Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-09-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek, Dutch FMs discuss EU-Turkey ties, Lebanon

[02] Deputy FM Yiannis Valinakis calls on Turkey to meet EU commitments

[03] FM Bakoyannis to hold talks in Serbia, Kosovo next Thursday

[04] UNSC informal meeting on process of electing next UN Secretary General

[05] Athens to organize round-table discussion at UN regarding int'l peace cooperation

[06] US: Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline will hopefully reduce cost pressure in oil marketplace

[07] PM Karamanlis to inaugurate 17th TIF on Friday evening

[08] PM addresses event for pupils distinguishing themselves in Larissa prefecture

[09] ND leading PASOK by 4 pts, ups popularity, in latest VPRC opinion poll

[10] Gov't on controversial British legal decision involving stolen land in occupied Cyprus

[11] Greek Eurodeputies address European Parliament plenum on passenger information

[12] PASOK party spokesman comments on forest fires and European Parliament discussion

[13] KKE MPs request briefing by FM

[14] Lebanese envoy thanks Kozani for medicinal aid

[15] Olympic Airlines resumes flights to Beirut as of Monday

[16] FinMin to participate in Eurogroup, ECOFIN meetings in Helsinki

[17] Gov't to help spur business in north

[18] PASOK party criticizes government's economic policy

[19] Unions fear economic slowdown

[20] Development minister visits American Farm School

[21] Iranian, Thai officials visit Athens Chamber

[22] Olympic Properties calls new tenders

[23] Piraeus Bank Bulgaria plans bond issue, portfolio restructuring

[24] Industrial production up 1.4 pct in July, yr/yr

[25] Int'l tourism forum on Rhodes

[26] ASE to extend trading hours from Oct. 2

[27] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks drop

[28] NYU establishes Hellenic Parliament Global Distinguished Professorship

[29] Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki gives press conference in New York

[30] PM to re-open renovated archaeological museum in Thessaloniki ahead of TIF

[31] 'City Break Expo', 'Euro-Cities Tourism' events in Athens next June

[32] Tourism minister receives British mountaineer suffering from cancer

[33] Isidoros Kouvelos elected head of Greek Beijing Olympic Games mission

[34] Spokesman says court ruling in Orams case does not legalize property occupation

[01] Greek, Dutch FMs discuss EU-Turkey ties, Lebanon

ATHENS, 8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Bakoyannis, who met with her visiting Dutch counterpart Bernard Bot here, also clarified that discussions on trade or customs regulations are independent of Turkey's standing commitments to the Union.

Both foreign ministers discussed the situation in Lebanon, while Bakoyannis briefed Bot over Athens' initiatives at the UN Security Council following the assumption of the body's rotating chair by Greece this month.

"The EU's significant participation in the international force to be deployed in Lebanon is a positive development for a Europe that wants to have a crucial role in international affairs," she said, adding: "It is very difficult if not impossible for stability and peace to exist in the Middle East without a solution to the Palestinian issue".

On his part, Bot said the course of Euro-Turkey relations depends on Ankara's compliance with its commitments to the EU, noting that "numerous opportunities" are available and that the next few months will determine the degree of such implementation.

He also referred to a "mutual trust" between the two sides, the Union and Turkey, and that the predominately Muslim country's European orientation is important to both as well.

In an unrelated development, Bakoyannis stressed that an investigation ordered by the Greek government failed to turn up any evidence whatsoever that CIA "rendition flights" were aided or facilitated on Greek territory.

[02] Deputy FM Yiannis Valinakis calls on Turkey to meet EU commitments

NICOSIA 8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA/CNA)

Valinakis, who was received by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos at the Presidential Mansion in the evening, said that "for us, it is clear that Turkey has assumed binding commitments and it must meet them. The message to Turkey, therefore, is this. The EU has its own logic and does not have the logic of an oriental bazaar."

Referring to the issue of Cyprus, the Greek deputy foreign minister said that "our positions are known, that is, we want a viable, workable and just solution in the framework of European principles and values."

On the question of Turkey's accession negotiations, that was examined during the meeting at the Presidential Mansion together with the Cyprus issue, Valénakis said "we have the report by the European Commission ahead of us which must assess Turkey's progress or lack of progress in its course towards the EU."

Valénakis also said that his meeting with President Papadopoulos "falls within the framework of close cooperation existing between Athens and Nicosia, countries which are cooperating closely both on the Cyprus issue and on EU's enlargement."

Athens on Rehn comments regarding Turkey: Athens on Thursday acknowledged recent statements this week by EU Commissioner for enlargement Olli Rehn, who again called on candidate-state Turkey to fully extend a customs union with the Union to its 10 new members, including Cyprus. Rehn also referred to the unprecedented possibility of taking Turkey to the European Court for failing to fulfill its obligations.

"The only safe path for a smooth Turkish accession course is to implement its commitments to the EU," foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said, adding: "I do not understand how anyone would choose the cumbersome, dangerous and narrow path of non-compliance vis-à-vis EU principles and values," he said.

Koumoutsakos also reiterated that there is a common perception -- and not just as far as Athens is concerned -- that "reform fatigue" has gripped the Turkish government.

Asked about a date for a projected visit here by Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, the spokesman said the exact date has not been set. Moreover, he said there was no new information concerning a possible visit by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis to Ankara.

[03] FM Bakoyannis to hold talks in Serbia, Kosovo next Thursday

ATHENS, 8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Bakoyannis' visit to Serbia and Kosovo aims at on-the-spot briefing and an exchange of views on the developments in the region, in the context of Greece's presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of September, and ahead of a report to be submitted by UN special envoy Marti Ahtisaari, foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos told a regular press briefing on Thursday.

Koumoutsakos also said that ambassador Christidis will represent Greece at the September 12 meeting between the Contact Group for the future status of Kosovo and the SE Cooperation member countries in Sofia.

Greece hopes that steps will be taken that will lead to a positive outcome and a solution acceptable to all the sides concerned, Koumoutsakos added.

[04] UNSC informal meeting on process of electing next UN Secretary General

NEW YORK, 8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

After the meeting, Greece's permanent representative to the UN, ambassador Adamantios Vassilakis, briefed the president of the UN General Assembly on the outcome of the discussion, after which he made statements to the press.

"We had a very constructive discussion. We no have a fifth candidate, and perhaps a sixth, given that the relevant documents we received (for the sixth candidacy) must be reviewed," Vassilakis said.

"We decided to commence the process of straw polls (informal indicative votes), as in July, with the first to take place on September 14. Another straw ballot will perhaps be held at the end of the month. The target is 28," he said.

Replying to press questions, Vassilakis said that the vote on September 28 will also be a straw poll, but would follow a new meeting of the Security Council members.

[05] Athens to organize round-table discussion at UN regarding int'l peace cooperation

ATHENS, 8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Additionally, foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said the Arab League has formally requested the convening of the Security Council at the ministers' level to focus on the Arab-Israeli conflict, a request that is being examined by the Greek UNSC presidency, he said.

[06] US: Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline will hopefully reduce cost pressure in oil marketplace

WASHINGTON, 8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"The United States supports the development of alternative sources of oil and gas and a market-based system that fosters competition between suppliers," the written statement said.

"The United States welcomes construction of multiple pipelines to provide a commercially viable and environmentally sound way to export Caspian oil and gas to the global market," the statement said, adding that "Burgas-Alexandroupoli can be an important component of this vision, as it demonstrates its commercial viability in a competitive market for export routes that can reduce the transit cost for Russian and Kazakh crude into the world market."

"By bringing increased quantities of oil onto the global oil market, Burgas-Alexandroupolis will benefit consumers, and hopefully reduce cost pressure in the oil marketplace," the statement concluded.

[07] PM Karamanlis to inaugurate 17th TIF on Friday evening

8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

On Friday morning, Karamanlis will visit two Thessaloniki Metro construction sites, and also tour the expansion works at the city's Macedonia Airport.

Shortly after noon on Friday, Karamanlis will inaugurate the renovated Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, and open the 71st TIF at the Vellidis Conference Centre at 8:00 in the evening.

On Saturday morning, the premier is scheduled to visit the TIF administration building and tour the international trade fair's pavilions before meeting with local producer representatives, while he will address the official dinner to be hosted in his honor on Saturday night.

Karamanlis will wind up his visit on Sunday with a press conference at 1:00 p.m.

The prime minister is due to leave later for Helsinki for the EU-Asia summit, with the return to Athens scheduled for Monday night.

[08] PM addresses event for pupils distinguishing themselves in Larissa prefecture

8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The visit to Larissa by the prime minister was non scheduled and was combined with his visit to Thessaloniki, Macedonia, for the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).

Karamanlis focused in his address on the issue of the pupils, linking their success in the examinations to that of the national basketball team and commented that "when we focus on a target with all our strength, then we can achieve it." He added that the government's target is to support this effort as best as it can.

The prime minister stressed that the event is part of a wider program for rewarding a total of 8,300 junior high school pupils of the past year who distinguished themselves. An action that is being established this year and will be repeated every year with the awarding of 3,500 computers for the top pupils in the first grade of the junior high school.

Karamanlis revealed that about 3,000 computers will be given free to pupils, informatics laboratories will be backed with computers and teachers will be trained in the use of new technology and will be given the ability to teach lessons with new software, while the networks of 5,000 schools will be upgraded and broadband rapid internet links will be developed with the prospect of covering all the schools in the country soon.

Commenting on the prime minister's presence in Larissa, main opposition PASOK party spokesman Nikos Athanasakis spoke of "another lie and another deception."

Athanasakis said that the government and the prime minister had promised before the elections and had said "we commit ourselves to secure 150 thousand electronic computers for pupils and students."

The spokesman further said that "the essence is that out of the 150 thousand electronic computers of the pre-election commitment, personally by Mr. Karamanlis on 11/2/2004, 8,200 are being given."

[09] ND leading PASOK by 4 pts, ups popularity, in latest VPRC opinion poll

ATHENS, 8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

To a question on presumption of victory (which party the respondent believes will emerge victorious in next month's municipal/prefectural elections, regardless of personal political affiliation), ND was leading with 63 percent, up 7 percentage points from the previous poll, while PASOK had shed 8 percentage points and was down to 15 percent, according to the respondents' replies.

Regarding intented vote, both ND and PASOK increased their percentages, while the difference between the two mainstream parties remained at 4 percentage points, with ND leading with 42.5 percent, followed by PASOK with 38.5 percent, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) with 8 percent, the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Progress (SYN) with 4.5 percent, and the Popular Orthodox Rally party (LAOS) with 4 percent.

To a question on who was the most competent for prime minister, current premier and ND leader Costas Karamanlis upped his proportion by 3 percentage points, and PASOK leader George Papandreou upped his proportion by 1 percentage point.

On Greece-Russia economic cooperation, 66 percent of the respondents had a positive view.

The opinion poll was conducted on September 1-2 on a sampling of 950 people of voting age nationwide.

[10] Gov't on controversial British legal decision involving stolen land in occupied Cyprus

ATHENS, 8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The couple won a legal battle to deflect rulings by courts in the internationally recognized part of Cyprus declaring a holiday villa they built in Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus as illegal, as the land belongs to the Greek-Cypriot plaintiff.

A Nicosia court last year ordered David and Linda Orams to compensate Meletios Apostolides, the owner of the land.

The case attracted international attention as the Oram’s attorney is Cherrie Booth, the wife of British PM Tony Blair.

[11] Greek Eurodeputies address European Parliament plenum on passenger information

STRASBOURG, 8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

He added that if a solution is not found by September 30 then more than 100,000 European passengers a week will be in danger of not being able to travel to the United States.

Varvitsiotis further pointed out that it is self-evident that "the common target is safeguarding public security."

Main opposition PASOK party Eurodeputy Stavros Lambrinidis stressed the seriousness with which the issues of terrorism and fundamental rights must be handled and raised a number of questions regarding an informal meeting of ministers held in London.

"Can someone inform us what this informal meeting between some ministers from member-states in London in the middle of the summer was. With what jurisdiction did it take place. Who convened this meeting. Who legitimized those willing who participated to issue press releases afterwards, supposedly with the new European necessary measures," he said.

[12] PASOK party spokesman comments on forest fires and European Parliament discussion

ATHENS, 8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Athanasakis added that "the issue started from ND, from its deputy Mr. Hadjidakis who submitted an amendment to the Parliament's resolution on fires in Europe, because Greece alone did not have a problem, in which he called on the Parliament's directorate to send a fact-finding delegation to Spain to see whether firefighting services in Spain operated well."

The spokesman said that a change was ultimately made and it was proposed that countries should not be named but the wording 'the most hit regions' should remain and the visit will be taking place, evidently to Greece as well, which is among the most hit regions and to other countries.

[13] KKE MPs request briefing by FM

ATHENS, 8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

KKE MPs Orestis Kolozov and Yianna Kanelli made the request.

[14] Lebanese envoy thanks Kozani for medicinal aid

8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

In his letter, Ambassador Habib stressed that, with this initiative, the Kozani prefectural government contributed directly to the relief of the suffering of the Lebanese people, and supported his country in these difficult moments.

[15] Olympic Airlines resumes flights to Beirut as of Monday

ATHENS, 8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The OA announcement follows the Israeli government's decision to lift the embargo imposed on flights to and from Beirut.

OA's first flight to the Lebanese capital will take place in the early hours of Monday, the announcement said.

[16] FinMin to participate in Eurogroup, ECOFIN meetings in Helsinki

ATHENS, 8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Eurogroup's agenda includes discussion on European Commission's intermediate economic report, discussing Germany’s excessive budget deficit, and the Eurozone's positions ahead of a Group of Seven meeting and the annual meetings of IMF and World Bank in Singapore this month.

The ECOFIN's agenda includes discussion of measures to deal with rising international oil prices, the European Commission's new proposals over drafting a European Action Plan to save energy, improving ECOFIN's work methods, and discussing the consequences of globalization on European economies.

[17] Gov't to help spur business in north

8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"This is to implement the prime minister's target of making the city a centre of enterprise, research, technology and innovation," Sioufas told business officials in Thessaloniki ahead of an international trade fair that opens on Friday and the premier's annual economic policy speech on Saturday.

Also taking part were Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Kalantzis and Deputy Development Minister Yiannis Papathanasiou.

Development minister meets industries and exports unions in Thessaloniki: Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas stressed that the government is promoting the determination of business forces in northern Greece to strengthen the extroversion of the region's businesses, in meetings he had on Thursday afternoon with the boards of the Associations of Industries of Northern Greece (SBBE), the Exports of Northern Greece (SEBE) and the Textiles and Readymade Clothes Businesses (SEPEE).

Competitiveness and the "survival" of Greek businesses in the clothing, textiles, footwear and leather sectors were some of the main issues discussed by the minister and the SEBEE board.

Sioufas said in a statement that "we are continuing support for the sectors with the special program amounting to 43 million euros for the further modernization of the sector."

[18] PASOK party criticizes government's economic policy

ATHENS, 8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Papandreou accused the government of beautifying data concerning the economy in light of the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) and of concealing real economic data, while reiterating PASOK's criticism on the "unequal distribution of tax burdens at the expense of working people and pensioners and for backing the lack of transparency".

Referring to the sale of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE), she said it was a question of selling public property to cover deficits.

The finance and economy ministry responded to the criticism by stressing that "the government is steadfastly bent on the implementation of reforms to strengthen the competitiveness of the economy. The main opposition party has lost its orientation and is wandering between zero and nothing."

[19] Unions fear economic slowdown

ATHENS, 8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

A slowdown in growth would also bring a major delay in achieving a real alignment of Greece's economy with the European Union average, the head of the GSEE, Yiannis Panagopoulos, told a news conference in the northern port city of Thessaloniki.

Panagopoulos was presenting an annual report on the economy produced by the Labour Institute, which belongs to GSEE and the ADEDY civil servants' union.

"We are seeing an unprecedented wave of price hikes after the (summer) holidays. This is not only due to oil prices, but also to the government's pricing policy for goods and services," Panagopoulos added.

[20] Development minister visits American Farm School

8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

With the development of an Innovation Zone in Thessaloniki -- the draft legislation for which was approved last week by the Inner Cabinet -- and an Innovation Pole for Central Macedonia, he said, the American Agricultural School, the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) and the National Central for Technological Development (EKETA) could play a fundamental role in achieving the government's goal, Sioufas told reporters after a tour of the School's facilities.

He said that the School's activities "honor Thessaloniki, Greece, and the country’s agricultural world", and urged the School's president William McGrew to continue his efforts with the same passion.

McGrew, in turn, stressed the School's excellent cooperation with the state, and expressed certainty that this cooperation would be expanded.

Sioufas was accompanied by deputy minister Yannis Papathanasiou and Macedonia-Thrace ministry secretary general Loukas Ananikas.

[21] Iranian, Thai officials visit Athens Chamber

ATHENS, 8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

In addition, a Thai business delegation visited the Athens Chamber of Trade and Industry headed by Sompong Amornvivat from the country's commerce ministry for talks on bilateral ties, including double taxation. Accompanying him was Thailand's ambassador in Athens, Chatchawed Chartsu-wan.

[22] Olympic Properties calls new tenders

ATHENS, 8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Friday's tenders for consultants will be called by the general secretariat for Olympic property use.

Commercial management of what will become the Athens Metropolitan Conference Centre is to be awarded in a separate concession tender.

[23] Piraeus Bank Bulgaria plans bond issue, portfolio restructuring

8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The bank plans to issue additional bond loans worth 70 million lev in the next five years. The board will seek shareholders' approval to the plan during a scheduled general shareholders' meeting in October 18.

Piraeus Bank Bulgaria also plans a restructuring of its lending portfolio by 2008 focusing more on small- and medium-sized enterprises. Its credit exposure was largely covered by large enterprises (75 pct) with only 17 pct for SMEs and 8.0 pct for retail credit. The bank will seek to gain market share in mortgage loans raising its total share to 10 percent of the market by 2008. Piraeus Bank Bulgaria operates a network of 100 branches around the country.

[24] Industrial production up 1.4 pct in July, yr/yr

ATHENS, 8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

NSS, in its report, attributed the increase to a 6.9 percent rise in the mining production index, a 3.4 percent increase in the manufacturing production index and a 7.8 percent fall in the electricity-natural gas-water production index over the same period.

The average industrial production index rose 0.9 percent in the seven month period from January to July, after a 2.5 percent decline in the same period last year.

[25] Int'l tourism forum on Rhodes

8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The event arranged by the Dodecanese Island Chamber of Commerce is to be held under the aegis of UNEP's division of technology, industry and economics.

[26] ASE to extend trading hours from Oct. 2

ATHENS, 8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Speaking to reporters, Kapralos said the session opening will be 10:30 am (8:30 GMT) instead of 11:30 am currently. The small- and medium-sized capitalization stocks will trade from 10:30 to 12:00 and from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., while from Sept. 18, the Depository will take over the management of a supplementary fund before returning around 53 million euros to securities firms on Oct. 18.

Kapralos said ASE was interested in attracting new "dynamic companies" in the market and announced a two-day major road show in London for Greek enterprises.

The road show will include more than 500 presentations to around 80 international funds, along with another 30 enterprises of large capitalization not included in the FTSE 20 index.

Kapralos said five securities firms based in Cyprus have applied to become remote members in the Athens Stock Exchange, while he noted that a pilot operation of a common trading platform between ASE and the Cyprus Stock Exchange would be completed next Monday.

[27] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks drop

ATHENS, 8/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 1.03% down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks 0.68% lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.43% down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 188 to 68 with 45 remaining unchanged.

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