Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-10-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] Foreign ministry spokesman on Moslem minority, Turkey's EU commitments

[02] Gov't unveils draft bill allowing mosque in Athens

[03] Foreign ministry sec.gen. keynote speaker at CSIS conference on SE Europe economic cooperation

[04] Athens praises EU decision on Bulgaria, Romania

[05] Deputy FM holds talks with European Parliament Defense and Security Committee president

[06] PM confers with interior minister on parliamentary revision

[07] Yiannakou responds to tabled question regarding teachers' strike

[08] European communist parties denounce 'reactionary capitalist reforms in education'

[09] PASOK leader accuses the gov't of 'looting the country'

[10] Papandreou in Ankara on Monday

[11] Papariga on upcoming local gov't elections

[12] Minister says 'transparency is being consolidated in the health sector'

[13] Trade unionist's death due to coronary condition, medical examiners say

[14] German Chancellor Angela Merkel visits Ecumenical Patriarchate

[15] FM to meet Cyprus president during private visit to Cyprus

[16] Kyriakos Mitsotakis represents ND at IDU event in Australia

[17] Turkish warplanes and helicopter violate national air space

[18] FinMin underlines significance of economic reforms

[19] European Chambers adopt manifest of enterpereurship

[20] EU Competition Commissioner briefs Parliamentary Committees on EU competition policy

[21] Gov't to begin paying out farm subsidies after mid-November

[22] EFG Eurobank in debt securitization plan worth 2.25 bln euros

[23] Eurobank hikes interest rates, tracking ECB

[24] Alpha Bank shows growth in Bulgaria

[25] METKA signs strategic partnership agreement with Alstom

[26] Titan Group to build cement production unit in Albania

[27] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks drop

[28] 1st complete edition of Derveni Papyrus to be unveiled on Thursday

[01] Foreign ministry spokesman on Moslem minority, Turkey's EU commitments

ATHENS, 7/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Replying to questions during a regular press briefing on recent statements by Turkish officials claiming a "Turkish minority" in Thrace, Koumoutsakos said that Ankara "cannot seek an alibi where it doesn't exist for the slow rate of response to the commitments it has undertaken".

"In Greece, there is a Moslem minority in Thrace, and the Greek state takes care, as it does for every Greek citizen, for the full equality before the law and the state of Christians and Muslims alike," the spokesman said, adding that "our policy is ruled by respect of the Treaty of Lausanne and the provisions of International Law regarding the protection of human and minority rights".

"The policy followed by Greece on these issues is a model policy, and would that it serve as an example for other countries in the region as well," Koumoutsakos stressed.

The spokesman continued by outlining specific elements of that policy, and more specifically: - "Participation in the public life. The Muslim minority is always represented in the Hellenic Parliament. In the previous local government elections, a significant number of (Muslim) prefectural and municipal councilors and mayors were elected, while the Rodopi deputy prefect is a Muslim." - "There exists the absolute right to self-determination at individual level, so that the Turkish, Pomak, or Rom origins may be declared by the self-determiners." - "Education. In Thrace, 215 minority schools are in operation with more than 400 Muslim teachers, most of whom have graduated from the Thessaloniki special teachers' training programs, classes are carried out in the Greek and Turkish language. There are also minority highschools, junior-high schools, and secondary school-level seminaries, educational reinforcement programs that aim to improve the Muslims' knowledge of the Greek language. A specific quota has also been established for the entry of Muslims into the AEI and TEI higher education institutions." - "Religious rights. They are absolutely respected. In Thrace, there are three Muftis, 270 Imams, and approximately 300 mosques. The Muftis are theologians, graduates of University schools, and also assigned with administrative and judicial duties. As is the case in all the Muslim countries, too, including Turkey, the Muft is appointed."

Koumoutsakos further stressed that the commitments that Turkey has assumed towards the European Union were firm, and were not associated or interlinked with other matters, but were self-contained, adding that "there is neither association, nor interlinking, nor offset with other, unrelated issues, and particularly with 'issues' that do not exist".

