Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-07-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] France's Sarkozy meets PM, Greek ministers; signs bilateral agreement

[02] Bakoyannis urges support for ceasefire in Lebanon

[03] 'Ikaria' arrives in Beirut carrying aid, to return with evacuees

[04] Red Cross, Doctors of the World, appeal for donations to Lebanon relief efforts

[05] Greek Communist party delegation arrives in Ramallah

[06] Papandreou again criticizes gov't over Middle East crisis

[07] SYN leader metes out blame in Mideast crisis

[08] Ecumenical Patriarch appeals for peace in Middle East, entire world

[09] SAE message on anniversary of Turkish invasion of Cyprus

[10] Greece supports enlargement of UN Security Council with permanent and non-permanent members

[11] Cyprus president receives Greek Parliament delegation

[12] Greek MPs give press conference in Cyprus

[13] Health minister briefs president

[14] Education minister meets GSEE delegation

[15] Bank of Cyprus said Emporiki offer no longer valid

[16] Turkish port of Izmir will be connected with Volos instead of Alexandroupolis

[17] Cypriot economy minister meets president of Greek Parliament's Economy Committee

[18] PASOK leader concerned CSF funds will be lost

[19] Presidential Decree Plan for State Procurements

[20] Tender for National Commerce Observatory to be held on Aug. 29

[21] Tourism development minister visits Rhodes

[22] Greek bond market closing report

[23] Tagarades landfill fire continues to smolder

[24] Police resume search for missing boy in Tripotamos River

[25] Sessions of the 38th Clerical-Secular Assembly of the Greek Orthodox Archbishopric of America end

[26] SE Europe Stability Pact to promote Balcinet-EU cooperation

[27] Two-day "Media Terra" meeting held in Thessaloniki

[28] French Minister says Middle East hostilities could spread to the region

[29] Spokesman says Cyprus waiting for EU assistance for Lebanon evacuees

[30] US hopes to move forward on Cyprus

[01] France's Sarkozy meets PM, Greek ministers; signs bilateral agreement

Athens 22/7/2006 (ANA)

The agreement was signed with Greek Public Order minister Vyron Polydoras, who said it concerned issues of terrorism, narcotics, human trafficking, and trafficking in arms and human organs.

He said the talks covered all the contemporary problems falling under the two ministers' authority, as well as ways the two countries could join forces in the service of democratic legality.

"I'm impressed by the French interior minister's practical thinking, a practicality that guarantees efficiency in the sector of public order and at the interior ministry, for the service of democracy and the citizens, once again consolidating the lines of open society and democracy," Polydoras said.

Sarkozy expressed satisfaction with the meeting and the signing of the Memorandum.

In talks with his Greek counterpart, Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos, meanwhile, the discussion focused on immigration policy issues and civil protection.

Speaking to reporters after his meeting with Pavlopoulos, Sarkozy said the talks centered on civil protection matters and confronting fires, adding that he would send a letter to his Greek counterpart next week on the issue of immigration policy.

Pavlopoulos referred to the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation on civil protection matters and the common use of airborne means in firefighting operations. He said that this initiative was in an early stage, adding that all the countries in the Mediterranean region could participate in the initiative, as the dangers were shared and the future, in this area, was expected to be difficult.

Regarding cooperation in the sector of immigration policy, Pavlopoulos said that common rules in the framework of the EU have already begun to be formulated, but added that the initiative must progress more quickly, stressing that this depended on the member states, and noting that the phenomenon of migration would be faced with all the terms and conditions that befitted Europe's civilization.

Current world affairs discussed in Bakoyannis-Sarkozy dinner: During a later dinner given in his honor by Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, discussion was dominated by the major issues in international current affairs.

"We ascertained a great convergence of views in the broad range of current affairs issues that we discussed," Sarkozy said afterwards.

He also praised Bakoyannis, saying that she was deeply knowledgeable on international issues and that "it is an honor for her country that Bakoyannis holds the position of foreign minister".

After the dinner, the visiting French minister was shown around the archaeological site and museum of the Athens Acropolis.

[02] Bakoyannis urges support for ceasefire in Lebanon

Athens 22/7/2006 (ANA)

The foreign minister also noted Greece's support for the package of ideas presented by United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan and called on the Security Council, as the guardian of stability and peace, to make use of its role and capabilities to find a way out of the deadlock.

She made the statement after meeting Lebanese Ambassador in Athens William Farid Habib, who expressed his country's thanks for the humanitarian aid sent by the Greek government to the victims of the war and Greece's help in evacuation efforts.

After the meeting, Habib expressed fears that his country was facing "a plan for the wholesale destruction of Lebanon" and that the situation would not end soon.

He also stressed his country's and his own personal pride in the friendship and solidarity shown by Greece and said that Lebanon would remain united and find a solution if the case that there was no outside intervention.

Regarding the humanitarian effort, Bakoyannis said that Greece was both willing and able to play a serious role and was doing so.

She also thanked the government of Cyprus for its hospitality and solidarity, as well as the officers and troops of the Greek air force and navy that had helped in evacuation and aid missions.

[03] 'Ikaria' arrives in Beirut carrying aid, to return with evacuees

Athens 22/7/2006 (ANA)

The evacuees will be taken to Larnaca in Cyprus, from where they will return to their own countries.

Late on Thursday evening, a Greek Airforce C-130 cargo plane landed at Larnaca airport carrying a second consignment of aid for Lebanon, which was unloaded in order to taken to Beirut by ship. Also on board were five doctors sent by the Greek Navy, who will provide assistance to Beirut evacuees in Larnaca.

A third consignment of aid left the military airport at Elefsis in a C-130 at 14:00 in the afternoon on Friday, carrying another 10 tons of medical supplies and emergency equipment.

Apart from the "Ikaria", the Greek Navy has also sent the frigates "Psara" and "Themistokles" and a second tank-landing craft "Rhodes" to the area to assist in the evacuation effort, alongside another 32 war ships sent by various countries to get their nationals out of Lebanon.

According to a foreign ministry announcement, the "Ikaria" was carrying 22 tons of aid offered by Greece to Lebanon, including medical supplies, tents, bedding and food, and was the first ship with humanitarian aid to arrive in tormented Beirut.

It said the collection of the aid was organized and coordinated by the Greek foreign ministry via its international developmental cooperation service Hellenic Aid, with the assistance of the Greek health ministry, the Greek national defense ministry, the general secretariat for civil protection, the city of Athens and the non-governmental aid organizations Red Cross, Medicines du Monde and Doctors of the Heart.

[04] Red Cross, Doctors of the World, appeal for donations to Lebanon relief efforts

Athens 22/7/2006 (ANA)

The Red Cross stressed that the families which have been forced to abandon their homes due to the hostilities were in need of supplies critical to their survival, and asked that donations be deposited in the following bank account numbers:

Agricultural Bank of Greece: 017.04.005402.82

Alpha Bank: 101-00-2002-005560

Attica Bank: 069/84298361

City Bank: 0506687357

Eurobank-Ergasias: 0026.0240.33.0200055949

The deposit receipts must bear the designation "Lebanon".

The Hellenic Red Cross added that the assistance operations on the field were being coordinated by the International Red Cross Committee and the Lebanese Red Cross.

For more information, call the Hellenic Red Cross' international relations department at 210-3621681 or 210-3615606.

Doctors of the World: The NGO 'Doctors of the World' also appealed for donations of money, medicines and non-perishable foods for the victims of the crisis in Lebanon.

It called for infant foods and child nutrition products (evaporated and powdered milk, creams in powder form, etc.), legumes, tinned foods (except pork), sugar, rice, and flour, and also for emergency medicines (insuline, heart medication, antibiotics, antipyretics, etc.).

Cash donations may be deposited in the following bank accounts:

Emporiki Bank: 001-29534144

Alpha Bank: 199-00-2002-002401

In the event of a cash deposit, the depositor must send a fax of the bank receipt to 210-3213850 in order to receive a bill of receipt from the NGO.

[05] Greek Communist party delegation arrives in Ramallah

Athens 22/7/2006 (ANA)

It said the delegation, made up of active party members and local government officials, was sent to express the party's solidarity with the Palestinian people.

According to the announcement, they were met early on Friday morning by the General Secretary of the Palestinian People's Party Bassam Salhi, followed by a meeting with a delegation of the Palestinian Parliament led by Hamas chief whip Mahmoud Ramahi and afterward with senior Palestinian authority official Abdurahman Zidan.

[06] Papandreou again criticizes gov't over Middle East crisis

Athens 22/7/2006 (ANA)

Addressing Friday the closing session of the 'Simi Symposium' on the eastern Aegean island of Samos, Papandreou said that a "formal appearance in television by the prime minister and a formal and indifferent message are not enough, but presence and initiatives instead, as developments in the region concern Greece which, officially, is absent and this is inadmissible."

Referring to the Cyprus issue, he said that in the European family "there is no room for occupation troops" and that the issue should be resolved according to UN resolutions and the EU acquis communautaire.

The PASOK leader also expressed his satisfaction for Iran's acceptance of the "5+1" proposal and asked the international community to "embrace this important step made by Tehran".

He also reiterated his appeal for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, calling on the "powerful of the world to listen to the voice of peoples who are asking for peace."

He said that he would continue, as Socialist International president, to take initiatives, "so as not to end with a new Iraq".

Papandreou continuing contacts over Iran and Middle East, PASOK announces: The main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) on Friday listed a series of phone calls made in the past week by main opposition PASOK leader and Socialist International president George Papandreou over Iran's nuclear program and the situation in the Middle East.

PASOK spokesman Nikos Athanassakis said Papandreou had received a called from Iranian Foreign Minister Manoucher Motaki on Wednesday to thank him for his invitation to visit Greece and asked him to convey a message that Iran took a positive view of the "5+1" incentives proposal made by major powers and was prepared to negotiate on this basis.

On Thursday and Friday, Athanassakis said, Papandreou had spoken on the phone with United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Mohamed ElBaradei, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, the Finnish EU presidency's foreign minister Erkki Tuomioja and Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi.

During these contacts, had had discussed the latest development concerning Iran's nuclear program and relayed Motaki's message, as well as discussing the Middle East.

The spokesman also demanded that the government confirm or deny a statement by Defense Minister Vangelis Meimarakis regarding an agreement between the Turkish and Greek prime ministers for a mutual reduction in armaments.

"This is a serious issue. It is international precedent to refer to an agreement for a mutual reduction in armaments that supposedly took place verbally. We come back to this issue and expect some representative of the government to provide an answer," Athanassakis said.

[07] SYN leader metes out blame in Mideast crisis

Athens 22/7/2006 (ANA)

Speaking at a press conference, Alavanos said it that the collective punishment being applied by the government of Israel against the peoples of Lebanon and Palestine was totally unacceptable and inhuman, and in no way could be justified as a "response" to the capture of Israeli soldiers by armed groups.

The SYN leader further accused the US of blocking the adoption of a resolution by the UN Security Council calling for a cease-fire, and accused President Bush of openly supporting Israel's war actions "which he (Bush) considers part of the 'war on terrorism', which has caused so many tribulations in the entire world".

Alavanos also said that "I did not see the leadership of the Greek foreign ministry going to the Security Council with proposals of its own", and also accused the ministry of not undertaking any initiative in the framework of the EU and the UN, despite the fact that Greece has particular reasons to contribute to the cause of peace, as an eastern Mediterranean country.

The SYN leader also criticized the Socialist International, which he said reacted with 'positions of neutrality, between the aggressor and the victim".

Alavanos called on the Greek government to contribute for a bold program of humanitarian aid to the peoples of Lebanon and Palestine, and proposed a new international conference on the Middle East, with the focus on the Palestinian issue.

[08] Ecumenical Patriarch appeals for peace in Middle East, entire world

Athens 22/7/2006 (ANA)

Closing the ecological symposium, Vartholomeos invited the delegates to pray for "the prevalence of peace in this part of the planet, which is facing so many problems".

"Let us particularly pray for the innocent people, the children, the women, and the elderly," he said.

"No more killings," the Ecumenical Patriarch appealed. "Let us pray fervently for peace in the Middle East and in the entire world."

[09] SAE message on anniversary of Turkish invasion of Cyprus

Athens 22/7/2006 (ANA)

In a written statement, he said that for 32 years, the overseas Hellenes organizations throughout the world, and mainly in the major decision-taking centers, have been continuing consistently, and with every legal means, to support the efforts being made by the governments of Greece and Cyprus, exerting pressure, so as to lead to a just solution to the Cyprus issue founded on the principles of international law. A solution which, given the European identity of the Republic of Cyprus as an equal member of the European Union, will create a secure and peaceful environment for all the legal residents -- Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots alike -- of the suffering island.

SAE, in cooperation with the International Coordinating Committee 'Justice for Cyprus' (PSEKA), the World Federation of Expatriate Cypriots (POMAK), and the National Coordinated Effort of Hellenes (CEH), is continuing undiminished its efforts aimed at making it understood at all levels that a solution to the Cyprus issue cannot wait any longer, Athens said.

The aspiration of all is the creation, at last, of all the conditions that will contribute to putting an end to the consequences caused by the occupation and division of Cyprus. "Only united can we achieve the fruition of our common goals, with the hope that that day will not be long in coming", the World SAE president concluded.

Solidarity rally for people of Cyprus: The Thessaloniki Committee for International Détente and Peace held a rally in Thessaloniki on Thursday night in a show of support and solidarity with the Cypriot people on the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

Addressing the rally, Committee organizing secretary Dimitris Zachariadis said that the Cyprus issue is an "international problem of invasion and occupation" and accused the "imperialist powers" for creating and maintaining conditions for their own benefit not only on Cyprus but in various other parts of the world as well.

After the rally, members of the committee marched to the US and British embassies.

[10] Greece supports enlargement of UN Security Council with permanent and non-permanent members

NEW YORK 22/7/2006 (ANA-MPA/P. Panagiotou)

Ambassador Vassilakis stressed that "my country's position remains in favor of the enlargement of the Security Council, both with permanent and with non-permanent members." He added that "such an enlargement will increase the effectiveness, credibility and transparency of the Security Council, improving its multi-cultural and multi-dimensional character, while it will render it more representational of the world we live."

Among other things, Vassilakis noted:"We would like to repeat our support for the Decision Plan of the G4 group (Germany, Japan, India, Brazil), in which Greece is a co-guardian. We fully agree with the principles included in it and we express our appreciation for improvements which were made in the text. We hope and urge all the member states to work together, creatively, with the aim of reaching an agreement which can be supported by the greatest possible majority of the organization's member states."

[11] Cyprus president receives Greek Parliament delegation

NICOSIA 22/7/2006 (ANA-MPA - A. Viketos)

[12] Greek MPs give press conference in Cyprus

NICOSIA 22/7/2006 (ANA-MPA/A. Viketos)

Skrekas said that the Greek government has made it clear that Turkey must meet all its obligations, adding that its evaluation is an issue that will have to be jointly decided by Athens and Nicosia.

Leventis maintained that the United States and Britain were exert pressure so that Turkey won't have to meet all its obligations adding that a veto is likely to be the only solution. He also commented that Greece can look for allies in pressuring Turkey to meet its obligations.

The view that the United States and Britain were pressuring for the postponement of Turkey's evaluation by the EU, was also expressed by independent deputy Stelios Papathemelis, who warned that "we must not give in to such pressures".

On the situation in Lebanon, Skrekas said that it has shocked humanity and pointed out that problems are not solved with war but with dialogue. He went on to praise the efforts made by Greece and Cyprus in the area of humanitarian aid.

Papathemelis criticized the international community for its stance toward Israel, saying that it was moving at a slow pace on purpose in order to give time to the criminals to commit their perfect crime.

Leventis pointed out that the Middle East has been a boiling pot for years, and maintained that Israel and the United States have broader plans for the region.

[13] Health minister briefs president

Athens 22/7/2006 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, which lasted for more than half hour, Avramopoulos said he had outlined the public awareness campaign on health issues, which that will continue throughout the summer, stressing that prevention is the basis for health and explained the way health programs and the upgrading of the National Health System (ESY) are being promoted with a special emphasis on the Greek regions.

Avramopoulos also said that they discussed recent initiatives aimed at filling the vacancies in hospital staff so as to enable all the public hospitals in the country to begin operate in full capacity as soon as possible.

He also referred to the initiatives undertaken by the health ministry to encourage and support scientific research and to the contacts made with Greek scientists living abroad.

President Papoulias accepted a proposal made by the health minister to establish an award on an annual basis to support and encourage scientific research conducted by Greek scientists and doctors. The "Papanicolaou" award will be named after the great Greek doctor George Papanicolaou, who developed the Pap test (medical screening test for early detection of cancer and other abnormalities in the female genital tract) thanks to which millions of lives are being saved.

Responding to a question on the crisis in Lebanon and what Greece could do, Avramopoulos stressed that Greece mobilized as soon as the crisis began. He added that Greece is present in the wider region where a human drama is unfolding, noting the health ministry quickly became involved by sending medicine, pharmaceutical supplies and doctors to the area. He expressed hope that this drama will end as soon as possible and that the international community will assume its responsibilities. Avramopoulos also stressed that the Palestinian problem must be resolved, being the cause of all that takes place in the region, adding that peace and security conditions as well as the equal right to life for all the peoples living in the region must be safeguarded.

[14] Education minister meets GSEE delegation

Athens 22/7/2006 (ANA)

In statements after the meeting Yiannakou underlined the "good cooperation" between her ministry and the trade union, which she termed as a "reliable partner in all issues relating to education".

The GSEE president said on his part that the delegation discussed with the minister issues of general interest. As regards the education reform promoted by the education ministry, Panagopoulos said that the GSEE was not asking from the ministry to "change its views."

"We are asking from the ministry to handle its proposal, which is a serious, well studied proposal and could bring about solutions, without it being led to exaggerations," Panagopoulos added.

Offices for the teaching of Greek language abroad announced: Coordinating Offices for the teaching of Greek language in various countries of the world will be soon established, the education ministry announced on Friday.

According to the announcement, Education Minister Marietta Yiannakou was promoting a decision relating to the establishment of new coordinating offices in countries showing increased interest in learning the Greek language and Greek civilization both on the part of Greek expatriates and of natives of these countries.

The first Coordinating Office will be created in Moscow and will cover Russia and Central Asia, a second one will be based in Sofia covering Bulgaria and Romania, a third one in Belgrade and a fourth one in Brasilia, capital of Brasil, which will cover countries of Latin America.

In the year 2005, a Centre of Greek civilization was established at the Uzbekistan university, the announcement added.

[15] Bank of Cyprus said Emporiki offer no longer valid

Athens 22/7/2006 (ANA)

The statement was issued after it received a letter from the Central Bank of Cyprus informing that its application for a relevant approval for the investment of 40-100 pct in the share capital of Emporiki Bank was rejected.

"The approval of the Central Bank of Cyprus was a precondition for the investment by Bank of Cyprus in Emporiki Bank which was included in the information memorandum approved by the Hellenic Capital Markets Commission for the public tender offer. The decision of the central Bank of Cyprus, which is final, constitutes the public tender offer void and therefore the public tender offer lapses," the bank said.

The Bank of Cyprus added that it considered it actions to be responsible, serious and lawful and safeguard the interests of its shareholders. In addition, it stated that its decisions and actions followed the unanimous decisions of its board of directors.

The Bank of Cyprus cancelled an extraordinary shareholders meeting and said that it would call a brief meeting of its shareholders in the near future to analyze its strategy for the future

[16] Turkish port of Izmir will be connected with Volos instead of Alexandroupolis

Athens 22/7/2006 (ANA)

The Turkish entrepreneurs chose the port of Volos where there are suitable infrastructures and the line will operate at the end of the month from the port of Volos and not that of Alexandroupolis.

[17] Cypriot economy minister meets president of Greek Parliament's Economy Committee

Greece's ruling New Democracy (ND) party deputy and president of the Greek Parliament's Economy Committee, Theodoros Skrekas, held talks here on Friday with Finance Minister Michalis Sarris and exchanged views on common economic issues between Greece and Cyprus.

Skrekas said that Greece and Cyprus must together exploit their presence in the European Union's agencies aiming at the development and activation of cooperation with EU member countries, which, as he said, is necessary.

He added that Greece offers Cyprus its experiences and know-ledge in order for it to effectively deal with matters which arise from the implementation of the European acquis communautaire.

[18] PASOK leader concerned CSF funds will be lost

Athens 22/7/2006 (ANA)

Papandreou said that there was a big risk of losing funds not only from the 3rd CSF but also from the 4th CSF which, he added, "the government is undermining with its policy".

The main opposition leader said that the government's blame lay in its lack of planning, delay in submitting the relevant proposals, and its "clientelistic perception regarding the country's development".

Responding to Papandreou's criticism Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said: "As repeatedly stated by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and after his latest meeting with Mr. (EU Commission President Jose Manuel) Barroso, the government is intensifying efforts for the greatest possible absorption of funds so as to gain the lost time during the PASOK governance."

In this framework, Roussopoulos went on, the prime minister gave orders for the creation of an inter-ministerial committee comprising ministers of economy and finance, development, environment, town planning and public works and employment and social security.

"Every day, the government proves in practice its political will to guarantee a steadfastly high and viable development all over the country and for all citizens. The times of lost opportunities, of the abandoning of regions, of non-transparency and ineffective-ness belong to the past, " the spokesman added.

PASOK says government distorting true picture of the economy: The main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) on Friday accused Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis of attempting to paint a misleadingly rosy picture concerning figures on the economy.

PASOK spokesman Nikos Athanassakis accused Alogoskoufis of "consciously distorting reality" and avoiding telling the public that a drop in interest payments this year was largely a coincidence linked to the distribution of interest payments over time.

He also accused the minister of concealing the repeated deferment of interest payments to future dates by the government, which this year would exceed ¬ 1.0 billion.

Athanassakis also noted that the 2.4 percent rise in public investments over six months was too small to avoid a risk of losing 3rd Community Support Framework funds, which would require a rise in investments of nearly 2 percent per month.

[19] Presidential Decree Plan for State Procurements

Athens 22/7/2006 (ANA)

Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas and Deputy Development Minister Yiannis Papathanassiou on Thursday made public the final text, as this was shaped following public consultation.

The interested parties can send their observations by e-mail on the website http://www.gge.gr/34/index.asp?category=2 or make a submittal or send a letter to the Development Ministry's Commerce General Secretariat.

[20] Tender for National Commerce Observatory to be held on Aug. 29

Athens 22/7/2006 (ANA)

Individuals, unions and consortiums can take part in the tender.

The National Commerce Observatory constitutes a program for the collection, research and analysis of macroeconomic and microeconomic data in relation to commerce in Greece, with the purpose of granting processed information to every interested party.

The project is financed by the Competitiveness Operational Program, in the context of the 3rd Community Support Framework (CSF), with a percentage of 68.49 per cent by the European Regional Development Fund and 31.51 by national resources.

The total budget amounts to 1,955,000 euros, including a 19 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT).

"The State acquires a useful tool for the paving of more effective policies in support of all the medium-sized businesses of Commerce. But the owners of the medium-sized businesses of Commerce also henceforth acquire themselves all the information which they need for the shaping of their own business strategy," Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas said announcing Friday the date of the tender.

[21] Tourism development minister visits Rhodes

Athens 22/7/2006 (ANA)

She was accompanied by Aegean and Island Policy Minister Aristotelis Pavlidis and Dodecanese deputy Vassilis Chrysis.

The minister went to the tourist region of Faliraki where she was welcomed by the mayor of Kallithea, Yiannis Iatridis, who briefed her on the specific problems of the area and the efforts being made to deal with them.

Palli-Petralia noted that the island of Rhodes has great potential to develop new forms of tourism, a matter to which the government gives priority.

The minister also visited the under construction new marina of Rhodes where she was briefed on the course of the works by the mayor of Rhodes, George Yiannopoulos.

On Saturday, she will visit Karpathos and Kassos to deal with the tourism and development issues of these two islands.

[22] Greek bond market closing report

Athens 22/7/2006 (ANA)

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were largely unchanged. National Bank's overnight rate was stable at 2.74-2.84 pct, the two-week rate at 2.76-2.86 pct, the one-month rate at 2.85-2.95 pct, the six-month rate at 3.20-3.30 pct and 12-month rate at 3.44-3.54 pct.

Foreign Exchange Rates

Reference buying rates per euro released by the European Central Bank:

U.S. dollar 1.268

[23] Tagarades landfill fire continues to smolder

Athens 22/7/2006 (ANA)

Authorities in charge of the fire-fighting effort stressed, meanwhile, that covering the fire with earth was the only advisable method for putting it out, noting that spraying water and fire-retardant carried other risks.

"In the past days we sprayed both fire retardant and foam and we are still spraying water but we cannot drop large quantities because we will flood everything and cause even greater destruction," Thessaloniki Fire Service chief Dimitris Fafoutis underlined.

Meanwhile, experts warned that the fire had raised the specter of an even greater disaster in the event of heavy rain, unless a dam was built to shore up a weak bank encircling a lake of sewage sludge that might give way and inundate the plain of Anthemounda.

"There is a risk that with the first heavy rain, liquids burdened with heavy metals will inundate the plain causing irreparable damage," said Sotiris Prentzas, a member of the administrative council of the Thessaloniki Technical Chamber told the ANA.

"Behind the restoration area, on the other side of the sewage sludge lake, there is a steep slope. If this collapses this will be a true catastrophe for the plain of Anthemounda municipality, because there will not longer be a collection lake. If a dam is not build soon - and when I say soon I mean by the autumn when the rains start - the damage that will be caused will unfortunately be irreparable," the expert added.

The Tagarades landfill fire dominated discussion in the Thessaloniki city council meeting on Thursday evening. Thessaloniki mayor Vasilis Papageorgopoulos stressed that no notable change has been recorded in terms of atmospheric pollution as a result of the smoldering fire at Tagarades.

He blamed previous PASOK governments and residents who filed suits blocking the construction of the landfill in Mavrorachi for the existing waste management situation.

Greater Thessaloniki OTA Association president Yiannis Zournas, who is responsible for waste management, stated that the fire is now down to one third of its original size and added that nobody can say exactly when it will be completely extinguished. He also stressed that heavy machinery participate in the efforts to cover the fire with soil as this is the only way it can be put out.

Zournas said that a complete picture of the effect of the landfill fire on the atmosphere will be available in 20 days, when the lab results on all collected samples from the area will be ready.

Local authorities in Thessaloniki on Thursday began taking samples of plants and animal material in a five-kilometre radius around the Tagarades landfill, where a fire that broke out about a week earlier was still burning on. Officials said the samples would be tested for pollutants hazardous to health, such as dioxins or chlorinated hydrocarbons.

All sheep and cattle farmers and the owners of poultry-farming units were advised to avoid free-range grazing, to confine animals in enclosed spaces, to avoid using free-range animals to supply dairy products and to use animal feed originating outside the affected area," the head of the Thessaloniki Prefecture Animal Hygiene department Evangelos Trelopoulos said.

Meanwhile, a atmospheric pollution monitoring station set up in Tagarades on Friday reported that levels of airborne particles in the area were above acceptable limits for three hours before dawn, from 3:00 until 5:00.Thessaloniki's mayor attributed the rise in levels to a lack of winds to disperse the particles.

Fire broke out in Koropi, two more blazes are under control: A brush fire broke out in the region Palati, Koropi in Attica on Friday morning. Thirty six firefighters with 12 fire engines and 3 firefighting aircraft were battling the blaze.

Strong winds blowing in the region were fanning the fire and hampering the firefighting efforts.

Meanwhile, the blazes that broke out in Grammatikos and Dogani, Keratea on Thursday have been placed under control.

The firefighting efforts were being conducted by 60 firefighters with 20 fire engines, land forces, a Fire Department helicopter and two firefighting aircraft.

[24] Police resume search for missing boy in Tripotamos River

Athens 22/7/2006 (ANA)

The search was carried out in collaboration with 13 members of the Greek Rescue Team and members of the Commando Reserves Club.

An announcement issued by Imathia Police Headquarters, however, notes that the area has already been searched repeatedly. Once by police and Greece's emergency rescue squad EMAK with specially trained dogs on February 5 - a search that was interrupted due to heavy snowfall and had to be resumed 15 days later - and again on July 5 following the emergence of new evidence, and continuously between July 13-19 with assistance from EMAK divers, without any result.

[25] Sessions of the 38th Clerical-Secular Assembly of the Greek Orthodox Archbishopric of America end

NEW YORK 22/7/2006 (ANA-MPA/P. Panagiotou)

Among other things, the Greek-American delegates call on the U.S. government to intensify its efforts for the achievement of world peace. They also ask of Washington to abide by its promises so that Turkey be forced to recognize the rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

The Clerical and Secular Assembly constitutes the highest legislative corps of the Archbishopric of America and deals with all the issues which concern the life and mission of the Archbishopric.

The Ecumenical Patriarchate and Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos was represented by Metropolitan of Sevastia Dimitrios, who is the director of the Patriarchal Office.

The main theme of the assembly was the message:"We Spread the Truth of the Gospel and the Love of Christ".

[26] SE Europe Stability Pact to promote Balcinet-EU cooperation

Athens 22/7/2006 (ANA)

He said the role of Balcinet's "ambassador" would be undertaken by the head of the Southeastern Europe Stability Pact in Thessaloniki Benjamin Karakostanoglou, making the Stability Pact a permanent "bridge" of communication between Balcinet and the EU.

[27] Two-day "Media Terra" meeting held in Thessaloniki

Athens 22/7/2006 (ANA)

The partners in the "Media Terra" program -- part of the EU 'Archimed' initiative and aimed at sensitizing and promptly informing public opinion on natural disaster issues -- stressed in their 1st meeting held in Thessaloniki on Thursday and Friday that the role of the "Media Terra" mass media through their cooperation with Civil Protection Agencies, research centers and local government organizations can prove to be decisive in improving the quality and speed of information reaching the responsible bodies and the public as well as in the reinforcement of mechanisms and practices in cases of emergency. The two-year program aims to enhance cooperation between agencies dealing with the management of natural disasters from a different perspective. The goal is to have tangible results in strengthening the role and promoting the networking between East Mediterranean news agencies to provide information and sensitize the people on issues of prevention, cooperation with the responsible authorities and also in handling emergency situations in case of natural disasters.

In addition, the goal is to improve the quality and speed in communicating information concerning natural disasters to citizens of other countries to receive aid faster in case of high emergency. Also, east Mediterranean civil protection agencies will receive know-how to improve both the natural disasters' management mechanisms and cooperation in jointly and effectively handling natural phenomena and their consequences.

Addressing the meeting, Deputy Finance Minister Christos Folias stated that "Media Terra" is the cornerstone in the European states' effort for balanced and sustainable development.

He also congratulated ANA-MPA for its role as a coordinator partner in the program.

The Athens News Agency-Macedonian Press Agency (ANA-MPA), the Anadolu Turkish news agency, the Syrian SANA agency, the Palestinian WAFA agency, Greece's Civil Protection General Secretariat, the University of Thessaly, the Municipality of Latsia from Cyprus, the Civil Protection Service of Southern Italy as well as the University of Palermo took part in the meetings.

Because of the situation in the Middle East, WAFA was represented by Ismat Sabri, the charge d' affaires of the Palestinian Authority embassy in Athens.

[28] French Minister says Middle East hostilities could spread to the region

NICOSIA 22/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

Speaking after a meeting in Nicosia with Minister of Foreign Affairs George Lillikas, Colonna said she had been informed on the principle of a proposal by the Republic of Cyprus for a ceasefire in the Middle East, and praised the contribution of Cyprus in the evacuation of Lebanon.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, she said France would support Cyprus' position at the UN Security Council.

Lillikas said the framework of a military and security agreement between Cyprus and France was at an advanced stage, adding that they reaffirmed the extremely good relations between the two governments.

He noted that they also discussed issues concerning EU enlargement, Euro-Turkish relations, and Turkey's accession course.

Lillikas furthermore expressed Cyprus' gratitude to France for the assistance it has given regarding efforts to solve the Cyprus problem.

Speaking through an interpreter, Colonna said that unfortunately her current scheduled visit coincided with the Middle East crisis, adding that Cyprus' contribution in the whole matter was exemplary and evidence of the solidarity on a European level.

She also said that since she arrived she has witnessed the excellent system set up to tackle the problem and noted that so far 3,000 French citizens have arrived on the island from Lebanon in transit to go back home.

Colonna said they also discussed bilateral relations, Cyprus' relations with the EU and various international matters, noting that the two countries have a structured cooperation. She also expressed hope that French businesses would increase their presence on the island.

The French official expressed hope that in the Bucharest summit in September ''we will have the opportunity to welcome Cyprus in the Francophone Organization as an active member.''

Referring to European affairs, Colonna said the views of France and Cyprus converge. Colonna was later received by President of the Republic Tassos Papadopoulos.

[29] Spokesman says Cyprus waiting for EU assistance for Lebanon evacuees

NICOSIA 22/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

He noted that so far there have been responses from Finland, France and Britain, and that the humanitarian work done so far ''is recognized worldwide as a glorious deed.''

Pashiardis said that Cyprus, as an EU member, is handling the very serious problem of thousands of evacuees from the Lebanon crisis, and ''of course the EU cannot leave a member state unassisted to tackle these truly serious humanitarian problems.''

The spokesman said the continuing operations in Lebanon will inevitably increase the already large number of foreign nationals being brought to Cyprus and subsequently the burden small Cyprus is bearing.

Pashiardis pointed out that so far some 20,000 people have been brought to Cyprus and that most of them have already departed for their countries.

''This astonishingly large number has tried, with recognized success, the infrastructure and the services and the endurance of Cyprus in the effective handling of serious humanitarian problems,'' he said, adding however that due to the imminent swelling of these problems, the immediate contributions of other countries is necessary, namely the means to transport the evacuees back home.

He noted that ''so far Cyprus has basically been left to its own devices and unassisted in its effort to help so many thousands of people.''

Referring to the citizens of third countries, Pashiardis said the government will cross that bridge when it comes to it.

Asked about remarks by Lebanese Ambassador in Nicosia Michel el Khoury, who called on Cyprus to become Lebanon's voice in the EU, Pashiardis said Cyprus' voice was loud and clear and so was its plea for help.

He added that Cyprus is always willing and ready to contribute to the political settlement as a venue for talks between Israel and Lebanon.

Asked about the role of Greece and Turkey, the spokesman said Cyprus, due to its geographical position, is the ideal country to receive the

evacuees in transit.

Invited to comment on Austrian press reports that Ankara refused to give permission to an Austrian military aircraft to fly over Turkey and land at Larnaca Airport to pick up evacuees, Pashiardis said that if the reports were accurate, then this added to evidence of Turkey's negativity and intransigence even in the case of humanitarian aid.

Finland ready to assist in transporting Lebanon evacuees: In response to the appeal from Cyprus, the Finnish Government has decided Friday that it is ready to assist in the transportation of Lebanon evacuees from the island.

According to a statement by the Finnish Interior Ministry, the country's minister of the Interior Kari Rajamaki, has decided that the costs amounting to a maximum of 200.000 euros arising from the transportation will be covered by the special expenditure of the rescue services of his country.

The evacuees will be transported from Cyprus by aircraft to international airports to be specified later.

The ministry for foreign affairs in Finland will take the decision on starting the transportation and the necessary arrangements, the statement added.

[30] US hopes to move forward on Cyprus

NICOSIA 22/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

Replying to a question, on the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, McCormack said "there have been some recent discussions concerning Cyprus, and we have some reasonable hopes that there might be some possibilities for moving forward to come to some mutually acceptable solution."

"So that is where our efforts are. I think that with this, as in many conflicts, there's far too much dwelling on the past and not enough on looking forward on how you actually solve the problems for the betterment of the people involved. So that's where our efforts are -- that's where our efforts are going to be," he added.

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