," KKE added.

PASOK response: Responding to the KKE statement, PASOK Spokesman Nikos Athanassakis said that "the long and close relation between PASOK and the Palestinian people and the Arab world does not depend on the approval, approbation or disapproval of the KKE leadership or the KKE press office."

"PASOK President has undertaken, as Socialist International President as well, a specific two-fold initiative. On the one hand the overcoming, if possible, of the crisis around Iran's nuclear program and on the other exhausting all possibilities in putting an end to this new circle of violence in the Middle East," Athanassakis concluded.

[17] Ecumenical Patriarch to visit Lesvos, Samos in August

LESVOS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

The visit, described as a "visit of prayer and peace", will highlight events marking the 200th anniversary of the Metropolitan Church at Agiassos, which will also be attended by President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias at the services on August 15, the feast day of the Virgin Mary.

[18] Rallies in Thessaloniki in support of Palestinians

THESSALONIKI 13/7/2006 (ANA)

The first demonstration was organized by the communist party-affiliated PAME grouping, while the other was organized by the Social Forum grouping with other assorted leftist groups.

A major traffic jam was reported in the city due to the marches, police said.

[19] PM to speak at ONNED festival in Lefkas

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

During a press conference to present the festival's program on Wednesday, ONNED president George Papanikolaou stressed that ND's youth would oppose anyone seeking to prevent reforms to education planned by the government.

[20] Gov't focused on fiscal, structural reforms, FinMin says

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, the Greek minister underlined that he approved only ministerial demands for spending within the budget limitations. "I do not approve decisions derailing the budget," he noted.

Commenting on the results of an ECOFIN meeting in Brussels on Tuesday, Alogoskoufis said it reaffirmed the positive course of the Greek economy and reiterated the government's commitment to reducing the country's fiscal deficit below 3.0 pct of GDP in 2006 and stressed that fiscal efforts and structural reforms would continue in the coming years to bring the deficit to 2.3 pct of GDP in 2007 and 1.7 pct of GDP in 2008.

"This will be achieved with permanent measures to save spend and boost revenues from combating tax evasion, according to provisions made in an updated stability and growth plan," he said.

Commenting on the Greek economy said the fiscal deficit fell significantly in the 2005-06 period. The Greek minister will present analytical budget figures for the first half of 2006 next Monday. Alogoskoufis said the pension problem was discussed in the ECOFIN meeting in Brussels and stressed that he informed his EU counterparts over the beginning of a dialogue in the country over the issue. He said that the next government would be able to proceed with necessary reforms after the dialogue process would end the greatest possible consensus. He expected all differences with Eurostat over collection and recording of budget statistical data to be completed by autumn.

Alogoskoufis did not exclude the possibility that the EU Commission would offer one year extension to Greece to absorb all funds from the 3rd Community Support Framework and stressed that the measure was approved only for states with extraordinary developments.

The minister said a second phase of a tax reform by the government would be presented in autumn.

[21] Sioufas in Turkey for the inauguration of Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline

ISTANBUL 13/7/2006 (ANA-MPA/A.Kourkoulas)

The inauguration ceremony is scheduled for Thursday.

[22] Parliament plenum gives 'green light' for creation of National Registry

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister George Souflias said that it was a major national project.

"The aim is for the preparation of the national registry to be done better, faster, cheaper and without the delays and charges of the past," Souflias said and blamed PASOK governments since, as he said, "due to mismanagement and irregularities during the project's sinful past, the EU is refusing to finance registration work through the 3rd Community Support Framework."

He added that "in order to have this problem handled, the government is proceeding with the self-financing of the project with a realistic and fair 'registration duty'."

The minister clarified that "the registration duty has two parts. One is stable, which is 35 euros for each right and a 1 percent fluctuating one on the objective value."

The representative of the main opposition PASOK party, Costas Spiliopoulos, focused his criticism on the government delaying, as he said, for two and a half years to go ahead with the project, as well as on its decision to impose "heavy duties" for the national registry to be prepared.

[23] Employers' union calls for economic reforms

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, during a news conference, Dimitris Daskalopoulos said a dialogue on reforming the country's pension system should begin to find solutions through consensus procedures.

Commenting on an initiative by the Federation of Hellenic Industries to organize an open forum on reviewing the Greek constitution, Daskalopoulos said the initiative signaled the will, readiness and responsibility of the Federation to give impetus in an effort to change the constitution. "The review of the constitution is obviously the responsibility of political forces and the government, but also of all social partners," he said.

Commenting on a continuing increase in international oil prices and its impact on the economy, Daskalopoulos said it was a significant cost factor which enterprises were facing in the last 18 months and that the impact on inflation was absolutely logical.

[24] Greeks dissatisfied with state of economy, Eurobarometer says

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

The Greek negative percentage (89 percent) is among the highest in the whole sample (the EU's average is 56 pc) but, on the contrary, the majority of Greeks are satisfied with the European economy (Greece 64 pc, EU average 53 pc).

Moreover, the Greeks are quite dissatisfied with the present state of social welfare in Greece. More specifically, eight out of 10 Greeks appear to be dissatisfied (79 pc).

Dissatisfaction is also expressed over the Greek educational system, since it is considered that its standard, compared with other EU countries, is lower (Greece 78 pc, EU average 40 pc).

However, it is noteworthy that despite overall pessimism expressed by Greek public opinion, 64 percent of Greek citizens say that they are satisfied with the quality of their lives, while 51 percent expect an improvement in their lives over the next five years.

[25] Eurobarometer: Greeks and Cypriots have higher sense of security because of EU membership

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

Cypriots and Greeks occupied the two top positions on this count among Europeans, with 72 percent and 71 percent replying that they felt more secure because of their country's EU membership. The European average, by contrast, was just 47 percent and about 44 percent of Europeans disagree that EU membership increases security.

The poll was conducted between March 27 and May 1 this year at the request of the European Commission.

About 66 percent of Greeks also answered that EU membership had increased political stability in their country, compared with 41 percent of Europeans on average, while 63 percent expressed trust in the EU, ranking third after Hungarians (70 percent) and Romanians (68 percent).

The poll also revealed that the vast majority of Greeks (83 percent) obtain information about the EU institutions and policies from television, while this is also the medium of choice for 70 percent of Europeans. The Internet, by contrast, is used by only 5 percent of Greeks for this purpose, while the European average is 23 percent.

Regarding other institutions, Greeks followed the pattern of other Europeans in that 75 percent do not trust political parties, while 56 percent said that they trusted Parliament, 55 percent declared confidence in justice, 43 percent said they trusted in the national government (compared with 35 percent of Europeans) and just 36 percent expressed trust in the United Nations.

Greeks also expressed much higher levels of distrust of the UN (63 percent) than other Europeans, where 32 percent on average do not trust the UN.

Finally, the poll showed an increase in confidence among Greeks that the information they received about EU issues from the media was objective compared with previous years (53 percent for TV, 60 percent for radio and 58 percent for newspapers).

The sample in Greece was 1,000 citizens chosen at random from representative regions of the country, of which 992 or 99 percent said they were of Greek ethnicity. The poll was conducted through personal interviews using standard questionnaires.

[26] Greece aiming to make 'digital leap', government stresses

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

As he announced the European Commission's approval on July 7 of a government program to boost the use of broadband Internet in Greek regions, Antonaros stressed that enhancing the use of digital technology and faster Internet services by the Greek public and Greek businesses was a top priority for the government.

He also stressed that the country had occupied a very low position in the 'digital race' when the government took over power, with just 0.1 percent of the population having broadband Internet access in March 2004 and a poor record in all other indicators concerning the use of new technologies.

The government's response had been to draft and set in motion a digital strategy for the period 2006-2013 that hoped to remedy this situation, Antonaros said.

As part of this strategy, the government had asked and received the European Commission's approval for a ¬ 210 million program to speed up the switch to broadband, in a project funded by the Society of Information program that seeks to boost private investments using broadband throughout Greece by 50 per cent, except in Athens and Thessaloniki.

According to the spokesman, the Commission made "extremely favorable comments", hailing the project as the largest broadband plan undertaken by any EU member-state.

The plan formed part of a larger strategy that included other actions and had an overall budget of ¬ 480 million, Antonaros added.

Asked to comment on the present high cost of Internet services in Greece, meanwhile, the spokesman said that prices were expected to drop as the number of users increased and cited the drop in Internet rates over the past 18 months.

PASOK contests government claims, claims drop in Internet use since 2005: Responding to the announcement, main opposition PASOK spokesman Nikos Athanassakis contested the information provided by Antonaros while stressing that it had taken New Democracy's government two and a half years to obtain approval for the faster Internet plan.

Noting that this plan was the same as that incorporated into the Society of Information program, Athanassakis stressed that it was doubtful whether at this pace the government would have time to complete the projects involved and absorb the program funds.

He also claimed that the figures showed a marked improvement in the use of new technologies in Greece from 2000-2004, whereas the year 2005 was the first when Greece had slipped nine places in the worldwide rankings for Internet use.

[27] Funding of Acropolis Information Systems project

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

The Special Secretariat for the Information Society, in the framework of the 2006-2013 Digital Strategy, will fund with 885,000 euros the project "Development of Geographic Infor-mation Systems at the Acropolis of Athens", that will be implemented by the Acropolis Monuments Maintenance Service and will become operational by the end of 2007.

The aim of the project is the utilization of new technologies for the more effective management and maintenance of the monuments of the Acropolis. To this end, two geographic infor-mation systems will be developed at the Acropolis concerning the digitalization of data, the creation of digital maps for the Walls and restoration work at monuments, with emphasis being placed on the Erechthion.

[28] Contract for e-learning system of Community Support Framework agencies

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

According to a relevant announcement, MOD S.A., aiming at the continuous enrichment of the implements and methods of training and developing human potential, is proceeding with the implementation of a system of training for the members of the special services and the final beneficiaries of the Community Support Framework.

The project, budgeted at two million euros, will be jointly funded by the European Union in the framework of the "Information Society" operational program.

[29] Emporiki Bank evaluates bids by Credit Auricle, Bank of Cyprus

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

Emporiki Bank also said Credit Auricle's business plan for Emporiki did not seem to have any negative impact on its workforce.

Commenting on Bank of Cyprus' bid (including both cash and shares), Emporiki said the bid included some positive elements and aimed at maximizing both the bank's domestic and international presence. However, there are aspects in the business strategic plan not sufficiently presented, the statement said.

Emporiki Bank said the bid by Bank of Cyprus (six euros and 3.25 shares of Bank of Cyprus) exceeded the high end of the fair value range per share and integrated a control premium for shareholders, although the value of the bid was depended on fluctuations of the share price. The strategic plan also did not seem to have any negative impact on Emporiki Bank's workforce.

[30] Two exhibitions to be staged within 22nd PHILOXENIA fair

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

Another new exhibition, the 1st Philoxenia Spa Exhibition promoting health and well-being tourism will also take place within the framework of PHILOXENIA with the participation of major spa market representatives from Greece and neighboring countries. In addition, the latest tendencies in the sector will be presented in the PHILOXENIA Spa Congress.

[31] Greek stocks rise for third consecutive session

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

Sector indices ended higher with the Media (1.47 pct), Banks (1.31 pct), Financial Services (1.26 pct) and Oil (1.08 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day. The Food-Beverage (1.28 pct), Constructions (0.32 pct) and Raw Materials (0.18 pct) indices suffered losses.

The Big Cap index ended 0.94 pct higher, the Mid Cap index rose 0.45 percent and the Small Cap index rose 0.46 pct. Broadly, advances led decliners by 158 to 95 with another 55 issues unchanged.

[32] Additional evidence in phone-tapping case sent by ADAE to Parliament

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

The additional evidence had been requested from Greece's independent communications privacy agency, the Authority of Assurance of Information and Communication Privacy and Security (ADAE), which had earlier submitted a report of its findings to Parliament.

The additional information requested by the committee had been omitted in ADAE's original report on the grounds that it was protected by privacy law and included the 82 phone numbers that contacted the eavesdropping network and the subscribers identified, the names of Vodafone employees having access to the company's software systems etc.

Karamarios said that he had assured ADAE that all legal obligations to observe confidentiality that were binding to independent authorities also extended to the Parliamentary committee.

Karamarios also announced that the committee's unanimous request to view a report on the case compiled by the Greek intelligence service EYP had been refused by the public order ministry, in a letter sent by Public Order Minister Vyron Polydoras.

According to the minister, the request was refused because the principle of confidentiality protecting all statements made in the course of a judicial interrogation took precedence and the report was an element of the interrogation.

The committee's request, given that it was not a designated investigating committee but simply exercising Parliamentary control, was not sanctioned by the Constitution and Parliamentary procedure, Polydoras added.

The phone-tapping plot involving Greece's top mobile phone provider Vodafone was revealed by the government in February, after a nearly year-long covert investigation by the authorities had failed to find those responsible. It said the roughly 100 phones that were tapped included those of the prime minister, members of the government, high-ranking police and armed forces personnel, activists, journalists, business people and even one U.S. Embassy employee.

It was first brought to the government's attention in March 2005 by Vodafone chief executive George Koronias, who said it operated through a piece of sophisticated intruder software that had activated a legal "low-phone interception" system developed by Ericsson to allow legal phone surveillance but was able to mask its presence when inactive.

[33] Another batch judges charged in trial-fixing conspiracy

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

[34] Opening of controversial Drumilan International accounts in Switzerland

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

According to a relevant announcement by the Parliamentary Committee handling the issue, the Swiss federal prosecuting authority accepted the request for judicial assistance in a document in which "clarifications" were requested but which, however, "have already been given in previous correspondence between the Committee and the Swiss authorities."

The reference in question reflects the displeasure of the Committee for the Swiss authority's delay in accepting the judicial assistance already requested since December 2004.

[35] Mediterranean Sea at risk, Greenpeace warns

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

Greenpeace also presented details of its actions for the protection of the Mediterranean from illegal and catastrophic fishing practices. The Rainbow Warrior captain noted that they faced real pirates who prey on the Mediterranean waters, destroy sea life and threaten all those standing in their way.

Highlighting the catastrophic impact of driftnets, in particular, which are used illegally to fish for swordfish and tuna, Greenpeace activists pointed to the tragic state of the red tuna fish reserves in the Mediterranean and stressed that driftnets were responsible for the deaths of thousands of dolphins, whales and sea turtles in the Mediterranean. The Greenpeace activists underlined that sea life will continue to be downgraded unless Mediterranean countries decide to implement the banning of driftnets and pledge to create sea life sanctuaries.

Driftnet fishing was banned by the European Union in 2002 but it is still practiced in the Mediterranean.

Greenpeace called on Greece and the rest of the Mediterranean Basin countries to protect the Mediterranean Sea from unlawfulness, over-fishing and destruction by creating a network of sea life sanctuaries covering 40 percent of the Mediterranean Sea.

[36] Meeting of local administration officials from Europe

THESSALONIKI, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

It is an institution that is being organized for the fourth consecutive year by the Network of Greek Elected Local Government Expatriates of Europe with the support of the foreign ministry-Expatriate Hellenism General Secretariat and the Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece.

Elected officials from Armenia, Belgium, Germany, Georgia, Switzerland, Italy, Ukraine, Russia, Sweden and Greece will participate in this year's session.

[37] Manhunt for the arrest of hunting rifle robbers

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

Police reported that five individuals entered the KALKO company warehouse brandishing their guns, tied up and gagged a company employee, a driver and the company owner and proceeded to remove 15 hunting rifles.

They escaped using two passenger cars and a truck loaded with 17 cases of hunting cartridges that were meant to be shipped by the company.

The robbery took place while the security alarm at the warehouse was deactivated and different commodities were being loaded onto trucks for delivery. Based on the police investigation carried out at the scene of the crime, the robbers were wearing hoods, gloves and uniforms similar to those worn by Police Special Guards.

[38] Border guards seize over 90 kilos of hashish

THESSALONIKI 13/7/2006 (ANA)

The two crossed the borders at the mountainous region of Arenes without the drugs in an attempt to mislead the Greek police but they failed because the border guards, having extensive experience in such tactics, let the scouts pass and about half-an-hour later the other five Albanians showed up carrying an equal number of bags.

The smugglers realized that they had been ambushed and managed to escape, abandoning the bags with the drugs behind.

Only one of the smugglers was arrested, and a total of 91 kilos and 910 grams of hashish were seized.

[39] FIFA International Football Federation lifts ban on Greek soccer

ATHENS, 13/7/2006 (ANA)

"With the amendment of the aforesaid sports law, EPO is now in a position to harmonize itself, as it had to, with the charters and the regulations of FIFA and UEFA. This development means that the objections of the Urgent Affairs Committee of FIFA, that caused the expulsion of EPO, are being lifted with this letter. Consequently, we are in the pleasant position to inform you that the Urgent Affairs Committee of FIFA has reconsidered the situation of EPO and has decided on July 12, 2006, to lift the expulsion that had been imposed on your federation, effective immediately," Linsi said in his letter.

[40] FÌ outlines positions on direct trade to Finnish Ambassador

NICOSIA 13/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

Speaking after a meeting with Piipponen and asked if EU discussions on Turkey's accession course would be moved to the end of the year, Lillikas said there were many ideas by various countries, adding that the Cypriot government had specific aims and was making efforts to gain allies.

Lillikas said that during his meeting with Piipponen they discussed matters of interest to the EU Finnish presidency, as well as issues concerning Cyprus, such as plans to reopen the Turkish occupied port and town of Famagusta, Turkey's EU accession course and the way discussions will be held within the EU after a Commission progress report on Turkey.

They also made preparations for the meeting Lillikas will be having in Brussels on July 18 with his Finnish counterpart.

Replying to questions about the regulation on direct trade with the Turkish Cypriots, Lillikas referred to the government's proposal, as well as the proposal formed during the Luxembourg presidency, and the commitment of the presidencies of Austria, Finland and Germany to promote this regulation in the framework agreed on.

He added that the Cypriot government has requested the involvement of European Commissioner for enlargement Olli Rehn.

Lillikas said Piipponen conveyed various other informal ideas given to the Finnish presidency and that he clarified to the Ambassador ''the framework in which the Cypriot government supports this regulation, on the basis of which principles, and which specific measures.''

''I believe there will be some movement. However, I am not in a position to know the result at this moment. We know that the return of the town of Famagusta, which is a fundamental precondition for us, cannot be imposed by the EU alone. The acceptance of Turkey is necessary,'' he added.

Asked if there were any considerations about moving the discussion on Turkey to the end of the year, Lillikas said ''there are many ideas'' and that ''every country, not only the EU members but others, have thoughts or place ideas on the table.''

''We have specific aims which we have discussed with the Greek government as well and it is towards these objectives that we work and in order to reach these goals we are having contacts and communication with other EU member states to gain allies,'' he added.

[41] Cypriot Foreign Minister says government to meet with Bryza

NICOSIA 13/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

Lillikas said he would most probably not be meeting with Bryza himself because he will be in Brussels at the time, so either Bryza will be staying a while longer on the island or will be meeting with senior officials at the ministry of foreign affairs.

To a remark that Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos will not be receiving Bryza, Lillikas said Bryza is a department official and it was not on the president's agenda to meet with him.

''I had expressed my intention to meet with Mr. Bryza. We had informed the American administration through the US Embassy in Cyprus. However, I understand that Mr. Bryza's meeting with me may not be feasible because we only yesterday (Tuesday) found out that Mr. Bryza's visit will be on July 17 and 18, while earlier other dates had been mentioned,'' Lillikas said.

He explained that he would be in Brussels on those dates and that the government requested that either Bryza arrives earlier or delays his departure so that they could meet, otherwise the US official would be meeting with senior ministry officials.

Asked if he would refuse to meet with Bryza if the US official met with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat at the so-called presidency office in the Turkish occupied areas, Lillikas said this was not of importance because Bryza is a department official and not an official with a political appointment.

''All Ambassadors to Cyprus who are diplomats hold meetings with Mr. Talat. We have never had such a policy not to meet with department officials or government officials who meet with Mr. Talat,'' he added.

[42] British diplomat: Outcome of Gambari's meetings very positive

British High Commissioner to Cyprus Peter Millet has described the outcome of UN Undersecretary General for Political Affair Ibrahim Gambari's visit to Cyprus as very positive, noting that "we are waiting to have some new steps before the end of July, to have a new process for the settlement of the Cyprus problem."

Millet, who was responding to questions after a meeting he had Wednesday with Cyprus Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Photis Photiou, said that Britain and other UN Security Council permanent members will support this effort.

Invited to comment on reports that an effort is underway within the EU to promote a proposal on the joint administration of Famagusta port by Greek and Turkish Cypriots, under EU supervision, Millet said this is an issue handled by the EU Finnish Presidency and the European Commission.

He noted that "we want to back every step that could lead to progress if we can come within the EU to an agreement by both sides."

Invited to say how Britain sees the development, after Gambari's meetings, Millet said the outcome of these meetings was very positive.

"I think this is a new opportunity to have progress," he noted, adding that Britain and other UN Security Council permanent members will support this effort.

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.

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