Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-10-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM says gov't to give new impetus to regions

[02] Official results of 2nd round of local gov't elections in prefectures and municipalities

[03] PASOK leader again sees 'change in political scene'

[04] KKE SG says results of local gov't elections 'negative for the people'

[05] Synaspismos leader satisfied with election results

[06] Statement by re-elected Thessaloniki mayor

[07] Run-off local government elections throughout the country

[08] FM: Early elections would be political opportunism

[09] Minister of State calls on teachers to end their strike

[10] Foreign Exchange Rates - Monday

[11] Ecumenical Patriarch opens conference about Mount Athos

[12] 'Monument of Hellenism' unveiled in Hungary

[13] Map-making activities for kids at Crete's Historical Museum

[14] Eco-groups network to hold 18th conference in Veria

[15] Four arrested in drug busts in northern Greece

[16] 45 illegal immigrants arrested on Chios, Samos over weekend

[17] Greek Super League soccer results

[18] Turkey must fulfill obligations to EU, Papadopoulos says

[19] Moller calls on Cypriots to keep open window of opportunity

[20] Marios Karoyian new DIKO leader

[01] PM says gov't to give new impetus to regions

ATHENS, 23/10/2006 (ANA)

Karamanlis spoke about "the maturity of Greek society" and underlined that it constitutes "an extremely positive development that fanaticism and extremities of the past have retreated."

The prime minister also underlined that the government "will closely cooperate without discriminations with all those who were elected," while he said that the government's policy aimed at a new impetus to be given to the Greek regions.

He also underlined that the government with the national strategic framework it has formulated will give 80 per cent of the European Union (EU) and national funds, that is, about 36 billion euros, to the regions.

The prime minister stressed that it is the responsibility of all for the funds to be properly managed and with transparency.

Karamanlis, giving his political stigma, noted that his government is proceeding with "consensus and responsibility, far from dogmatism, ideologies and prejudice" and stressed that it seeks "the composition of views without compromises with conservatism and stagnation, which certain individuals indirectly or directly seek."

He noted that his government steadfastly continues in the strategy of changes and reforms, underlining that a dialogue is opening for reforms in the coming period.

[02] Official results of 2nd round of local gov't elections in prefectures and municipalities

ATHENS, 23/10/2006 (ANA)

In the seven confrontations for the election of a prefect, the ND won the prefectures of Arkadia with Dimitris Constantopoulos and Hania, Crete, with Grigoris Arhontakis. PASOK won the prefectures of Karditsa with Fotis Alexakos, Cephalonia with Dionysis Georgatos, Lefkada with Constantine Aravanis, Magnisia with Apostolos Papatolias and Serres with St. Fotiadis.

In the second round of the local government elections for prefects in capitals of prefectures, ND won seven municipalities, while in another two municipalities, elected were independents of ND. PASOK won eight municipalities, while in another two municipalities, elected were two independents of PASOK. Finally, in two municipalities, elected were candidates who were supported by PASOK and the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos).

The ND maintains its lead in prefectures, winning 30 against 22 by PASOK. Two prefectures which were elected were with the cooperation of PASOK and Synaspismos.

[03] PASOK leader again sees 'change in political scene'

ATHENS, 23/10/2006 (ANA)

Reiterating his statements made last Sunday, the main opposition leader referred to a "change in the political scene" and an "abolition of the difference" between the ruling party and PASOK.

Papandreou also waged a broad attack against government policies saying that the election result "constitutes a rejection of the clientele rationale of the government". He also announced that his party and himself "will take an initiative in the near future on all problems faced by citizens and mainly in the education sector."

"The aim of the Movement, starting with the local government election results, is victory in the next general elections," Papandreou said.

PASOK political council to convene Monday:

The main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement's (PASOK) Political Council will convene on Monday afternoon under the chairmanship of party leader George Papandreou, a party press release said on Sunday evening.

[04] KKE SG says results of local gov't elections 'negative for the people'

ATHENS, 23/10/2006 (ANA)

Papariga defended the decision of the party's Central Committee "for a blank or invalid vote in the second round where the candidates of bi-partisanship contested."

Referring to the high percentages received by the two major parties, the KKE Secretary-General said that "from one point of view this is also a positive side of the elections in the sense that people will become aware in the aim of breaking bi-partisanship."

Papariga finally said that "the KKE will continue with optimism its struggle, despite the great strength of bi-partisanship."

[05] Synaspismos leader satisfied with election results

ATHENS, 23/10/2006 (ANA)

In statements to the press, Alavanos said his party, in cooperation with "other alternative, leftist forces" succeeded in electing mayors in the Athens suburbs of Nea Smirni, Kessariani, Elliniko, Nea Philathelphia and Keratea in the broader Attica region.

The Synaspismos leader also congratulated the newly elected mayors and prefects.

[06] Statement by re-elected Thessaloniki mayor

23/10/2006 (ANA)

He was speaking at his electoral centre following the official results of the second round of the local government elections.

On her part, looser Chrysa Arapoglou, who was backed by the main PASOK party, said that things "will not be the same in the new four-year term" of the re-elected mayor.

[07] Run-off local government elections throughout the country

23/10/2006 (ANA)

A total of 47 prefects were elected in the first round of prefectural elections, of which 28 were backed by the ruling New Democracy party (ND), 17 were backed by main opposition PASOK party, and two were elected with the joint backing of PASOK and the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN).

Prime minister Costas Karamanlis said Sunday, after casting his vote in Thessaloniki, that all the elected prefects, mayors and community presidents were the government's allies and collaborators in its constant effort for balanced development in the entire country, while PASOK leader George Papandreou said after casting his vote in the Nea Erythrea suburb of Athens that his party will stand at the side of the local government officials who believed in decentralization and would be at the side of the citizens.

In the municipal elections, interest is focused on the cities of Thessaloniki and Patras. In Thessaloniki, the run-off is between current mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos, backed by ND, who is considered the 'favorite' after amassing 41.43 percent in the first round, and PASOK-backed candidate Chryssa Arapoglou, who amassed 21.6 percent. In Patras, the run-ff is between PASOK former deputy minister Andreas Fouras, who received 34.70 percent in the first round, and ND-backed former mayor Evangelos Floratos, who received 34.06 percent last Sunday.

Run-offs were being conducted in the prefectures of Arcadia, Karditsa, Kefallinia, Lefkada, Magnesia, Serres, and Chania (Crete), and in 247 municipalities, in a total of 9,740 polling stations, including 1,450 in Athens, 707 in Piraeus and 929 in Thessaloniki.

The polling stations will close at 7:00 p.m., while interior, public administration and decentralization minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos said that results would be in earlier at night than in last Sunday's first round of elections.

[08] FM: Early elections would be political opportunism

ATHENS, 23/10/2006 (ANA)

Replying to questions on whether the government should call early general elections following the good showing by the ruling New Democracy party (ND) backed candidates in last Sunday's first round of prefectural and municipal elections, Bakoyannis said that such a move would be "political opportunism, which the people do not forgive".

"It would be opportunistic on our part, and we would lose everything we have gained in credibility if we adopted the stance of a political opportunist who knows that this is a good moment and, without reason, puts the country into an electoral process," Bakoyannis, a former Athens mayor, adding "what would our answer be to the citizen who justifiably asks why are we calling elections?".

With respect to the local government elections, she said the results formulated a different picture that allows the government to express satisfaction.

To another question, Bakoyannis did not hide her concern over the risk of an escalation in the mobilizations in the education sector, assuring, however, that everything possible would be done to avert such a prospect.

Replying to other questions, the foreign minister rejected rumors of a rift in Athens-Nicosia relations, which she stressed were very good and close.

"And, to be totally, frank, they cannot be otherwise. We have common goals, and it is impossible for Athens and Nicosia to take different paths," she said adding: "Now, beyond that, I have also stated repeatedly that there are different tactical approaches by the governments, without, however, this in any way leading to conclusions that some quarters which to make, that there is a lack of cooperation, or lack of contact, or I don't know what else."

"Publicity sometimes can be an advantage in foreign policy, but in other instances it makes things difficult. The Greek foreign ministry has opted for a low-key policy".

[09] Minister of State calls on teachers to end their strike

ATHENS, 23/10/2006 (ANA)

"We yet again appeal to teachers to assess what the government has said, which it did with great respect."

Archbishop urges 'cool heads' in education dispute: In a sermon delivered on Saturday, Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece urged all sides in the dispute over education to "keep a cool head" so that schools might open once again.

The head of Greece's Orthodox Church said the Church placed a high value on families as an institution and wanted to contribute to a way out of the deadlock, so as to ensure that mutual trust and cooperation between teachers, parents and children was not disturbed.

"I would like to make an appeal to all sides to bank on and promote cool-headed dialogue and not the phenomena of violence within and outside schools or the contention that demonstrably acts at the expense of all involved," he said.

The archbishop's statements come in the midst of a month-long strike by primary school teachers over pay and other issues that looks set to stretch into a sixth straight week from Monday, joined in recent weeks by teachers in high schools and complicated by take-overs of high schools by students with a different but related set of demands.

[10] Foreign Exchange Rates - Monday

ATHENS, 23/10/2006 (ANA)

U.S. dollar 1.261

Pound sterling 0.669

Danish kroner 7.455

Swedish kroner 9.210

Japanese yen 149,29

Swiss franc 1.586

Norwegian kroner 8.413

Cyprus pound 0.576

Canadian dollar 1.415

Australian dollar 1.660

[11] Ecumenical Patriarch opens conference about Mount Athos

23/10/2006 (ANA)

During his address, the Patriarch referred to the monastic community as an "inexhaustible mine" that always yielded new hidden spiritual treasures and also spoke about his trip to Cuba and a meeting with Fidel Castro, who he said showed great interest in the Orthodox faith and Mount Athos.

The conference, which ends on Tuesday, is entitled "Holy Mount - The majesty of the Protato. Saving this unique monument and the timeless contribution of Karyes". It was organized by an organization set up by the Thessaloniki municipality called "Agioreitiki Estia" to coordinate the city's relations with the monastic community.

During his visit to northern Greece and the country's second largest city, the Patriarch also visited the Macedonia-Thrace Ministry, where he was received by the minister George Kalantzis, who thanked him for the honor.

The Patriarch's visit returned a visit to Fanar by Kalantzis when he first took over the ministry.

During an official dinner given in his honor by the minister, Bartholomew also referred to Macedonia, stressing that it had at no time in 23 centuries had it lost its Greek character, and to the close ties between Thessaloniki and Fanar.

Kalantzis on his part, stressed the support of his ministry and the Greek State for the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the work done by the Centre for the Preservation of the Heritage of Agion Oros to preserve the relics and monuments in the monasteries of Mount Athos.

Ecumenical Patriarch on pilgrimage to Mt. Athos: Visiting Ecumenical Patrarch Vartholomeos on Sunday officiated at a Litany at the Protaton church in Karyes, the seat of the all-male monastic community on Mt. Athos, which was attended by Macedonia-Thrace minister George Kalantzis, deputy foreign minister Theodoros Kassimis, the community’s civilian administration and its monks.

Kalantzis said afterwards that it was a great honor for him to accompany the Ecumenical Patriarch on his pilgrimage to Athos, while Kassimis described Vartholomeos' visit as important, particularly since it coincided with the Ecumenical Patriarch's initiatives on ecological issues and issues of concern to the international community.

Vartholomeos arrived on Athos, the "Holy Mount", on Saturday evening

[12] 'Monument of Hellenism' unveiled in Hungary

VIENNA, 23/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

The unveiling ceremony in front of a Greek Orthodox Church in a central square of the capital was attended by Greek National Education and Religious Affairs Minister Marietta Yiannakou, Cypriot Education and Culture Minister Pefkios Georgiades and Hungary's deputy education and culture minister.

[13] Map-making activities for kids at Crete's Historical Museum

23/10/2006 (ANA)

The activities pivot around the exhibition of 16th-18th century historical maps of Crete entitled Candia-Creta-Crete that was shown in Athens earlier this year and include research tasks, educational videos and craftwork to help children understand the evolution of map-making but also the importance of maps as a source of information about history.

During the activities, parents will be able to tour the map exhibition and watch a documentary entitled "The Map Makers: the map of Waldseemuller" that describes the first attempts to chart the American continent in the early 16th century.

The program is free but parents are asked to contact the museum and sign up for it in advance at the numbers 2810 283219 and 2810 288708.

[14] Eco-groups network to hold 18th conference in Veria

23/10/2006 (ANA)

The conference is organized jointly by PANDOIKO, the Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece (KEDKE), the General Confederation of Employees of Greece (GSEE) and Veria municipality.

The central theme will be "Social, Environmental Responsibility and Employment" while the individual topics discussed include subjects such as: "Moral incentives for employment, growth and protection of the environment" or "The mass media and social responsibility by businesses".

[15] Four arrested in drug busts in northern Greece

23/10/2006 (ANA)

A 30-year-old man was arrested in Nea Skioni, Halkidiki, after a Thessaloniki police narcotics squad operation, during which they found a small quantity of heroine in his possession as well as money believed to have come from the sale of narcotic substances.

The man also turned over to the police two packets of heroine weighing a total 112.4 grams, as well as two packets of Indian cannabis weighing a total 100.2 grams.

Also, after an investigation, narcotics squad officers arrested three foreign nationals in the Toumba district of Thessaloniki on drug trafficking charges.'Police found and confiscated from the detainees' apartment two packets of Indian cannabis weighing a total of 1.615 kilograms, and a small packet of cocaine weighing 7.1 grams.

[16] 45 illegal immigrants arrested on Chios, Samos over weekend

23/10/2006 (ANA)

More specifically, 18 illegal immigrants, all men, were spotted Saturday night in a wooden boat that had run aground on the islet of Passas off Chios island and were arrested, while a short while later another 12 illegal immigrants, including two women and four children, were arrested on the northern coast of Samos island where they had disembarked from a wooden boat, which broke up into pieces during the disembarkation on the rocky coastline.

On Sunday morning another 15 illegal immigrants -- four men and 11 minors -- were spotted and arrested by a coastguard vessel in coastal area of Mourtia on Samos. The illegal immigrants said they had arrived on Samos from the opposite Turkish coast on inflatable children's boats.

Sports

[17] Greek Super League soccer results

ATHENS, 23/10/2006 (ANA)

In other action:

Ergotelis Crete-Iraklis Thessaloniki 2-1

Ionikos Piraeus-Egaleo Athens 0-1

Apollon Kalamaria-OFI Crete 0-0

Xanthi-Kerkyra 1-1

Panionios Athens- Larissa 2-1

Aris Thessaloniki - PAOK Thessaloniki 0-0

Panathinaikos Athens-AEK Athens (match to be played on Monday)

Standings after seven weeks of play

Olympiakos 18 points

Panathinaikos 13 (six matches)

Kerkyra 12

Larissa 12

Egaleo 12

Ergotelis 11

AEK 9 (six matches)

Aris 9

PAOK 9

Atromitos 7

OF 7

Ionikos 7

Apollon 6

Panionios 6

Xanthi 3

Iraklis 2

[18] Turkey must fulfill obligations to EU, Papadopoulos says

NICOSIA, 23/10/2006 (ANA-MPA/CNA)

He clarified that Cyprus would not like a crisis which would end Turkey's accession course either, provided that Turkey respects its obligations towards the EU.

The Cyprus President said all recommendations focused on finding a solution to the problem by the end of the year, in an effort to avert a crisis. However, Papadopoulos remarked, no one has any specific suggestions on how this might be done.

The Cypriot President said the EU's Finnish Presidency has ideas and is continuing its contacts and discussions with as many countries as possible. However, he pointed out, the presidency's proposal has not been completed nor he is aware if the Finnish presidency will table a proposal and when.

Papadopoulos noted that the European Council of December is the last chance and expressed hope that a solution will be found to avoid a crisis, while he rejected suggestions that Cyprus had become isolated from its EU partners on the issue.

Asked what repercussions Turkey will face if it fails to fulfill its EU obligations, the Cypriot President replied that these will probably involve interrupting the accession talks, freezing them or suspending them.

Turkey has so far refused to open its ports and airports to Cypriot vessels and aircraft, in accordance with the Customs Union protocol Ankara has signed.

Turkey, whose troops have been occupying 37 per cent of Cyprus territory since 1974, is the only country in the world that does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus, a European Union member state since May 2004.

[19] Moller calls on Cypriots to keep open window of opportunity

NICOSIA, 23/10/2006 (ANA-MPA/CNA)

He also expressed the UN's concern about recent negative discussions on past UN funding of bi-communal activities.

In a UN Day address to some 200 invited guests at UNFICYP's Sector 2 Ledra Palace headquarters in Nicosia on Friday night, Moller warned of the risk that this could undermine the commitment and willingness of Cypriots from both communities to strengthen relationships and bi-communal cooperation in Cyprus.

These developments run counter to ongoing efforts to promote cooperation and trust between the two communities, which are a prerequisite for reaching a sustainable solution in Cyprus, he said.

''They risk poisoning the very atmosphere within which we hope a new process can thrive'', he noted.

The SRSG said the United Nations is proud of its long-standing record of support for the efforts of Cypriot civil society organizations to promote bi-communal cooperation on the island. ''A strong and active civil society is crucial if you really want to get to a firm and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem'', he added.

Saying that the tendency of many Cypriots to look to the past when talking about their country was an obstacle to progress, Moller suggested it was high time to turn to the future and think constructively and imaginatively about the shape of things to come.

Moller said that on 8 July, after two years of silence and inaction, the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders signed an agreement to begin a process involving a bi-communal dialogue with the aim of reaching a comprehensive settlement, he noted. This provides a great opportunity for forward movement in the search for a workable solution to the Cyprus problem, he pointed.

''Once again, we now have a window of opportunity to move this process forward. It should not be missed. Too many windows of opportunity have been slammed shut in the course of the last three decades. Let us keep this one open, un-shuttered and un-shattered'', he said.

Moller urged all Cypriots to "do their very best to bring about the long sought solution that ends the division of their homeland".

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 percent of the island’s territory.

[20] Marios Karoyian new DIKO leader

NICOSIA, 23/10/2006 (ANA-MPA/CNA)

Karoyian secured 4,759 votes or 62.6% against 2,840 votes or 37.4% garnered by Nicos Cleanthous, who had been DIKO Acting President.

The new DIKO leader was born in Nicosia on 31 May 1961. He graduated from Terra Santa College and studied Political Sciences at the University of Perugia in Italy.

In 1981 he was elected the first president of the students association "Anagenisi" of Italy and two years later the first President of the Cypriot Students Union of Perugia. For many years he was member of the Pancyprian Federation of Students Unions (POFNE).

From 1986 until 1992 he served as President of the youth section of the Democratic Party (NEDIK) and then elected secretary for trade union issues.

Karoyian served as Director of the office of the President of the House of Representatives from May 1991 until June 2001, participating in bilateral and international parliamentary activities in House official delegations. He also participated in the technocratic preparatory group of the House which worked on promoting legislative work.

He was a member of the DIKO Central Committee from 1988 and in 2005 elected member of the Executive Bureau for the third time.

In 2003 Karoyian was appointed Director of the President's Press Office (under Tassos Papadopoulos) and also served as Acting Government Spokesman. He resigned from his post earlier this year, announcing his intention to run for Parliament. He was elected Member of Parliament for DIKO in May this year.

Karoyian has written a number of articles and analysis on the Cyprus problem and the EU both for the local and international press.

He speaks English, Italian and Spanish. He is married with two children.

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