Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-07-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece dealing with Lebanon crisis 'seriously and calmly', Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis tells cabinet

[02] FM Bakoyannis to attend Rome emergency int'l conference on Mideast crisis

[03] SI President Papandreou meets UNSG Annan on Mideast crisis

[04] Papandreou holds talks in Rome with Prodi, D'Alema and Annan on Middle East crisis

[05] Delegation of parties of the European Left visit Beirut

[06] EU and Cyprus to jointly handle possible influx of Lebanese refugees

[07] Gov't aid for Lebanon Greeks

[08] Humanitarian aid for the people of Lebanon

[09] PASOK deputy Loverdos questions government's reactions to Middle East crisis

[10] Rally in Athens in solidarity with the Palestinian people and the people of Lebanon

[11] PAME members knock down Truman statue in down town

[12] U.S. envoy comments on toppling of Truman statue

[13] Government spokesman condemns incidents and vandalisms in central

[14] KEDKE condemns Israeli invasion of Lebanon, Gaza Strip

[15] KYSEA approves armaments program up until 2015

[16] PASOK deputy Papoutsis on Middle East crisis, KYSEA's decisions

[17] Education minister visits schools to check supply of new books

[18] Culture Minister Voulgarakis visits Thrace

[19] Inner Cabinet approves public works ministry proposal for construction of mosque in Votanikos

[20] Archbishop hails decision for construction of a mosque in Athens

[21] Cabinet approves proposed promotions among judiciary

[22] Credit Agricole sole bidder for Emporiki Bank

[23] Tourist arrivals to grow by more than 10 pct this year, hoteliers say

[24] Private healthcare services sector to grow strongly in 2006-07, report

[25] Intracom Telecom delivers Polish project

[26] Govt revokes licenses from two insurance companies

[27] Spa tourism bill to parliament

[28] Public consultation on register for coastline, beaches

[29] Rare Mesopithecus skull unearthed in Halkidiki

[30] Deputy environment minister assures that Tagarades landfill will be closed by end of 2007

[31] Two illegal immigrants killed in a landmine field in Evros

[32] Case file on missing Alex to Veria public prosecutor

[33] Italian accused of triple murder arrested at Italian consulate

[34] European Commissioner Kyprianou visits Mt. Athos

[35] Thessaloniki city council notes limits on billboard use in election campaigns

[36] Fire in Vravrona placed under control

[37] Police arrest three suspected members of 'Anti-Fascist Action' group

[38] Human life is above all, says Cypriot FM as he departs for Lebanon talks

[39] Cyprus has exceeded its limits, says Spokesman, needs practical help

[01] Greece dealing with Lebanon crisis 'seriously and calmly', Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis tells cabinet

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Stressing that the events unfolding in Lebanon were an exceptionally sensitive issue that required delicate handling - especially given their proximity to Greece - Karamanlis also underlined Athens' quick response, pointing out that the Greek government had immediately mobilized to arrange for the evacuation of both Greeks and foreigners from the war zone.

Other issues covered during the cabinet meeting included tourism. According to Karamanlis, the sector's performance confirmed the correctness of the government's decision to set up the tourism development ministry, with a rise both in the numbers and the quality of tourists arriving since the Athens Olympic Games.

Tourism Development Minister Fani Palli-Petralia said that tourism in Greece was not affected by events in Lebanon, while she referred to the need to promote alternative types of tourism and to draft a long-term program with a 15-year time frame.

The minister said the goals were to improve the quality of services provided by Greece and she also outlined targeted advertising campaigns in new markets, such as China, India and Russia.

Palli-Petralia said that the ministry was planning actions for holiday homes, new investments in tourism and the need to boost these from the 4th Community Support Framework funds and a pilot program now underway for saturated tourist areas like the Iraklio peninsula on Crete.

She announced that a new land use plan for tourism being developed in collaboration with environment and land planning minister George Souflias would be completed by the end of the year and that absorption by the tourism development ministry had reached 46 percent, since projects worth ¬ 560 million were being implemented through the developmental law.

[02] FM Bakoyannis to attend Rome emergency int'l conference on Mideast crisis

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Cyprus, which has served as the transit gate for foreign nationals fleeing the war zone, will also attend the conference.

Speaking to reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Bakoyannis said that the aim was to take decisions at Wednesday's conference on facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid to all the refugees.

She added that Greece remained firm in its proposals for lasting peace in the region.

Replying to a question on whether the US was seeking that aid be forthcoming to only a section of Lebanon, Bakoyannis stressed: "There are no children of a lesser God, nor women and families to be singled out".

She impressed the fact that all the citizens of Lebanon must be assisted, stressing that the Greek people were particularly sensitive on this matter.

To another question on whether Greece would participate in a prospective peacekeeping force in the area, Bakoyannis explained that it was too early to discuss such a prospect, stressing that all would depend on what the role of such a force would be.

"No serious proposal has been forthcoming as yet," she said.

Bakoyannis further stressed that EU coordination was needed for the provision of humanitarian assistance, so that the same supplies are not sent by all the contributing sides, and for better distribution of the aid, after the safety of the humanitarian missions and consignments was secured.

[03] SI President Papandreou meets UNSG Annan on Mideast crisis

ROME 26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Addressing reporters after the meeting, Papandreou said he was having frequent contacts with Annan with whom he discussed Wednesday the current crisis in Lebanon. "I believe that the two of us have a common way of thinking, a common course, common objectives and we talked precisely on how to help towards an immediate truce, on how to make humanitarian aid for the refugees arrive at Lebanon and of course on the start of the peace process," the SI president said.

He added that the Iran issue was also discussed during the meeting.

"I want to underline," Papandreou said, "that the international community acknowledges the role of Cyprus in the humanitarian aid effort and the departure of refugees from Lebanon. And of course, as always, I had the opportunity to talk on developments regarding the Cyprus issue and exchange views (with the UNSG) on the affair. We will continue with our initiatives."

[04] Papandreou holds talks in Rome with Prodi, D'Alema and Annan on Middle East crisis

ROME 26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The talks were held in light of an emergency international conference on the war in Lebanon which convenes in the Italian capital on Wednesday.

Papandreou also met later in the day with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

"I hope that the international community tomorrow will react decisively and effectively with the objective of promoting peace, and more specifically, the promotion of a truce, the cessation of the hostilities. And naturally for a breather to be given so that first of all, for there to be the possibility of access to humanitarian aid which is of great importance at this moment, because the number of refugees in Lebanon is approaching 900,000, and secondly, for the road to open for a substantial peace process for Lebanon and in a next phase for the broader region," Papandreou told reporters after the talks he had with Prodi and D'Alema, which lasted for about two hours.

Papandreou said that he is in contact with all the sides and specifically, "yesterday I had a contact with President of Syria (Bashar al-) Assad, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, today with Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi. I will continue this effort, giving a voice also to Greece, opening roads also for Greece, of course through Socialist International, with the objective of peace."

The PASOK leader expressed his satisfaction that "finally Greece and Cyprus will also be present" in Wednesday's international conference in Rome.

To a question whether Turkey will play a role in the multinational force, the PASOK leader said: "Everything is still hypothetical. I believe, providing there is a UN decision for the sending of a peacekeeping force, this must be based on a political framework which will find the broader consensus of the people of Lebanon and of course, broader, of the region. In such a framework, then, a peacekeeping force will not only have an objective, but also success. If to the contrary such a framework will not exist, then I believe that it will have many problems and will complicate the political situation in Lebanon."

Asked about his talks with Prime Minister Romano Prodi, Papandreou said: "The Italian government, Prime Minister Romano Prodi and Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema and Socialist International, which I represent, are concerned about the humanitarian problem in Lebanon. We examined ways of achieving a truce, at least for humanitarian purposes, hoping that the achievement of a truce will create the possibilities for the next steps in the direction of a peace process, which will allow Lebanon to live in peace as an independent country and the government of Lebanon to have control of all the territory. But also a peace process for the disarmament of Hezbollah, simultaneously with respect on the part of Israel of the sovereignty of Lebanon."

