Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-10-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis stresses closer cooperation between Greece, EIB

[02] European Investments Bank president addresses opening conference in Athens

[03] Athens, EU's Rehn again reiterates that Turkey must meet all EU obligations

[04] FM meets with Turkey's chief EU negotiator

[05] President briefed by FM

[06] FM spokesman denies divergence of views between Greece, Cyprus

[07] Cypriot FM Lillikas says EU views Turkey's statements provocative

[08] PM leaves for Finland for PPE meeting, informal EU summit

[09] PM Karamanlis participates at EPP summit in Finland

[10] Parliament president meets Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos

[11] Athens dismisses latest Turkish references to Aegean airspace

[12] U.S State Department says it does not recognize 'a Macedonian language' or ethnicity

[13] Foreign ministry cites initiative to boost Greek ties with African countries

[14] Preparations ready for this Sunday's 2nd round of local gov't elections

[15] PM meets with Beirut Greek Community president

[16] Secondary school teachers decide to continue their strike action

[17] Greece backs new SE Europe mandate for EIB

[18] Greece in pact with European Investment Fund

[19] EU gives Greece funds for vineyard conversion

[20] FinMin to head business delegation to China next week

[21] Fuel prices in Greece amongst EU's lowest

[22] Development minister signs decision for processing and hotel businesses

[23] Deputy development minister inaugurates fourth Greek Fashion Week

[24] Arab-Greek chamber mission to Kuwait, Bahrain

[25] New hospital construction in Athens coastal district

[26] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise

[27] Alexandria Patriarch meets with Greek delegation

[28] Briton missing in Crete found dead

[29] Cypriot President says Turkey cannot choose issues to be solved

[01] Karamanlis stresses closer cooperation between Greece, EIB

ATHENS, 20/10/2006 (ANA)

Addressing the EIB's annual conference, held in the Greek capital for the first time ever, the Greek premier noted that the European Union could and must be more energetic in promoting reforms in southeastern Europe, in order to contribute to better stability, democracy and peace in the wider region, along with boosting economic growth to the benefit of countries and the entire region.

Addressing an audience of more than 600 delegates, Karamanlis said Greece was moving forward with reforms, while he stressed that first results were optimist for future. He also referred to initiatives undertaken by the country to create a single economic and energy area, underlining the significance of Bulgaria and Romania entering the EU, a development he said will all for a "geographical integration" between Greece and the rest of the EU.

The European Investment Bank approved loans worth 895 million euros for investments in Greece last year, particularly in the sectors of transport and energy. Loans so far this year total 245 million euros, while projects -- budgeted around 390 million euros -- are expected to be signed soon.

[02] European Investments Bank president addresses opening conference in Athens

ATHENS, 20/10/2006 (ANA)

He also referred to initiatives being promoted to achieve the speedier and better organizing of funding programs and underlined the role played by Greece in the wider region of southeastern Europe, being the oldest EU member-state, and expressed optimism over the outcome of the conference being held here for the region's benefit.

[03] Athens, EU's Rehn again reiterates that Turkey must meet all EU obligations

ATHENS, 20/10/2006 (ANA)

Both sides, nevertheless, emphasized that Turkey must meet its commitments to the European Union, a leitmotif that refers directly to Ankara's obligation to open its ports and airports to Cyprus-flagged carriers, among others.

Rehn, in fact, told reporters after a working lunch with Bakoyannis that the Union's best approach is a "fair and firm" policy vis-à-vis increasingly touchy EU-Turkey relations, whereas a high-profile Finnish EU presidency formula for generating a breakthrough on Cyprus "is the only game in town".

The Finnish Commissioner said the "fair" component deals with the Union keeping its word to Ankara, "sticking to our commitment by providing an accession perspective for Turkey on the condition that Turkey fully meets all the conditions for accession to the letter ..."

"We expect that Turkey will re-launch its reforms process with full determination and resolution, including issues such as freedom of expression and religious freedoms, and that Turkey will meet its obligations as regards the Ankara protocol," Rehn said during a press conference at the Greek foreign ministry.

On her part, Bakoyannis first repeated Athens' standing support for Turkey's European orientation, while stressing that its accession is "inter-connected with its obligation to meet criteria, obligations and preconditions set forth by the European Union.

