Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-07-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek FinMin concerned over developments in Middle East

[02] Bakoyannis on developments in Lebanon

[03] FM briefs Inner Cabinet on situation in Middle East

[04] Douste-Blazy explains 'Ierapetra' departure in call to Bakoyannis

[05] Over 1,250 Lebanon evacuees arrive in Larnaca, Cyprus

[06] PASOK leader criticizes government's handling regarding developments in the Middle East

[07] KKE strongly criticizes Israeli military actions in Palestine, Lebanon

[08] Rallies and marches in solidarity with Palestinians and Lebanon

[09] FM meets with visiting UNSG candidate

[10] UN secretary general candidate Tharoor: Greece can play vital role in Security Council deliberations on Middle East crisis

[11] DM says will brief parl't on armaments programs decisions

[12] Tourist arrivals up 6.33 pct in first half 2006, report says

[13] Program in support of SMEs

[14] Basiakos pleased with outcome of EU farm ministers meeting

[15] Govt unveils plans to sell state property

[16] Greece last in EU's Internal Market Scoreboard

[17] Event held marking 'BSEC Day'

[18] FBBank says after tax profits up 112.7 pct in 1st half

[19] Eurobank acquires Universal Bank in Ukraine

[20] SYN's Lafazanis slams Economy Minister Alogoskoufis' statements

[21] Athens tram celebrates two years of operation

[22] Greek stocks rebound strongly on Tuesday

[23] ADEX closing report

[24] Greek bond market closing report

[25] Foreign Exchange Rates

[26] European Commission tables proposals for protection of waters

[27] Firefighting efforts continue in Tagarades, Sindos

[28] Two Albanians escape from Glyfada police station

[29] Shoot-out between police, drug smugglers

[30] Heroin arrest in China

[31] Suspected drug dealers to public prosecutor

[32] Burglars make off with more than 100,000 euros from ATM

[33] US aim to reach solution on Cyprus problem and help Turkey's EU bid, Bryza says

[34] Lillikas says everything possible to be done for resumption of Cyprus talks

[35] US thank Cyprus for helping evacuation of US nationals from Lebanon

[01] Greek FinMin concerned over developments in Middle East

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Speaking to reporters, after an inner cabinet meeting to discuss economic developments and the government's privatization program, the Greek minister said: "We will be ready to deal with any consequences," adding that the government was preparing for any possible scenario, although he underlined that developments so far did not justify any change in the government's plans.

Alogoskoufis said the government policy focused on an effort to steadily lower fuel taxes. The Greek minister briefed the inner cabinet over economic developments in the country in the first six months of 2006 and prospects for the next half of the year, and over progress in a privatization program.

He noted that the government has completed 83 percent of its privatization program, including the Post Savings Bank, ATEbank and added that the crucial point was now the privatization of Emporiki Bank.

Economic performance was good in the first half of 2006, Alogoskoufis said adding that efforts would continue to achieve the goals in growth, reducing deficits and combating inflation.

The Greek minister reiterated that public spending would strictly adhere to budget provisions this year.

[02] Bakoyannis on developments in Lebanon

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"We have a crisis in progress that could lead to a wider conflict in the region if not controlled soon," Bakoyannis said, blaming both Hezbollah and Israel for the eruption of violence.

"The deterioration of the situation in Lebanon, with the abductions of Israeli soldiers, the excessive escalation of military operations and the continuous Hezbollah activity, hurts mostly civilians on both sides and the infrastructures they use. Human life has exactly the same value in both Haifa and Beirut," stressed the foreign minister.

She also underlined that the Greek government and foreign ministry had mobilized immediately, under extremely unfavorable conditions, to evacuate Greeks in Lebanon who wished to leave the country.

On a diplomatic level, Greece has contributed actively at both the UN Security Council and within the EU, steadfastly seeking peace in this sensitive region that is so close to Greece, she added.

The main goal was an immediate ceasefire and Greece is backing every effort in this direction, both within the UN Security Council and the EU framework, Bakoyannis said.

On the stance adopted by the EU on Monday, she said that Greece was among the countries that would have preferred a clearer stance but that the need to safeguard unity, necessary in such situations, had prevailed.

Referring to the evacuation operations in progress, she said that the frigate "Psara" will arrive in Beirut on Tuesday to pick up 400 Greek nationals, as well as people of other nationalities, and is expected to set sail for Larnaca, Cyprus later the same evening. The Greek frigate "Themistocles" was already at the port of Larnaca and was ready to set sail at any time, while two tank landing vessels, the "Ikaria" and "Rhodes", were sailing off the coast of Cyprus ready to offer their assistance if deemed necessary.

The "Psara" will carry two diplomatic officials to reinforce the Greek embassy in Beirut (where another two diplomats have already been sent since the crisis erupted) as well as pharmaceutical equipment to cover possible shortages.

"Since day one of the crisis, when the Beirut airport closed, Greece mobilized for the fastest and safest removal of Greek citizens who had requested it," underlined Bakoyannis, stressing that operation "Kedros" and plan "Sunshine" have been implemented in cooperation with the ministry of defense.