[05] Delegation of parties of the European Left visit Beirut

BEIRUT 26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Taking part in the same mission is main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) deputy Aris Mousionis, on behalf of Socialist International (SI), with the purpose of overseeing the living conditions in the refugee settlements and the needs which have been created following the mass fleeing from the south to the capital.

The European Left delegation met, among others, with the head of the European Union in Beirut and was briefed on the reality in Lebanon after the start of the hostilities. The delegation expressed its concern about the humanitarian crisis which has been created, while they noted the immediate need for the cessation of hostilities.

In reference to the deployment of foreign forces on the Israel-Lebanon borders, the delegation stressed its opposition over a possible deployment of a multinational force under the auspices of NATO, while it expressed the position the forces which will be deployed to be under the auspices of the United Nations.

The delegation's visit to the region is expected to be concluded on Thursday, while it is expected that it will meet with parliamentary members of Hamas and Lebanese parliament president on Wednesday.

[06] EU and Cyprus to jointly handle possible influx of Lebanese refugees

NICOSIA 26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

He was speaking after a meeting at Larnaca Port with Cypriot and EU officials to examine the situation following the influx of foreign nationals from war-ravaged Lebanon.

The European Commissioner said that the main solution to the problem that has ensued with the mass exodus of people from Lebanon would be to immediately stop the hostilities and create conditions of safety in the country.

For this to happen, he said, all those who have the ability to affect the situation, should exert pressure for an immediate ceasefire.

Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of the Interior Andreas Christou, speaking on behalf of the Cyprus government, said Cyprus has proved that it can handle crises in the region, adding however that its capabilities are limited.

Dimas was informed by state authorities on the situation following the evacuation of tens of thousands of foreign nationals from Lebanon to Cyprus, as well as the transport of humanitarian aid to the country.

He said the main request of the Cypriot government is the prompt arrival of planes to transport the evacuees arriving by sea, without delay, to their final destinations.

The Commissioner explained that the EU Civil Protection Mechanism is informing member states and is coordinating offers from EU countries, so that planes can arrive in Cyprus on time to transfer their citizens out of Cyprus.

Dimas reminded that the EU has announced aid valued at 10 million euros for Lebanon, adding that the EU will participate in the 150 million dollar life saving relief which the UN has asked for through Jan Egeland, the emergency relief coordinator.

The EU Commissioner said Cyprus' contribution is not limited to evacuating EU and third country nationals from the danger zones in Lebanon, but extends to transporting humanitarian aid to Lebanon and other countries such as Syria, where thousands of people have sought refuge.

Regarding the repatriation of nationals coming from developing countries, Dimas said it will be handled jointly with Cyprus, and the EU and UN will fund this accordingly. He added that, if necessary, the departure of 10,000 nationals from third countries from Syria or Cyprus will also be funded.

He noted the Commission is impressed by the speed and effectiveness of the authorities in Cyprus in handling the evacuation.

Asked what he believes will be the outcome of the Rome international meeting on the Middle East, Dimas said all Europeans hope that hostilities will cease, adding that this is what common sense and interests dictate.

Christou, speaking on behalf of the government, said Cyprus proved it can be ''an open window for Europe, it can handle crises in the region,'' adding however that its capabilities are not unlimited.

He said that during the meeting, Dimas was informed on the action undertaken by the Republic in handing the situation and transferring 40,000 citizens from Lebanon through its ports and airports, coordinating services, cooperation with embassies and EU missions, the US, Canada and Switzerland.

Christou said in its recent history the Republic of Cyprus has experienced the refugee problem, is aware what being displaced means and for this reason is particularly sensitive in providing support to people who are taking refuge in Cyprus, on their way to their final destinations.

The Cypriot minister said it was agreed that the humanitarian aid will be transported the soonest possible, adding that Cyprus has also received a small number of injured persons, who are receiving treatment, and was expecting more.

Dimas and Christou toured the areas where foreign nationals are being welcomed on their arrival at Larnaca Port and then inspected the temporary shelters for evacuees at Larnaca schools.

[07] Gov't aid for Lebanon Greeks

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Under the package effective from July 1 to September 30, single persons and two-member families will receive 500 euros, and larger families 1000 euros, the ministries said in a statement.

[08] Humanitarian aid for the people of Lebanon

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

According to the foreign ministry, there is great need for antibiotics, painkillers, anesthetics, antispasmodics, disposable syringes, surgical gloves, sterilized gauzes. Their expiration date should be no less than a year and the medicine collected should not need refrigeration for their preservation and transportation. The items collected will be sent to the foreign ministry which will forward them to Lebanon either by a C-130 transport plane or by sea.

[09] PASOK deputy Loverdos questions government's reactions to Middle East crisis

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Kassimis underlined that "Greece was the first country that reacted immediately, helping in the repatriation of thousands of Greeks and foreign nationals, while it also offered considerable humanitarian aid to Lebanon."

On his part, PASOK deputy Loverdos accused the government of "inertia." He added: "You are reacting by yourselves 'in second time', without having political strength. Those who have it, speed ahead immediately to take initiatives such as Cyprus did."

Loverdos called on the government to take initiative for humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

"You are distorting reality and I am sorry that the main opposition party is miserable. We were the first to react and were praised for this and I do not understand why you feel bad be-cause the country went forward," Deputy Foreign Minister Kassimis responded.

[10] Rally in Athens in solidarity with the Palestinian people and the people of Lebanon

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The demonstrators assembled at 7 p.m. at Parko Eleftherias.

During the rally, tension was created among the demonstrators when loudspeakers announced the presence of a delegation from the main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement.

The members of the Coalition, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) delegation and of the Social Forum and other organizations marched towards the U.S. Embassy.

Shortly afterwards, the EKA march followed and the two marches met at a short distance from the Israeli Embassy.

In front of the Iraeli Embassy, a group of youths threw stones, bottles and fire-bombs at the police. The police responded with limited use of teargas so as to disperse the youths.

[11] PAME members knock down Truman statue in down town

Athens 26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The incident occurred at around 7 p.m.

As reported, about 20 members of PAME who were participating in a rally behind the War Museum, suddenly turned towards the Truman statue. Initially, they attempted to cut the legs of the statue but failed. For this reason, they tied the statue with ropes and by pulling it, knocked it down to the ground.

They dispersed immediately afterwards, while in statements to reporters, PAME representative G. Mavrikos said that "this symbolic act underlines our stance against imperialism." This

statue, he said, "symbolizes the hate and hostility showed by imperialism."

The statue, which is still on the ground, is being guarded by police, while finger prints have been taken and data is being collected on the identity of the culprits.

[12] U.S. envoy comments on toppling of Truman statue

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"I was dismayed to learn about the toppling of the statue of President Truman, who did so much for Greece and believed in Greece's future," Ambassador Ries said in a statement released by the embassy.

[13] Government spokesman condemns incidents and vandalisms in central

Athens 26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"In modern Greek Democracy of absolute respect for human rights and guaranteed freedom of expression, such kind of actions have no place and are condemnable."

[14] KEDKE condemns Israeli invasion of Lebanon, Gaza Strip

26/7/206 (ANA/MPA)

KEDKE "condemns in the most categorical manner the Israeli invasion of Lebanon and Palestine and all those who tolerate it," the resolution said.

KEDKE demands "the immediate end of hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon and the Gaza Strip and calls on the European Union and the Greek government to take initiatives, which should not be linked to U.S. policies, for the peaceful resolution of the Middle East problem."

[15] KYSEA approves armaments program up until 2015

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Defense Minister Evangelos Meimarakis clarified that ¬ 8.5 billion spent in the first of these two periods would go toward outstanding payments for past defense programs and that ¬ 2.9 billion will be spent on new armaments up until 2010, of which 26 percent concerned upgrades or completion of existing weapons systems.

The minister stressed that the next five years were "financially tight" because of decisions made in the past and said that the government was "acting with respect for taxpayers' money, without, at the same time, causing a problem to the country's defenses".

He also underlined that there might be changes in the programs' hierarchy based on operational needs but were essentially the same to those he had presented to the Parliamentary committee and those announced in the past by the armed forces.

[16] PASOK deputy Papoutsis on Middle East crisis, KYSEA's decisions

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Papoutsis said that "we do not agree in participating in any discussion for the sending of a military force to Lebanon without a previous meeting of the UN Security Council." He added that "a prerequisite for such an eventuality is the immediate cessation of this illogical war, this cycle of blood which we see all this period."

"If there is an agreement by all the sides to accept the mission of the International Peacekeeping Force, then there should be a clear legalization by the UN Security Council, a specific decision and a completely clear framework on the role and content of their mission," Papoutsis declared.

In reference to the decisions taken on Tuesday morning by the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA), Papoutsis noted that "with the adoption of the armaments program, what is revealed is the lack of targets and strategy by the New Democracy government."

According to PASAOK deputy Papoutsis, "they increase the cost, commit the country and undermine the future funding of the social state, instead, as we have asked, of proceeding in the reduction of the armaments expenditures, in the saving of resources for the financing of education, health and social welfare."

[17] Education minister visits schools to check supply of new books

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The education ministry commissioned 30 new books for primary schools and 26 new books for middle schools that will be introduced from the next academic year starting in September.

After visiting three schools, one for each level of the three-tier school system, Yiannakou said that all would be ready in September and that the teachers were ready to use the new books.

"We are very satisfied and I must say that the books that will be given to the children will be judged in practice this year. I hope that teachers will also help us in this," she said, stressing that the new books were both more attractive and of better quality.

[18] Culture Minister Voulgarakis visits Thrace

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The first stop of his tour was the mosque at Didimoticho, which was characterized by the minister as a very important monument that should be further restored to become accessible to visitors.

Voulgarakis also toured the archaeological site of Plotinopolis and was briefed on the significant findings unearthed in the region.

He praised the initiative undertaken by the municipality of Didimoticho to establish an Archaeological Museum, adding that the Museum would be financed under the EU's 4th Community Support Framework (CSF), while an effort will be made to also fund part of the restoration works on the Didimoticho ancient castle walls.

Voulgarakis will tour the archaeological site of Avdira and the Byzantine settlement of Polystylon in Xanthi on Tuesday. He will also visit the Archaeological Museum of Avdira and the Macedonian Tomb in Stavroupolis. Later in the afternoon, he will visit the Archaeological Museum of Komotini and, afterwards, he is scheduled to visit the Maronia archaeological site.

[19] Inner Cabinet approves public works ministry proposal for construction of mosque in Votanikos

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

According to the Souflias proposal, the mosque would be built in the "Naftiko Ochyro" (Naval Fortress) area of Votanikos, which is located approximately 700 meters from the new Athens Metro station at Agios Savvas.

Siouflias added that the mosque's construction would be financed by the Greek state.

The minister also submitted a national spatial planning outline.

He said that all the relevant studies have already been received by the ministry while, over the coming 10 months, all the individual spatial plans and the national spatial plan will have proceeded.

Siouflias noted that the first spatial plan will concern renewable energy sources, followed by one concerning tourism, while the third would be the industrial spatial plan.

[20] Archbishop hails decision for construction of a mosque in Athens

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

In a written statement, Christidoulos said that the government decision meets the agreement of the Church.

"The right to religious freedom is inalienable for every citizen in a well-governed country such as Greece, and it is expressed through the right to worship God in special places. We hail this decision as positive and just and as being identical to the steadfast positions of the Church of Greece," the Archbishop noted.

[21] Cabinet approves proposed promotions among judiciary

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The minister said the choices were based on merit and seniority and "moved in the direction of independent and irreproachable justice".

[22] Credit Agricole sole bidder for Emporiki Bank

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis is due to meet management of the prospective buyer on Wednesday at 1900 hours, the sources said.

Credit Agricole, already a strategic investor in Emporiki, is expected to improve its offer, they added.

[23] Tourist arrivals to grow by more than 10 pct this year, hoteliers say

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Presenting the new board's future plans, Fokas said the Chamber would promote the foundation of a center to support small- and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism industry on investment and marketing issues, while a new-founded organization FiloxeniaCert would offer certification to hotels around the country according to international standards.

Fokas underlined that tourist revenues lagged behind tourist arrivals numbers in recent years, but stressed that this year's revenues would not be less compared with 2005 revenues.

He noted that an "all inclusive" trend, prevailing in hotels with more than 150 rooms, has not been exhausted its dynamism yet, while he criticized a series of problems with coastal shipping services that undermined tourism in Greek islands.

[24] Private healthcare services sector to grow strongly in 2006-07, report

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The report said private clinics' earnings were expected to grow by 12-14 pct annually in the two-year period, maternity houses' earnings to grow by 7-8 pct and diagnostics centers' earnings to rise by 5.0 percent over the same period.

The private healthcare services market grew an average annual rate of 12.7 pct in the period 1997-2005, with general clinics growing an average annual rate of 15.2 pct, maternity clinics 10.9 pct and diagnostics centers 8.3 pct.

General clinics account for the biggest part of the private healthcare market, at 63 pct, with maternity clinics' share at 15 pct and diagnostics centers at 22 percent.

In the period 1998-2004, private healthcare spending grew by an average annual rate of 8.1 pct to total 46.1 pct of total health spending in Greece in 2004, ICAP said in its report.

According to National Statistics Service figures, a total of 197 private clinics operated in Greece in 2003, with private clinic beds accounting for 28.1 pct of total hospital beds in the country.

[25] Intracom Telecom delivers Polish project

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The 1.8 million euro project includes extension of an existing signaling monitoring system, management of the GPRS network, and support and maintenance services, the statement said.

Intracom Telecom is a member of Concern Sitronics Group (Russia) and Intracom Holdings Group (Greece) with 2,600 employees and subsidiaries in 12 countries.

[26] Govt revokes licenses from two insurance companies

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

A Private Insurance Commission recommended the revocation of the two companies' licenses since they faced a credibility and solvency problem undermining the interests of customers. The ministerial decision also envisages the appointment of a supervisor to monitor an insurance liquidation of the two companies.

[27] Spa tourism bill to parliament

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"The ministry has embarked on a series of legislative initiatives to develop new forms of tourism, modernize infrastructure, and improve the quality of Greek tourism," Petralia noted.

Terms of the bill include creating a national register of spa water outlets and reducing red tape for tourism units in the sector.

[28] Public consultation on register for coastline, beaches

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Under the terms of the bill, compulsory purchase orders by the state will be issued for buildings currently classed as private that are built on land to be registered as coastline or beach.

On publication of the bill when it becomes law, owners of the property will have six months to submit documentation proving their claim.

Later in the day, the Communist Party of Greece criticized the bill, saying that major business interests would acquire the coast and the public lose access.

Foreign Exchange Rates:

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

U.S. dollar 1.273

[29] Rare Mesopithecus skull unearthed in Halkidiki

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

According to Aristotelion University geology professor Evangelia Tsoukala, the cranium was a rare find, dating back to 5-7 million years ago (Late Miocene to Late Pliocene geological epoch), which was protected from the deformation by ischium that usually occurs during the process of fossilisation by two small stones that formed a natural casing, or protective cast.

The Mesopithecus genus belongs to the Cercopithecidae family of the Primate order (Anthropoidea suborder) -- the highest order of Mammals (Mammalia division) -- meaning the family of apes with tails. The Mesopithecus, which reached 1.30m in height, was a plant eater, and lived in the geological Turolian age (Upper Miocene epoch).

The Mesopithecus ("middle monkey") is morphologically closely related to the well-known long-tailed gray langur monkeys (Semnopithecus) extant in India today.

According to paleoanthropologist and Thrace University professor Antonis Bartsiokas, the cranium is equal in size with that of the extinct Homo Floresiensis ("Flores man", the smallest species of human ever discovered, remains of which were found in 2003 in the Liang Bua cave on the Indonesian island of Flores, where the species lived just 18,000 years ago, co-existing at the time with modern humans.

The university's Geology Department has been searching for fossils of the Tyrolian age since 1998, following the chance find of a fossilized tooth of a Hipparion, a prehistoric horse with three toes on each hoof, that reached a height of just 1.20m.

Previous Mesopithecus fossils in Greece have been found near Vathylakkos in the Axios valley in Macedonia, near Maramena in the Serres basin, and in Pikermi, Attica.

[30] Deputy environment minister assures that Tagarades landfill will be closed by end of 2007

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

He said that earlier, from October of the same year, the gradual operation of the landfill in Mavrorahi will begin.

In reply to a question by main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) deputy Yiannis Magriotis, Kaloyiannis said that the special service of the environment ministry is already there and is continuing its inspections and will reach conclusions which will also show the final solutions for the confrontation of the problem in the region.

[31] Two illegal immigrants killed in a landmine field in Evros

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The two dead men were transported to Didymotiho.

[32] Case file on missing Alex to Veria public prosecutor

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The case file will include the testimony of other juveniles that are suspected to be involved in Alex's disappearance and the reports of the child psychiatrists called in to assess this.

[33] Italian accused of triple murder arrested at Italian consulate

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Edoardo Iannace, 40, who has been wanted in Italy for the past five days, applied to the Athens consul for economic assistance. His odd behavior and "strange nervousness" aroused the consul's suspicions and prompted him to call Interpol.

Interpol made arrangements for the issue of an emergency arrest warrant by Italian authorities and the fugitive was called back to the consulate, where he was arrested.

[34] European Commissioner Kyprianou visits Mt. Athos

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Kyprianou attended mass at Protato and conferred with Father superior Barnabas.

Responding to the Commissioner's remark that Mt. Athos displays a remarkable capacity in absorbing European Union funds, Father Barnabas stated that "this happens because we know exactly what we want, what restorations need to be done, what projects are necessary and where".

"On the other hand, here one euro equals two and money is managed prudently", said Father Barnabas referring to the high cost of the works done on Mt. Athos due to the fact that workers and building materials have to come from outside the monastic community.

Commissioner Kyprianou expressed satisfaction for the quick pace observed in the materialization of the projects.

This is the first time a European Commissioner from the Barroso Commission visits Mt. Athos. Kyprianou will spend the night at the Monastery of Vatopedi, and on Wednesday he will visit the Monastery of Dionysiou, while on Thursday he is scheduled to tour Thessaloniki and Veria.

[35] Thessaloniki city council notes limits on billboard use in election campaigns

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Kapetanopoulos stated that according to law, candidate posters will be on display during the month leading up to the elections and only at specific places designated by the municipal authorities, stressing that political advertisement is not allowed in the 4-month period ahead of the elections.

Kapetanopoulos called on the candidates to respect the law and the city council decisions for the good of the city and its people and for a quality pre-election campaign.

[36] Fire in Vravrona placed under control

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The fire broke out in a region with pine-trees and bushes and spread quickly, fanned by strong winds threatening a residential area.

A total of 60 firefighters with 20 fire-engines, 3 firefighting aircraft and two helicopters rushed to the area and quickly placed the fire under control.

An investigation has been initiated into the causes of the fire.

[37] Police arrest three suspected members of 'Anti-Fascist Action' group

26/7/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The three were caught in the early hours of Monday morning at Omonia after a man set alight a National Bank of Greece ATM on the corner of Solonos and Ippokratous, which suffered serious damage.

The fire was set by a 32-year-old man on a moped, who doused the ATM with a flammable liquid and set it on fire. Police investigating the attack caught up with the three, aged 27, 30 and 31, in a delivery van in Omonia and they admitted their involvement under questioning. Two of the three arrested also have previous arrests for arson and other charges.

A search is on for the man that caused the ATM fire and the woman owner of the moped he was riding.

The fingerprints of the 32-year-old were also found on a canister of flammable liquid used in a fire set at the Royalist National Organization two days before.

Responsibility for both attacks was claimed by "Anti-Fascist Action" in a phone call to the newspaper "Eleftherotypia". The same group has also claimed responsibility for a series of other arsonist attacks in the past, including a fire at the Ilion Cinema in Patissia in 1994, at the offices of the 'Ellinismos' party in 1998 and 2000, at the offices of the 'Proti Grammi' party in Exarhia in 1999, a haberdashery in Athens in 2000 and the 'Golden Dawn' party offices on Gounari street in 2001.

They were led before a public prosecutor on Tuesday, who pressed criminal charges against them and referred them to the 9th examining magistrate.

[38] Human life is above all, says Cypriot FM as he departs for Lebanon talks

Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs George Lillikas said Tuesday the Cypriot government had from the start supported a ceasefire in Lebanon, something which was not accepted at the EU Council of Ministers' meeting and thus the wording cessation of hostilities was adopted.

He said Cyprus will continue to offer medical assistance to foreign nationals arriving from Lebanon, noting that human life and health is more important than what it will cost.

Speaking at Larnaca International Airport before departing for Rome to represent Cyprus at an international meeting on the Middle East crisis, Lillikas said that the meeting will discuss a possible ''ceasefire ending hostilities, and various ideas or proposals concerning the dispatch of a peacekeeping force with the hope that there will be an agreement.''

He also said Cyprus has its own views, adding that from the first moment Cyprus supported a ceasefire, a proposal which was not accepted at the EU Council of Ministers, which adopted the phrase ''cessation of hostilities.''

''We will convey Cyprus' experience as far as the evacuation and repatriation of European nationals and third country nationals is concerned, as well as our concern over developments in the Middle East and a possible influx of nationals from third countries who are still in Lebanon and mainly an influx of Lebanese refugees,'' he said.

All this, he added, can be avoided if there is an immediate ceasefire, something which will create a feeling of security amongst the residents of Lebanon, so they will not flee from their country.

Asked if Cyprus will ask for help in the transfer of foreign nationals to their homelands, Lillikas said if this issue of humanitarian aid is raised, ''we will table all facts we have and we have specific proposals on how to receive assistance.''

However, he said that the issue of help is being examined with the EU and that is why he invited to Cyprus European Commissioner for Environment Stavros Dimas, responsible for Civil Protection.

Lillikas said that after Tuesday's meeting at Larnaca Port between Dimas, EU and Cypriot officials as well as Monday's COREPER discussions, ''we expect some specific decisions to be taken.''

On the situation on the island, he said ''when a country like Cyprus becomes an important hub when a neighboring country is in a state of war, it is natural that there will be an involvement of many state services.''

As long as hostilities continue, ''it is anticipated that Cyprus will continue offering its services not only to nationals who want to escape Lebanon but also to nationals who are injured or have health problems due to the ongoing war.''

Lillikas said that from day one the island's medical services were on alert, noting that Cyprus has offered medical assistance, which was loaded on the ships traveling to Lebanon on a daily basis.

''Cyprus will offer every support and help to all the injured who arrive'' on the island, he said, adding that ''we consider it our obligation.''

He further said that ''it is not a matter of calculating the cost,'' adding that ''human life and human health is above all.''

[39] Cyprus has exceeded its limits, says Spokesman, needs practical help

NICOSIA 26/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

Deputy Minister to the President and Government Spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardis pointed out on Tuesday that "Cyprus does not need more credits and congratulations for the deed it has carried out so far alone and helpless, it needs practical and immediate contribution and assistance from all European countries".

"Cyprus has not only reached its limits, it has surpassed them with the danger of not being able to bear the influx of foreign nationals from third countries", he pointed out, noting that "the problem cannot solely concern Cyprus just because it neighbors the battlefront".

Pashiardis remarked that the problem also concerns Europe and the international community "which cannot distance itself from the obligation and responsibility towards thousands of people seeking refuge".

The spokesman said Cyprus will continue "until its limits are exhausted" to accept refugees and to offer every possible humanitarian assistance, anticipating however assistance promptly and practically and not late and merely verbally.

He reiterated that Cyprus has asked for an opening of borders of other European countries in the event refugees from third countries begin to pour in, as well as more planes to Cyprus to promptly transfer foreign nationals to their homelands so that there is no gap between arrivals and departures and the creation of crisis groups at every European country.

He said the government is in contact with the EU to have a proper appropriation of the burdens and responsibilities.

Pashiardis noted the issue is not financial at this time, "we are currently dealing with handling these great humanitarian problems, the rest will come later".

He added that France is already using the ''Andreas Papandreou'' military airbase and any other country can if it asks so to transport its nationals.

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