"...these commitments, with the foremost being the opening of Turkish ports and airports towards all EU member-states are not linked with other issues that concern the EU, such as the issue of a trade protocol with the Turkish Cypriot community. Regarding the latter, we support efforts being made by the Finnish presidency, while sharing the approach of the Republic of Cyprus," she underlined, expressing a hope that the ongoing Finnish initiative is successful.

Both sides, in fact, went out of their way to express praise for the Finnish EU presidency's initiative, with Rehn voicing the Commission's backing to "de-block the current stalemate" regarding trade between the Turkish Cypriot community and the 20 EU members.

Moreover, Rehn said he's grateful for Athens' support, saying that the Finnish formula may be "the last opportunity for quite some time in order to start a serious process for the reunification of Cyprus."

Specifically, in terms of press speculation regarding the Cypriot ghost town of Varosha -- the modern part of occupied Famagusta -- Bakoyannis replied to a press question by saying talks about the issue "are on the negotiating table".

"However, and I want to make this clear, there is no written text on which we can make observations; the Finnish presidency is discussing various ideas with all the interested parties."

"...it is in the hands of the Finnish presidency to negotiate on this particular formula, and I find it as a positive sign that this (plan) has not been leaked to the media; both communities and all parties involved in this issue have shown their constructive approach by keeping the contents, so far, to themselves and letting the Finnish presidency to prepare the ground for a constructive compromise to create a win-win situation for all the parties concerned," Rehn added about the Varosha issue.

Asked if alternative options were being considered in case Turkey does not implement the Ankara protocol, Rehn was quick to respond.

"First of all, there is still time for Turkey to meet its obligations, even though it would have been better if it had taken place yesterday or last year. At the same time we have to focus our efforts to support the Finnish formula, which would mean that we would make a serious breakthrough in the current stalemate situation on Cyprus. It is better we focus on that; the alternate to that is only a variety of bad options, and I don't allow myself the luxury of considering plan B, plan C or D. It's better to focus on the main goal..." he said.

In unrelated developments, Rehn said discussions also touched on wider enlargement policy in the region, as he called Greece the "heartland" of SE Europe, praising Athens for its close cooperation with the Union on issues related to the accession of Bulgaria and Romania in the Union.

Earlier, Bakoyannis received top Turkish EU negotiator Ali Babacan for talks.

Meeting with Papandreou: Meanwhile, Rehn later met with main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou, following the latter's earlier meeting with Babacan.

Papandreou, a former foreign minister in two successive Simitis governments, also stressed Turkey's obligations to both neighboring Greece and to EU member-state Cyprus.

The PASOK leader will travel to Helsinki on Friday for talks with the Finnish EU presidency, following consultations he had with Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and Cypriot Foreign Minister Lillikas.

[04] FM meets with Turkey's chief EU negotiator

ATHENS, 20/10/2006 (ANA)

Replying to questions during a regular press briefing later, foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said that the two ministers had reviewed the present situation in light of the submission and presentation of the European Commission's progress report on Turkey in November.

He said the broad discussion encompassed "all the areas of obligations and conditions set out by the European Union and undertaken by accession candidate Turkey, including the issue of religious freedoms".

Koumoutsakos added that Bakoyannis outlined "the well-known and publicly-stated positions of the Greek side".

The meeting between the two delegations was preceded by a 20-minute private discussion between Bakoyannis and Babacan.

FinMin Alogoskoufis holds talks with Turkish State Minister Babacan: Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis on Thursday hosted a luncheon in honor of visiting Turkish State Minister responsible for economic affairs and head of Turkey's negotiating team with the European Union, Ali Babacan. a finance ministry press release said.

During the luncheon, which was attended by the two ministers' associates, talks centered on Turkey's European prospects, the course of the economy and the reforms in Greece and Turkey and the spectrum of bilateral economic relations.

Babacan also met earlier in the day with main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou.

[05] President briefed by FM

ATHENS, 20/10/2006 (ANA)

[06] FM spokesman denies divergence of views between Greece, Cyprus

ATHENS, 20/10/2006 (ANA)

Asked to comment on press reports alleging a "war" between Greek foreign minister Dora Bakoyannis and her Cypriot counterpart George Lillikas and that Greece and Cyprus were operating like two separate states with separate interests, Koumoutsakos said that both the frequency of the meetings between the prime minister and the Cyprus Republic President and the meetings between the two foreign ministers, and the substantive discussion between the two capitals, altogether contradicted "these totally unfounded" rumors.

Asked to comment for how long the Greek government would accept the fact that Turkey was not fulfilling its obligations, Koumoutsakos stressed that the European Union will assess the progress made toward the implementation of the Turkey-EU customs association protocol at the end of the year.

Greece supports the Finnish EU Presidency's efforts totally supporting the Cyprus Republic government's legitimate stance on the issue, stated Koumoutsakos, adding that Athens believes that the discussion on the Finnish effort must succeed.

Regarding Turkey’s allegations of Greek Air Force harassment of Turkish fighter jets, Koumoutsakos referred the issue to the ministry of defense.

[07] Cypriot FM Lillikas says EU views Turkey's statements provocative

VIENNA, 20/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Lillikas had talks in Vienna on Wednesday with his Austrian counterpart Ursula Plassnik who warned Turkey that there will be no "discounts" from the obligations which it has undertaken towards the EU.

Referring to the European Commission's report on Turkey which is expected to be released on November 8, Lillikas noted that various indications and certain press reports present the report as not being satisfactory and of being very lax. However, the Cypriot foreign minister agrees with statements made by all of the EU's officials that the report will be very harsh and objective and will portray reality, something which not only Cyprus, but all the EU member-states, await.

[08] PM leaves for Finland for PPE meeting, informal EU summit

ATHENS, 20/10/2006 (ANA)

Karamanlis is scheduled to meet Friday morning with Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, after which he will depart for the Finnish town of Lahti where he will take part in a working lunch before the commencement of an informal EU summit under the Finnish presidency in the early afternoon.

On Friday night, Karamanlis will attend a working dinner in the framework of the summit, which will also be attended by Russian president Vladimir Putin, and depart shortly before 10:00 p.m. for the return to Athens.

Discussions at the informal summit include energy policy issues, innovation, migration policy, and the developments in Sudan-Darfur.

[09] PM Karamanlis participates at EPP summit in Finland

HELSINKI, 20/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Among the issues which were discussed at Thursday's EPP summit were illegal immigration and energy policy.

The Greek prime minister underlined that Greece and other Mediterranean countries support the position that there should be a joint confrontation of the problem of illegal immigration.

Karamanlis reminded that this year Greece located more than 20,000 illegal immigrants and that this number shows the magnitude of the problem.

The prime minister reiterated his proposal, which other Mediterranean countries, such as Spain, support, for the creation of a European coast guard.

The second issue that prevailed at Thursday's EPP talks concerned the common European energy policy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been invited to attend the dinner at the EU informal summit in Lahti on Friday.

[10] Parliament president meets Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos

ATHENS, 20/10/2006 (ANA)

While touring the exhibition's premises, the Ecumenical Patriarch showed great interest in the photographs, the works of art, the maps and the official documents reflecting the political and social framework in Attica in the period between the two world wars, as well as the refugees' arrival and establishment conditions.

The Ecumenical Patriarch congratulated the organizers of the exhibition which, as he said, "has a great deal to teach all visitors and remind them of."

Referring to visits he makes to regions in Asia Minor, the Ecumenical Patriarch said "we officiate every year, sometimes even more, in the magnificent churches they left for us, we make church services for their souls to find rest and when some unwise people comment why we go there while there are no Christians living permanently and being organized in Asia Minor, we reply that we go there to pray on their graves and on the earth covering their naked bones."

He added that "the disaster of Asia Minor was a drama. This uprooting of people from their longstanding homes should not have taken place. It did not benefit anyone, I am certain, neither Turkey nor those who left."

PASOK leader meets with Ecumenical Patriarch: Main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou met Thursday with visiting Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos, whom he assured of his party's support for the Patriarchate's just demands, which were in line with Turkey's commitments to the EU regarding minorities and progress in religious freedoms and which Ankara needed to fulfill.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Papandreou described his discussion with the Ecumenical Patriarch as "very constructive.

"We support the just demands, which are part of Turkey's obligations regarding the minorities and the changes needed regarding the religious freedoms," Papandreou said.

He explained that "consolidation by the Turkish government of respect of the role of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Halki Seminary, and the properties belonging to the Patriarchate" was necessary.

Papandreou noted that he had the opportunity to bring up these issues a few days ago with Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The PASOK leader promised Vartholomeos that he would wage this battle in the framework of the European Union and Turkeys's European course, stressing that Turkey must respect all its obligations.

[11] Athens dismisses latest Turkish references to Aegean airspace

ATHENS, 20/10/2006 (ANA)

Migrant smugglers operating from the Turkish coasts often target Greek islands in the Aegean as the closest EU territory in the wider area.

[12] U.S State Department says it does not recognize 'a Macedonian language' or ethnicity

WASHINGTON, 20/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

He also said that the U.S. looks forward to the achievement of a final agreement between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) on the name issue, within the framework of the United Nations' efforts.

The spokesman clarified that the U.S. government "as far as I know, does not recognize a Macedonian language or any other subnational groups like that (Macedonian)."

Casey added:"The decision that the United States made a little while ago with how to refer to Macedonia is a decision that is reflective of U.S. policy. As we've always said, we look to the discussions at the U.N. between Macedonia and Greece to ultimately work out an agreement between them on the naming issue."

Asked whether that also meant that the U.S. recognized the existence of a Macedonian language and ethnicity, deputy spokesman Casey said:” We recognize Macedonia, the country, by its constitutional name. The United States government does not recognize languages or other sort of subnational groups like that, as far as I know."

[13] Foreign ministry cites initiative to boost Greek ties with African countries

ATHENS, 20/10/2006 (ANA)

Foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said Wednesday's meeting was quite productive, as the Greek FM accepted a proposal by the ambassadors to jointly sponsor a Greece-Africa conference aimed at further boosting ties and focusing on prospects for better cooperation.

Additionally, Koumoutsakos said Bakoyannis reiterated Athens' commitment to aid other EU members in the Mediterranean basin in bringing issues affecting Africa to the Union's attention.

[14] Preparations ready for this Sunday's 2nd round of local gov't elections

ATHENS, 20/10/2006 (ANA)

In Thessaloniki, outgoing mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos, backed by the ruling New Democracy (ND) appears to be the undisputed "favorite" for re-election, having garnered 41.43 per cent in last Sunday's first round, against main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) candidate Chrysa Arapoglou who gathered 21.6 per cent of the votes. In Patras, candidate and former deputy minister of PASOK, Andreas Fouras has a slight advantage against former mayor Evangelos Floratos, who is backed by the ND party, because PASOK "rebel" Yiannis Dimaras garnered 18.5 per cent. Fouras had received 34.7 per cent of the votes and Floratos 34.06 per cent.

On a level of prefects, elections will be held in seven remaining prefectures. The ND has already elected 28 prefects, PASOK 17, while in two municipalities, prefects were elected following cooperation between PASOK and the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos).

Meanwhile, the Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Ministry have already taken all the necessary measures in preparation for the second round of the local government elections.

Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos on Thursday expressed his conviction that the successful electoral procedure will be repeated this Sunday.

Pavlopoulos appealed to the citizens to vote in force.

[15] PM meets with Beirut Greek Community president

ATHENS, 20/10/2006 (ANA)

Andriotis told reporters after the meeting that he thanked the premier for the Greece's assistance to the Greeks living in Lebanon and the people of Lebanon.

Evanthia Reboutsika, who was accompanied by Culture Minister George Voulgarakis, conversed with the premier for about an hour. In statements she made afterwards to reporters she stressed that the meeting gave her joy and strength to carry on with everything she plans to do. She also stated that they discussed the CD and DVD copyright issue examined by the European Commission and exchanged views on music and cinema.

Her meeting with the prime minister was held on the occasion of her being awarded the “Discovery of the Year 2006” prize in the 2006 Ghent Festival for her musical score in the Turkish film "My Father & My Son”.

On his part, the culture minister stated that the prime minister congratulated Reboutsika on her big success, stressing that she is an important cultural figure.

[16] Secondary school teachers decide to continue their strike action

ATHENS, 20/10/2006 (ANA)

The secondary school teachers' representatives, who held a general assembly at a central Athens hotel, decided by 70-71 per cent to strike on October 24, 25 and 26, while on October 25 a new rally will take place in the Greek capital.

On Friday morning, the session will start of the presidents of the Associations of the Teachers' Federation to decide whether they as well will participate in the three-day strike.

[17] Greece backs new SE Europe mandate for EIB

ATHENS, 20/10/2006 (ANA)

"Expansion of the EIB's role in other areas is also a matter that must be carefully studied," Alogoskoufis told an EIB forum held in Athens.

"Greece's position is that the EIB can make a decisive contribution in the promotion of the EU's strategic objectives in the sectors of transport and energy as well as in backing enterprise. In this framework, Greece agrees with a renewal of the EIB's mandate, and the formation of a two-stage financing policy for 2007-2013," the minister reported.

In addition, Greece supports an EIB proposal for the use of its funds in a manner that would spur local resources in countries receiving financing, as well as global capital, he said.

"It would be expedient to boost available capital for emerging economies; to fund countries that are located in the EU's vicinity, or grant an association status, on condition that certain economic and political criteria were met; to finance projects and programs running parallel with the EU, so that their implementation cost would be lowered, and, finally, for there to exist closer ties with other financing organizations, donor states and UN organizations, as in this manner the effectiveness of its action would be improved and risk distributed," the minister added.

[18] Greece in pact with European Investment Fund

ATHENS, 20/10/2006 (ANA)

The pact was signed by Deputy Finance Minister Christos Folias and the managing director of the European Investment Fund, Francis Carpenter, on the sidelines of a European Investment Bank forum, held this year in Athens.

The agreement is one of the first of its kind in the European Union.

[19] EU gives Greece funds for vineyard conversion

BRUSSELS, 20/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

In two decisions, the Commission made an indicative financial distribution to wine producing member states for action in the 2006/2007 marketing year; and set definitive allocations for the 2005/2006 business year.

“Improving the quality of the wine we produce is a top priority if we are to fend off the challenge posed by New World wine producers. This restructuring program has played a useful role since 1999. But it is clear that more is needed. That is why we have launched a debate on a profound reform of the Common Market Organization for wine,” Mariann Fischer Boel, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, said in a statement.

Under the Council Regulation on the common organization of the market in wine from 1999, member states can obtain annual payments for restructuring and conversion of a set number of hectares of vineyards in order to adapt production to market demand.

The systems cover varietal conversion, relocation of vineyards, and improvements to vineyard management techniques. The normal renewal of vineyards that have reached the end of their natural life is not included.

[20] FinMin to head business delegation to China next week

ATHENS, 20/10/2006 (ANA)

The visit to Beijing and Shanghai is organized by the Hellenic Export Promotion Organization.

The minister’s agenda includes meetings with Bank of China Governor Shou Xiaochuan, Finance Minister Jin Renging, Trade Minister Bo Xilai, the chairman of Shanghai Stock Exchange and the mayor of the major city.

[21] Fuel prices in Greece amongst EU's lowest

ATHENS, 20/10/2006 (ANA)

Greece also had the third lowest diesel price.

[22] Development minister signs decision for processing and hotel businesses

ATHENS, 20/10/2006 (ANA)

The total budget of projects included amounts to 2,772,720 euros and public expenditure is 1,386,360 euros. The program's previous cycle had 72 businesses with a total budget amounting to 1,486,300 euros.

ISO 14001 is an International Environmental Management System aimed at protecting the environment and preventing pollution. When the system is applied by a business it makes it capable of managing its environmental effects and achieving a continuous improvement of its environmental performances.

[23] Deputy development minister inaugurates fourth Greek Fashion Week

ATHENS, 20/10/2006 (ANA)

Speaking during the event, Nerantzis said that clothing and textiles constitute an important industrial sector and the country's most important exports sector. Clothing in particular, represents 70 percent of these exports.

The largest part of exports goes to European Union countries, a fact proving that they are high specification products. Over the past few years, all businesses in the sector have placed great emphasis on design and quality, changing products being produced and promoting the fashion sector.

The 4th Greek Fashion Week at the Zappion Mansion is taking place between October 19-23.

[24] Arab-Greek chamber mission to Kuwait, Bahrain

20/10/2006 (ANA)

Stylianidis is responsible for economic diplomacy.

[25] New hospital construction in Athens coastal district

ATHENS, 20/10/2006 (ANA)

Ygeia will build a 40,000-sq.m facility on a 10-hectare lot owned by the Hellenic Red Cross, thereby replacing the existing Asklipeion Voula Hospital.

Under the terms of the agreement, Ygeia will also build a private maternity clinic. The listed company expects the project to exceed 100 million euros.

[26] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise

ATHENS, 20/10/2006 (ANA)

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.43% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks 0.05% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.06% up.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 119 to 117 with 71 remaining unchanged.

Stock Futures: