Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-01-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis outlines Greek positions on issues affecting SE Europe during CoE address

[02] Karamanlis - message to FYROM over name issue

[03] 'Full compliance, full accession' Greece's position on Turkey's European prospects, PM says

[04] Government on planned bill for universities, PM's visit to France

[05] Government on CIA flights through Greece

[06] 'Revolutionary Struggle' group claims responsibility for strike on U.S. embassy through proclamation

[07] Bakoyannis sends condolences for death of Ismail Cem

[08] PASOK leader expresses sadness over Cem's death

[09] Papandreou meets with security forces unions' representatives

[10] Greek envoy addresses event on future status of Kosovo

[11] MP Tzannetakis to India for Congress Party centennial

[12] Athens mayor makes proposal to European counterparts on abolition of death penalty

[13] Law goes into effect for protection of children against physical punishment

[14] Alavanos and Argentine ambassador discuss missing Greeks

[15] Invitation for Greek businesses to access the Russian market

[16] Panayiotis Athanasopoulos new president and managing director of DEH

[17] FinMin addresses event on competition

[18] Employment minister visits administration of Farmers Pension Fund

[19] Serres farmers continue strike action

[20] Cyprus authorities seek data from Piraeus Bank

[21] Crucial period for education companies in Greece, report says

[22] Hellenic Acquaculture reports sharply improved 2006 results

[23] UNICE renamed 'Businesseurope', SEB says

[24] Lannet sues OTE telecom

[25] Helexpo to appoint new reps abroad

[26] METKA in 110-mln-euro energy project in Pakistan

[27] Deficit in trade with South Korea

[28] South Korean firms seek Greek alliances

[29] IFC to buy stake in Finansbank

[30] ASE suspends trading in shares of Lannet Telecommunications

[31] ASE lifts suspension decision for Lannet

[32] Greek stocks surge 1.38 pct on Wednesday

[33] Derivatives Market Close: PPC top in stock futures trade

[34] Foreign Exchange Rates

[35] Origins of lots in Christie's auction must be clarified, Greece says

[36] 9th Thessaloniki Documentaries Festival - Images of the 21st Century

[37] Rally on education issue held in central Athens

[38] ELIAMEP to hold public discussion on the independence of universities

[39] Two lesser N17 defendants speak at appeals trial

[40] First-ever Henri et Madeleine Muller Prize awarded to Luxembourg academic, writer Wagner

[41] FPA cuts New Year cake

[42] Events by the 'Network for the reunion of the Parthenon Marbles'

[43] OA flight to Limnos detours to Rhodes due to inclement weather

[44] Humanitarian aid by 'Solidarity' arrives in Lebanon

[45] Chinese professors to learn Greek language

[46] Two foreign nationals arrested on counterfeiting charges

[47] Robbers target bank in Thessaloniki twice in two weeks

[48] Incendiary device targets ND offices

[49] Vandals destroy graves at an Athens cemetery

[50] Weather Forecast: Showers in northwest on Thursday

[51] G/C and T/C parties express wish for a united Cyprus economy

[52] UN Secretary-General on Cyprus issue

[53] Cyprus FM to attend donors conference for Lebanon

[54] US support easing of ''economic isolation'' of Turkish Cypriots

[01] Karamanlis outlines Greek positions on issues affecting SE Europe during CoE address

Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Wednesday reiterated Athens' standing positions on a handful of major issues affecting the entire SE Europe region, during his address here to the Council of Europe's (CoE) parliamentary assembly (PACE).

Karamanlis evoked the CoE's "crucial role" in south-eastern Europe, including Kosovo, where there "still remains a great deal to be achieved", as he said.

It is "essential for peace in the area that the solution be mutually acceptable to both sides as well," the Greek premier said, noting that the contentious issue of a final status for the province ranks as a significant "political problem" that affects regional "stability and security".

"Both sides must continue negotiations in a productive manner. However, what is of great importance and truly necessary for peace in the region, is for a solution to be mutually acceptable to both sides," he added.

Karamanlis said Greece has systematically stressed that such a solution can be achieved only through negotiations; respect of International Law; respect for the multi-ethnic and multicultural character of Kosovo; support of Serbia's European and Euro-Atlantic prospects as well as respect and the safeguarding of Kosovo's Orthodox Christian cultural heritage.