Referring to the evacuation operations that took place at the end of last week, the foreign minister stated that two operations have been safely completed by Monday; the Athens-Damascus-Larnaca-Athens airlifts on Friday and Saturday that got 256 people out of Lebanon, 99 of which were not Greeks.

The foreign minister repeatedly pointed out the extremely difficult conditions in which these operations were carried out, stressing that the effort was continuing.

Regarding the diplomatic front, she said that Greece has an active role for the quickest possible easing of the crisis, adding that Greece is in constant contact with the EU for the best possible outcome both at humanitarian and political level.

Deputy Foreign Minister Theodoros Kassimis, who was also present in the press briefing, commented on the fact that very few Greeks boarded the ship chartered by the French government - the Greek-flagged Ierapetra - in spite of an agreement that Greeks would be allowed on board.

He noted that Greece had expressed its discontent to the French side for this development, while adding that Paris had offered a reasonable explanation.

In a phone-called to Bakoyannis, French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said the ship had precipitated its departure for security reasons and boarding was interrupted.

According to Kassimis, this explanation was backed by the fact that the ship had left with only 970 passengers while it has a capacity of 1,270.

He dismissed rumors that U.S. citizens had been taken instead of Greeks, pointing out that only 37 of the passengers were American. Kassimis added that this information was sent to him at his request by the consular port authority and the shipping firm LANE.

Responding to a question on the meeting he had on Monday with US ambassador to Athens Charles Ries, he stated that the US diplomat asked for passenger ships to be chartered by the US embassy to evacuate US or other citizens from Lebanon in case it becomes necessary.

[03] FM briefs Inner Cabinet on situation in Middle East

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Bakoyannis told reporters after the briefing that there existed the prospect of an escalation of the crisis that no one could ignore.

[04] Douste-Blazy explains 'Ierapetra' departure in call to Bakoyannis

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Over a hundred people fleeing the Israeli attacks in Lebanon, among them several Greeks and Cypriots, were stranded when the ship abruptly left the port before they had time to get on.

According to a foreign ministry announcement, Douste-Blazy said that the order was issued on the basis of reliable information that the security situation in Beirut's port was about to deteriorate.

He also promised that Greek citizens would be given priority to embark in the "Ierapetra's" next run to pick up evacuees.

The two foreign ministers also discussed the situation in Lebanon in light of Monday's visit to the country by French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, the announcement said.

They agreed to maintain constant communication, as with their other European counterparts, in order to exchange views and assessments on the crisis that was unfolding in Lebanon and on the situation in the Middle East generally.

[05] Over 1,250 Lebanon evacuees arrive in Larnaca, Cyprus

NICOSIA 19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

All evacuees have disembarked and were taken to hotels until arrangements are made to return to their countries.

Most of them, an estimated 800, are nationals of France, the country that chartered the ship, and 400 come from different European countries, among them, 10 Cypriots, some Greeks and 50 Americans.

Among those on board were also 400 children, of which 200 were unaccompanied, including a 13-year-old French-German boy who was seriously injured, fracturing a vertebrae in a blast that killed both his parents.

The boy is now being treated at a hospital in Larnaca while arrangements are made to transfer him to Germany.

A total of 83 Greeks, 11 Cypriots and 146 people from different European countries were unable to board the ship because, according to the ship's doctors, the captain had to leave port earlier than planned for safety reasons.

Cyprus Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Sotos Zakheos stated that an investigation will be conducted by the French and Greek authorities to determine what exactly happened.

He said that priority had been given to French citizens but the agreement had been that the ship would also pick up citizens of other countries up to an agreed percentage.

Meanwhile, Cyprus Health Minister Haris Charalambous stated that the Ierapetra is scheduled to set sail again for Lebanon on Tuesday evening, carrying a second team of doctors, nurses, child psychologists and social workers.

Also setting sail for Lebanon on Tuesday is the Greek Navy frigate "Psara" that had been anchored off Cyprus awaiting the end of consultations on a diplomatic level. This will pick up more Greeks and Cypriots waiting to be evacuated from the Lebanon, including those left behind by the Ierapetra.

Three more Greek Navy vessels, the frigate "Themistokles" and two tank-landing craft, are heading for Cyprus to join the "Psara" in the Lebanon evacuation operation.

[06] PASOK leader criticizes government's handling regarding developments in the Middle East

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Speaking to party members on the island of Samos, Papandreou accused the government "that it speaks about the Middle East as if it is a region which is far away from Greece."

To a question whether Greece can change things, Papandreou replied that "if we remain inert things can get worse, we might probably have solutions without us, which do not take into account our own interests." He added that "to the contrary, when we take initiatives we can change things."

Greece, he noted, "may not be an economic and military superpower, it can however be a moral superpower." Papandreou underlined the importance "of the maintenance of international rules and of international law, which Turkey must abide to instead of the implementation of the law of the powerful."

The government, the PASOK leader said, which is in power for two-and-a-half years, "has managed for Greece to be absent instead of having a voice." He added that "if it (Greece) does not acquire a voice, developments will leave it behind."

Papandreou strongly criticized the government because Greece, as non-permanent member of the Security Council, "has not taken any initiative." He questioned "where are" Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, of whom, he said, she "did not raise the voice of Greece, in order for the European Union to take a bolder decision about the behavior of Israel and the promotion of a peaceful solution." He also said that Greece, even in the issue of Greeks enslaved in Lebanon, "does not have the proper handling."

