Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-07-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM says conference on Lebanon marks 'a day of responsibility'

[02] Papandreou in Lebanon for SI mission; Papariga, SYN MPs in Beirut

[03] KKE's SG Papariga visits Beirut, due in Damascus

[04] SYN leader speaks on situation in Lebanon

[05] Deputy FMs brief Parliament on government's initiatives regarding the Middle East crisis

[06] PM Karamanlis meets with COSCO president Wei Jiafu

[07] Greek armed forces chief in Turkey on official visit

[08] Deputy FM Stylianidis meets with Russian envoy

[09] Justice Minister receives 14 newly promoted justices

[10] Consular section of U.S. Embassy closed on Monday

[11] Finmin: Economy protected for two years

[12] Improved offer by French bank for buyout of Emporiki Bank to be submitted on Thursday

[13] Govt's goal to reduce fiscal deficit feasible, Alpha Bank report

[14] Eurochambers to meet in Thessalonica on October 5-6

[15] Greek trade deficit up 7.9 pct in Jan-May, yr/yr

[16] Opposition criticizes tourism policy

[17] Alpha Astika Akinita reports 21 pct drop in 1st half profits

[18] Greek farm exports up 28.4 pct in 1st quarter

[19] Piraeus Bank reports H1 earnings rise

[20] Titan reports H1 profit increase

[21] Solidus Securities buys Value Capital Securities for 2.6 mln euros

[22] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks nose up

[23] Revolutionary stem-cell transplant in Athens a world first

[24] Onassis Foundation Science Lecture Series in Heraklion, Crete

[25] Major fire at solvents factory in Lavrio, Attica

[26] Police officer beaten up in Exarchia

[27] Lost 81-year-old tourist found, out of danger

[28] Symi festival begins, attended by deputy foreign minister

[29] Evros Prefecture to host Greeks living abroad

[30] Illegal immigrants arrested on Samos

[31] Archbishop of Crete Timotheos dies at the age of 91

[32] Cyprus ready to contribute to humanitarian aid for Lebanon

[33] Cyprus bracing itself for possible influx of Lebanese fleeing their country

[34] EU allocates 11 million euros for evacuations from Lebanon

[35] Britain reviews its guns export policy for Cyprus, says Hoon

[01] FM says conference on Lebanon marks 'a day of responsibility'

ROME, 27/7/2006 (ANA-MPA/N.Melissova)

"Greece was present and contributed with its concrete propositions and clear views," Bakoyannis told reporters at the end of the conference in which the foreign ministers of the U.S.A., Russia, the major European Union member-states and United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan took part.

The Greek foreign minister underlined as "positive elements" of the conference the adoption of "a common position on the humanitarian aspect of the war in Lebanon, the need for an end to hostilities and the preparations for the setting up of an international stabilizing force on the orders of the UN Security Council," assuring at the same time that "we will continue to be actively present in order to put a definite end to violence and for the logic of peace to prevail."

"Greece was among the first countries that effectively got involved in the humanitarian aspect supporting also an immediate ceasefire, supporting the immediate end of the vicious circle of violence. Our positions and contribution have met the esteem of the international community," Bakoyannis said.

She also reminded that Greece was from the very beginning in favor of the active role of the UN Security Council in defusing the crisis.

Bakoyannis conceded in her statements that the debate in the conference was "not easy", adding that there was "an identity of views as regards the objective" for peace and stability in the region as well as the urgent need to handle the humanitarian crisis.

Nevertheless, she added, "certain differences were registered as to the process and the timeframe" in achieving this objective.

Responding to a journalist's remark that there was no reference, in the common position, to an immediate ceasefire, Bakoyannis said that "our position was in favor of an immediate ceasefire and this was the position of almost all Europeans as well."

"Diplomacy has many words. Reality does not have much endurance. The road should not be long. Lebanon can not endure. Decisions which must be imposed will be soon needed," the Greek foreign minister added.

She expressed her satisfaction on the European nations' common stance saying that "this was for us one of our primary goals. A united Europe, with a common position and voice is a strong Europe."

Answering to a question on Lebanon's territorial sovereignty, Bakoyannis reminded of the 1559 UN Security Council resolution which postulates that the State of Lebanon should have the responsibility for its entire territory. "This is a basic principle for us to start talking on peace in the region," the foreign minister said.

Bakoyannis also noted that paramilitary forces should be disarmed, captive soldiers must be freed, bombings should be stopped and compensations should be paid in the long term.

Concluding, she said that Cyprus and all countries that helped in evacuating civilians from the war-torn region were thanked during the conference.

[02] Papandreou in Lebanon for SI mission; Papariga, SYN MPs in Beirut

BEIRUT, 27/7/2006 (ANA - MPA - P. Haritos)

He started off contacts in Beirut by meeting with Lebanese Parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who briefed Papandreou on the situation since the start of Israeli attacks in southern parts of the country. On his part, Papandreou briefed Berri on his meeting with United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan in Rome on Tuesday.

He also outlined their joint position, calling for an immediate response to the problems on the level of the humanitarian crisis, an immediate ceasefire without terms and conditions and for the two sides to agree on a code of behavior that would make a truce feasible.

If all the above were carried out, the next phase would require a peacekeeping forces mission with the agreement of the two sides (Lebanon and Israel), while the agreement would also have to be accepted by Hezbollah, Papandreou said.

Papandreou next visited refugee camps in the centre of Beirut and then the city's largest hospital, where he toured the ward for children injured in the hostilities.

Also in Beirut since Tuesday are two MPs sent by Greece's Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology party, Athanassios Leventis and Panos Trigazis and an MP of the Cypriot AKEL party, who formed part of the delegation sent to Lebanon by the European Left.

Late on Tuesday night they met the head of the Delegation of the European Commission in Lebanon, Patrick Renauld, and on Wednesday they contacted parliamentary representatives of the Hezbollah militants.

In their statements, they stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire and for the deployment of forces in southern Lebanon to monitor the truce, which they stressed should operate under the auspices of the United Nations and not NATO.

Meanwhile, the latest Greek politician to arrive in Lebanon on Wednesday afternoon was Communist Party of Greece (KKE) General Secretary Aleka Papariga, who is to have a series of contacts in order to be briefed on the situation in Lebanon and express her party's solidarity toward the suffering Lebanese people.

PASOK leader Papandreou says 'situation in Lebanon is dramatic' NICOSIA,

27/7/2006 (CNA-MPA/A. Viketos)

In statements on arrival, prior to his departure for Athens, Papandreou said "the situation in Lebanon is dramatic and the people of Lebanon do not know what awaits them at dawn."

The PASOK leader said that he visited Beirut in his capacity as President of SI, to make the voice of Socialist International for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and for an independent, peaceful and democratic Lebanon, heard.

He added that "Socialist International expresses its solidarity in the drama of the people of Lebanon."

Papandreou said he already had a telephone conversation with Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema, who briefed him on the results of the Rome international conference on Lebanon.

The PASOK leader also had phone talks with Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos, to whom he "conveyed the praise of the international community for Cyprus' contribution in receiving the foreign nationals who are leaving Lebanon."

He also briefed President Papadopoulos on the phone talks he had on Tuesday with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, in which, he said, reference was also made to the Cyprus issue.

At Larnaca airport Papandreou held talks with Greek Ambassador in Nicosia, Dimitris Rallis.

PASOK's Papoutsis comments on Rome conference: Main opposition Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) deputy and head of the party's Foreign Policy, Security and Defense Department, Christos Papoutsis, in statements on Wednesday night regarding the Rome conference replied "to those, who want to start the discussion for the sending of military forces to Lebanon outside the legalizing framework of the United Nations" with "a clear no to a new campaign of the willing which would also create in Lebanon a new Iraq."

Papoutsis underlined that "in every case, peace initiatives are needed, such as that which (PASOK leader) George Papandreou has undertaken, as President of Socialist International."

[03] KKE's SG Papariga visits Beirut, due in Damascus

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary-General Aleka Papariga is in Beirut where she met on Wednesday with heads of the Communist Party of Lebanon, the Parliament vice-presidents and visited Sanaya Park which has been converted to a refugee settlement. She was also briefed by Red Cross representatives on the needs which have arisen following the mass fleeing from the south of Lebanon and on the thousands of refugees who have found refuge in Beirut.

Concluding the contacts she had and before meeting with representatives of Hezbollah, Papariga expressed her solidarity with the people of Lebanon, called for an immediate ceasefire, without conditions and prerequisites, and stressed her concern over conditions being shaped and how these will affect the political scene of Lebanon in the future.

The KKE leader was expected to depart late on Wednesday night by road from Beirut to Damascus.

[04] SYN leader speaks on situation in Lebanon

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

At a press conference he gave at the Rethimno Labor Centre in the morning, Alavanos referred to the situation in Lebanon and in general in the Middle East, assessing that the international conference which was held in Rome "does not have as a target a just solution of the Middle East issue."

"The Rome conference unfortunately seems that it has no relation with an international conference, which we asked for, which would have as its goal the overall settlement of the Middle East issue through the creation of an independent Palestinian state, Israel's withdrawal to its pre-1967 borders and the recognition of Israel's security. It seems that it is a mock conference whose aim is to cover the objectives of the U.S. for a new Middle East, that is, a Middle East subjugated to the military goals of the U.S.," Alavanos said.

[05] Deputy FMs brief Parliament on government's initiatives regarding the Middle East crisis

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

"Greece immediately took initiatives and played a decisive role in the sending of humanitarian aid, but also in the withdrawal of Greek and foreign nationals from the region of the Middle East, receiving international praise and particularly a big thank you from the government of Lebanon," they said.

At the same time, the deputy foreign ministers assessed that the situation is escalating dangerously and the way out of the crisis is becoming more difficult fuelling fanaticism and serving those who wish an unstable situation in the Middle East.

On their part, main opposition Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) deputies Christos Papoutsis and Andreas Loverdos accused the government of "inertia and of lacking plans and strategy".

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) deputy Antonis Skyllakos and Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) deputy Fotis Kouvelis called on the government to "abandon its policy of equal distances" in the Lebanon crisis.

[06] PM Karamanlis meets with COSCO president Wei Jiafu

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

The two men discussed matters related to the exploitation of natural resources, as well as the development of seaborne transport, aimed at rendering the Greek ports a basic transit hub in the region of the southeastern Mediterranean.

Jiafu said that ships would be built, on behalf of COSCO, at Greek shipyards.

A direct link between the port of Piraeus with the Far East and China was inaugurated in April aboard the Panama-flagged "River Elegance", the first COSCO container ship to dock at Piraeus, where it unloaded 580 containers at the port's container terminal.

The use of Piraeus, the east Mediterranean's largest port, by COSCO was the result of the meeting between COSCO representatives and Merchant Shipping Minister Manolis Kefaloyannis in February and Karamanlis official visit to China in January where he had also met with Jiafu, during which meeting it had been announced that a container ship with a capacity of 9,500 containers would be routed within the year, and would be named COSCO HELLAS.

[07] Greek armed forces chief in Turkey on official visit

ISTANBUL, 27/7/2006 (ANA-MPA - A. Kourkoulas)

He was met by his Turkish counterpart General Hilmi Ozkok at the airport, followed by an official welcoming ceremony at the Turkish armed forces general staff headquarters, after which the two military leaders sat down to talks.

Hinofotis is later scheduled to visit the Greek Ambassador in Turkey and to attend a dinner given in his honor by Ozkok.

On Thursday, the Greek armed forces chief will lay a wreath at the Kemal Ataturk Mausoleum and then depart for Istanbul, where he will be met by the head of Turkey's 1st Field Army that will accompany him on his visits.

Admiral Hinofotis will also visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Fanar on Friday, before he returns to Athens.

[08] Deputy FM Stylianidis meets with Russian envoy

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

According to a foreign ministry press release, talks focused on Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Yefimovich Fradkov's forthcoming visit to Greece. The Russian premier will be accompanied by the Co-president of the Greece-Russia Joint Inter-ministerial Committee Gordeev, the announcement added.

[09] Justice Minister receives 14 newly promoted justices

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

"It is with great pleasure that I welcome you today at the justice ministry. Our meeting marks the start of cooperation that I am sure will be close and substantive. We serve, in any case, a common goal and are inspired by a common purpose: final reform, operational modernization and improved quality for Greek Justice," Papaligouras said in a brief address.

He also stressed that the government's choices were governed purely by considerations of merit and not partisan affiliations.

"For the present government, the problems of justice have no 'party' colors nor are they the subject of party-political expediencies. Greek society needs judicial officials that are independent and irreproachable, that are model judges. Because only when judges are respected are the laws respected," he added.

[10] Consular section of U.S. Embassy closed on Monday

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

The closure includes units providing consular services, such as the issue of non-immigrant visas (for tourism or students), immigrant visas, federal benefits, American citizen services and U.S. passports issue.

For emergencies, the public can contact the telephone numbers 210-720 2490 or 210-7202491 from 8:30-17:00 on Monday.

[11] Finmin: Economy protected for two years

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

"Despite the extent of the challenge, from adverse developments in the price of oil, upset interest rates, and price hikes in raw materials, the Greek economy will have a high level of protection for the next two years," Alogoskoufis told a parliamentary debate on a bill to raise consumption tax on fuel voted through by ruling-party MPs.

Economic reform had given the economy its own impetus that would allow it to largely overcome problems stemming from expensive oil, he said.

At the same time, the government would not hesitate to take new measures if needed to ensure smooth implementation of the budget, the minister added.

[12] Improved offer by French bank for buyout of Emporiki Bank to be submitted on Thursday

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis met on Wednesday with the managing director of the French bank, Georges Pauget, and the French bank submitted certain improved proposals and later there were corresponding reactions by Alogoskoufis.

Exploratory discussions between the two sides showed that there was an improved offer and that the ministry's feeling is that it is not far from an agreement.

It was also disclosed that following the submission of the French bank's proposal, the inter-ministerial privatization committee will convene to take final decisions.

[13] Govt's goal to reduce fiscal deficit feasible, Alpha Bank report

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

Alpha Bank, in a bulletin released on Wednesday, said a goal of reducing the fiscal deficit to 2.8 pct of GDP was still feasible because of the satisfactory progress in regular budget revenues and of the Public Investments Program. The bank's analysts stressed it was necessary to maintain a satisfactory growth rate in budget revenues through combating tax evasion and collecting money from tax cases in the previous three years. The report urged for more efforts to contain primary spending through a government adjustment program and to expand into 2007 when needs for investment spending will be higher because of the Third Community Support Framework Program. Alpha Bank's analysts said high oil prices did not lead to lower consumption of fuel in Greece or to lower imports in the country and stressed that the Greek economy was operating on conditions of increased domestic demand.

[14] Eurochambers to meet in Thessalonica on October 5-6

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

Among the speakers to address the Eurochambers meeting, to be held in Thessalonica on October 5-6, are National Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas, Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) president Dimitris Daskalopoulos, senior European Commission officials and representatives of European chambers.

The summit, titled "Communicating Europe: Sharing the vision - Delivering the results", is organized by the Thessalonica Chamber of Commerce and Industry, TCCI, with the support of the Central Association of Greek Chambers, KEEE. According to TCCI president Dimitris Bakatselos, the two-day summit meeting will produce very useful conclusions and promote better practices and policies for the future aimed at boosting the European enterprises and making their presence more visible in the global economy.

[15] Greek trade deficit up 7.9 pct in Jan-May, yr/yr

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

NSS, in its monthly report, said the value of import-arrivals totaled 4.338 billion euros in May 2006 from 3.291 billion euros in May 2005, for an increase of 31.8 percent, while the value of export-deliveries totaled 1.521 billion euros from 1.117 billion euros, for an increase of 36.1 percent.

The country's trade deficit rose 7.9 percent in the January-May period to 12.989 billion euros, from 12.034 billion euros in the corresponding period last year. The value of import-arrivals totaled 19.549 billion euros in the first five months of 2006 from 17.438 billion euros last year, for an increase of 12.1 percent. The value of export-deliveries rose 21.4 percent to 6.559 billion euros in the January-May period from 5.404 billion euros last year.

[16] Opposition criticizes tourism policy

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

The party's shadow development spokesman, Theodore Pangalos, told a news conference that despite statistics showing a 10.5% rise in tourist arrivals last year, overnight stays only increased by 5.6% while revenue from tourism grew by 4.7%.

"This is lower than a global growth rate of 5.8%," Pangalos noted.

[17] Alpha Astika Akinita reports 21 pct drop in 1st half profits

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

Pre-tax profits fell by 27 percent to 4.1 million euros from 5.6 million over the same periods, respectively. Turnover eased 18 percent to 7.3 million in the January-June period from 8.9 million euros in the corresponding period in 2005.

[18] Greek farm exports up 28.4 pct in 1st quarter

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, Basiakos said he briefed the prime minister over ministry policies and underlined that Greek farm exports grew by 24 percent in 2005 and by 28.4 pct in the first quarter of 2006.

The Greek minister said the government was methodically implementing its program and noted that efforts were made to promote bio-farming and to protecting the environment for more quality products and for the health of citizens.

[19] Piraeus Bank reports H1 earnings rise

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

Profit before tax excluding trading gains totaled ¬ 161.0 mn against ¬ 97.5 mn in the first half of 2005, showing a 65% increase, management of the private bank said in a statement.

 The performance of Piraeus Group during first half 2006 is very satisfactory. Deposits and debt securities amounted to ¬ 20.2 bln, recording an annual increase of 30%. Loans exceeded ¬ 18.6 bln, also posting an annual increase of 30%. Total assets reached ¬ 26.6 bln, advanced by 39% on an annual basis," Michalis Sallas, Chairman & Managing Director, said.

"This performance, based exclusively on organic growth of the Group s activities, led to significant expansion of profits and to the creation of 1,000 new jobs. Our business volumes in July indicate an equally satisfactory positive performance for the second half of the current year, Sallas noted.

The rise in basic earnings per share was 57% to ¬ 0.55, excluding non-recurring profit, versus ¬ 0.35 in the first half last year; net interest income rose by 26%; and net commission income by 38% on a yearly basis, the statement said.

The cost to income ratio rose to 54.4%, or 43.2% including non-recurring profit, down from 56.0%. The loan portfolio expanded by 30% and deposits by 25% compared to June  05.

Group assets totaled ¬ 26,645 mn against ¬ 23,545 mn in December 2005, up 13%, management added.

[20] Titan reports H1 profit increase

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

EBITDA grew by 33 % to euro 215 million, and net profit for the Group, after minority interests and taxes, totaled euro 120 million, up by 53% versus the previous year, management said in a statement.

At constant exchange rates, turnover increased by 23% and EBITDA by 31%.

"Tight market supply and higher prices across all the geographical areas where we operate led to improvements of Turnover and EBITDA, while profitability was further increased by lower financing costs compared to the same period last year," management said.

"In Greece, strong demand for building materials in the domestic market, coupled with favorable conditions in the cement exports markets, led to an increase in operating profitability by 16%. Operating profitability of our USA operations, which represent about 50% of Group turnover, improved by 62% due to higher prices, increased production volumes and demand for building materials which was sustained at high levels," it noted.

Despite some regional softening in the housing market that affected volumes, continued investment in the expansion of our activities benefited the company's bottom line, according to management.

In the second quarter of 2006, the acquisition was completed of a ready mix concrete and building block company on Florida's west coast. Furthermore, in June Titan also started operations at Titan's new modernized bulk cement terminal in Newark, New Jersey.

In S.E. Europe, Bulgaria posted strong profitability growth due to strong local demand and higher prices. The market in FYROM showed a modest increase, while in Serbia profitability declined due to decreased sales volumes. Overall, profitability in the region of S.E. Europe increased by 36%.

In Egypt, profitability rose by 48% due to strong domestic cement demand growth and significantly higher prices compared to last year, the statement said.

Capital expenditure for the first half of 2006 was euro 140 million, with an emphasis on business development and operating improvements.

"For the remainder of 2006, we expect operating profitability to exceed last year's in most of the geographical areas where we operate, despite the expected slow-down of the U.S. housing market, the gradual end of the short-term boost of domestic volumes in Greece that have resulted from the recent tax changes, and the increase in fuel and other raw material costs," management noted.

Titan is cement and building materials producer based in Greece. It owns and operates 11 cement plants in six countries.

[21] Solidus Securities buys Value Capital Securities for 2.6 mln euros

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

Solidus will pay one million euros in cash and the remaining with cash raised by the issuing of a bond loan on May 20, 2006.

Solidus was founded in February 2000 and ranks 18th in the Greek securities firm list based on their turnover in 2005.

[22] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks nose up

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.15% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.27% lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.66% up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 132 to 106 with 74 remaining unchanged.

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank of Greece, OPAP, OTE, Piraeus Bank and Alpha Bank.

Foreign Exchange Rates:

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

U.S. dollar 1.268

[23] Revolutionary stem-cell transplant in Athens a world first

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

The procedure, the first in the world for this specific disease, is being carried out by geneticist Costas Pangalos and gynecologist Costas Pantos.

Dr. Pantos told ANA-MPA that the parents of the ailing toddler's parents also have a healthy older child. In the procedure, the mother's ova (eggs) are fertilized in vitro. The fertilized ovaries then undergo a PGD (Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis) to ascertain which fertilized ova are free of this specific hereditary disease, as well as a histocompatibility test for compatibility with the ailing child. The disease-free, compatible ovum is than implanted into the woman's uterus.

Pantos explained that the procedure was revolutionary given that no blood or other tissue was taken from the infant itself, but instead stem cells from the blood contained in either the umbilical cord or the placenta -- both of which are discarded after the birth takes place -- are used to save lives.

As soon as the stem-cell transplantation takes place at Athens' Agia Sophia Children's Hospital in the following weeks, the countdown for the 4-year-old boy will be halted, given the fact that the disease becomes fatal when the patient reaches the age of 10-15.

A second baby will be born into another family in Ilioupolis, Athens, in seven months' time for a similar reason. Again, the specialized tests conducted before the in-vitro-fertilized ovum was implanted in the mother's uterus came out excellent like in the first case, according to Pangalos and Pantos.

According to Pangalos, this is a world-first and it is a major scientific achievement showing that Greece has great technological potential. A single cell can provide the information that an embryo is healthy and histocompatible, a state or condition in which the absence of immunological interference permits the grafting of tissue or the transfusion of blood without rejection, he said. "Only two or three research centers in the United States, one in France, an Italian, a German and we, have the necessary technological capability", added Prof. Pangalos. "From now on, the greatest application of this method will be the treatment of children suffering from cancer. There are not enough donors, and unfortunately children die. This method can save their lives", he stressed. Prof. Pangalos will announce this world first achievement by Greek doctors and geneticists at the American Geneticists Conference in October.

[24] Onassis Foundation Science Lecture Series in Heraklion, Crete

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

The opening lecture was given on Monday by Prof. Takeo Kanade (U.A/ Helen Whitaker Univ. Prof., Robotics Institute, Carnegie Mellon University) who presented the history of robotics in the past decades and the importance of its applications in human activities.

Dr. Hiro Hirukawa's (Scientific Leader of Humanoid Research Group, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Japan) lecture referred to current research and future developments in creating robots with human-like characteristics.

A second lecture by Prof. Kanade on Tuesday focused on the solution of problems in the communication of robots with their environment followed by a lecture by Panos Trahanias (Prof., Head of Computational Vision and Robotics Lab, Institute of Computer Science, FORTH) on the autonomous robotic navigation and robotic vision.

A number of lectures will be given on Wednesday till Friday by James Kuffner (Assist. Prof., Robotics Institute, Carnegie Mellon University), Henrik Christensen (Prof., Director of the Center for Autonomous Systems, Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden) and Maja J. Mataric (Assoc. Prof., Founding Director of the USC Center for Robotics and Embedded Systems, University of Southern California).

The lectures are addressed to graduate and post-graduate students from Greece and other European countries.

However, Prof. Kanade will give a very interesting lecture on Wednesday addressed to the wider public on "Vision-Processing Video Information by Computer".

[25] Major fire at solvents factory in Lavrio, Attica

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

The fire broke out in the morning and quickly spread to five tanks containing solvents. Industrial plants in the surrounding area have been evacuated for fear of an explosion.

The entire firefighting force of the wider Attica area has been placed on a high state of alert due to the gravity of the situation.

Firefighting efforts are being hampered by the extremely high temperatures developed as a result of the raging fire, which prevent land forces from approaching. Three helicopters and two firefighting aircraft are trying to place the fire under control using flame retardant foam.

Participating in the effort to extinguish the fire are 120 firefighters, 40 fire-engines, and 12 water tankers dispatched to the region by local municipalities, while a firefighting boat is also expected in the region to assist in the efforts.

The causes of the fire remain unclear.

[26] Police officer beaten up in Exarchia

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

The assault took place while the officer was on duty, being on standby together with another 4 fellow officers.

Police announced regarding the incident that about 30 individuals with their faces covered with hoods and scarves appeared out of nowhere and attacked the police officers with stones, sticks and other objects.

The 5 officers were taken by surprise and tried to get close to an anti-riot police squad stationed nearby, but one of them did not make it. The attackers caught up with him, and after beating him badly they removed his gun and disappeared on foot.

The injured officer was taken to hospital.

[27] Lost 81-year-old tourist found, out of danger

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

The man had been lost in the Evangelistria area in Kerki on Tuesday morning and was eventually found on mountainous and difficult terrain by prefecture rescue teams.

He was initially taken to a rural surgery for first aid and then to the Karlovassi health centre, where he was hospitalized but out of danger.

[28] Symi festival begins, attended by deputy foreign minister

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

Afterwards, Valinakis stressed that the Symi Festival was now an established, well-regarded event and stressed that this was particularly important for an island off the beaten track like Symi.

"The Symi Festival shows that a small island can become a drawing point for culture and creativity and that culture can contribute to local development," the minister said.

[29] Evros Prefecture to host Greeks living abroad

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

This initiative was launched in 2005 with a summer hospitality program directed to third generation young Greeks from Germany, who were given the opportunity to experience the beauty of their motherland, and become familiar with local customs and traditions.

[30] Illegal immigrants arrested on Samos

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

The group was made up of one Iraqi, five Syrians, one Sri Lankan and 11 people from Libya and Lebanon, while among them were two women and three children.

[31] Archbishop of Crete Timotheos dies at the age of 91

ATHENS, 27/7/2006 (ANA)

Timotheos, who was at the Monastery of Aghia Fotini, in Pantanassa, felt unwell and an ambulance was immediately called but he died of a heart attack on his way to hospital.

The archbishop was in very poor health these past few years and suffered from severe respiratory problems.

The Holy Regional Synod of the Church of Crete later convened to decide arrangements for the funeral.

[32] Cyprus ready to contribute to humanitarian aid for Lebanon

NICOSIA, 2/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

Speaking at the international conference in Rome on Lebanon, Lillikas referred to the human dimension of the conflict, pointing out the need for humanitarian aid to the civilians in the battered country.

''Cyprus is ready to contribute in a substantial and constructive manner to sending humanitarian aid to Lebanon,'' the Cypriot minister noted, according to an official press release.

He also pointed out Cyprus' role in the evacuation of foreign nationals from Lebanon, assisting the repatriation of a total of 40,000 persons so far.

''In the framework of this effort and in collaboration with the UN, the Red Cross and the aid of the European Commission, Cyprus has set up the necessary infrastructure and mechanisms, which are at the disposal of our partners in the EU, aiming at repatriating an additional number of persons,'' Lillikas added.

During the conference, the foreign ministers representing countries from all over the world as well as representatives from international organizations focused on the human dimension of the conflict, the urgent need for the termination of the hostilities, and discussed the possibility for deploying an international peace force in Lebanon.

''The proposals and suggestions by the participants constitute a good basis for the presentation of a solid proposal aiming at the termination of hostilities and the creation and deployment of an international peace force in the country,'' Lillikas said.

[33] Cyprus bracing itself for possible influx of Lebanese fleeing their country

NICOSIA, 27/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

''The possible influx of Lebanese citizens to Cyprus will depend on the continuation of hostilities or not and from the presence of the necessary humanitarian help to support the population,'' Cypriot Minister of the Interior Andreas Christou said on Wednesday, adding that ''we are taking the necessary measures and making preparations to face such an eventuality.''

Christou reiterated that Cyprus does not have the capacity to accommodate thousands of refugees fleeing Lebanon. ''We have stated to the representatives of the EU that Cyprus does not have the infrastructure for a long accommodation of refugees,'' he said.

''We can cope up with a wave of 8,000 people daily without particular difficulties and with the assistance of other European countries to transfer them to countries where they can find better conditions, either because these countries are larger or these are the countries of their origin,'' Christou added, noting that a total of 100,000 people of European origin are still in Lebanon.

The Cypriot minister noted however the ''primary concern at this hour should be to make sure that the biggest possible humanitarian aid is sent to Lebanon, and the achievement of a ceasefire and peace in the region.''

[34] EU allocates 11 million euros for evacuations from Lebanon

NICOSIA, 27/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

An EU Commission press release says that this package will assist in evacuating the most vulnerable people, in particular single women and children, while it will also assist the Lebanese authorities and developing countries evacuate those who remain in Lebanon, provide support and medical assistance to evacuees in transit countries, mainly Syria, Jordan and Cyprus, and help in a swift and orderly repatriation to their home countries.

So far more than 35,000 persons have been evacuated from Lebanon through Cyprus.

There were around 100,000 to 200,000 workers from developing countries living in Lebanon at the start of the conflict. The authorities of many of these countries do not have the means to support their citizens' evacuation. The largest groups of workers are from Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Ethiopia and Bangladesh, with also significant numbers from Ghana, Vietnam and Nepal, and a few from Eastern Europe and Russia.

Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighborhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner said that ''the EU is doing everything in its power to help civilians of all nationalities caught up in this conflict,'' adding that alongside all that is being done to help EU nationals get out of Lebanon, it is crucial that we bring third country nationals to safety.''

''The package announced today (Wednesday) will mean swift help for those who need it most, and help to avoid creating new humanitarian crises in transit countries,'' she added.

[35] Britain reviews its guns export policy for Cyprus, says Hoon

LONDON, 27/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

''We currently assess all export license applications against the consolidated criteria as well as the policy restriction imposed in 1997 on exports to military forces on the island. We have determined that the consolidated criteria alone will be sufficient in assessing future export license applications for Cyprus,'' Hoon said in a written statement to the House of Commons.

Hoon also noted that the British government ''will continue to scrutinize the export of military equipment to Cyprus with the same rigor, applying strict controls on a case-by-case basis with due regard to security on the island and stability in the region, and in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.''

''We will no longer have regard to the EU common embargo list in assessing license applications to Cyprus,'' he concluded.

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