Athens News Agency: News Bulletin in English, 07-02-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM addresses debate on revising Constitution, sharply criticising PASOK's absence

[02] Gov't echoes PM's sharp criticism of PASOK over its withdrawal from debate on constitutional revision

[03] Student rally held to protest against Constitutional revision

[04] PASOK leader reiterates call for early elections

[05] Papoulias on Turkey, FYROM's European Union prospects

[06] Papoulias arrives in Romania on official visit

[07] FYROM PM in Brussels to promote his country's EU and NATO candidacy

[08] FYROM concerned over position of NATO and EU

[09] Gov't on upcoming Papadopoulos visit

[10] PM briefed by justice minister on progress in ministry targets

[11] Greece, Cyprus may have allowed secret CIA flights, MEPs say

[12] Papandreou expels MP Koulouris from PASOK Parliamentary group

[13] Frigate 'Adrias' delivered to Greek Navy

[14] Trash fire at U.S. Embassy extinguished

[15] Closer economic ties between Greece, UAE on the agenda of FM's visit

[16] EBEA president holds meetings in UAE with entrepreneurs

[17] GDP up 4.4 pct. points in Q4 2006

[18] Parliament ratifies the Thessaloniki underwater tunnel contract

[19] Liapis-Kaklamanis meeting to discuss Suburban railway extension to Piraeus

[20] Govt offers state guarantees to bank loans for flood damage restoration works

[21] Palli-Petralia visits OTEK offices; tourism training is being upgraded

[22] Event on 'Green Paper' in EU, modernisation of labour legislation

[23] New body representing pensioners established

[24] Measures being taken for the protection of dairy produce

[25] Nationwide strike on Thursday by Olympic Airlines contract personnel

[26] Teachers' federation to hold strike on February 22

[27] Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling reports 18 pct rise in 2006 profits

[28] ICI elects new executive committee

[29] Petzetakis says Wavin offer totals 49 mln euros

[30] Cooperation between Hotels Chamber of Greece and Cypriot Hoteliers Federation

[31] Cap Markets Commission seeks more transparency in ASE

[32] Survey by National Telecommunications and Post Offices Committee

[33] Greek stocks jump 1.11% on Wednesday

[34] ADEX closing report

[35] Greek bond market closing report

[36] Foreign Exchange Rates - Thursday

[37] Conference on mass media and shaping of stereotypes

[38] Efforts to clear world's minefields discussed at Athens event

[39] Three remanded for abduction, abuse of economic migrant

[40] Foiled attempts to smuggle over 200kg of hashish into Greece

[41] Public prosecutor continues address at November 17 group trial

[42] Police prevent suicide after posting of intention on Internet

[43] Theft at PPC worksite, night watchman injured

[44] US consul general in Kavala

[45] Cyprus condemns Turkey's announcement of oil exploration in the Mediterranean

[46] Cyprus House President deplores Turkey's decision for oil researches

[47] Britain hopes Turkey's actions will not create tension

[48] Greece and Cyprus renew their Sports cooperation memorandum for 2007

[01] PM addresses debate on revising Constitution, sharply criticising PASOK's absence

"The empty seats express the most cynical attempt to undermine a course that had been agreed upon," Karamanlis underlined.

"It is a shame for the citizens, who are represented by the absence, the lack and the flight of their representatives. It is a shame for PASOK's leader," he added.

"We all know that those now absent had agreed on the need for a revision, had submitted their proposals, some of which met a positive reception. Top PASOK officials, shortly before their departure, were stating that the dialogue had been carried out positively. But when the time came for Parliament, they proved unable to withstand their internal party problems. They enlisted bizarre, pointless and contradictory claims, which only succeeded in stripping the last remnant of credibility they had," Karamanlis said.

According to the prime minister, PASOK's commitment to revising the Constitution had been overturned by "personal ambitions, insecurities and expediency".

Outlining ruling New Democracy's main proposals for the revision, Karamanlis put special emphasis on the government's controversial decision to revise article 16 and open the way to private-sector universities in Greece.

"The main opposition leader himself has outlined a series of reasons why it is imperative to revise article 16. He proclaims that it is outmoded and autocratic and that it is suffocating state universities. I hope that PASOK, overcoming the confusion and internal party weakness, will find its way back to responsibility," the prime minister noted.

Addressing critics in the left-wing parties in Parliament, Karamanlis underlined his disagreement with their assessment of the situation. In particular, he stressed the need to bring currently unregulated private universities and colleges operating in the country under state control. Dubbed 'Laboratories of Free Studies', these private institutes offer degrees or foundation courses, often endorsed by universities abroad, whose qualifications are not recognised by the Greek State.

"You know the trends that exist in the unified European educational scene. It is our responsibility not to allow, through timidity and inertia, de facto situations to prevail in tertiary education without state control. It is necessary to give the next Parliament the possibility to create a strong framework that will deter every attempt at anarchic activity. Strict rules must be put into place, strict standards, both in terms of the quality of the services provided and for the qualifications of those providing teaching, which must not be inferior to those of state universities," he said.

Regarding article 24, which triggered PASOK's departure from the revision process, the prime minister underlined that the government's goal was to protect Greece's forests while at the same time ensuring sustainable regional development. He also noted that the government was open to suggestions for improving its proposals.

Again highly controversial, the government proposes declassifying large tracts of land currently protected as forest or forested land. The key to ND's proposals is that current designations of forest and forested land be revised on the basis of aerial photographs taken in the '70s, rather than those of 1945 on which the present system is based. It justifies the move by noting that the change in land use for many of these areas goes back several decades, making enforcement unrealistic and unenforceable.

Karamanlis also underlined that the next Parliament should have the capability to revise the Constitution, as the Constitution itself provided and accused the main opposition of announcing its intention to violate the Constitution in advance, which it had no right to do.

He was referring to PASOK's announcement that it intends to start the process of revising the Constitution from scratch if voted into government in the next elections, so that the actual revision of the Constitution will be deferred until the subsequent Parliament.

KKE, Synaspismos outline positions against constitutional revisions

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga on Wednesday reiterated her party's opposition to constitutional revisions proposed by the government, proposals that will be up for a final vote by the 300-MP Parliament arising from the next general elections.

In addressing Parliament, Papariga said KKE does not wish to "add more obstacles to the people's struggle for an improvement of their lives and rights".

She also called on voters resist and not to "stand in awe" vis-a-vis proposed constitutional revisions, but instead, to work for "a new popular majority that will impose a new popular constitution."

"The constitution is a law. It is not some icon for us to worship. It is a law written by specific majorities, and this law can and must be annulled, with popular majorities rendering as many articles as possible inactive," she said.

Regarding the government's proposals on higher education and forestland use, Papariga said the proposed revisions were extremely reactionary.

Synaspismos

Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) rapporteur Nikos Constantopoulos, the party's former president, also expressed his party's opposition to the government's proposals for constitutional revision.

"Our position is clear. Constitutional revision should not have begun. It was not necessary. We took part in the process with proposals at the committee level, and we will follow the same policy in this phase (plenum)."

Constantopoulos also pointed to what he called an "institutional distortion" with the initial high-profile consensus of the two major parties -- ruling New Democracy and main opposition PASOK -- that eventually turned into a divisive clash with the exchange of shrill charges by one party against the other, as he said.

Interior minister addresses Parliament on constitutional amendment

Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos, addressing Parliament on the issue of constitutional amendment on Wednesday, wondered whether the Greek people can trust people who believe that only they are capable of ruling the country, attributing to the absent main opposition PASOK party an "arrogant attitude and violation of the constitution."

Referring to article 24 on forest protection (whose discussion was the cause of PASOK walking out), Pavlopoulos said that it is "almost the most progressive clause that exists in Europe", reminding that it had been enacted by the New Democracy party in the constitution of 1974.

"The same party wants to defend article 24 before the challenges of the future and we must not remain apathetic with arbitrary buildings that appear," he said.

On the question of article 16, the interior minister said that it must be revised "so that private non-profit universities can be established, because we cannot accept with so much hypocrisy the fact that foundations exist that function with speculation terms without being controlled by the education ministry with the risk, indeed, of the professional rights of their graduates not being recognised."

The interior minister also defended "the founding of a Constitutional Court and the possibility of public sector contract employees of an indefinite duration advancing in the hierarchy."

[02] Gov't echoes PM's sharp criticism of PASOK over its withdrawal from debate on constitutional revision

"The prime minister referred to reality as it is, while criticising, as I am sure that the vast majority of Greek citizens also do, the irresponsible stance by the main opposition party. The government has a specific programme, which it is implementing with conscientiousness and steadfastness," alternate government Evangelos Antonaros told reporters during his regular press briefing.

In a related development, the spokesman also dismissed recent high-profile criticism against the government by former two-time PASOK premier Costas Simitis -- during a book unveiling event this past week.

"The catastrophic results of Mr. Simitis' economic policy are well-known to all Greek citizens," Antonaros said.

[03] Student rally held to protest against Constitutional revision

Wednesday's rally was organised by just one student party affiliated to the Communist Party of Greece (KKE). Marches in other areas of the capital and other protest action was organised by other student groups on the same day.

The central Athens march began from the gates of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and arrived in Syntagma Square before Parliament on 14:30.

Traffic in the city centre was diverted, while a strong police presence was deployed to protect Parliament.

A major student-teacher rally is planned on Thursday, the final day of the debate when Parliament is scheduled to vote on the proposed reforms.

[04] PASOK leader reiterates call for early elections

Speaking to reporters after a party's political council meeting, Papandreou described as a "stalemate" the present situation "created by government policies", adding that "elections are the only way out" and that the time has come "for the people to speak."

"We will not allow the impasses of the (ruling) New Democracy party to become impasses of the country," the PASOK leader stressed.

Papandreou said that his party's "struggle is a relentless struggle and will be waged together with the people and for the people aiming at a fairer society."

"In this struggle, PASOK places itself at the forefront in an orderly manner, collectively, responsibly and with a programme," he said.

He said that the government "has fully completed its cycle, has grown old before its time and causes damage to the country." Papandreou accused Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis of "parodying even the constitution and occupying himself with a party fiesta which has no sense and does not concern the country and citizens."

"The issue of the constitutional revision has come to an end," Papandreou added.

Interior minister responds

Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos, replying to main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou on the issue of constitutional revision, said he wished he will become wiser.

"As if the walkout of PASOK and the direct undermining of the constitution were not enough, Mr. Papandreou reached the point of saying that the revision is over. We inform Mr. Papandreou -and he should have asked officials of his party who are aware of constitutional clauses- that the revision is continuing and the next Parliament, whether he likes it or not, will be a revisory one and he will be called on to assume his responsibilities. We hope that until then he will become wiser," the minister said.

Referring to Papandreou's reference to a "parody", Pavlopoulos observed that "the parody is his own and that of his party which, after submitting a proposal on the revision of the constitution, walked out with its internal party problems being the only cause. And it would have reached the verge of a comedy if it had not observed a position that violates the constitution in an unprecedented way in time."

Lastly, Pavlopoulos said that "revision is carried out by Parliament, whether PASOK and its deputies are present or not."

Gov't spokesman responds

Minister of State and government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos on Wednesday evening responded to statements made by main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou.

"The political and ideological impasses of PASOK can no longer be hidden behind petty party antics. Its internal party dilemmas do not concern the citizens. PASOK's choice for tension and polarisation damage the country," Roussopoulos said.

[05] Papoulias on Turkey, FYROM's European Union prospects

Greek President Karolos Papoulias on Wednesday sent indirectly sent messages to the leaderships of EU hopefuls and neighbours Turkey and FYROM, reiterating his position vis-a-vis the two countries' European prospects by noting that "democracy and growth not centred on the individual cannot co-exist".

Papoulias made the statement from the Bulgarian capital of Sofia, while speaking at the St. Clement of Ohrid University law school, where he was awarded an honorary doctorate. The Greek president, who is on a state visit to Bulgaria, delivering an address entitled "Bulgaria in the EU and Greek-Bulgarian friendship".

He also that "Europe believes that the world order of the 21st century cannot but be founded on the democratisation of international relations and absolute respect of International Law and the United Nations Charter.

"Consequently, we consider that our relations with candidate-states are obliged to be relations of principles, in which divisions of states, the falsifying of history or selective acceptance of the European acquis are not acceptable approaches," Papoulias warned, in a reference to Turkey and FYROM.

Referring to Europe's institutional problem, Papoulias noted that "what we all want is a dynamic Europe capable of taking decisions, but without forgetting that the legitimisation of the community venture is founded on the volition of its peoples".

"The most fundamental issue, for the European citizen and, therefore, our main political goal, remains that which we aptly call the European social model," Papoulias said.

In other words, he explained "development with social cohesion, macroeconomic stability, respect for the environment, and realist prospects for the vulnerable social groups", adding that "those of us who have lived through dark periods in Europe's history perhaps more easily comprehend that democracy and non people-centred development cannot coexist".

Turning to Bulgaria's and Romania's EU accession, which he described as a "historic development of strategic importance" for the two countries and the Balkans, Papoulias noted that, since the time of his own term as foreign minister of Greece, he had considered EU enlargement encompassing SE Europe "as a deterministic course for the Union".

He said that Bulgaria "accomplished a political, institutional and economic miracle" in rendering its membership possible in "a union of states that, despite whatever weaknesses, comprises a global example of growth, quality democracy and system of values".

Referring to the main challenges faced by the European Union, he said: "It is frequently written in the European press that the European peoples no longer like the EU: The citizens are distancing themselves, as indicated by the percentages of participation in the Europarliament elections. The causes are obvious: The bureaucracy in Brussels remains labyrinthine and incomprehensible for the average citizen, the decision-taking process is centralised, the community documents are not accessible; inequalities have not been remedied; unemployment remains the biggest social problem. The ecological crisis worries the European families, which wonder about the mistakes and omissions that have been made in the name of growth. The European citizens are worried about the impasse in the combating of international terrorism, and at the same time worry about the boundaries between security and freedom."

The EU's greatest achievement, however, was the fact that "it succeeded in rendering an internal European war inconceivable".

Regarding developments in the Balkans, the Greek President stressed that Bulgaria's and Romania's accession to the EU "is the first step for a new political reality in the Balkans, a reality that is foreign to ethnic conflicts and economic recession".

He added that Greece's firm backing of the Balkans' European prospect "did not and does not comprise a diplomatic automation", and reiterated Athens' conviction that "the Balkans have paid, as only a few spots on the planet, ethnic exacerbations and antagonisms..."

He noted that the road to consolidating stability in the region "remains long and difficult", adding that Greece was among the most fervent supporters of the Balkans' European prospect.

In the context of that prospect, he stressed that "all the candidate countries in our region must be treated under equal terms and based on the present, and not on the past".

As for whatever problems have been inherited from the past and those that may arise, "the basis for their resolution must be the rules of International Law and the provisions of the UN Charter".

Besides, he said, "the Balkan peoples have been sorely tried by the antagonisms for the creation of spheres of influence, by manufactured nationalism and civil strife", adding that the EU "owes the Balkans, the Balkans due not owe the Union".

Expressing satisfaction that the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline was nearing the commencement of actual construction, Papoulias said it was a project of "strategic importance that will upgrade our country's energy presence and will give us diplomatic and economic benefits".

Later, Papoulias met successively with party leaders Ivan Kostov, Petar Stoyanov and former Bulgarian president Zhelyu Zhelev.

[06] Papoulias arrives in Romania on official visit

President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias arrived in Bucharest on Wednesday evening for a three-day official visit at the invitation of his Romanian counterpart Traian Basescu.

The Greek president is accompanied by Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Kalantzis, Deputy Economy and Finance Minister Petros Doukas, Deputy Development Minister Anastasios Nerantzis and a group of entrepreneurs.

Papoulias will have official talks with Basescu at the Cotroceni Palace on Thursday morning, which will focus on Athens-Bucharest bilateral relations, following Romania's accession to the European Union on January 1, as well as on Balkan problems.

On Thursday afternoon, Papoulias will also have meetings with President of the Romanian Parliament Bogdan Olteanu and main opposition Social Democratic Party (PSD) leader Mircea Geoana. In the evening, he will attend an official dinner given in his honour by his Romanian counterpart.

[07] FYROM PM in Brussels to promote his country's EU and NATO candidacy

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski arrived in Brussels on Tuesday for contacts with European and NATO officials to promote his country's candidacy for the European Union and the NATO alliance.

FYROM diplomats told reporters that in discussions held with NATO regarding FYROM's candidacy, the issue of the country's name was also raised. The issue was raised by Greece's permanent representative Yiannis Zepos and then by the representataive of the United States, Victoria Nuland.

The representative of the U.S. said that Washington is an ardent supporter of FYROM's accession to NATO and pointed to the pending issue existing with Greece on the name issue, reiterating that the position of the American side is that the issue must be resolved in the framework of the UN.

Nuland further said that, in any case, acts that are considered provocative must be avoided.

[08] FYROM concerned over position of NATO and EU

Reservations with which many NATO and European Union countries are facing the prospect of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (FYROM) accession to the two international orgnisations is a cause of concern for the country's leadership which, in past weeks, has started a campaign aimed at promoting its candidacy.

However, the results of this campaign have created scepticism among FYROM's leaders, since both the country's President Branko Crvenkovski and Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, who visited Brussels successively, had the opportunity of ascertaining that the scene is vague for FYROM and the pending issue concerning the country's name is making it even more vague.

As regards the EU, political analysts, both in Skopje and Brussels, were surprised by the tough and not particularly diplomatic language used by Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn during his recent visit to FYROM.

The Finnish Commissioner made it clear that the feeling prevailing in Brussels is that reforms are "dragging their feet" and that democratisation in FYROM (particularly with regard to minority rights) is inadequate.

On the question of NATO, which FYROM hopes to join in 2008, the climate is also problematic. FYROM's leaders have ascertained in past weeks that the issue of the name is on the agenda of discussions they are having with NATO officials and constitutes one of the many obstacles existing in FYROM's course towards NATO accession.

[09] Gov't on upcoming Papadopoulos visit

"Discussions between the two governments centre on bilateral cooperation within the EU and over the Cyprus issue," alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros told reporters on Wednesday.

[10] PM briefed by justice minister on progress in ministry targets

Replying to press questions after the meeting regarding the course of catharsis in the justice sector, which is one of the main ministry targets, Papaligouras said that approximately 90 judicial functionaries were facing either disciplinary or legal action at the present time.

The second major target, according to Papaligouras, was accelerating the serving of justice, in which significant results have already been achieved, despite the delays, as well as acceleration of the scheduling of trials. He added, however, that even greater efforts needed to be made in that direction.

Regarding the upgrading of the correctional system, Papaligouras said that substantial results have been achieved in this area as well. He said that new correctional facilities were currently under construction, with the second of those facilities due for completion in a few weeks, to be followed by five more. The ministry was also speeding up the decongestion of prisons, as well as upgrading the living conditions in the jails, "so as to give the inmate a second chance when he is released, with vocational training in the 'second chance schools' set up in the prisons".

Papaligouras further said that the ministry would also table in parliament two new bills, the first on accelerating administrative trials and the second on combatting corruption in the private sector.

The minister added that the second bill would be submitted soon to the Inner Cabinet, and particularly focussed on graft in the private sector, as well as on the exercise of illegitimate influence in the private sector.

As for the first bill, Papaligouras said it would be brought before parliament for debate and voting in about six weeks' time.

Replying to another question on whether there would be a judicial investigation "in all directions" into the death of Social Insurance Foundation (IKA) governor Yannis Vartholomeos' death, Papaligouras noted that "the case is in the hands of the police at this time...The results of the police investigation will determine the ensuing judicial course".

[11] Greece, Cyprus may have allowed secret CIA flights, MEPs say

Greece and Cyprus are among 14 EU member-states suspected of turning a blind eye to secret CIA flights taking terror suspects to countries where they could face torture, according to a report approved by a majority of MEPs in the European Parliament on Wednesday.

The EU parliament voted to accept a resolution condemning member states who accepted or ignored the practice.

The EU report said the US had operated 1,200 flights, flying suspects on to states where they could face torture.

The report was adopted by a large majority, with 382 MEPs voting in favour, 256 against and 74 abstaining.

A paragraph referring to Greece said that aircraft used by the CIA had made 64 stops in Greek airports. It expressed grave concerns regarding the purpose of flights coming from or flying to countries linked to the CIA's "extraordinary renditions" circuit, as the prisoner transfers were termed.

In the case of Cyprus, the report pointed to 57 stops at Cyprus airports of CIA-operated planes.

It is unlikely, the report said, that European governments were unaware of rendition activities on their territory.

"This is a report that doesn't allow anyone to look the other way. We must be vigilant that what has been happening in the past five years may never happen again," said Italian Socialist MEP Giovanni Fava, who drafted the document.

Centre-right MEPs criticised the report, however, saying it was motivated by "anti-Americanism". The EU Parliament majority rejected basic amendments, however, saying that there was no firm evidence against the member-states.

European Commission for Justice Franco Frattini said the message from the report was a need for "greater and closer EuroAtlantic cooperation, greater cooperation with the U.S. in the name of two principles: "Security and mutual respect for individual rights".

[12] Papandreou expels MP Koulouris from PASOK Parliamentary group

A letter by Papandreou announcing the decision was read out at a Parliament plenary session on Wednesday by Parliament president Anna Psarouda-Benaki.

Koulouris made acerbic statements against fellow PASOK MP and former minister Theodoros Pangalos this past week following the latter's prime time proposal to change the university asylum law to allow unrestricted police patrols on university campuses, an anathema for leftist parties in the country.

[13] Frigate 'Adrias' delivered to Greek Navy

The total cost of the project is 380 million euros. The frigate "Kountouriotis" the first to undergo the roughly 18-month overhaul, while next in line is the "Navarino".

[14] Trash fire at U.S. Embassy extinguished

At 9:30 p.m., the Firebrigade received a telephone call from the embassy of a fire at the basement.

The firemen immediately sped to the embassy.

The U.S. embassy issued a statement later in the evening saying:

"Tonight there was a small trash fire in the basement of the U.S. embassy in a hallway. The building was largely empty and all personnel were evacuated. There were no injuries. The fire department was invited in and they quickly contained and extinguished the fire. We will work with the fire department to establish the cause of the fire."

Financial News

[15] Closer economic ties between Greece, UAE on the agenda of FM's visit

The Federation of Northern Greece Industries on Wednesday signed a memorandum of cooperation here with the Chamber of Abu Dhabi, a pact expected to pave the way closer ties between the two markets, whereas Greek entrepreneurs held their first meetings with UAE counterparts, mostly focusing on the construction sector and renewable energy sources.

The Greek business delegation is headed by Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis.

On her part, the Greek FM met with Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed El Nahian and with her counterpart Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahian.

The meetings reaffirmed the very good political relations between the two countries and the need to upgrade bilateral economic relations. The meetings also focused on the Middle East problem, and in particular, the Palestinian issue in the aftermath of an agreement between Hamas and Fatah to form a national unity government. Discussions also included the situation in Iran and Iraq.

Addressing a business forum, Bakoyannis urged for closer bilateral relations and called entrepreneurs from both countries to exploit opportunities offered by Greece and UAE.

"Most of the 90 major Greek firms included in our delegation are eager to share their experience and to establish strategic economic partnerships," the Greek Foreign Minister said.

Bakoyanni and the Foreign Deputy Minister Evripides Stylianidis, who is accompanying her on the visit, presented Greece as a regional centre of a wider market with 250 million consumers in the Balkans, the Black Sea region and the eastern Mediterranean.

On his part, Stylianidis cited what he called a "massive business expansion of Greek businesses in our immediate neighborhood, Greek direct investments in Albania, FYROM and Serbia bringing Greece first in Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs); second in Bulgaria and third in Romania."

"As far as the banking sector is concerned, more than 1.200 Greek branches operate in the SE European region, increasing their market share to 20 percent. Last year, the National Bank of Greece bought the majority of the shares of a large Turkish Bank, FinansBank, whereas Eurobank bought out the majority of the shares of another Turkish Bank, TekfenBank. However, for this decade, the southeast European region is not the only one of importance to our economic diplomacy. The Black Sea region and the broader region of the Middle East, including the Gulf States, are of equal significance for us too," Stylianidis added.

[16] EBEA president holds meetings in UAE with entrepreneurs

Mihalos' meetings were held during the official visit to the region by Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis who is accompanied by representatives of agencies and entrepreneurs.

The EBEA president, in the context of the further strengthening of Greek exports to the UAE, had contacts with agencies and representatives of the local business community, with the main objective the best possible coordination of a large exhibition of Greek consumer products and services "Made in Greece", which is planned for October.

Over the past years, Greek exports to the UAE have quatrupled, but as Mihalos said, there is still a great margin for their further increase.

On Thursday, Mihalos will visit Dubai's port installations and will have meetings with agencies with the objective the improvement of the trade transactions between the two countries.

"The Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry believes that big investment opportunities exist for Greek businesses in the region," Mihalos said, adding that "for this reason, EBEA is continuing its effort of strengthening cooperation between the businesses of Greece and of the United Arab Emirates."

[17] GDP up 4.4 pct. points in Q4 2006

The increase was attributed to a 5.4 percent increase in end demand of the economy.

Also, investments rose by 9.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2006 against the same quarter in 2005, ESYE said, adding that this increase contributed by 2.1 percentage points to the increase in end demand of the economy.

With result to end consumption, ESYE announced that expenditure for end consumption rose by 2.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2006 against the corresponding quarter in 2005, adding that this increase contributed by 1.7 percentage points to the increase in end demand of the economy.

Finally, during the same period, exports rose by 10.9 percent while imports increased by 9.3 percent, ESYE said.

[18] Parliament ratifies the Thessaloniki underwater tunnel contract

Environment, Land Planning and Public Works Minister George Souflias stated that the project is environmentally friendly because it will reduce downtown traffic considerably, given that more than 80,000 motorists will use it on a daily basis.

Construction is set to begin in April on the 6.5km underwater tunnel and will take an estimated four years to be completed.

[19] Liapis-Kaklamanis meeting to discuss Suburban railway extension to Piraeus

This was the first meeting between the two men on the issue.

Kaklamanis stated that there was agreement on most aspects but another meeting will be held to settle certain outstanding details. He appeared optimistic that an agreement will be reached which, however, will have to be approved by the City Council.

Liapis reiterated that the Proastiakos suburban railway will reach Piraeus by spring and sections of the network will become underground gradually, noting that it was impossible to construct the entire extension underground.

[20] Govt offers state guarantees to bank loans for flood damage restoration works

The credit facilities will be used to restore damages suffered in their houses, businesses and farms.

[21] Palli-Petralia visits OTEK offices; tourism training is being upgraded

The minister spoke of "a new starting point in professional training," underlining that "the human factor is that which decisively differentiates the tourism product."

She added that "the skills and capabilities of the professional in tourism are those which will give the comparative advantage in relation with other competitive countries."

In cooperation with Education and Religious Affairs Minister Marietta Yiannakou, Palli-Petralia reiterated the announcement of the founding of a tourism university, which, along with the other existing tourism schools, but also those which have been announced (tourism academies), will compose in the future the spectrum of tourism training.

The tourism development minister appeared particularly optimistic regarding the modernisation of tourism training schools and said that "there is still a lot that needs to be done."

[22] Event on 'Green Paper' in EU, modernisation of labour legislation

Employment Minister Savvas Tsitouridis said that "we must not distance ourselves from the European acquis communautaire regarding protection for labour relations, but that a compromise must be sought between the needs of employers and of social cohesion." He added that this can only result from a long social dialogue at both European and national level.

Main opposition PASOK party Deputy Evangelos Venizelos said that the European social model is being questioned, as well as the development model, with the risk of having dealocks. He pointed out that the discussion is not taking place in a unified manner at European level, since many countries remain loyal to the continental social model and others tend to downgrade it.

General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) President Yiannis Panagopoulos said that "the innovation of the Green Paper lies in the flexibility of dismissals, both of individual and collective ones, in return for an abstract security with vague terms as to achieving it, through the transfer to society in its entirety of the cost of the reaccession of the unemployed to the labour force."

[23] New body representing pensioners established

Pensioners also call for improved medical care for the homeless and the poor.

According to the confederation's board, the long-term objective is to become the body representing all 2.2 million pensioners in the country.

[24] Measures being taken for the protection of dairy produce

At a meeting at the ministry chaired by Deputy Minister Alexandros Kontos on Wednesday, examined were the sector's problems and proposed measures were discussed.

These include the definite closure of businesses which adulterate feta cheese, their exclusion from state-supplying and the change of the legislative framework on indications contained in the labels for milk and yoghurt.

[25] Nationwide strike on Thursday by Olympic Airlines contract personnel

Due to this decision, the company is obliged to cancel a total of ten internal and foreign flights.

[26] Teachers' federation to hold strike on February 22

The federation said that after the strike and following the recommendation of DOE's board, general assemblies of the associations will be held so as to decide on the sector's further course.

The teachers' main demands are 1,400 euros net for newly-appointed teachers, an increase of funds for education at five per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), full pension at 30 years of work and the abolition of all the "anti-social insurance" laws.

[27] Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling reports 18 pct rise in 2006 profits

The company said volume of sales, excluding new acquisitions, totalled 1.746 million cans last year, up 11 percent from 2005, while comparable earnings per share totalled 1.57 euros, up 17 percent over the same period.

Chief executive Doros Constantinou, presenting the results, said the board was examining all possible benefits for the company and its shareholders, while he did not exclude the transfer of the company's base abroad. Constantinou said benefits would not focus solely on the financial sector, although he noted that no specific decision has been made as yet.

Commenting on a decision by the Competition Commission to impose a heavy fine against the company in the summer of 2006, Constantinou said Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling appealed against the decision and an appellate ruling was expected in mid-March.

Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling expects a 5-6 pct increase in the sales in the next three- to five-years period, an 11-13 percent increase in pre-tax and interest earnings and an annual increase of 75 basis points on ROIC rate. The company expects a 7-8 pct increase in the volume of sales this year, an 11-13 pct rise in EBIT, a 12-14 pct increase in net earnings per share and stable capital spending of around 500 million euros.

The company plans to further expand its activities in central Europe and, in particular, Russia, focusing on bottled water and juices.

[28] ICI elects new executive committee

The new Executive Committee of the International Council of Investors, ICI, was elected in Skopje, FYROM on Tuesday.

Aristides Vlachos of Prime Info Skopje was re-elected president, while Ioannis Psychogios of the Greek-owned OKTA AD was elected vice-president.

The committee members are, Megaklis Stoukidis (Cosmofon, Cosmote subsidiary in FYROM), Vassilis Vassilatos, of Euroconsultants Ltd. Skopje, Nikos Koufakis of Ernst & Young Skopje, Georgios Papanastasiou second general manager Stopanska Banka AD Skopje (Bank of Greece subsidiary) Nikos Voudouris, representative of Zito Lux (ELBISCO Group subsidiary), Dragisa Zlatkovski, Siemens AE representative office in Skopje and Maren Diale-Schellschmidt, representative office of the German economy - DIHK.

The ICI is a non profit organization founded in FYROM in October 2002 by 11 major foreign companies, active in the country, and currently has more than 30 members.

[29] Petzetakis says Wavin offer totals 49 mln euros

The Greek-listed company said that since the signing of a pre-agreement with Wavin B.V. in September 2006, it was in consultations with its creditor banks in order to workout a refinancing deal for its bank debt.

Petzetakis said the sale to Wavin and the issuance of a new syndicated loan were landmark agreements for the company's future, since the two moves were expected to restore financial stability.

[30] Cooperation between Hotels Chamber of Greece and Cypriot Hoteliers Federation

It was an initiative by the board of the Hotels Chamber of Greece in the framework of a series of acts scheduled by the Chamber's board to boost the extroversion of the Greek hotel sector and, consequently, of Greek tourism.

The representatives of the two agencies reached the conclusion that Greece and Cyprus are tourist destinations having considerable prospects, particular characteristics and competitive advantages.

[31] Cap Markets Commission seeks more transparency in ASE

In an effort to effectively combat money laundering, the Capital Markets Commission in cooperation with the Bank of Greece will prohibit securities firms from opening new customer codes and accepting transactions with off-share companies unless they know the final owner.

"No one can hide behind off-share companies to transact in the stock market and mislead both supervisory authorities and investors," Pilavios said, adding that heavy fines would be imposed against firms engaged in illegal practices.

The Capital Markets Commission also said it categorically opposed listed companies' practices of including forecasts for their profits over the next three to five years in their business plan, although it noted it does not have the jurisdiction to forbid such a practice.

Pilavios said auditors would be responsible both for the parent as well as all subsidiaries of a group, and he underlined that the Capital Markets Commission will monitor all large trade orders annulled in a very short period of time without any obvious reason, a practice used to manipulate the market.

Pilavios also urged investors to avoid speculation and "rumour-mongering", while he noted that foreign investors trusted the Greek market and that their increased participation was evidence of this confidence. The Capital Markets Commission's president said hedge funds have also increased their presence on the Athens stock market, while he announced changes in the operations of hedge funds in Greece over the next couple of years to boost transparency.

[32] Survey by National Telecommunications and Post Offices Committee

According to the survey's findings, the value of the speedy delivery companies reached 243 million euros in 2005 against 213 million euros in 2004, marking a 14 per cent increase, while the bulk of the objects delivered exceeded 39 million, presenting a 16.5 per cent increase.

The lion's share is by the Greek Post Offices (ELTA) which takes 61 per cent of the total revenue. Regarding the time of delivery of the objects, 81 per cent of post office speedy deliveries in the country's interior takes one day.

[33] Greek stocks jump 1.11% on Wednesday

All sectors ended higher with the Construction (3.37 pct), Raw Materials (2.39 pct), Healthcare (2.35 pct) and Telecoms (2.04 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day.

The Big Cap index rose 1.05 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 1.35 pct higher and the Small Cap index jumped 1.94 pct.

Alpha Grissin (19.70 pct), Lanakam (11.30 pct) and Kreka (11.03 pct) were top gainers, while Allatini Ceramics (15.60 pct), Ikona-Ihos (4.76 pct) and Nikas (3.64 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 222 to 43 with another 42 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +0.61%

Industrials: +1.73%

Commercial: +0.59%

Construction: +3.37%

Media: +1.56%

Oil & Gas: +0.57%

Personal & Household: +0.92%

Raw Materials: +2.39%

Travel & Leisure: +0.26%

Technology: +1.90%

Telecoms: +2.04%

Banks: +0.71%

Food & Beverages: +1.96%

Health: +2.35%

Utilities: +0.90%

Chemicals: +0.56%

Financial Services: +1.56%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, OTE, Bank of Cyprus and Cosmote.

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

Alpha Bank: 24.64

ATEbank: 4.12

Public Power Corp (PPC): 22.10

HBC Coca Cola: 31.20

Hellenic Petroleum: 11.10

Emporiki Bank: 22.16

National Bank of Greece: 39.50

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 29.52

Intralot: 25.20

Cosmote: 22.60

OPAP: 29.36

OTE: 22.56

Titan Cement Company: 45.50

[34] ADEX closing report

The February contract on the FTSE 20 index was traded at a discount of 0.40 pct and on the FTSE 40 index at a discount of 0.12 percent.

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index was 22,871 contracts worth 290.086 million euros, with 24,702 open positions in the market, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 943 contracts worth 26.364 million euros with 1,506 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 6,633 contracts worth 5.273 million euros with investment interest focusing on National Bank's contracts (926), followed OTE (301), PPC (345), Piraeus Bank (616), Alpha Bank (334), Intracom (739) and ATEbank (541).

Volume in stock repos was 154 contracts and in reverse stock repos 6,864 contracts.

[35] Greek bond market closing report

The 10-year benchmark bond (July 20, 2016) was the most heavily traded security with a turnover of 790 million euros, while the yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German bonds was 0.23 percent. The Greek bond yielded 4.35 pct and the German Bund 4.12 pct.

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were mixed. National Bank's overnight rate fell to 3.58 pct from 3.70 pct on Tuesday, the two-day rate was 3.58 pct, the one-month rate was 3.61 pct and the 12-month rose to 4.11 pct from 4.09 pct on Tuesdsay.

[36] Foreign Exchange Rates - Thursday

U.S. dollar 1.318

Pound sterling 0.674

Danish kroner 7.512

Swedish kroner 9.214

Japanese yen 159.82

Swiss franc 1.639

Norwegian kroner 8.153

Cyprus pound 0.583

Canadian dollar 1.538

Australian dollar 1.686

General News

[37] Conference on mass media and shaping of stereotypes

IOM president and director Rodolfos Moronis said that the aim of the conference is the effort to promote a fruitful dialogue, mainly through the sector of the "workers" of information who, either willingly or unwillingly, or merely due to the lack of general or special education are led to racist attitudes.

Is Greece a xenophobic country? The reply given to this question by a poll conducted by the VPRC company, and presented during the conference, is one word: confusion.

A total of 1,500 Greeks from all over the country questioned last November revealed that 54 percent of respondents believe that immigrants contribute positively to the Greek economy while, on the other hand, 56 percent believe that they are responsible for unemployment, the decrease in salaries and the increase in public expenditures.

ANA-MPA general director George Tambakopoulos said that at the ANA-MPA importance is continuing to be placed mainly on anti-racist tones, explaining that the nationality of the protagonist in a news item is not mentioned in any title. The main slogan of the ANA-MPA "Earth is our neighbourhood" refers in essence, as he said, to one of the parametres concerning the solution to the racist problem.

[38] Efforts to clear world's minefields discussed at Athens event

According to Craig Maclachlan, the deputy permanent representative to the Conference on Disarmament and deputy to the president of the Mine Ban Convention, some 153 countries have signed the treaty so far, whereas 43 have not.

On the bright side, Maclachlan said 38 million stockpiled anti-personnel landmines have been destroyed since 1997, whereas production has been severely curtailed as well and nearly US$380 million has been earmarked over the years for landmine clearance along with support and aid to victims.

Conversely, he said the Asia-Pacific region lags behind in adherence to the treaty, whereas a total of 10 "non-state actors" have engaged in mine laying over the past few years.

On his part, Per Nergaard, director of the mine ban action unit of the Norwegian People's Aid, a noted NGO, said his group is active in 12 countries, including SE Europe's Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Regarding the latter, Nergaard said between 750,000 to one million landmines were planted in the one-time Yugoslav republic during the civil war in the 1990s. Additionally, estimates today range from 400 to 2,400 square kilometres as "mine contaminated" in the country.

Moreover, he called attention to a conference next week in Oslo centred on the non-proliferation of cluster munitions, a looming threat similar to anti-personnel landmines.

Finally, Ioannis Probonas, the head of the Hellenic Army's landmine unit, said 31 Greek mine disposal officers and servicemen have died in the 53 years that the Greek military began operations to clear WWII and Civil War-era minefields.

He stressed that the remaining mapped minefields on Greek territory, in the Evros border area opposite the Turkish frontier, are clearly marked with danger symbols, warnings in three languages and enclosed by no less than two chain-linked and barbed-wire topped fences.

Nevertheless, Probonas said 104 illegal immigrants have been killed in Greek minefields since 1995, and another 187 have been severely injured.

"We have to ask ourselves if these incidents aren't intentional acts by some people who want to test the effectiveness of the Greek minefields," he noted, adding that Greece has formally promised to clear all minefields by March 1, 2014.

The panel discussion was organised at a downtown Athens hotel by the embassies of Australia, Canada and Norway and also co-hosted by the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP).

Mine clearing project in northwestern Greece

A private contractor will undertake mine clearance on the mountains of Grammos and Vitsi, northwestern Greece, within the framework of an initiative announced on Wednesday by the Western Macedonia Region authority. Thousands of landmines, grenades, munitions and makeshift explosive devices remain buried in the region since WWII and the Greek civil war.

The company will undertake to clear mines over 30 hectares, replacing the Greek Army which was exclusively responsible for such operations until now.

U.S. and British satellites will be used to locate minefields that are not on the map while local shepherds, hunters, and loggers will be asked to point out areas that they know are dangerous from experience.

The 4.47-million-euro project will be launched immediately and will be completed in November 2008.

[39] Three remanded for abduction, abuse of economic migrant

The three are alleged to be part of a gang that brought Bulgarian economic migrants to Greece and then exploited them financially. They have denied the charges against them, which include forming a criminal organisation, human trafficking, illegal detainment, dangerous bodily harm, rape, exposure, and acting together to commit illegal violence and extortion.

The accused - two women and a man - were brought in to testify before the magistrate in Thessaloniki at 10:30 on Wednesday morning. The 31-year-old man was walking with the aid of a crutch, while all three had covered their faces.

According to police, they had imprisoned a 37-year-old Bulgarian woman in a stable in Adendro, Thessaloniki and subjected her to torture and sexual abuse in order to convince her husband - who had since been deported to Bulgaria - to send them 3,500 euros. They said that this was the fee that they charged for bringing the couple to Greece and to pay for their room and board.

[40] Foiled attempts to smuggle over 200kg of hashish into Greece

Police confiscated 141 kilos of hashish loaded on a mule after ambushing two Albanians in the region of Dipotamia. One of the drug traffickers pointed a Kalashnikov at the officers but they disarmed and arrested him while his accomplice managed to escape. Police also confiscated a number of bullets and two sets of license plates stolen from Kastoria and Thessaloniki.

Two Albanians were arrested in a separate incident at Kostarazi, Kastoria, after a total of 64 kilos of hashish were found concealed in a flower company truck they were driving.

[41] Public prosecutor continues address at November 17 group trial

The prosecutor has so far proposed the guilt of defendants for 13 of the group's actions that had taken place between 1984 and September 1989, when New Democracy party official Pavlos Bakoyannis was murdered.

She proposed the guilt as the moral accomplice of Alexandros Yiotopoulos for all of these actions. As for the remaining defendants, Koutzamani based herself on the pleas and confessions they gave (during the preliminary enquiry, the regular enquiry itself or the hearing) and on evidence backing them, meaning testimonies by eyewitnesses or other documents to decide on their guilt or innocence in each case.

In the case of the slaying of policeman Christos Matis, Koutzamani proposed a verdict of guilty for Dimitris Koufontinas, as well as for Christodoulos Xiros and Patroklos Tselentis as being a direct accomplice and a simple accomplice respectively. She also proposed a verdict of innocence for Nikos Papanastasiou.

Koutzamani will be continuing her address before the court on Thursday.

[42] Police prevent suicide after posting of intention on Internet

Acting on a tip-off, officers of the Attica security police's electronic crime division traced the address of the PC used by the 18-year-old and notified his parents, who told police that the boy was suffering from psychological problems.

The boy had posted in the chat room several messages that he intended to commit suicide for personal reasons, including a detailed account of how, with the use of pills.

[43] Theft at PPC worksite, night watchman injured

The 49-year-old Pakistani night watchman told police that his attackers, probably gypsies based on the description he gave, beat him up and proceeded to bind and gag him before loading the stolen materials onto a technical company truck parked at the worksite.

[44] US consul general in Kavala

Yee met with municipal, prefectural and police officials of Kavala prefecture.

Cyprus Affairs

[45] Cyprus condemns Turkey's announcement of oil exploration in the Mediterranean

Cyprus Government Spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardis condemned on Wednesday as illegal Turkey's decision to conduct oil exploration in the Mediterranean, adding that Cyprus will proceed with its plans as scheduled.

Replying to questions after a Council of Ministers meeting, Government Spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardis said that ''even if the date for implementing Turkey's decision to conduct exploration in the Mediterranean remains undetermined, the Cyprus government condemns this decision as illegal and examines ways of reaction.''

Pashiardis said that on Thursday the official opening of Cyprus First Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Round offshore Cyprus will take place as planned, but refrained from making any other comments.

Cyprus has signed agreements for the delimitation of its Exclusive Economic Zone with Egypt and Lebanon.

Cyprus, an EU member state since 2004, has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied one third of its territory.

[46] Cyprus House President deplores Turkey's decision for oil researches

Cyprus House President Demetris Christofias deplored on Wednesday as ''moves of diversion'' Turkish National and Natural Gas Company's (TPAO) decision to conduct oil researches in the Mediterranean, at a region at the south of Antalya and at the west of Cyprus.

Replying to questions after arriving in Cyprus from China where he held an official visit, Christofias said that Turkey's decision ''provokes the reaction of all of us, because these actions of diversion in which Turkey is proceeding are moves that show once more that Turkey is an occupying force and that it does not respect the international law and the law of the sea.''

''Turkey does not respect the sovereignty of its neighbouring states,'' Christofias added, noting ''we are not only referring to Cyprus, part of which Turkey is occupying but other neighbouring states such as Lebanon, Syria and Egypt.''

''Consequently I will deplore once more these unacceptable actions,'' he concluded.

Turkey's decision was announced on Tuesday, two days before Cyprus' Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, officially opens the First Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Round offshore Cyprus.

[47] Britain hopes Turkey's actions will not create tension

British High Commissioner in Nicosia Peter Millet expressed here Wednesday hope that Turkey will not do anything that will create tension in the Eastern Mediterranean. Millet was invited to comment on a decision by the National and Natural Gas Company of Turkey (TPAO) to conduct oil exploration in the Mediterranean, south of Antalya and west of Cyprus.

Millet stressed that his country recognizes the sovereignty of the Cyprus Republic and its right to conclude international and bilateral agreements and said that this right is not questioned, adding that he agrees that "silence is golden as far as black gold is concerned as well."

On the question of Cyprus, the British diplomat emphasised the importance of the implementation the soonest possible of the 8th July 2006 agreement, reached between Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot Mehmet Ali Talat to begin a process of bicommunal

discussions on issues that affect the day-to-day life of the people and concurrently those that concern substantive issues, both contributing to a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem.

He noted that UN Special Representative to Cyprus Michael Moller has been making many efforts towards the implementation of this agreement for a year now.

"The 8 July agreement must be implemented the soonest possible and the technical committees and working groups to begin their work," Millet said.

As regards the oil issue, Millet recalled that Britain was the first country to express its position on the issue.

"We stated that we recognize the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus as well as its right to conclude international and bilateral agreements. This right is not in question," he added.

Invited to comment the announcement on the part of Turkey that it will begin exploration at sea west of Cyprus, Millet noted that Turkey does not implement the Law of the Sea and thus has a different position on the issue.

"However all other European countries recognize this Law and Cyprus' right for example, under this Treaty, to conduct exploration at sea and in its exclusive economic zone," he added.

"We hope that Turkey will not do anything that will create tension in the area," he concluded.

[48] Greece and Cyprus renew their Sports cooperation memorandum for 2007

Cyprus and Greece signed here on Thursday a memorandum renewing their partnership, covering a total of 29 sports, for 2007.

The memorandum was signed by visiting Greece's Deputy Minister of Culture, responsible for sports George Orphanos and by Cyprus Sport Organization Vice President Rikos Theocharides.

Orphanos described the memorandum as ''strongly expanded and aggressively developmental,'' adding that this would ''give the Greek and Cypriot sports the capability to make even more steps of progress, which the two countries are showing during the last years.''

The memorandum covers cooperation in football, sailing, shooting, athletics, tennis, badminton, volley bal, show skiing, gymnastics, wrestling, karate, squash, table tennis, basket ball, boxing, archery, fencing, triathlon, Modern Pentathlon, judo, paragliding, swimming, cycling, water ski, weight lifting, rowing, handicap athletics, handball and Canoe/Kayak.

According to Theocharides, the memorandum is based on three axes. The first covers issues of education, from science to training and the organising of joint seminars, the second covers exchange and training of high performance athletes of the two countries and the third axe covers the participation of athletes of Greece and Cyprus in the major sporting events hosted in the two countries.

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