He added that "on the contrary, we continue our initiatives." He said he had a telephone conversation on Tuesday with Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi, so that they "continue to move coordinated for the promotion of peace initiatives in the Middle East."

The PASOK leader appealed for "an immediate truce" and called on the international community to "leave the loose words and undertake immediate action for a solution to be found to the problem with the creation of an independent Palestinian state, which will cooperate harmoniously with the state of Israel."

Meanwhile, 38 PASOK deputies directed a question to Foreign Minister Bakoyannis regarding the transportation of Greeks from Lebanon.

In their question, the main opposition deputies attributed to the government "negligence" regarding the safe transportation of Greeks who are in Lebanon.

They further noted that in a time of crisis and a war situation, the Greek Embassy in Lebanon remained without an ambassador for three months.

PASOK 'strongly concerned' over continuing escalation in Mideast: Main opposition PASOK party on Tuesday expressed strong concern over the "continuing escalation of the clash and Israel's unilateral military actions in the Palestinian territories and Lebanon", which is said "create the conditions for a broader conflagration in the Middle East", in an announcement issued by the party's Foreign Policy, Security and Defense division, at the same time expressing its "solidarity and wholehearted support to the peoples of Palestine and Lebanon who are daily suffering the dramatic consequences of the disproportionate and uncontrolled use of violence by the Israeli forces".

"The practice of mass punishment of peoples, the destruction of infrastructures and the death of innocent citizens is counter to the principles of International Law and the humanitarian values of our modern-day civilization," the announcement said, adding that "just as we have condemned, with consistency and determination, the terrorist actions of the Islamic extremist organizations in Palestine and Lebanon against innocent Israeli citizens, thus now we again raise a voice of protest and condemnation of the blind strikes of military violence on the part of the Israeli army".

PASOK called on the international community, the United Nations, the European Union, and the regional international organizations to undertake specific initiatives for the immediate halt of the clash and for insurance of the conditions for a viable truce that would lead to dialogue and negotiation among the sides involved for the release of the Israeli soldiers and the Palestinian MPs and government officials.

The main opposition party further called on the international community to contribute to the immediate confrontation of the severe humanitarian crisis in Palestine and Lebanon, with an immediate dispatch of aid to those suffering peoples.

"The history of this strife-torn region confirms, daily, that the strategy of unilateral imposition of solutions and preemptive military violence do not lead to peace and security in the region, but feed the violence and its escalation," the announcement said.

PASOK reaffirmed its support of the UN Security Council resolutions, to the creation of an independent and viable Palestinian state that would co-exist in peace and security with the state of Israel, and for an independent and sovereign Lebanon without foreign interventions.

[07] KKE strongly criticizes Israeli military actions in Palestine, Lebanon

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The KKE rejected Israel's arguments that its attacks were carried out for reasons of self-defense, noting that "what the Israeli government and other imperialist forces claim about Israel's right to 'self-defense' are Goebels-type pretexts for justifying a conquering war."

The KKE also criticized the Greek government for "showing tolerance, which means an indirect help to Israeli aggressiveness", while he termed main opposition PASOK leadership's stance, as well as that of the Socialist International the "same as that of the government" saying that "the so-called initiatives by the PASOK leader (George Papandreou) pull the wool over the eyes of the people."

[08] Rallies and marches in solidarity with Palestinians and Lebanon

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The first was organized by the members of the trade unionist movement PAME, which is affiliated to the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), and the second by the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) and the Greek Social Forum, with the participation of activist organizations.

The members of PAME and the KKE gathered at 7 p.m. in front of the War Museum. KKE Secretary General Aleka Papariga, just before the march started, declared: "Those who believed that after 1990 the popular resistance will cease, fell short. We must resist, we must be in solidarity, there where the peoples resist imperialism. We condemn the member-countries of the European Union and the country's political forces, (ruling) New Democracy and (main opposition) PASOK, because beyond the humanitarian talk, they help in the action of the imperialists."

The PAME march, having first stopped for a few minutes in front of the U.S. Embassy where they chanted anti-American slogans, concluded at the Israeli Embassy, where it dispersed shortly before 9 p.m.

The members of Synaspismos, of the Greek Social Forum and of the activist organizations gathered at 7:30 p.m. at Parko Eleftherias (Freedom Park) and chanting slogans, passed in front of the U.S. Embassy and headed towards the Israeli Embassy. There, a group of youths threw stones and red paint at police vans and policemen who were lined up in front the embassy building. Chanting slogans against Israel, the demonstrators remained in front of the embassy for about an hour and later dispersed.

[09] FM meets with visiting UNSG candidate

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Tharoor, who is the UN Under-Secretary General for Communications and Public Information, as well as an acclaimed author, is visiting Greece as part of his campaign ahead of the elections for a new UN Secretary General to succeed Kofi Annan at the end of the year.

The procedure will commence in end-July with an informal vote among the UN Security Council member countries aimed at seeking consensus on the new Secretary General.

The voting process is expected to be wound up at the end of the year, with a vote in the UN General Assembly.

Traditionally, but non-binding, the Secretary General is elected on the basis of geographical rotation, and it is now Asia's turn following Annan, who is from Ghana (Africa region).

No statements were made to the press after the meeting.

[10] UN secretary general candidate Tharoor: Greece can play vital role in Security Council deliberations on Middle East crisis

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Tharoor, who was meeting with foreign minister Dora Bakoyannis Tuesday morning, further pledged to do his best to take the process of efforts for a solution of the long-standing Cyprus forward, "in close consultation with all those concerned". He also described himself as a long-time friend and admirer of Greece.

Tharoor, India's candidate to succeed Kofi Annan at the UN helm, is a veteran diplomat, public communicator and well-known author with a long and distinguished record of service in the UN, and, as Special Assistant to the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations in the period 1989-1996, he assisted two successive heads of UN peacekeeping operations in managing the challenges of unprecedented growth and evolution in peacekeeping at the end of the Cold War while, from 1991-1996, he led the team in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations responsible for the UN peacekeeping operations in the former Yugoslavia.

The Under-Secretary-General winds up his four-day Athens visit on Tuesday. On Monday night, Tharoor met with senior officials at a dinner in his honor at the home of Indian Ambassador to Greece, Dr. Bhaskar Balakrishnan.

Below is the exclusive interview with Tharoor:

ANA-MPA: What is your overall impression following your contacts in Athens with government and political leaders during visit here?

ST: I met some senior officials at a dinner in my honor at the home of the Indian Ambassador, and I am looking forward to seeing the Foreign Minister this morning. The agenda is to discuss my candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations. As a long-time friend and admirer of Greece, I have no doubt my overall impression will be a positive one.

ANA-MPA: You are a candidate to succeed Kofi Annan as Secretary General of the United Nations in elections to be held later this year. What are the priorities you have set if elected to the UN helm?

ST: Competence, continuity and change.

Competence: The challenges to the UN are enormous. The threats of the 21st century are what we sometimes like to call 'problems without passports' - problems that cross all frontiers uninvited (climate change, drug trafficking, terrorism, epidemics, refugee movements and so on) - and whose solutions also can have no passports because no one country or group of countries, however rich or powerful, can tackle them alone. My first priority would be to ensure that the UN is ready to tackle these problems effectively, and be ready for new and unpredictable ones - three years ago, who had even heard of the grave risk of avian flu?

Continuity: There is a lot we do well that we must do even better. I would strengthen the UN's operational capacity for development, improve our capacity to conduct effective peace-keeping operations, and build on our proven record of excellence in responding to humanitarian crises. Continuity with the finest traditions of the UN is a must. As the head of the UN, I would ensure the strengthening of the international civil service, insisting that staff of both sexes, of the highest competence and integrity, are appointed to responsible positions, and that due regard is paid to geographical and gender representation so that the Secretariat fairly reflects the cultural diversity of our planet.

Change: The UN must embrace sensible reform, not because it has failed but because it has succeeded enough over the years to be worth investing in. Mahatma Gandhi once said, "you must be the change you wish to see in the world". What is true for individuals applies also to institutions. The UN is no exception. If we want to change the world, we must change too.

ANA-MPA: How would you describe the present situation in the Middle East, following the recent escalation of tension and violence in the region?

ST: It is a grave crisis, which we would be unwise to underestimate. There is an urgent need for a cessation of hostilities so that calmer heads can prevail. We must not allow extremists to provoke a situation that has resulted in the destruction of the infrastructure of a UN member state, and the daily toll in lives and damage must not be allowed to continue. A UN team is in the region as we speak, so I would not wish to say more, so as not to get in the way of my colleagues' attempt to find a solution.

ANA-MPA: On Saturday, after an emergency meeting of the Arab League foreign ministers, League secretary general Amr Mussa said that the Middle East peace process "is dead". Do you share that opinion, or do you believe that the initiatives of the Quartet -- the UN, the European Union, US and Russia -- roadmap for peace in the Middle East is still viable and poses hope for a workable, lasting and peaceful settlement acceptable to all sides concerned?

ST: The UN can never afford to give up on peace. Clearly, the peace process is the farthest thing on people's minds in the region right now, but war and destruction cannot deliver lasting solutions. Eventually, peace must be built on the existing Security Council resolutions and on the basis of the "road map", though details may have to be amended to take into account the realities on the ground.

ANA-MPA: How tangible is the risk of the hostilities spreading, in your opinion?

ST: Clearly, if the hostilities continue unchecked, there is a danger they could ignite a wider conflagration, and we must all do our best to prevent that.

ANA-MPA: Do you believe that intercessions by individual countries, especially those in the wider region, could contribute to advancing the Mideast peace efforts by the international organizations, and what role could Greece play in this direction?

ST: Greece enjoys the respect of both sides of the Arab-Israeli divide and I am sure it will play a vital role in the Security Council deliberations on the matter.

ANA-MPA: Another long-standing problem in the wider area is that of the Cyprus issue. The ongoing efforts of the UN and the EU have yet to bring about results, and the island republic, a member of both the UN and the EU, remains divided, with its northern sector under Turkish occupation, for more than 30 years. Do you have some ideas, a plan of action perhaps, that would give new impetus to resolving this international issue?

ST: At the moment there is already a UN plan of action - the Annan Plan - and as a UN official I stand behind the Secretary-General's efforts to resolve this long-standing issue. My colleague Ibrahim Gambari (UN Under-Secretary-General for political affairs) made encouraging progress recently when he brought the leaders of the two Cypriot communities together. I hope we can build on that, and if elected Secretary-General, I pledge to do my best to take the process forward, in close consultation with all those concerned.

[11] DM says will brief parl't on armaments programs decisions

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Asked by reporters whether the program for the acquisition of military aircraft was being postponed, Meimarakis replied that there was no program, but one was being drafted. To another question on the prospect of the purchase of Eurofighters, Meimarakis replied that no reference to a Eurofigher purchaser had been made in any of his briefings.

He reiterated that, since there was no decision (on military aircraft acquisition), there could be no postponement.

[12] Tourist arrivals up 6.33 pct in first half 2006, report says

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

SETE said the number of foreign visitors to Greece would exceed the record number of 2001 if growth rates continued at the same pace throughout the remaining half of the year.

The report was based on tourist arrivals in 12 Greek airports, accounting for more than 90 percent of total air flights and more than 75 percent of tourist arrivals in the country.

SETE said this positive development should lead to complacency and urged for further measures to improve quality in tourism services and to improve Greek tourism competitive-ness. The Federation also urged the country's Tourism ministry to intensify efforts in collecting and processing statistical figures in the tourism sector.

[13] Program in support of SMEs

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Sioufas made the announcement during a meeting of the National Council of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises specifying that the program concerned businesses employing up to 250 personnel for investments between 30,000 to 180,000 euros with a 55% subsidy.

[14] Basiakos pleased with outcome of EU farm ministers meeting

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Basiakos took part in the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers, where among the basic issues was the first discussion of the European Commission's announcement for the reform of the vineyards and winery sector.

It is noted that beyond raisins, of importance for Greek agricultural products, such as cotton and olive oil, the revenues from the EU in the recent period were significantly increased and the greatest in the past years.

Agriculture ministry approves ¬ 9.7 million projects

Thirteen new investment projects amounting to 9.7 million euros were approved on Tuesday by the agricultural development ministry.

According to a decision signed by Deputy Minister Alexandros Kontos, the projects concern packaging and trading of farm products.

[15] Govt unveils plans to sell state property

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Under the draft bill, owners of real estate assets whose ownership is questioned, will have the opportunity to buy these assets. The draft legislation will be put forward for consultations with interested parties before final decisions will be taken by the ministry.

Owners will have to apply for the purchase of the real estate properties on the precondition that they claim ownership of the asset for at least 20 years, without any interruption.

The draft bill excludes real estate assets included in special environmental protection areas, in archaeological site zones, or in forest areas.

[16] Greece last in EU's Internal Market Scoreboard

BRUSSELS 19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

It also reported an overall slowdown throughout the EU relative to the last half of 2005, in the Internal Market Scoreboard tracking implementation of the internal market strategy among the 25-member EU released on Tuesday. Specifically, the implementation deficit was 1.9 percent, up from 1.6 percent in November 2005, while the interim target deficit was 1.5 percent.

According to EU figures, Greece has not incorporated 3.8 percent of community directives (62 in total) within the deadlines.

The best performance was that of Denmark, with an implementation deficit of 0.5 percent (8 directives), Cyprus with 1 percent (17 directives) and Hungary with 1.1 percent (18 directives).

Fourteen member-states have achieved the interim target deficit of 1.5 percent, down from 17 in the previous six months, while only Denmark, Cyprus, Austria and the U.K. had improved on their performance in the previous six months.

According to the scoreboard, Greece also has 98 outstanding cases of violating internal market rules. The best performance is by Denmark with just 29 cases and the worst performance is by Italy with 166.

[17] Event held marking 'BSEC Day'

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Stylianidis expounded on two "operational" issues through the prospects of which Greece's policy is shaped regarding the future of the Black Sea countries.

One concerns the promotion, on the part of Greece, of a request for the granting by the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) of development aid to BSEC, and the second concerns the development of the Black Sea road network.

"My country in cooperation with the Russian presidency and the permanent secretariat of the Organization promotes the idea of the creation of a regional road network around the Black Sea, utilizing and upgrading the already existing road links," said Stylianidis.

The Russian ambassador, whose country currently holds the presidency of BSEC, presented his government's priorities in transport, either for road, sea or energy networks (transport of oil, natural gas or electricity).

For the Russian presidency, apart from transport and energy, the development of trade and investments, regional stability, the combating of organized crime and relations of good neighborliness constitute the central nucleus of its goals.

[18] FBBank says after tax profits up 112.7 pct in 1st half

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The bank attributed its impressive results to a 15.2 percent increase in net revenues from interest rates and to slower spending growth rate (8.4 pct) over the first six months of the year.

FBBank said assets surpassed 1.0 billion euros, loans rose 10.7 pct to 840 million euros and savings deposits rose 6.4 pct to 743 million euros. The bank's net position totaled 89.4 million euros.

FBBank operates a network of 14 branches in Athens, Piraeus, Kallithea, Glyfada, Kifisia, Maroussi, Peristeri, Thessaloniki, Heraclion Crete, Corfu and Rhodes. The bank plans to open two new branches in Athens and Larissa.

[19] Eurobank acquires Universal Bank in Ukraine

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Universal Bank is a mid-sized Ukrainian bank based in Lviv and operates a branch network of 32 units while assets total 79 million US dollars. "The purchase is consistent with the announced strategy of Eurobank EFG Group to expand its activities in the most important markets of southeastern Europe," Eurobank said. "Ukraine, with a population of about 47 million, will experience high rates of economic growth in the medium term," the Greek bank said, adding that the penetration of banking products and lending was very low.

Eurobank acquired Tekfenbank in Turkey earlier this year. Top of Form 2

[20] SYN's Lafazanis slams Economy Minister Alogoskoufis' statements

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Lafazanis added: "If Mr. Alogoskoufis and the government view that the real economy are the big business groups with their overwhelming profits, privatizations and business agreements, for the Greek people the real economy is something completely different and they live it with the harsh one-sided austerity, blood-sucking taxation, the waves of high cost of living which are sweeping the market and the swelling of unemployment."

[21] Athens tram celebrates two years of operation

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Based on available figures, an average of 54,000 passengers per day used the tram in May while in June the number raised to 60,000 since many Athenians use the tram to go to the local beaches.

According to the figures, 98.7 percent of the 400 daily tram routes run on schedule, while the average speed is 23km/hour. It is worth noting that 46 percent of the tram passengers are aged 18 to 34.

The Tram SA's operating losses dropped by 14 percent in 2005 compared to the initial budget, while company revenues cover 27 percent of its operating expenses, and are expected to rise to 32 percent according to 2006 forecasts.

Transport Minister Liapis stressed that the tram has become a reliable means of transportation and this is proven by the increasing number of passengers using it, underlining that it is a safe, reliable, environmentally friendly and affordable means of commuting. He also added that the next goal is to further extend the tram line, rendering it part of the overall transportation network.

Liapis said that discussions with local authorities for the extension of the tram line to Piraeus are currently in progress, while the future targets include extension of the tram line to the western suburb of Keratsini.

[22] Greek stocks rebound strongly on Tuesday

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The composite index rose 1.32 percent to end at 3,553.09 points with turnover an improved 183.6 million euros.

Sector indices ended higher with the exception of the Financial Services index which ended 0.21 percent down on the day. The Travel (2.34 pct), Food-Beverage (2.30 pct), Raw Materials (2.21 pct), Chemicals (1.76 pct) and Industrial Products (1.68 pct) sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +1.89%

Industrials: +1.68%

Commercial: +0.23%

Construction: +0.88%

Media: +0.84%

Oil & Gas: +1.52%

Personal & Household: +1.57%

Raw Materials: +2.21%

Travel & Leisure: +2.34%

Technology: +1.23%

Telecoms: +0.65%

Banks: +0.99%

Food & Beverages: +2.30%

Health: +0.37%

Utilities: +1.68%

Chemicals: +1.76%

Financial Services: -0.21%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank, Eurobank, OPAP and Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE).

Selected shares from the FTSE/ASE-20 index closed in euros as follows:

Alpha Bank: 18.72

ATEbank: 3.68

Public Power Corp: 18.10

HBC Coca Cola: 24.60

Hellenic Petroleum: 10.16

Emporiki Bank: 25.96

National Bank of Greece: 28.20

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 21.30

Intracom: 4.56

Cosmote: 17.20

OPAP: 26.96

OTE 16.50

Titan Cement Company: 36.00

[23] ADEX closing report

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The July contract on the FTSE 20 index was traded at a discount of 0.52 pct, while on the FTSE 40 index at a discount of 0.89 pct.

Futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index recoded volume of 16,835 contracts, worth 160.222 million euros with 32,350 open positions in the market, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 578 contracts worth 10.669 million euros with 1,486 open positions.

Buy options recorded volume of 1,6141 contracts (15.884 mln euros) and 10 contracts (189,000 euros) on both contracts, respectively.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 2,885 contracts, worth 5.221 euros, with trading activity focusing on OTE's contracts (663), followed by Eurobank (49), PPC (78), OPAP (179), Cosmote (242), National Bank (509), Alpha Bank (178) and ELTEX (248).

Volume in stock repos totaled 531 contracts and in reverse stock repos 7,014 contracts.

[24] Greek bond market closing report

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were largely unchanged. National Bank's overnight rate ranged between 2.74-2.84 pct, the two-week rate ranged from 2.76 to 2.86 pct, the one-month rate at 2.82-2.92 pct, the six-month at 3.18-3.28 pct and the 12-month rate at 3.40-3.50 pct.

[25] Foreign Exchange Rates

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

U.S. dollar 1.253

Pound sterling 0.684

Danish kroner 7.459

Swedish kroner 9.252

Japanese yen 146.61

Swiss franc 1.564

Norwegian kroner 7.929

Cyprus pound 0.575

Canadian dollar 1.421

Australian dollar 1.668

[26] European Commission tables proposals for protection of waters

BRUSSELS 19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

According to an announcement by the Commission, the pollution enters the water environment from various sources, such as from agriculture, industry and fuel, disrupting the water ecosystems and harming plants and animals.

Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said: "Every drop of dangerous substance is enough to pollute thousands of litres of water," stressing that the proper control of chemical substances which constitute a threat to the environment and public health, is of vital importance.

[27] Firefighting efforts continue in Tagarades, Sindos

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Meanwhile, local residents on Tuesday blocked the road leading to the landfill in three spots to protest the environmental toll of the fire, which has released harmful toxins into the air.

At the same time, efforts to completely extinguish the fire which broke out early Sunday at the HB Body AEBEE industrial paints factory at the Thessaloniki Industrial Zone in Sindos continued throughout the night. Firefighters managed to place the blaze under control on Sunday evening after it caused serious damage.

Firefighters and company employees were removing the remaining flammable materials to avert the likelihood of a renewed outbreak of the fire, which could put at risk other factory plants nearby.

[28] Two Albanians escape from Glyfada police station

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

According to police, the detainees, under unclear conditions, managed to exit to the police station alleyway and escaped.

[29] Shoot-out between police, drug smugglers

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

In a gunfire exchange between the police and the drug smugglers, an Albanian was wounded and arrested while the rest of the Albanians managed to escape, leaving behind the 6 bags with the drugs.

[30] Heroin arrest in China

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The container was placed in an abandoned car left at a car junkyard.

The man was known to police, as he had been previously arrested on drug charges.

[31] Suspected drug dealers to public prosecutor

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The two men, aged 39 and 29, had 15.735 kilos of heroin in their possession at the time they were arrested. Police also confiscated the sum of ¬ 28,945, a set of electronic precision scales, seven mobile phones, a car and a motorbike as supporting evidence in their case.

[32] Burglars make off with more than 100,000 euros from ATM

19/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The said the culprits had managed, undetected, to de-activate the alarm system and break into the ATM using an acetylene torch.

The perpetrators, who disappeared with 106,870 euros from the ATM, were being sought by the Ioannina security police.

[33] US aim to reach solution on Cyprus problem and help Turkey's EU bid, Bryza says

The US government's strategic goals are the achievement of a just and lasting solution of the Cyprus problem and Turkey's accession to the European Union, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza said here Tuesday.

''We do all we possibly can to achieve all our strategic objectives. One is a just and lasting Cyprus settlement and the other is Turkey's accession to the EU. Those processes occur on separate tracks through separate organizations and different processes,'' Bryza told Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot journalists, at a press conference.

Regarding his visit here, he said that he came to listen to the views of both sides and get ideas how to move the process forward, reiterating that the US support the UN Secretary General in his effort to achieve a just and lasting settlement on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

He expressed hope that UN Undersecretary General for political affairs Ibrahim Gambari's recent visit to Cyprus ''created an opening for that very thing to happen.''

Bryza added though, ''I sense on both sides a real desire to move forward but a real still deep sense of difference on core issues. I also sense a real and serious recognition that this opening under Gambari is real but perishable and needs to be worked out immediately.''

''It seems now that with the formation of the technical committees we have a way forward now with the exchange and finalization of a list of substantive issues. We have a way ahead in terms of the leaders, President Papadopoulos and Mr. Talat agreeing to get together and keep the process moving forward now. The UN is in the lead and we will support their plan,'' he noted.

He underlined that the US do not intend to punish the Greek Cypriot side for rejecting the UN proposed Annan plan for a solution of the Cyprus problem, adding that every step that has been taken so far by the US, aims at facilitating the reunification of the island.

The US official said that during his talks on the island he did not refer to the Annan plan, but added that ''it would be silly and a waste of time to throw all those years of difficult negotiations away.''

Referring to the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots, he said that in the context of the reunification of Cyprus the US ''seeks to ease the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots because we believe it is easier to reunify a country if the economic disparities are limited.''

Asked whether the US consider Nicosia as an impediment of Turkey's EU accession, he replied negatively, saying that Turkey's accession to the EU depends on the fulfillment of the EU criteria.

''We want to do all we can as a non-member of the EU to help Turkey make these tough decisions. I underscore that Turkey has an obligation to fulfill these criteria, including the obligation it freely undertook to extend the additional protocol to the Republic of Cyprus and open its ports to Greek Cypriot ships. It is wise, if we want this process to proceed, to find ways to make that happen,'' he pointed out.

The US official said that Turkey undertook an obligation to extend the protocol to the Republic of Cyprus and at the same time the US wants to do what it can, working with the Republic of Cyprus, with all member states, the Commission, the EU Council, and the government of Turkey ''to ensure that that happens as smoothly and quickly as possible.''

''The US hopes to work with all of you, as my presence here indicates, so that both processes are on track, Turkey's EU accession and a comprehensive settlement process under the UN,'' he added.

Spokesman says US diplomat reiterated known ideas on Cyprus: US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza reiterated US positions and views already expressed in the past, Cypriot Deputy Minister to the President and Government Spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardes said earlier on Tuesday.

The spokesman furthermore said that ''the unhindered course of Turkey towards the EU cannot be implemented with a quid pro quo from the Republic of Cyprus'' and that ''it cannot be expected of Cyprus to pay any price for Turkey to fulfill its European obligations and commitments.''

Invited to say if the ideas conveyed by Bryza are directly connected with Turkey's European course, the spokesman replied, ''To a certain extent, yes.''

Asked what Bryza said during his meetings with the Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary and the Head of the Cypriot Directorate at the Ministry, Pashiardes said that during these meetings it was reiterated that the US respects the verdict of the people at the referendum on the Annan plan for a Cyprus settlement and that a solution to the Cyprus problem must be based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

He added that this has been and remains the position of the Greek Cypriot side, ''a position which contradicts any efforts for an indirect or direct political upgrading of the pseudo state.''

''Such efforts offend the verdict of the people at the referendum but also derail the settlement of the Cyprus question from the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation,'' he noted.

Invited to say if that means that Bryza has conveyed some ideas aiming to upgrade the pseudo state, Pashiardes said that ''he has conveyed some ideas, not fresh ideas, those conveyed in the past.''

He noted that during his meetings Monday at the ministry of foreign affairs, Bryza was briefed fully on the Greek Cypriot side's positions as regards recent developments, in an effort to pave the way for substantive negotiations on the Cyprus question.

''We reiterated on our part the political will and determination to contribute to the effectiveness of this effort, so that the way that will lead to an agreed, functional and viable settlement of the Cyprus problem will open the soonest possible,'' he added, noting that Bryza will also meet on Wednesday with Minister of Foreign Affairs George Lillikas.

Invited to comment on reports that Bryza has submitted certain positions and suggestions, the spokesman said that ''he just reiterated the well-known positions of his country, he did not say anything new, and he did not add anything different to what he said in the past.''

Pashiardes said he would not comment on these positions but noted that ''the unhindered course of Turkey towards the EU cannot be implemented with a quid pro quo from the Republic of Cyprus'' and that ''it cannot be expected of Cyprus to pay any price for Turkey to fulfill its European obligations and commitments.''

''When Turkey refuses to facilitate herself, why should Cyprus facilitate her, by making concessions on the Cyprus question?'' he wondered and added that there is no association between the Cyprus question and Turkey's European prospect.

They are two different issues on which Turkey has separate responsibilities, he added.

[34] Lillikas says everything possible to be done for resumption of Cyprus talks

The government will do everything it can possibly do to see negotiations on substantive issues of the Cyprus

question resume, Minister of Foreign Affairs George Lillikas said Tuesday, pointing out however that Nicosia will not, under any circumstances, accept any link between the Cyprus problem and Turkey's commitments to the European Union.

Speaking after a working breakfast with his Finnish counterpart and current president of the EU Council of Ministers Erkki Tuomioja, Lillikas said he briefed him on the latest developments, following the agreement between Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Mehmet Ali Talat to begin talks on issues that affect the day-to-day life of Cypriots as well as on issues of substance, once these issues are decided on by the end of the month.

''We shall be ready very soon to table the list of substantive issues we wish to discuss and our opinion about day-to-day matters,'' he told journalists, adding that he expressed to Tuomioja the government's expectations for an agreement by the end of July on such issues to enable negotiations to resume.

Lillikas said the government will do all it can to see this process move forward and prepare the ground for the resumption of talks.

The Cypriot Minister clarified to Tuomioja that developments in the question of Cyprus are not linked to Turkey's obligations to the EU, something the Finnish minister agreed with, noting that the presidency position on this has been made clear in public too.

The two ministers also discussed Turkey's accession course and Lillikas said that the government has supported this but warned that one must not take this support for granted.

''It would be bad if Turkey's accession course was to be suspended but it would be even worse if Turkey were allowed to carry on its accession negotiations without meeting its commitments,'' Lillikas said.

The situation in the Middle East was also on the agenda of the two ministers and Lillikas reiterated the government's readiness to work in close cooperation with the EU presidency to end this crisis.

Tuomioja thanked Cyprus for its efforts and assistance in this direction.

Lillikas discussed with Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn the progress report on Turkey and agreed that they will meet again on the matter at the end of August or beginning of September.

EU financial assistance to the Turkish Cypriots and direct trade between the Union and the Turkish Cypriot community were also on the agenda of discussions between Rehn and Lillikas.

While in Brussels, Lillikas met with Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighborhood Policy Benita Ferrero Waldner and talked about developments in Cyprus.

[35] US thank Cyprus for helping evacuation of US nationals from Lebanon

NICOSIA 19/7/2006 (CNA/ANA/MPA)

''We are grateful for the collaboration the Republic of Cyprus has offered us in this difficult situation to evacuate people from Lebanon. We are working together with the government of Cyprus in this. There is a great opportunity here before us to deepen our cooperation,'' Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza told Cypriot journalists.

US Ambassador in Nicosia Ronald Schlicher said that a vessel has already left for Lebanon, to transfer via Cyprus around 800 American citizens who are abandoning Lebanon.

He added that in Lebanon there are around 20,000 US citizens, who may want to leave the country.

''I would like to express the thanks of my government for the remarkable cooperation we have with the government of the Republic of Cyprus and for the humanitarian concern we receive from them,'' the ambassador said.

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