FYROM 'name issue'

Turning to another issue of particular importance to Athens, the Greek prime minister expressed conditional support for EU candidate status towards the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), with the conditions including a resolution to the nagging "name issue".

Moreover, Karamanlis underlined that a mutually acceptable solution must be found to this issue, which continues to plague full ties between Athens and Skopje. He noted that in such a negotiation process "provocative unilateral actions have no place," whereas a mutually acceptable name issue falls within the conditions set out by the EU for FYROM, namely, good-neighbourly relations and regional cooperation.

Addressing questions during a subsequent press conference, Karamanlis reminded that both Greece and FYROM have assumed specific responsibilities over the issue, including the so-called "interim agreement" of 1995.

"I myself am Macedonian, along with 2.5 million other Greeks," he characteristically said in reference to his family's descent from the largest Greek province, Macedonia.

"Greece and, in particular, my government, have made significant efforts to find a compromise for a mutually acceptable solution," he said, calling on FYROM's leadership to respond to this policy, something he said has not materialised so far.

Although Athens and Skopje have achieved remarkable progress in bilateral relations, especially in trade and investments, since signing an UN-mediated "interim agreement" in 1995, the "name issue" remains the only "thorn" blocking full normalisation.

Greece and ethnic Greek communities around the world strenuously oppose FYROM's use of the name "Macedonia", as in "Republic of Macedonia", citing historical and political reasons. Moreover, Greece's largest province, which shares borders with southern FYROM, is called Macedonia, the same geographical region that more-or-less corresponds with the ancient kingdom of Macedonia, the birthplace of Alexander the Great.

Regional involvement

In detailing Athens' involvement in its own "back yard", Karamanlis said Greece enjoys an active, multi-faceted and productive presence throughout the SE Europe region, with the goal being to safeguard peace and stability.

As a result, he said support of neighbouring states' Euro-Atlantic prospects and boosting bilateral cooperation on all levels is Greece's standing policy.

Conversely, he said countries in the region are obliged to implement all criteria for membership in Euro-Atlantic structures, emphasising the area of human rights, democratic institutions, the rule of law, tolerance and rapprochement, as well as good-neighbourly relations and the peaceful resolution of differences.

Along these lines, he said Greek investment and economic activity in SE Europe stands at 14 billion euros over the past 15 years, with 3,000 Greece-based firms having created 200,000 jobs in the wider region. In the banking sector alone, the Greek premier said more than 1,000 branches of Greek-owned banks operate in SE Europe, whereas the growing volume of bilateral trade, including with Turkey, surpasses the six-billion-dollar mark.

Human Rights Court

Alluding to the 'strained' workload of the Human Rights Court, he said that ratification of Protocol 14 is crucial and regretted that negotiations have stalled on the accession of the EU to the European Convention of Human Rights.

Karamanlis also noted that a complete implementation by member-states of the Court's rulings is necessary if the tribunal is to operate effectively.

He also expressed support for the institution of a commissioner of human rights at the CoE, and relevant proposals included in a report by Luxembourg Premier Jean-Claude Juncker.

Combating terrorism

The Greek premier told CoE delegates that fighting and stamping out terrorism is a priority, with Athens aligning itself with efforts by the United Nations to combat international terrorism.

"It is important to deal with this issue with coordinated action, and especially in a manner that safeguards human rights and fundamental freedoms. This is crucial to our success," he emphasised.

Along those lines, he said promotion of cross-cultural dialogue and inter-faith dialogue is absolutely imperative, given that many objectionable actions are due to ignorance and a lack of knowledge of other civilisations and religions.

Cyprus issue

In touching on a long-standing problem and a priority in Greek foreign policy, the Cyprus problem, Karamanlis said a "trans-formation of our continent will remain incomplete as long as the last wall that divides Europe is left standing on Cyprus."

Karamanlis emphasised that the Cyprus issue is primarily one of human rights, thus it falls squarely under the domain of the CoE.

"Properties were confiscated. Refugees cannot return to their homes; basic human rights have been violated on European soil. Greece remains solidly committed to the achievement of a fair and viable solution aimed at reuniting Cyprus based on relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the European Union's principles," he added.

van der Linden greeting

In greeting Karamanlis to the podium, PACE President René van der Linden noted that Greece has been a very active member of the Council of Europe since it joined the 10 founding states in August 1949.

"Greece has established itself as a stable, democratic state in Europe, with an ever increasing voice in international affairs ' This holds very much true for our Assembly, where the Greek delegation, presided by our colleague and my good friend Elsa Papadimitriou continue to provide an invaluable contribution to our work to achieve our common objective - a democratic, prosperous and peaceful Europe," he added.

"Greece is more than just a valuable member of the Council of Europe. Whether it is about future enlargement of the EU, accession of Turkey to the EU, the importance of streamlining cooperation between the EU and the Council of Europe in order to avoid duplication and double standards, or international efforts to find a sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue, Greece is the strategic partner of the Council of Europe in the region," he added.

[02] Karamanlis - message to FYROM over name issue

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Wednesday stated that Athens supported the future EU and NATO prospects of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) - but only if Greece's tiny northern neighbor came to terms "with the basic rules of the game" in its dispute with Greece over the name 'Macedonia'.

Karamanlis was speaking during a joint press conference with Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) President Rene van der Linden after their meeting in Strasbourg, where he had just delivered an address to the COE parliamentary assembly.

Regarding the 'name issue', Karamanlis said that ongoing negotiations on the dispute were still in progress but stressed that Greece had made its positions crystal clear and was now waiting for FYROM to do the same, pointing out that this had not yet occurred.

Greece objects to FYROM's use of the name 'Macedonia' on the grounds that it is a geographical term that is shared by a northern Greek province having a common border with FYROM and may give grounds for future expansionist designs against Greece.

The Greek premier also referred to developments in Kosovo, noting that the proposals of special UN envoy Martti Ahtisaari were awaited with great anticipation.

Karamanlis stressed that the main goal was to ensure stability in the region, outlining Greece's position that no solution could be imposed that was not mutually acceptable to both sides involved, Serbia and Kosovo.

He said that such a solution must respect human rights and the rights of the minorities of both sides, while guaranteeing the European prospects of the wider region.

The prime minister also took questions from PACE deputies regarding the planned EU Constitutional Treaty and how he intended to support efforts by German Chancellor Angela Merkel to proceed to a "good Constitution", stressing that it was urgent to revive efforts to make EU institutions more manageable.

"We are all aware of the situation that has existed after the two negative referendums for the Constitutional Treaty. We strenuously support that the times has come to rekindle our efforts and we must be more constructive and contribute to efforts by Chancellor Merkel to do this. It is a necessity. It is self-evident that we respect different points of view, but a union of '27' cannot function well and gaze on the future with the rules for a Europe of '6'. It is therefore of the utmost urgency to move on," Karamanlis said.

Asked if he agreed with recent statements by Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt, who said that the EU should drop its unanimity rule and replace it with a qualified majority rule so as to evolve into a 'United States of Europe', Karamanlis said that Athens was "close to that view".

"We are a large family. We share the basic targets but this does not mean that we will all agree on an issue. There are differing views, even about the future of Europe," he noted.

According to Karamanlis, Athens sees the process toward political integration as "positive, favorable and we support it". Though the EU was by definition a forum for consensus and compromise, this formula could not continue to be successful in coming years, he added.

"Regarding majority, there are great sensitivities, it is a complex matter that we are handling with great caution. But we all understand that a family of '27' or more in coming years cannot function only with full consensus.

Fielding a question on illegal immigration and whether Greece would be willing to host a CoE observatory for improving the way this was handled, the Greek premier answered simply "yes".

"Greece, which is at the extreme southeastern limit of the EU, faces the awesome challenge of the huge waves of migration. It is natural that the government gives this issue priority and great importance. We actively participate in all relevant organs and believe there is improvement of cooperation on a European-wide level," he added.

Answering a question by Greek deputy Dinos Vrettos on the possibility of vetoing Turkey's EU progress, Karamanlis repeated that Athens supported full accession for Turkey, provided that it fully conformed with EU terms and criteria.

"I believe we have a broad cross-party position in Greece, at least between the two main parties, regarding our strategy where Turkey is concerned. We believe, of course, that it has not fulfilled the obligations and commitments that it undertook in its contract with Europe. We consider that the decision of the European Council last December was positive, in the sense that mit made it absolutely clear to Turkey that the EU is not satisfied with its progress, with respect to promoting the reforms and respecting the conditions that it has itself accepted," Karamanlis noted.

"We believe in a policy that offers Turkey the incentives required for growth, reform, to become a European country," he added.

Asked to comment on Greece's insistence on the term 'Moslem' rather than 'Turkish' for the minority group in Thrace, Karamanlis replied that Greece was a democratic society that fully respected all human rights and minority rights, as well as abiding by the rule of law and international treaties - such as the Treaty of Lausanne that defined the specific minority as 'Moslem'.

[03] 'Full compliance, full accession' Greece's position on Turkey's European prospects, PM says

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, replying to questions put to him by deputies at the Council of Europe, said on Wednesday that "full compliance, full accession" is Greece's position on Turkey's European prospects.

The prime minister reiterated that Turkey has not fulfilled its obligations and commitments towards the European Union, reminding that last December the European Council had made it clear to Turkey that it has not achieved the progress expected on issues for which it has committed itself. The prime minister went on to say that Turkey must continue its European course.

On the question of Cyprus and in reply to a question by a British deputy, Karamanlis said that both Greece and the government of Cyprus desire the finding of a viable solution under the auspices of the UN, but with the constructive involvement of the EU.

As regards people missing after the invasion in 1974, the prime minister said that this issue remains important for the relatives and the government of Cyprus, as well as of Greece.

"We believe that the conditions under which these people disappeared must be revealed," he said. He also reminded that a special committee, under the auspices of the UN is already functioning, but noted that despite Turkish promises for considerable steps to be taken there are no tangible results yet.

Lastly, asked about the issue of the "isolation" of the Turkish Cypriot community, Karamanlis replied that "the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots is the result of the invasion of northern Cyprus by Turkey" and that this issue reappeared when Cyprus became an EU member in 2004.

The prime minister then noted that Greece supports the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community and said that in the past two years, following the approval of the EU's funding regulation amounting to 260 million euros, the Turkish Cypriots' income per capita has tripled.

[04] Government on planned bill for universities, PM's visit to France

He said that one of the issues the bill would attempt to address was that of university asylum, which it would try to restore to "its original sense, which was the protection of the free movement of ideas and communication within the academic community".

Asked about the fact that Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis had not arranged a meeting with European Court of Human Rights Vice-president Christos Rozakis and European Ombudsman Nikiforos Diamantouros while visiting Strasbourg, Antonaros said the premier's schedule was too tight and that he had already met a great number of prominent Greeks in Athens.

[05] Government on CIA flights through Greece

According to the draft report, many flights and stopovers by CIA planes in Europe were part of a secret detention and transfer system for terrorist suspects, while the US operated secret prisons in some member-states and used others as staging posts with the collusion of EU governments and EU officials.

According to the leader of the opposition party Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) Alekos Alavanos, the government was obliged to give an explanation regarding the revelations in the report, which named Greece among the countries in which CIA planes made stopovers.

[06] 'Revolutionary Struggle' group claims responsibility for strike on U.S. embassy through proclamation

The proclamation, according to the announcement, was delivered to the police by the management of the newspaper at 8:05 in the evening. The text of the proclamation was delivered to the Crime Laboratories for further investigation.

The proclamation had been received by the newspaper's management on Tuesday, the ministry's announcement concluded.

[07] Bakoyannis sends condolences for death of Ismail Cem

In a statement, Bakoyannis stressed that the news of Cem's death inspired great sorrow in all who had the good fortune to have met the visionary Turkish politician and had shared in his faith that Greek-Turkish relations must steadily improve.

"I would like to express by sincere and deep condolences to his family and loved ones," Bakoyannis added.

[08] PASOK leader expresses sadness over Cem's death

"Ismail was, for me, a person with whom I shared a vision. A person with whom I worked hard for the vision of peace. Ismail was also a very good friend. I was very sadded by this," Papandreou, who was also foreign minister of Greece concurrently with Cem, said in his message.

Cem was first named foreign minister in June 1997 under the coalition government led by Mesut Yilmaz.

He remained foreign minister under the minority government led by Bulent Ecevit that took over from Uilmaz in January 1999 and under the coalition governmentled by Ecevit in May 1999, resigning from the post in July 2002.

On May 2, 2000, Cem and Papandreou were jointly awarded the "Statesman of the Year" award in New York by the East-West Institute for their efforts towards Greek-Turkish rapprochement, particularly after the devastating earthquakes in Istanbul (August 17) and Athens (September 7) the preceding year (1999), when the two countries rushed to each other's assistance.

[09] Papandreou meets with security forces unions' representatives

The main priorities are the protection and safety of the people and the respect of democratic rights, stated Papandreou.

The PASOK leader also stressed that his party guarantees meritocracy in security forces and the dignity of those serving in them.

He accused the government of following a policy that turned society into a jungle where the right of the strongest prevails, adding that his party guarantees a fair society and a State that protects principles, regulations and the dignity of all citizens.

[10] Greek envoy addresses event on future status of Kosovo

There should be no losers and winners resulting from the future status of Kosovo, maintained Greece's ambassador to the United States Alexandros Mallias addressing an event on the future of southeast Europe, Kosovo in particular, held by a US foreign policy institute in Washington.

Ambassador Mallias was the main speaker in the event and stressed that the firmly supported by Greece European prospect of the Balkan states is the major incentive and mechanism safeguarding stability, peace and prosperity in the region. After referring to the proposal expected to be tabled by the UN special envoy former president of Finland, he pointed out that fundamental preconditions for stability in the Balkans are EU consensus, close EU-US cooperation and Russia's involvement.

Responding to a question by the FYROM embassy charge d' affaires, Mallias chose to point out the need for a mutually acceptable solution to the FYROM name issue based on the proposals tabled by UN envoy Matthew Nimetz in 2005, while he called on Skopje to follow the example of Bucharest and Sofia by looking forward to the future and not turning to the past, a fact that will allow the country's accession into the Euro-Atlantic structures.

The message that Europe is the future was sent to numerous recipients by the Greek Prime Minister through his visits to the Balkans, underlined Mallias responding to questions made by a large audience that included US vice-president Cheney aides, US State Department and USAID officials and public opinion makers.

After the discussion directed by the head of the institute's Eurasian Policy Centre, Mallias responded to questions by television reporters from Azerbaijan, stressing the shared interest in energy safety issues, as well as to questions by FYROM and the Serb-speaking Voice of America journalists regarding the recently held elections in Serbia and its European prospect.

[11] MP Tzannetakis to India for Congress Party centennial

In meetings with Indian officials, Tzannetakis will convey the efforts of the Greek government and Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis for closer ties with India in politics, the economy and cultural issues.

[12] Athens mayor makes proposal to European counterparts on abolition of death penalty

The proposal was made to Rome Mayor Walter Veltroni, who had the initiative for the gathering of signatures and, apart from the Athens Mayor, the document has been signed by the mayors of Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Vienna, Florence and Ljubljana.

After the gathering of signatures from more mayors of European cities, the document will be submitted to the European Council and the European Parliament and will be published in the press.

The appeal against the death penalty says, among other things, that "we mayors of European cities, faced with continuing executions in many cities in the world on a daily basis, make an urgent appeal for an end to this flagrant violation of human dignity. The death penalty does not reduce crimes. We believe that justice has no need for it."

[13] Law goes into effect for protection of children against physical punishment

Included in the law is Article 4 which for the first time makes clear that physical punishment of children is forbidden in the context of their upbringing.

The Network for the Prevention and Combating of Physical Punishment of Children has recommended to the Justice Ministry the above regulation for the purpose of preventing violence in the family and in the broader social environment, and in accordance with the proposals of international human rights organizations.

[14] Alavanos and Argentine ambassador discuss missing Greeks

Alavanos stated after the meeting that he raised the issue of the Argentine democrats who went missing during the military junta and most likely died fighting for democracy.

Alavanos said that among those missing are also small children who were probably adopted by families of members of the military, adding that SYN calls for the active intervention of the Greek government.

He said that his party is launching a campaign in the name of the Greek or Greek descent Argentine citizens who should not be forgotten or abandoned in case they are still alive adding that their history and contribution should always be remembered.

Financial News

[15] Invitation for Greek businesses to access the Russian market

Addressing the 3rd Greek Export Managers Forum organized in Thessaloniki by the Hellenic Exports Promotion Organization (HEPO), Kaisiev spoke of a lack of Greek products on the Russian shelves, stressing that this needed to change, given that Russian consumers sought Greek products and trusted them.

Another inhibitive factor that did not allow Greek products to become everyday consumer items for the Russians was the high cost of the Greek products, he said, adding that the two countries must seek a way to remedy that.

On the sectors for Greek business in Russia, Kaisiev said that the range was wide, given that Greek businessmen could collaborate with Russian counterparts in the production of wheat, sugar and dairy products, among others. He said that Greek entrepreneurs could carry out cultivations in Russia, which had vast expanses suitable for cultivations, and then transport the products to Greece. He further noted that the establishment of production units in Russia could prove a unique opportunity.

As for wine, he continued, the opportunities for Greek entrepreneurs were immense, given that Russians consumed more than 80 million liters annually, while two other attractive sectors were those of seafood and babyfood.

Dionyssis Protopapas, advisor at the Greek Economic and Commercial Affairs bureau in Moscow, spoke of the prospects for Greek products to develop dynamically on the Russian market, and noted that Greek exports to Russian were expected to post a 23 percent increase for the year 2006.

He said the Russian market was conducive to buyouts and mergers, while the problems faced by entrepreneurs included bureaucracy, corruption and lack of infrastructures, and also noted that "exports cannot be carried out without an importer".

Russia, he continued, was a market of 142 million consumers whose economy presented a growth rate of 6.9 percent, while by the year 2010 it would be running at an average rate of 5 percent. Russia was also one of the few countries where a decline in poverty was noted, he said, adding that the Russian consumers no longer preferred imitations but now opted for brand name and high quality products.

Protopapas said that sectors such as foods and beverages were particularly attractive for Greek investors, followed by vegetable oils, juices, canned products and cosmetics.

[16] Panayiotis Athanasopoulos new president and managing director of DEH

Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas met with Athanasopoulos on Wednesday and proposed to him to accept the posts of president and managing director of DEH, following consultations with Finance and Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis, with whom Athanasopoulos also met. Athanasopoulos was the first choice of the development and finance ministers.

Sioufas said in a statement that "Mr. Athanasopoulos, a distinguished academic, having a considerable and successful course in the management of a big multinational business, in Greece and abroad, accepted this proposal. The current president of DEH, Costas Kyriakopoulos, with whom I also met, had expressed his view to me days ago that it is preferable that the new head of DEH have both duties."

A special general assembly of majority shareholders will be convened in the coming days on the issue of his election, in accordance with the charter. Athanasopoulos will assume his new duties immediately after the Parliamentary Utilities Committee expresses its opinion.

[17] FinMin addresses event on competition

Alogoskoufis said in his address that "our economy is achieving considerable progress", while on the issue of the countryside he noted that "the development of the countryside is on a good path. Major problems are being solved. The Peloponnese and western Greece are participating in this development. Our reforms are working and are creating new prospects for all."

Focusing on the course of the economy, the finance minister said that "we have placed the economy on a stable course of development and progress with a series of activities and reforms" and, referring to reforms, noted that "we have shaped an attractive framework."

[18] Employment minister visits administration of Farmers Pension Fund

OGA, that currently serves 854,000 insured people, of whom 500,000 are in a state of primary insurance, will develop, as Tsitouridis said, into a complete and modern fund, while underlining its public nature now and in the future. He added that a leap was accomplished in 2006 regarding benefits provided by the Organization.

The employment minister pointed out that the budget for 2007 provides financing amounting to 10,792,000,000 euros for the social security system, presenting an increase of 11.7 percent compared to 2006.

Main opposition PASOK party employment and social security chief Maria Damanaki, reacting to Tsitouridis' statements, said that "the minister's long statements merely serve election expediencies. Today, he is promising big increases in the pensions of farmers, while for 2008 he is promising (at no loss, since they concern the next government) even bigger ones."

[19] Serres farmers continue strike action

During Wednesday's gathering, the Serres farmers unanimously decided not to remove their tractors from the roads.

On Tuesday evening, their representatives held a lengthy meeting with Deputy Agricultural Development and Foods Minister Alexandros Kontos which ended without agreement.

In statements to ANA-MPA, the president of the "Serres Coordinating Sruggle Body", Christos Varoutis, said that "what they told us yesterday at the ministry were not answers to our demands, but simple explanations which did not satisfy any one."

Varoutis said the farmers will meet anew on Thursday to decide on whether they will continue their protest and to symbolically blockade the highway.

A total of 400 tractors and agricultural machinery are at the junction of the Serres-Thessaloniki and Serres-Promahona highways.

In an unrelated development, 150 workers of the "Soulis" industry who have been dismissed carried out a symbolic blockade of the Athens-Lamia national highway on Wednesday at the entrance of Lamia, central Greece.

[20] Cyprus authorities seek data from Piraeus Bank

The Cypriot capital commission has asked Athens-quoted Piraeus Bank for technical information concerning its bid for Marfin Popular Bank, the authority's president, George Haralambous said on Wednesday.

Haralambous told reporters that the commission had prepared its comments on Piraeus' application to hold a public offer for Marfin's stock, and would send them to the Greek bank for clarification.

He was speaking after a meeting in the Cypriot capital with the chairman of Piraeus Bank, Mihalis Sallas.

[21] Crucial period for education companies in Greece, report says

Hellastat said the current period was crucial for the future of the education sector, as the Greek parliament debated a revision of the article 16 of the Constitution to allowing the foundation of non-state universities in the country.

The franchising system was the most popular among education institutes in 2006, while some Greek companies expanded activities abroad (ECDL in China, ICT Hellas in Albania, etc), while the Greek church also showed interest in founding private -non-profit- schools in Athens, Thessaloniki and Patras.

The sector improved its gross profit margin to 36 pct in 2005 from 34.3 pct in 2004, while return on equity also rose to 5.4 pct from 4.8 pct over the same period, respectively.

Sales rose 1.8 pct, or 6.48 million euros, to 357.28 million euros and net pre-tax profits jumped to 4.09 million euros in 2005 from 900,000 euros in the previous year. The profits by the five largest education groups in the country accounted for 19.1 pct of total profits in the sector.

[22] Hellenic Acquaculture reports sharply improved 2006 results

A company statement said exports accounted for 44 percent of its consolidated turnover last year, up 9.0 percent in the 12-month period due to exports to new markets such as Italy, Spain and France.

Gross profits totaled 10.97 million euros last year from 8.52 million in 2005, for an increase of 28.8 pct, while pre-tax, interest and amortization earnings (EBITDA) jumped 64.9 pct to 6.63 million euros from 4.02 million euros over the same period, respectively.

Consolidated pre-tax and interest earnings jumped 79.7 pct to 4.86 million euros, while pre-tax profits rose 68.7 percent to 3.0 million euros. Consolidated after tax and minorities earnings soared 93.4 pct to 2.36 million euros in 2006 from 1.22 milion euros in 2005.

[23] UNICE renamed 'Businesseurope', SEB says

The new name was announced during a special event which was held in Brussels.

As stated by its president Ernest-Antoine Seilliere, Businesseurope has the ambition of expressing more effectively the central role played by businesses in Europe, aimed at growth, employment and prosperity for all the European citizens.

The Businesseurope organization includes as members 39 national industrial and employer federations from 33 countries, among them being SEB, and represents more than 20 million small, medium and large-sized businesses.

[24] Lannet sues OTE telecom

The move followed suspension of trade in Lannet's stock on the Athens bourse earlier in the day and its subsequent reinstatement before the close after OTE announced that it would disconnect 85% of Lannet's telephone lines to customers for non-payment of a 10 million euro debt by a subsidiary, Telepassport, which it acquired recently.

Sued were Panayiotis Vourloumis, chairman of Athens-quoted OTE, and the board of directors.

Lannet said OTE's move breached interim court orders in October and November 2006.

[25] Helexpo to appoint new reps abroad

The company is planning to establish representatives in Serbia (TTI-Travel & Trade), the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Moldova, the Czech Republic and China.

Recently appointed were associates in Albania and in Bulgaria's Centre for Economic Development.

[26] METKA in 110-mln-euro energy project in Pakistan

The contract envisages a gradual delivery of the power station, starting from July 30, 2007 until December 12, 2008. The power station will operate under a combined cycle with natural gas as a fuel. METKA joined forces with General Electric Co and Istroenergo Group Inc for the supply of turbine engines.

[27] Deficit in trade with South Korea

Stephanos Voudouris, first counselor at the Greek embassy in Seoul's economic and trade bureau reported that in 2006 Greek exports to South Korea are estimated at 85 million US dollars, down 8.5% from 92.7 million a year earlier. In 2003, exports sent were more than 100 million dollars.

Korean exports to Greece totaled more than 2.6 billion dollars in 2006, up 56% from 1.7 billion in 2005, Voudouris noted.

He was speaking on the sidelines of the Greek Export Managers Forum in the northern port city of Thessaloniki, organized by HEPO, Greece's state exports board.

[28] South Korean firms seek Greek alliances

He was addressing the Greek Export Managers Forum held in the northern port city of Thessaloniki arranged by HEPO, Greece's state exports board.

In addition, the managing director of Dongwon told the conference that his firm was eager for alliances.

[29] IFC to buy stake in Finansbank

IFC's purchase will be made through completion of National's public offer for stock in Finansbank from minority shareholders that began on January 8 and ends on January 29.

National Bank currently owns more than 86% of Finansbank.

[30] ASE suspends trading in shares of Lannet Telecommunications

The decision by OTE was taken because Lannet did not repayed debt by Telepassport after the merger of the two telecommunications services providers. Telepassport owed more than 10 million euros to Hellenic Telecommunications Organization.

[31] ASE lifts suspension decision for Lannet

The suspension decision was taken earlier in the day.

Meanwhile, Lannet in an announcement to the press strongly reacted to a decision by Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (OTE) to suspend operations of its interconnection circuits with OTE, saying the decision was illegal since it ignored court decisions in favour of Lannet.

[32] Greek stocks surge 1.38 pct on Wednesday

All sectors scored gains, with the exceptions of Personal/Home Products and Constructions (down 0.13 pct and 0.03 pct, respectively. The Media (3.32 pct), Utilities (3.16 pct) and Oil (3.03 pct) scored the biggest percentage gains of the day.

The Big Cap index rose 1.41 percent, the Mid Cap index jumped 1.76 pct and the Small Cap index rose 1.01 pct.

Tria Alpha (20 pct) and Hitech (19.15 pct) were top gainers, while Desmos (13.79 pct), Klonatex (12.5 pct) and Lannet (7.75 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 184 to 76 with another 50 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +2.28%

Industrials: +0.78%

Commercial: +0.44%

Construction: -0.03%

Media: +3.32%

Oil & Gas: +3.03%

Personal & Household: -0.13%

Raw Materials: +2.49%

Travel & Leisure: +0.72%

Technology: +1.94%

Telecoms: +0.53%

Banks: +1.90%

Food & Beverages: +0.20%

Health: +1.63%

Utilities: +3.16%

Chemicals: +0.88%

Financial Services: +2.22%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, Eurobank, Bank of Cyprus, PPC, and Marfin Popular Bank.

Selected shares from the FTSE/ASE-20 index closed in euros as follows:

Alpha Bank: 25.40

ATEbank: 4.24

Public Power Corp (PPC): 21.50

HBC Coca Cola: 29.46

Hellenic Petroleum: 11.18

Emporiki Bank: 23.20

National Bank of Greece: 39.00

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 29.66

Intralot: 26.74

Cosmote: 23.60

OPAP: 30.00

OTE: 23.36

Titan Cement Company: 43.10

[33] Derivatives Market Close: PPC top in stock futures trade