Turkey's EU course: Replying to questions on Turkey's EU course, Koumoutsakos said: "There is one train, and one terminal. The terminal is the European Union, and the trains do not derail when they follow the charted tracks", using a frequently-stated metaphor of "trains on a collision course" for Turkey and the EU.

Koumoutsakos predicted that the coming months would be a period of intensive negotiations within the European Union, and also spoke of a "reforms fatigue" in Turkey, which he said was also confirmed by the recent handling of a provision on private schools in a Turkish draft law. "This element, too, is being evaluated by the European Union, particularly in light of the finalization of the Progress Report on Turkey in November," he added.

Turning to the plan being drafted by the Finnish EU presidency in a bid to lift the impasse created by Turkey's refusal to apply the Ankara Protocol for extension of its Customs Union with the EU to all the 10 new EU member states (which include Cyprus), in the case of Cyprus, the foreign ministry spokesman reiterated that Turkey's obligation to apply the Protocol is a standing and self-contained commitment undertaken with the commencement of the accession process and is linked with other issues, and it is crystal-clear that it is not linked with the Trade Regulation.

"The European Union and its member states have manifested the disposition for seeking a solution. Under the Luxembourg EU presidency, a proposal was tabled, which comprised the basis for discussion. The current Finnish presidency is sounding-out the prospect of agreement being reached on certain thoughts and ideas. This sounding-out process under-way has not had any results to date. The European Union's efforts concern the Regulation, and have no relation to Ankara's obligation for implementation of the Protocol and, at any rate, with respect to the discussion on the Regulation, we are in constant contact with the Cypriot government," Koumoutsakos explained.

[02] Gov't unveils draft bill allowing mosque in Athens

ATHENS, 7/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The draft bill was presented by Education and Religious Affairs Minister Marietta Yiannakou.

She stated that the proposed building should be ready in two to three years and will operate under the ministry’s supervision on public land at the site of a former camp (Eleonas) in central Athens once operated by the navy.

She added that the mosque will operate with a private law institutional framework while a board of directors will be established. The overall cost of the project, undertaken exclusively by the education ministry, is estimated at 15 million euros.

Yiannakou stressed that each major Muslim denomination will be able to have its own imam, who will have to meet basic qualifications, however.

Moreover, she ruled out the possibility of an Islamic "cultural center" being founded in the same area, before adding that Archbishop of Athens and All Christodoulos has also consented to the idea of allowing a mosque in the greater Athens area.

[03] Foreign ministry sec.gen. keynote speaker at CSIS conference on SE Europe economic cooperation

WASHINGTON, 7/10/2006 (ANA-MPA/T. Ellis)

In his presentation, Skylakakis stressed that in order to overcome the phenomena of fatigue from the recent EU enlargement and reforms, emphasis must be placed on building institutions in the Balkans along the EU model, which would facilitate not only healthy economic development but also foreign investments.

He reminded that Greece, with its extroverted economy, has invested 14 billion euros in the wider region, including Turkey, creating 200,000 new jobs, and with 1,000 bank branches and 3,000 companies active in the region.

Skylakakis further explained that Greece's policy on the Balkans was founded on three axes: supporting its neighboring countries' accession to the European Union, including Turkey, on condition of fulfillment of the accession criteria and required reforms; boosting bilateral investments and trade relations among the countries of the region; and the creation of a single economic space.

In the framework of this policy, Greece was facilitating the creation of a single energy market, through the Baku-Turkey-Greece-Italy natural gas pipeline, the link-up of Greece's, Turkey's and Bulgaria's electricity grids, and the construction of the Burgas-Alexandropoulos oil pipeline, which he said would comprise another secure route for supplying the West with oil from Eurasia.

"SE Europe has entered a new era, which is leading to its European incorporation. Greece fully supports the institutional and economic reforms that will enable all the countries of the region to achieve economic growth, political stability and prosperity, so as to make the vision of an economically-united SE Europe as a member of the EU a reality," he said.

Bosnia-Herzegovina prime minister Adnan Terzic, in his own keynote presentation, praised Greece, and particularly Greece's EU presidency in 2003, on the EU's manifested interest in the Western Balkans, noting that "never had the Western Balkans been so much at the centre of the EU's attention" than during the Greek presidency three years ago.

Other speakers also highlighted Greece's leadership role in the Balkans, especially its role as an energy hub in the region.

Keynote presentations were also delivered at Thursday's session by Kosovo deputy prime minister Lutfi Haziri, Slovenian economy ministry state secretary Andrijana Starina Kosem, Montenegro economy minister Predrag Boskovic, and Serbian Investment and Export Promotion Agency chief Jasna Matic.

According to the organizers of the conference, which winds up on Friday, the objective is to help accelerate the pace of public and private sector efforts toward regional cooperation and economic development.

The New European Democracies Project at CSIS partnered with the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and the Southeastern European Development Foundation (SEED) to assemble a prominent group of policy-makers, experts, and business leaders from the U.S., the EU, and the SE Europe region to take part in the conference.

The period of stabilization is drawing to a close and the states of Southeastern Europe face new challenges of economic reconstruction and regional cooperation. During the next decade, these issues will require a more comprehensive long-term strategy for attracting investment, developing private enterprise, generating employment, and improving living standards. Most present policy instruments applied by international institutions remain premised on the concepts of foreign aid and post-conflict reconstruction. They have been successful in subduing state violence and ethnic tension, but are inadequate in addressing the roots of social instability and economic disparity, according to the conference organizers.

The aim of the conference is to generate specific recommendations for public and private players to facilitate EU integration, economic cooperation, and business development in Southeast Europe, the organizers said.

[04] Athens praises EU decision on Bulgaria, Romania

ATHENS, 7/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos made the announcement during his regular press briefing on Friday.

Regarding additional measures foreseen by the Commission to accelerate reforms in both countries' judicial sectors and to better combat organizing crime, increase flight safety etc., the spokesman said expressed a conviction that the two new EU members will meet their commitments, while stressing that Greece is ready to contribute towards their efforts.

Gul visit: Meanwhile, in an unrelated development, Koumoutsakos said a visit by Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul to Athens will probably come after the second round of local government elections in Greece, namely, after Oct. 22.

He clarified that the visit has already been agreed to by Athens and Ankara, with only an exact date pending.

Finally, asked about Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) vis-à-vis Turkey's European course, he stated:

"This effort (Turkey's adaptation to European standards) passes through the process of CBMs. A series of measures have already been agreed to, and there is volition by both sides to further enhance the series of measures."

[05] Deputy FM holds talks with European Parliament Defense and Security Committee president

ATHENS, 7/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"All citizens of the European Union must have the same feeling of security against external dangers, regardless of whether they live in Luxembourg or Castellorizo," Valinakis said.

Wogau briefed Valinakis on the report on the implementation of the European Security Strategy in the framework of the European Security and Defense Policy, that was ratified on Thursday by this European Parliament Committee with a great majority.

Valinakis and Wogau agreed on the need for the European Union to develop a stronger security and defense policy aimed at the protection of its external borders that, as the deputy minister said, must include a mutual assistance clause.

In this context, he outlined for Wogau the Greek proposal on the creation of a European Coast Guard to achieve a more effective control of the EU's external sea borders.

Referring to Greece, that is located in a region faced with various challenges, Valinakis pointed out that the European prospects of the countries in the region are very important because they will contribute to the creation of conditions of stability, security and cooperation, that is for the benefit of all.

As regards Turkey's European prospects, the deputy foreign minister told Wogau that Greece's support is clear on condition that Turkey will meet the commitments it has assumed towards the EU.

[06] PM confers with interior minister on parliamentary revision

ATHENS, 7/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Tragakis told reporters after the meeting that the parliamentary ad-hoc committee on the parliamentary revision was due to complete its task by January 31, after which two votes would be held with a space of one month between them.

Asked whether the road would open for early general elections after the two votes, Tragakis said that "no one is saying such a thing".

Pavlopoulos asked that "the important issue of the revision" not be linked to the prospect of early general elections, stressing that elections would be held as scheduled at the end of the government's current term in office.

Pavlopoulos noted that consensus was required for the revision, as foreseen in the Constitution, adding that consensus existed on many points, as seen in the discussions of the ad-hoc committee.

Panayiotopoulos, also speaking to reporters after the meeting, appealed to striking public elementary school teachers, currently in their third week of strikes and who decided to extend their mobilization through all of next week, to return to the schools and engage in an extensive dialogue with the education ministry.

He also said that the ad hoc committee was due in one of its next sessions to discuss Article 16 of the Constitution, which refers to Education, adding that the government was aiming at consensus.

[07] Yiannakou responds to tabled question regarding teachers' strike

ATHENS, 7/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Yiannakou spoke in Parliament in reply to a tabled question by Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) leader Alekos Alavanos.

Regarding mostly pay demands by teachers' unions, she stressed that they should not make comparisons with European colleagues only regarding wages, but "should keep in mind other issues as well, like a 28-hour work week in other European countries."

She also reiterated that she is open to dialogue, stressing, however, that the government has clearly given its response to the pay hike demand, namely, a more than 40 percent increase for new hirings.

On his part, Alavanos soundly criticized the absence of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis from chamber, while warning that other segments of the education community - pupils, university students, high school teachers and professors - will join ongoing mobilizations.

"I am calling on you (the government) to table immediate counter-proposals with the teachers so a solution can be found," he said.

[08] European communist parties denounce 'reactionary capitalist reforms in education'

ATHENS, 7/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The parties which signed the statement appealed "to every progressive intellectual, teachers of all the levels of education, university professors and kindergarten teachers to raise their voices and to actively take part in the resistance movement which is growing throughout Europe."

The political forces which signed the statement underlined that "the reactionary reforms are being advanced in all the scales of education and these measures are depicted in the 'White Bible' for education and training and are specialized with decisions by the OECD and the EU's education ministers."

[09] PASOK leader accuses the gov't of 'looting the country'

ATHENS, 7/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

He was speaking in Parliament during a question by his party on the financing of local government.

Local government elections will be held on October 15.

The main opposition leader in his speech strongly criticized Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis. He stated:"When Mr. Karamanlis speaks about respect of local government, he means the implementation of measures and views which constitute a deep tradition of his party, that is, interventions with every illicit means in local elections, fear tactics, delays of economic checks, which concern 'blue' (ND) mayors, with tolerance of illegal registration in other constituencies. It proves on a daily basis that the zero tolerance in illegalities is valid only for others, but not for the 'partners' and the chosen ones."

Papandreou also directed his criticism in other sectors as well, such as the incomes and taxation policy.

[10] Papandreou in Ankara on Monday

ATHENS, 7/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Papandreou will be joined, among others, by former Finnish prime minister and current Finnish parliament speaker Paavo Lipponen.

The delegation is expected to be received by Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Recep Erdogan and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, among others.

Prior to his visit to Ankara, Papandreou will tour the large island of Crete over the weekend.

Informal meeting of EU's Mediterrranean FMs to be held in Athens from Oct.12-13

An informal meeting of the foreign ministers of the European Union's Mediterranean countries will be held at Athens' coastal district of Lagonisi from October 12-13.

Apart from Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, the other participating foreign ministers will be of France, Portugal, Spain, Italy Malta, Slovenia and Cyprus.

Foreign Ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said on Friday that the meeting was initiated by Greece and was a follow-up of initiatives which the country has already undertaken "since the period when discussions took place on the issue of (EU's) fiscal prospects, so that the European Mediterranean countries to be able to discuss on issues concerning the European Union." He added that "this idea was also implemented by other of its (EU) Mediterranean member-states."

At the working dinner on the 12th of the month, the foreign ministers will speak of the future of Europe, with emphasis on the EU's institutional course and the Enlargement issue. A discussion will follow on developments in the Middle East.

The following day, the discussions will focus on the Mediterranean dimension of the European Policy of Neighborliness and the issue of illegal immigration, which is the major topic of the meeting. Discussion will include efforts for greater coordination of the countries in the confrontation and handling of crises.

On the sidelines of the informal meeting, bilateral meetings will be held between the foreign ministers.

Already scheduled is a meeting between Bakoyannis and her French counterpart.

[11] Papariga on upcoming local gov't elections

ATHENS, 7/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

During a tour of Petroupoli in west Athens, she stated that local government election results should condemn a policy of "privatization", austerity and the overturning of labor relations.

[12] Minister says 'transparency is being consolidated in the health sector'

ATHENS, 7/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Avramopoulos said in comments that bills concerning health care are being completed. "One of these bills has to do with medical procurements. There, we have taken specific decisions and an end is being put once and for all to phenomena such as these which often see the light of publicity. Transparency is being consolidated in the sector of procurements in health."

The minister also praised the work accomplished at the hospital "one of the best in the country", as he said.

[13] Trade unionist's death due to coronary condition, medical examiners say

ATHENS, 7/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

According to a coroner’s report, the death of Gourniezakis was due to a coronary condition, while he and his colleague and PASKE member as well as the two other people who reportedly caused the quarrel have no bruises.

A preliminary enquiry is being carried out on the issue by the Crime against Life Department of the Attica Police, in the presence of a public prosecutor.

Reactions: An announcement by PASKE's Executive Committee "strongly condemns the cowardly and murderous attack that led to the death of comrade Gourniezakis Manolis and the injury of comrade Konis Costas."

PASKE added that "the moral accomplice of this murder is the government's authoritarianism that has created the environment of hatred and dissension."

Commenting on the issue, main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou said that "Manolis Gourniezakis lost his life in his effort to safeguard, together with another member of PASKE, the legality of electoral procedures. He faced the attack by the thugs of a paradministrative and parastate apparatus at the ELTA. Unfortunately, this is the result of a policy of the New Democracy government that divides working people, polarizes society and creates the ground for the development of such dangerous phenomena. We shall not tolerate the revival of the parastate. Reponsibilities must be attributed in full."

Replying to Papandreou on the issue, Government Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said that "the government expresses its sorrow over the death of the trade unionist of PASKE at the ELTA and offers solidarity to his family. In parallel, it points out that it is at least untimely if not dangerous for our democratic habits, the haste with which the president of PASOK is attempting to exploit in a petty political manner the human loss, investing once again in polarization and tension."

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) in an announcement condemned "the violent action by trade unionists from the sector of DAKE in the place where the ballot was being kept and the sad outcome of the incident, with the death of the trade unionist of PASKE Manolis Gourniezakis" and extended condolences to his family.

A similar announcement by the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) said that "the Coalition unequivocally condemns the undemocratic and thug-like actions against trade unionists of the ELTA", adding that "ample light must be shed on the conditions of the death of Manolis Gourniezakis and the political and penal responsibilities must be attributed immediately to the perpetrators and moral accomplices."

The General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) expressed its "strong abhorrence over the cowardly attack against colleagues of the ELTA that led to the death of Manolis Gourniezakis and the injury of Costas Konis, during the process of the elections of the Panhellenic Society of ELTA Graduates."

DAKE expressed profound sorrow over "the sad event of the loss of a colleague", as well as solidarity for the family of the deceased.

"We condemn whatever actions lead to polarization and tension", it said, adding that "the trade union groups must, first of all, protect democratic procedures and avoid for reasons of expediency the creation of tensions and impressions. We expect the judicial enquiry to shed ample light on the case."

[14] German Chancellor Angela Merkel visits Ecumenical Patriarchate

ISTANBUL, 7/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The German Chancellor held a half-hour meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos, who was accompanied by Ecumenical Patriarchate Synod members and the Archbishop of Tirana and All Albania Anastasios, who has been at the Phanar since Thursday.

The Archbishop of Albania also accompanied the Ecumenical Patriarch at the ritual dinner given by Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, that was attended by the German Chancellor.

[15] FM to meet Cyprus president during private visit to Cyprus

ATHENS, 7/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Bakoyiannis will meet Papadopoulos during a private visit to Cyprus over the weekend. The Greek foreign minister returns to Athens Sunday afternoon.

[16] Kyriakos Mitsotakis represents ND at IDU event in Australia

MELBOURNE, 7/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Mitsotakis, who is in Australia within the framework of the International Democrat Union (IDU) meeting in Sydney on Oct. 5-7, underlined recent statements by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, reiterating the government's steadfast will to complete its reform program and to refrain from following main opposition PASOK in an effort to "create a climate of polarization", as he said.

The IDU is an international organization of more than 80 conservative and Christian Democrat parties presided over by Australian Prime Minister John Howard. Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis is the European Democrat Union co-chairman.

[17] Turkish warplanes and helicopter violate national air space

ATHENS, 7/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

On Thursday, a formation of Turkish warplanes flew over the islet of Kinaros, northeast of Amorgos Island, and in both cases Greek fighter jets recognized and intercepted the Turkish helicopter and the Turkish formation.

[18] FinMin underlines significance of economic reforms

ATHENS, 7/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Addressing the 14th annual assembly of Eurochambres in Thessaloniki, the Greek minister stressed that the reform policy, in order to have the best possible results, must be supported by a detailed and constant dialogue with the society.

Alogoskoufis said he supported the view that globalization was an opportunity for more prosperity, but also accepted some worries over its impact on social issues. "Globalization must be dealt with as a challenge," he noted.

"Enterprises can remain competitive by improving their productivity and expanding their activities to the benefit of employment, while consumers benefit from cheaper goods imported from developing countries. As a result, globalization is not necessary leading to lower real wages in the EU, but to global economic growth," he said.

The Greek minister underlined the need to introduce, in European level, policies aimed to boost economic growth and to combating unemployment and social exclusion. He also urged for the creation of a new knowledge and its integration in production procedure and to determine a single identity for European products.

Alogoskoufis said the Lisbon Strategy needed to be more effectively promoted within national economies and stressed the importance of the role of enterprises and employers' unions towards this goal.

[19] European Chambers adopt manifest of enterpereurship

7/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The manifest was adopted during the 14th annual assembly of Eurochambres in Thessaloniki. The manifest also showed that 70-95 percent of people, particularly young, entering the business world found a job within six months after completing their education.

Each year 833,000 enterprises are benefiting from internationalization services offered by European chambers, with 7,400 experts offering consultancy services.

The manifest, to be submitted to European Union agencies, is based on four pylons: Creating, developing and transferring of enterprises, education, export-orientation and innovation.

[20] EU Competition Commissioner briefs Parliamentary Committees on EU competition policy

7/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"I shall struggle like the devil against this scourge, for the battle against the cartels. It is the most disastrous form of abuse against consumers. I have invested in their detection and punishment. It is an illness and a disease for our system," she said.

Despite being asked repeatedly by several Parliamentarians who raised an issue of the violation of healthy competition in the milk market in Greece, as well as in the sectors of fuel, coastal shipping and banks, Kroes refrained from making any special reference.

"The only thing I can say is that I cannot find any justification in there being a huge difference, even 400 percent in credit cards," was her comment.

On the question of possible existence of a milk cartel in Greece, Kroes said that "I am aware that the Competition Committee is active and I do not wish to enter this issue", while on the issue of fuel she mentioned that initiatives exist that will be made known at the end of the year.

[21] Gov't to begin paying out farm subsidies after mid-November

ATHENS, 7/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Basiakos said advance payments will be received during the current year and not next year, as it was the case in the past, under the precondition that prefectures and farmers' unions have carried out necessary inspections and that eligible farmers submit documentation required under EU legislation.

Also, a discussion was held on infrastructure and land reclamation projects within the framework of the 3rd Community Support Framework.

Commenting on issues affecting stockbreeders and as well as recent accusation of a "milk cartel" in the country, Basiakos said the government recently re-affirmed the 26 measures already adopted, while pointing out that there are no other measures compatible with EU legislation that can be adopted.

Finally, Basiakos will again bring up the opening of the Russian market to Greek wines when he meets his Russian counterpart during an imminent visit to Moscow.

[22] EFG Eurobank in debt securitization plan worth 2.25 bln euros

ATHENS, 7/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Consultants to the 2.25 billion euros securitization will be Deutsche Bank and EFG Telesis Finance, while the two along with Merrill Lynch will act as underwriters to the deal.

The Greek bank plans a round of road shows to selected investments firms abroad, due to begin October 11. The offering of the securities is expected to be completed in the week 16-20 October.

The money from the securitization will be used to cover part of the bank's expanding financial program. Credit rating firms S&P and Moody's will rate parts of the securitization at AAA/Aaa, BBB/Baa1 and BB/Ba2.

EFG Eurobank has completed four securitization programs so far, of which three cover its mortgage loans portfolio (worth 2.5 billion euros) and one its credit card portfolio (750 mln euros).

[23] Eurobank hikes interest rates, tracking ECB

ATHENS, 7/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

[24] Alpha Bank shows growth in Bulgaria

BULGARIA, 7/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of Alpha's 31st branch in the neighboring country, Mantzounis reported that a key goal was to attain 15% of the banking market in the Balkans, including Greece, by 2010.

The bank's head in Bulgaria, Yiannis Iordanidis, told the ceremony that the Bulgarian network is due to reach 100 branches in two years.

[25] METKA signs strategic partnership agreement with Alstom

7/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The deal was signed by Evaggelos Mytilineos, chairman of Mytilineos Group, and Patrick Kron, chairman and CEO of Alstom.

The strategic partneship agreement covers all energy projects in Greece and projects in the wider Southeast European region, including Cyprus, Albania, Bulgaria, FYROM, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Slovenia and Romania. In energy projects in Greece, METKA will lead most projects as a general contractor, while it will also prepare -with the support of Alstom- all future offers.

The agreement places both companies in an ideal position to offer integrated energy services, based on natural gas, oil and lignite, in the framework of deregulating Greece's energy market.

Alstom and METKA are cooperating for around three decades in Greece and the new agreement is expected to further strengthen their relation.

"We are very satisfied with the signing of this partnership agreement with METKA. By joining forces with a reliable constructor of energy stations both companies will strengthen in our effort to maximize our participation in energy developments in Greece and neighboring countries," the chairman and CEO of Alstom told reporters.

"We are proud to become the first and only company in Greece to secure such a partnership agreement, including the prospect of manufacturing machinery equipment sections, with one of the most established companies and leader in the energy sector in the world. METKA will contribute significantly in the deal, while it will benefit in know-how, international quality procedures and financial prospects. We will be in much better position to offer our clients integrated solutions in equipment and services," the head of Mytilineos Group said.

Mytilineos Group has activities in the metals, mining, energy, engineering and defense industries. It was founded in 1990 and its shares are listed in the Athens Stock Exchange. It consolidated turnover exceeded 1.0 billion euros last year and employs more than 4,000 workers in Greece and abroad.

[26] Titan Group to build cement production unit in Albania

ATHENS, 7/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Titan exports cement to Albania and owns two cement production facilities in Serbia and FYROM.

Titan Group operates 11 cement production factories in six countries. In 2005 its volume of sales exceeded 15 million tons of cement and other materials.

[27] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks drop

ATHENS, 7/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.67% down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks 0.01% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.08% up.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 154 to 105 with 49 remaining unchanged.

Stock Futures: