Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-09-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] Iran sees EU proposal in positive light, Iranian security aide tells FM Bakoyannis

[02] Crux of Greece’s UNSC presidency

[03] Athens: FYROM's course towards EU can continue only with a 'mutually acceptable' name

[04] Congressional draft resolution against FYROM 'propaganda' signed by 77 US House of Representatives

[05] Parliament president to visit New York on September 5

[06] PASOK secretary gives press conference on party's anniversary

[07] PM hosts dinner for ND deputies

[08] SAE's Athens says he will step down from helm

[09] Gov't, producer and social groups discuss corruption, tax evasion

[10] GSEBEE presents proposals to PM Karamanlis

[11] PASOK leader meets leadership of Northern Greece Industries Federation

[12] Papandreou meeting with major contractors' association

[13] Social, economic changes need consensus, industrialists' president says

[14] Trade unionists unveils 'bleak' economic growth report

[15] Thessaloniki port improvement project launched

[16] Thessaloniki Port in talks with foreign shippers

[17] Greek economy grew 4.1 pct in 2nd quarter

[18] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks raise

[19] Ancient artifacts returned to Greece from Los Angeles Getty Museum

[20] Group claims second explosion in two days

[21] Public order minister warns of Internet dangers for children

[22] Former magistrate Konstantina Bourboulia protests continuation of custody

[23] Kozani prefecture sends humanitarian aid to Lebanese people

[24] Cyprus FM: we are in line with UN objectives

[25] EU supports UN efforts to further Cyprus reunification process

[26] Cabinet approves Cyprus' participation in UN Peace Force in Lebanon

[01] Iran sees EU proposal in positive light, Iranian security aide tells FM Bakoyannis

ATHENS, 1/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Bakoyannis was briefed in detail on Tehran's positions on the nuclear program issue, in view of Greece's assumption on Friday of the rotating UN Security Council presidency for the month of September.

The discussion, which lasted for more than an hour, was substantive and concerned the proposal put forward by the European Union aimed at lifting the current impasse.

After the meeting, Nahavandian told reporters that Iran saw the EU proposal, which gives incentives for Iran to halt its uranium enrichment program, in a positive, and saw it as a basis for commencing negotiations and cooperation in various sectors.

"Instead of displaying such great sensitivity to strict timetables and deadlines, let us focus on the essence. Very good prospects may arise from a constructive negotiation. Iran is prepared for an immediate commencement of consensus cooperation, anywhere," Nahavandian said, stressing that the discussions could also include Iran's nuclear program.

Nahavandian also praised the level of bilateral Greece-Iran relations, adding that he also exchanged views with Bakoyannis on regional issues of interest to both countries.

PASOK party leader holds talks with Iranian official: Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou and the deputy secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mohammad Nahavandian, on Thursday discussed developments regarding Iran's nuclear program and the situation in the Middle East during a meeting held at the party's offices.

Nahavandian analyzed Tehran's positions on the uranium enrichment program, as they are presented in the relevant Iranian report that constitutes a reply to the proposal made by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany, with which Iran is given incentives to suspend the program and start negotiations with the international community.

The deadline set by the Security Council for Tehran to announce the discontinuation of uranium enrichment is due to end on Thursday.

Foreign ministry spokesman comments on Iran: Foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos, commenting on Thursday on the issue of Iran, said that Greece supports the full implementation of the treaty for the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.

"Greece, being a country that ratified as of 1970 and is part of the treaty for the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, believes and supports its full implementation. At the same time, we believe that it is diplomacy that provides solutions to international problems. A proposal has been made to Iran with many positive elements. Iran must evaluate and utilize the positive and attractive elements in the proposal. There has been at least one reply from Iran which, as you know, has not been considered satisfactory and requires further clarifications," he said.

[02] Crux of Greece’s UNSC presidency

1/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Greece, which holds a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the period 2005-2006, assumes the monthly rotating presidency of the Council on September 1.

During the Greek presidency, several major issues of international concern are slated to be discussed by the Security Council, including the situation in Kosovo, the Middle East crisis, and the situation in Lebanon, while a discussion, at foreign ministers' level, will also take place on September 20 concerning UN cooperation with regional organizations aimed at preserving international peace and security.

An exhibition titled "Encomium to the Olive" will also be organized at the UN building in the course of the Greek Security Council presidency, to be inaugurated on September 19 by UN secretary general Kofi Annan, Greek foreign minister Dora Bakoyannis, and Greek culture minister George Voulgarakis. The exhibition is organized by the Athens Academy's Archive Centre for Folklore.

Foreign minister Bakoyannis is due to arrive in New York on September 15, and will address the UN General Assembly on September 22.

Afterwards, she will visit Washington on September 26-27, where she will have meetings with US National Security advisor Stephen Hadley and energy secretary Samuel Bodman.

[03] Athens: FYROM's course towards EU can continue only with a 'mutually acceptable' name

ATHENS, 1/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The statement by spokesman George Koumoutsakos comes a day after Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis reminded that a solution to the 16-year-old dispute does not revolve around the name that Greece will use in bilateral relations -- a leitmotif of previous FYROM governments repeatedly cited by the Skopje over the past few days.

On his part, Koumoutsakos reiterated that relations between the two SE Europe neighbors are absolutely friendly, while adding that "good friends also keep good accounts", in paraphrasing a well-known Greek adage. Additionally, he again noted that Athens will not consent to the landlocked former Yugoslav republic's continued EU course with a name that is not "mutually acceptable to both sides".

Moreover, vis-à-vis a related development, he emphasized that the only minority in Greece is that of the Muslim minority in the northeastern Thrace region, a response to a particularly irksome, for Athens, statement by Skopje this past week alleging the existence of a Slavic-speaking minority in the northern Greek province of Macedonia.

A day earlier, Valinakis had stressed that "if the stated goal was to decide how Greece will refer to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) then UN Security Council resolutions would not be necessary, nor would negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations secretary general be necessary."

Although Athens and Skopje have achieved remarkable progress in bilateral relations, especially in trade and investments, since signing an UN-mediated "interim agreement" in 1995, the "name issue" continues to block the full normalization of ties.

Athens strenuously opposes FYROM's use of the name "Macedonia", as in "Republic of Macedonia", citing historical and political reasons. Moreover, Greece's largest province, which shares borders with FYROM, is called Macedonia, the same geographical region that more-or-less corresponds with the ancient kingdom of Macedonia.

[04] Congressional draft resolution against FYROM 'propaganda' signed by 77 US House of Representatives

WASHINGTON, 1/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Maloney, along with Congressman Michael Bilirakis (R-FL), the founders and co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic (Greek) Issues, along with 21 other Representatives sent letters to US President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in July 2005 urging the US administration to play "active roles" in the UN-sponsored negotiations between Athens and Skopje, and specifically to address a compromise proposal made by United Nations mediator Matthew Nimetz.

[05] Parliament president to visit New York on September 5

NEW YORK, 1/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

During the event, she will be attending a speech by professor Paul Cartledge on the reconsideration of Democracy and modern changes in the ancient Greek issue.

The Parliament president will also be meeting the Archbishop of America Demetrios and members of the Greek American community.

Lastly, she will be giving a press conference at the Greek Press and Communication Office in Manhattan.

[06] PASOK secretary gives press conference on party's anniversary

ATHENS, 1/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"It is not a question of decentralization of events. Patra, Achaia are at the centre of the democratic party. The heart of the democratic party has always palpitated lively here, the democratic and social struggles, all these years," she said.

The events got underway on Thursday night with the inauguration of the exhibition on PASOK's founder, Andreas Papandreou, at the "Esperos" cinema in Georgiou Square.

The events will heighten on Sunday with an address by PASOK leader George Papandreou at an outdoor political rally in Georgiou Square at 7.30 in the evening.

[07] PM hosts dinner for ND deputies

ATHENS, 1/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Referring to his presence at the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair which begins on September 8, Karamanlis said that the Greek economy will offer what its potential allows it, adding that the government will do what it must, without there being destabilization and deviation.

In his discussion with the deputies, the prime minister also referred to education and said that the changes which have been planned will proceed because the government wants to upgrade the quality of studies.

[08] SAE's Athens says he will step down from helm

1/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas also attended the reception.

[09] Gov't, producer and social groups discuss corruption, tax evasion

ATHENS, 1/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Speaking to reporters after a meeting between Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and representatives of producer classes and the civil servants' union ADEDY, the minister said the problem was equally important for business groups and civil servants, urging both sides to mobilize their members.

Interior and Public Administration Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos said a draft legislation recently tabled in parliament would contribute more to efforts at combating corruption, while he reiterated the government's position to show no tolerance to corruption. He stressed that a new civil servants code was promoting meritocracy and that a new office hours schedule would better facilitate citizens' transactions with the public sector.

Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas said the government has introduced more than 30 measures to support small- and medium-sized enterprises.

ADEDY, civil servants' union, presented its demands to Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters, ADEDY president Spyros Papaspyros said the union's demands reflected the needs of ordinary people.

Papaspyros asked for a minimum monthly income of 800 euros and for the introduction of a minimum salary of 1,250 for new employees in the public sector. He also said the two sides disagreed on education and healthcare issues and on issues related with a review of the Constitution.

[10] GSEBEE presents proposals to PM Karamanlis

ATHENS, 1/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Assimakopoulos told reporters after the meeting that the GSEBEE delegation had briefed the prime minister on the confederation's proposals with respect to issues of financing and subsidization of the SMEs and combating unemployment.

He said that GSEBEE was not opposed to reforms and changes, but only to "reforms that create benefits for only a few interests".

Assimakopoulos said that the country had no general strategic framework for SMEs, and called on the prime minister to take part in a meeting of the GSEBEE board of directors.

Replying to questions, Assimakopoulos said that the issue of corruption in the public sector had only been briefly touched on, in passing, adding that much discussion had taken place on this matter in the past, but it was not being confronted.

Assimakopoulos said that the prime minister told the GSEBEE delegation that this was an immense problem, and that great efforts were being made to tackle it.

[11] PASOK leader meets leadership of Northern Greece Industries Federation

ATHENS, 1/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Asked about the proposal he made on widening the status of apprenticeship without pay in businesses, the Federation's president said he suggested the widening of the apprenticeship status to technical institute (TEI) graduates, who will be hired by businesses without pay but enjoy social security benefits.

[12] Papandreou meeting with major contractors' association

ATHENS, 1/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

On Thursday, Papandreou met with the leadership of the Association of Technical Companies (contractors) of the Highest Classes (STEAT), a closely watched meeting following a verbal exchange between Papandreou and Public Works Minister George Souflias earlier this week, with the latter at one point calling the PASOK leader's statement regarding the reformed procedures awarding major public works contracts "foolish".

In a reaction a couple of days later, PASOK's shadow head for public works, Yiannis Tsaklidis, used the same language, saying that the issue at hand revolves around the inordinately excessive discounts now being submitted for contracts, leading to bids below the real costs for a given project, which means either unfinished projects or shoddy quality, as he claimed.

[13] Social, economic changes need consensus, industrialists' president says

ATHENS, 1/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou, Daskalopoulos expressed a hope that the forthcoming Thessaloniki International Trade Fair (TIF) will not turn into a venue for whatever pre-election rivalry, but into the beginning of a fundamental dialogue for the country's future.

"Our position is that a strong economy means a safe society, that's why promoting necessary changes is a most fundamental social benefit. These changes will mean more money and better social protection for citizens," Daskalopoulos said.

He underlined that changes are needed in the sector of education, constitutional revision, and in the social insurance system, while he added that government policies were moving towards the right direction, but more speed is needed.

[14] Trade unionists unveils 'bleak' economic growth report

1/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

GSEE president Yiannis Panagopoulos, meanwhile, on Thursday presented a report on the Greek economy drafted by professor Savvas Robolis, the head of GSEE-ADEDY's research institute.

The union's report said Greek economic growth was slowing down because of shrinking domestic demand - the driving force behind strong economic growth in the last decade. The real convergence index, GDP per capita in purchasing power units, is expected to reach 79.5 pct of the EU average in 2007, up from 75.5 pct in 2004, but the impact of a possible slowdown could be serious, as in the case of Portugal, where GDP per capita fell to 66 percent of the EU average in 2005 from 73 pct.

Average monthly earnings totaled 1,441 euros in 2005, down from 2,110 in the EU-15 average, with the monthly labor cost in Greece at 68 percent of the EU average and productivity at 91 pct of the EU average.

According to the union's report, Greece suffers from high financial imbalances, with the income of 20 percent of wealthiest Greeks totaling six times the income of the 20 percent less wealthy citizens. Wage earners and pensioners paid 44.5 pct of tax proceeds to the state budget last year, up from 39.7 pct in 2004, with enterprises covering 42.1 pct, down from 45.9 pct in 2004.

GSEE's president also urged the government to doll out a heating oil subsidy to low-income citizens and for a 40-percent hike in unemployment benefits this year and another 20 percent rise next year.

[15] Thessaloniki port improvement project launched

1/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Signed was a financing contract between the EIB and state owned Thessaloniki Port Authority, which will allow work to begin on expanding pier 6 at the western end of the facility.

The expansion project and accompanying equipment is budgeted at 200 million euros with a completion deadline of three months. The EIB will finance half of the cost in a loan with a 20-year repayment deadline and five-year grace period.

Overall works are to improve the northern port's operational efficiency by increasing capacity and optimizing use of the port area, including construction of a 500m seawall and adjacent yard extension to expand pier 6, investment in new equipment and machinery and additional storage space added for the movement and stacking of containers and new cranes, according to an EIB project brief.

Merchant Marine Minister Manolis Kefaloyiannis attended the signing ceremony.

[16] Thessaloniki Port in talks with foreign shippers

1/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The minister added that the talks, which are at an advanced stage, did not include any sale of stock in the port operator.

Kefaloyiannis was attending signature of a financing contract between the EIB and the state owned port authority, which will allow work to begin on expanding pier 6 at the western end of the facility.

[17] Greek economy grew 4.1 pct in 2nd quarter

ATHENS, 1/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

NSS, in a report, said minor changes were made only in export and import figures and in final consumption figures. Final consumption in the second quarter of the year rose by 3.9 pct, up from a first estimate of 3.5 pct and a 3.6 pct growth rate in the corresponding period in 2005.

Greek exports rose by 2.5 percent in the April-June period, up from 2.2 percent in the same quarter last year and a 0.7 percent growth estimate, while imports grew by 10.2 pct in the second quarter, after a 5.8 pct decline in the same period last year and a first estimate for an increase of 6.6 pct.

NSS said investment growth rate was unchanged from early estimates, at 13.9 pct in the second quarter, after a 4.2 pct decline last year.

[18] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks raise

ATHENS, 1/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 1.57% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks 1.23% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.17% up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 142 to 111 with 63 remaining unchanged.

Stock Futures: