Athens News Agency: News Bulletin in English, 07-02-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] Finance ministry announces 3.5 pct. basic salary increase

[02] PASOK slams 'meagre' pay rises announced by Finmin

[03] Papoulias in Bucharest: Greece backs EU membership for SE Europe

[04] Greece again staunchly defends EU member Cyprus' right to sign oil exploration deals; Ankara reaction dismissed

[05] Commissioner's spokeswoman on exploration of oil off Cyprus

[06] No basis for dialogue with Turkey over Thrace minority, Athens says

[07] Athens supports Ahtisaari process for Kosovo, Koumoutsakos says

[08] Koumoutsakos on the foreign minister's visit to the UAE

[09] Foreign ministry clarifies issue of EHAE president's talks in UAE

[10] Government on PM's speech at insurers union

[11] Bakoyannis meets OSCE commissioner for minorities

[12] Yiannakou in Brussels for EU ministers' meeting

[13] EU Environment Commissioner Dimas holds meetings in Washington

[14] Antonaros on Alavanos' comments

[15] FinMin, justice minister meeting

[16] No order for IKA investigation, government says

[17] Synaspismos leader Alavanos meets secondary school teachers

[18] Greek trade deficit widened to 31.2 bln euros in Jan-Nov 2006, Eurostat

[19] Greek exports rose 21 pct and imports were up 17 pct in the January-November period.

[20] Greek shipping fleet totalled 2,013 vessels in 2006

[21] Allatini announces public offer to buy 65.68 pct in Katselis

[22] Czech firms interested in waste management cooperation

[23] OTE to hold extraordinary shareholders' meeting on March 14

[24] Inform Lycos expands cooperation with Euronet Card Services

[25] Bank employees express great concern

[26] Arab-Hellenic Chamber to participate in 'Libya Build 2007' exhibition

[27] ASE approves listing of new shares

[28] Greek stocks ease slightly on Friday

[29] ADEX closing report

[30] Greek bond market closing report

[31] Foreign Exchange Rates - Saturday-Monday

[32] Rain ushers in Clean Monday weekend

[33] Greek ambassador in US attends several events in Arizona, California

[34] University professors decide to continue their strike

[35] N17 trial prosecutor aims closing arguments at Giotopoulos, Koufodinas

[36] Tests show IKA Governor Vartholomeos suffered from heart problems

[37] Appeals judge remanded in custody on fraud, money-laundering charge

[38] Foreign truck driver arrested for drug smuggling

[39] Gun and drug possession arrests in Larissa

[40] Elderly man killed by handgrenade explosion in Thessaloniki

[41] Sudden death of police suspect on Thasos

[42] Weather forecast: Rainy, windy on Saturday

[43] The Athens dailies at a glance

[44] Spokesman: Cyprus to proceed with hydrocarbon exploitation as planned

[45] PACE President to visit Cyprus to promote dialogue

[46] President appoints new Minister of Education

[01] Finance ministry announces 3.5 pct. basic salary increase

According to a ministry announcement, remuneration will increase by an additional 1.1 percent due to matura-tion (changes in salary scale, salary promotions, etc.).

Further, pensions paid by the public sector and by social insurance organisations following the public sector pension regime will increase by 4 percent.

Under the government's incomes policy for 2007, teachers and professor would be offered the first tranches of a education premium worth 105 euros, while hospital staff would be given a 17.5 euros per month wage premium for the first six months of the year and another 35 euros per month in the second half of 2007.

Security Corps and Armed Forces will be given an additional 2.0 pct increase this year and an 8.0 pct increase from next year, while veterinary staff will be given a raise in the bonus pay from 35 to 70 euros, starting March 1.

The finance ministry, in an announcement said pay rises would total around 4.0 pct if included additional increases.

Pensions will be given a 4.0 pct increase this year.

[02] PASOK slams 'meagre' pay rises announced by Finmin

"Following his favourite tactic, Mr. Alogoskoufis has chosen to make the announcement on a Friday afternoon in the hope that the meagre raises to wages and pensions will go unnoticed," said PASOK MP Vasso Papandreou, who is in charge of economic issues for the party's Parliamentary Council.

"Workers and pensioners, however, are daily faced with a high cost of living and galloping price rises to products, fuel and services that whittle away their income," she said.

According to the MP, in a bid to make the situation more palatable, Alogoskoufis had referred in his announcement to benefits received by only some public-sector staff, most of which had already been announced before.

"By announcing wage policy through a press release, Mr. Alogoskoufis may have avoided questions but he cannot avoid the displeasure of the citizens. The policy of so-called reform of the economy that occurs by redistributing income from the many to the few no longer convinces anyone," she claimed.

The pay rises also came under fire from the smaller opposition parties in Parliament, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and the Coalition of the Left, of Movements and Ecology party (SYN).

A KKE announcement said that workers in the private and public sector should reply to the government's "provocative incomes policy" by demanding a minimum wage of 1300 euros a month and a minimum pension of 1050 euros a month, as well as unemployment benefit for all jobless, without terms and conditions.

SYN president Alekos Alavanos said the government was "offering crumbs that offended the dignity and the needs of public-sector workers and pensioners" and at the same time reneging on a promise to draw up a new pay scale, as requested by the civil servants' union ADEDY, as well as other promises.

The General Confederation of Employees of Greece (GSEE), Greece's largest umbrella trade union group, said the low pay rise extended a period of severe austerity at a time when banks and businesses were making record profits.

"The buying power of workers and pensioners has been drastically reduced by the uncontrolled increase in prices, lea-ding families to excessive debt and greatly increasing poverty," GSEE President Yiannis Panagopoulos said.

According to the ministry announcement, basic salaries in the broader public sector, the Armed Forces and security forces, will increase by 3.5 percent in 2007.

Remuneration will increase by an additional 1.1 percent due to maturation (changes in salary scale, salary promotions, etc.), it added.

Further, pensions paid by the public sector and by social insurance organisations following the public sector pension regime will increase by 4 percent.

[03] Papoulias in Bucharest: Greece backs EU membership for SE Europe

Greece's aspiration is to create necessary conditions so that southeastern Europe comprises a region of stability, peace, economic cooperation and growth in tandem with its partici-pation in the European Union, "as it deserves", Greek President Karolos Papoulias said Friday in Bucharest, winding up a three-day state visit to Romania.

Papoulias delivered a greeting on Friday morning to a Greek-Romanian business forum, while earlier he met with Romanian Prime Minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu, with whom he had a discussion on bilateral relations in all sectors, with an emphasis on investments and trade, as well as on the major problems of the region. The meeting was also attended by Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Kalantzis, Deputy Development Mi-nister Tassos Nerantzis and Deputy Economy Minister Petros Doukas.

Addressing the Forum, Papoulias recalled that Greece has drafted and was implementing programmes for development cooperation with the countries of SE Europe and was also "contributing to the progress and economic growth of the region through the Greek Plan for the Reconstruction of the Balkans".

He also stressed that Greece-based entrepreneurs were amongst the first to start up activities in Romania some 15 years ago, because "they believed in the abilities of the Romanian people and sought opportunities".

Papoulias also described as significant the fact that prominent Greek businesspeople have entered the Romanian market, stressing that "this constitutes the best example of the respect and immense confidence the Greek business world has in the Romanian economy".

Romania today is one of Greece's most significant trade partners, and vice-versa, while bilateral trade ties are estimated at nearly one billion euros, which Papoulias said could be improved now that Romania is an EU member-state.

Greece ranks among the three biggest foreign investors in Ro-mania, with invested capital exceeding three billion euros, whereas those investments have resulted in the creation of tens of thousands of jobs.

At present, seven Greek banks are active in Romania and, via a network of 270 branches, provide employment for 6,000 people, Papoulias continued. He also noted the equally signi-ficant presence of Greek construction companies that have undertaken major projects in Romania.

Apart from his official talks with the Romanian prime minister and President Traian Basescu, Papoulias also paid courtesy visits to the 92-year-old Orthodox Patriarch of Romania, Theoktistos, and Bucharest Mayor Adrian Videanu.

He was also due to meet with Romanian Senate president Nicolae Vacaroiu on Friday afternoon, before attending a con-cert by pianist Dora Bakopoulou and singer Elli Paspala, before departing on Friday evening for Athens.

Later comments

Speaking to Greek reporters at the end of his weeklong trip, Papoulias expressed satisfaction with results of his meetings, calling his tour "absolutely necessary" following the accession of Bulgaria and Romania into the European Union on Jan. 1., 2007.

He also emphasised that Athens, Sofia and Bucharest, which now constitute the Union's unofficial "Balkan core", must increase efforts to achieve goals outlined in the "Thessaloniki Agenda", namely, the EU accession of other western Balkan states.

[04] Greece again staunchly defends EU member Cyprus' right to sign oil exploration deals; Ankara reaction dismissed

"It is unnecessary to keep repeating something that is absolu-tely self-evident ... Independent countries have the inalienable sovereign right to enter into bilateral agreements and to honor such agreements," foreign ministry spokesman George Kou-moutsakos told reporters during his regular weekly briefing.

In highlighting the aggressive stance assumed by Ankara of late against EU member Cyprus because of the issue, Kou-moutsakos added that "disputing such a fundamental right of International Law, which, in fact, regulates the entire interna-tional community's operation, is a lonely path, a path in breach with Europe's rules and principles."

The Greek spokesman also referred directly to the region in question, saying the eastern Mediterranean desperately needs stability, good-neighborly relations and mutual respect between regional states.

"This is what Egypt, Cyprus and Lebanon are doing in this specific case. What Turkey does is its business, and of course, this is evaluated and judged," he added.

Asked about a recent statement by the Turkish energy minister regarding Turkish oil exploration in the Aegean Sea, Kou-moutsakos declined to comment, saying only that the latter is a "statement of intent, and it's evaluated as such".

Regarding overall Greek-Turkish relations, the spokesman said that improvement is always the goal, in tandem with the safeguarding of the country's interests.

Government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros more-or-less echoed the foreign ministry spokesman during a same-day press briefing.

Antonaros repeated, moreover, that Athens and Nicosia are closely and effectively cooperating on all such issues.

In fact, Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos will arrive in Athens for talks next week.

[05] Commissioner's spokeswoman on exploration of oil off Cyprus

The spokeswoman of EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said on Friday that the Republic of Cyprus is a sovereign state, can sign international agreements and this cannot be disputed. She was replying to reporters' questions on the issue of the exploration of oil off Cyprus.

The EU Commisioner's spokeswoman added that these agree-ments should be in accordance with European Union legislation and reiterated the appeal for self-restraint and moderation.

[06] No basis for dialogue with Turkey over Thrace minority, Athens says

"I can see no basis for dialogue with other countries on issues of minority policy followed by the Greek government - with full respect for the principles of equality before the law and state - which the government is in any case deepening and enriching," foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said in response to questions.

Greece's policy showed sensitivity and was a "confirmation of respect for the day-to-day life and cultural background of the minority," he added.

Athens views the minority - which also includes a small community of Muslims with their own Slavic-based language known as Pomaks - to be a strictly religious group rather than an ethnic group, based on the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne.

[07] Athens supports Ahtisaari process for Kosovo, Koumoutsakos says

"The Greek side supports the Ahtisaari process and notes with satisfaction that the plan contains provisions for specific, strong freedoms for local government and the way that the future status will operate," he told reporters in response to questions.

Athens also considered that a "strong and clear presence" of the international community in the region was very important, he added.

He noted that the European Union was preparing to play a very important role in Kosovo, in order to increase security, with substantial contribution from Greece.

Addressing reporters, Koumoutsakos said that developments for the future status of Kosovo were now at a crucial and decisive stage, with negotiations between the sides involved due to begin on February 21. After a few days, negotiations between technocrats and officials might continue on a high political level, while another step in the process is the discussion that is due to take place at the United Nations.

[08] Koumoutsakos on the foreign minister's visit to the UAE

He stressed that talks during the visit had focused on the poli-tical and economic aspect of bilateral relations.

The foreign minister expressed Greece's interest in Middle East developments and hailed the Mecca Agreement reached by Hamas and Fatah to form a coalition government, underlining the decisive role played by the intervention of Saudi Arabia to this end, said Koumoutsakos.

Invitations to visit Greece were conveyed to the UAE President and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi on behalf of Hellenic President Karolos Papoulias and Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis respectively.

Representatives of 90 Greek firms making up the business delegation that accompanied the foreign minister had contacts with a total 200 companies in the UAE, finalizing over 5-million-euro worth of contracts in a number of economic sectors. Within this framework, the representatives of 10 major UAE companies are expected to visit Greece shortly, while protocols of cooperation were signed between SEV (Federation of Greek Industries) and the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The foreign ministry spokesman also mentioned that three Greek embassies have opened recently in Manila, Philippines, in Hanoi, Vietnam and Doha, Qatar, while a new consulate is scheduled to open in Guangzhou, China in May.

[09] Foreign ministry clarifies issue of EHAE president's talks in UAE

"I would like to clarify that the president of EHAE has not gone, has not travelled together with the business delegation to the UAE. He participated in business events organised within the framework of this trip and, mainly, in the business fora in Abu Dhabi and Dubai," Koumoutsakos said in a statement responding to a relevant press question on an announcement by Dubai Financial concerning meetings that EHAE President Mr. Georganas had in Dubai and by which the latter was presented as forming part of the above Greek delegation.

"The arrangement of this specific meeting between Mr. Georganas and Dubai Financial did not occur with the assi-stance of the Foreign Ministry. It occurred, according to our information, through a private company," the spokesman added.

"As far as the essence of the problem is concerned, that is, the object of Mr. Georganas' talks, the Foreign Minister does neither interfere nor takes position on issues such as this, which pertain to investments by private companies," Koumoutsakos said.

[10] Government on PM's speech at insurers union

Responding to questions, he denied that any attempt to boost private insurance had been made by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis in his speech.

[11] Bakoyannis meets OSCE commissioner for minorities

[12] Yiannakou in Brussels for EU ministers' meeting

Education Minister Marietta Yiannakou on Friday represented Greece here during an EU council of education ministers' meeting, where she jointly submitted, along with her Polish counterpart Roman Giertych, a proposal for the effective prevention of violence in schools.

On his part, education ministry general secretary Andreas Karamanos referred to the future prospects of the programme "Education and Training 2010".

[13] EU Environment Commissioner Dimas holds meetings in Washington

EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas held talks with U.S. Administration officials and with members of Congress in Washington on Friday.

After completing his visit to the American capital, Dimas termed the talks he had as successful, while he called on the U.S., but also all the developed and developing countries, to proceed in the start of negotiations for the achievement of a new global agreement which will succeed the Kyoto Treaty in light of the international meeting which is expected to be held in Indonesia in November.

He underlined the world threat which the greenhouse effect constitutes and noted the importance of the implementation of objectives for the reduction of air pollution.

[14] Antonaros on Alavanos' comments

He was responding to a statement by Coalition of Left, of Mo-vements and Ecology (SYN) party President Alekos Alava-nos' on Thursday, who referred to a "New Democracy-style Justice".

[15] FinMin, justice minister meeting

No statements were made after the meeting.

[16] No order for IKA investigation, government says

'Our conscience is clear because there is nothing blameworthy surrounding this issue,' Antonaros said.

Employment Minister Savvas Tsitouridis has already sent a letter to the public prosecutor's office, notifying that IKA's management and agencies are ready to assist in an investigation on the legality of the procedures followed, the spokesman added.

He also pointed out that unfounded accusations are being made with ease without the support of well-grounded evidence.

Antonaros stated that special IKA committees participate in the institute's decision-making process, adding that its managing board meets with the participation of representatives of pensioners and workers and, moreover, all decisions are subjected to Hellenic Court of Audit inspections.

The comments were made in the wake of a formal request on Thursday by main opposition PASOK spokesman Petros Efthy-miou for an independent investigation into IKA procurement contracts. He stressed that it would be inappro-priate and illegal to have the social insurance fund's deputy governors assigned such an investigation.

Efthimiou also stated that the so-called mini social insurance draft law debated on November 21, 2006 included a paragraph in article 35 that was worded so as to fit the qualifications of specific employees hired in the department of procurements.

PASOK's spokesman pointed out that this year, for the first time, IKA ran up a deficit of 1.2 billion euros due to underfunding and reported evidence of preferential treatment to major firms and technical companies on behalf of the social insurance fund in settling their debts.

[17] Synaspismos leader Alavanos meets secondary school teachers

In statements after the meeting, Alavanos said that his party views "as very important the presence of secondary school teachers in the front of the education community for the support of the state character of education and particularly of Article 16 of the Constitution for state universities."

He added that "despite the victory which has been achieved, the struggle is continuing for the many and deep problems which exist in education and in particular in secondary school education."

Financial News

[18] Greek trade deficit widened to 31.2 bln euros in Jan-Nov 2006, Eurostat

The EU executive's statistics agency, in a report published in Brussels, said Greek exports totalled 15.2 billion euros and imports were 46.4 billion euros in the 11-month period, raising the trade deficit to 31.2 billion euros from 27.1 billion euros in 2005.

[19] Greek exports rose 21 pct and imports were up 17 pct in the January-November period.

Eurozone recorded a trade deficit totalling 8.2 bln euros with the rest of the world in the 11-month period last year.

[20] Greek shipping fleet totalled 2,013 vessels in 2006

The statistics service, in a report, said of the total 2,013 vessels, 632 were cargo ships, 467 tankers and 914 passenger ferries.

The report said the Greek shipping fleet recorded an 1.1 percent decline in 2006 from the previous year, reflecting a 0.6 pct increase in cargo vessels, a 5.3 pct rise in total tonage, a 3.1 pct decline in passenger ships, a 4.7 pct rise in total tonage of cargo ships and a 0.6 pct rise in tankers.

[21] Allatini announces public offer to buy 65.68 pct in Katselis

In an announcement to the press, Cereals Company of Northern Greece said it was coordinating its actions with Tinola Holdings and Thrush Investment Holdings. Cereals Company owns 26.95 pct of shares in Katselis, while the two other companies own 7.19 pct and 0.18 pct, respectively in the Greek-listed company.

The company said it did not plan to delist Katselis from the Athens Stock Exchange if it acquired more than 95 percent of its shares.

[22] Czech firms interested in waste management cooperation

The Czech senior diplomat underlined the great cooperation potential in the waste management sector and the TCCI president accepted her proposal to jointly organize a relative conference in May.

The Czech ambassador also referred to cooperation opportu-nities in the sector of tourism, pointing out that 2/3 of the roughly 200,000 Czechs, who visited Greece in 2006, opted for Macedonia, in the northern part of the country, describing the region as a popular vacation destination. Conversely, an estimated 60,000 Greeks chose the Czech Republic for their vacations during the same period of time.

[23] OTE to hold extraordinary shareholders' meeting on March 14

The extraordinary shareholders' meeting will also discuss several statutory issues.

[24] Inform Lycos expands cooperation with Euronet Card Services

The agreement further enhances an existing cooperation between the two companies. Euronet Card Services offers processing and clearing card services in the Greek market, and in Eastern and Central Europe.

[25] Bank employees express great concern

OTOE referred to "a lack of substantial control of banks" by the supervising inspection authorities, due to mergers and buyouts and banks' business plans.

An OTOE announcement said that in its meeting with the two presidents, the need was expressed for "greater alertness and action by the supervising authorities, so as to overturn the climate of lack of control which prevails and for inspections to acquire substantial content."

[26] Arab-Hellenic Chamber to participate in 'Libya Build 2007' exhibition

[27] ASE approves listing of new shares

Trading will begin on Feb. 23.

ASE also approved the listing of 19,053,400 new common nominal shares issued by Iktinos Hellas SA under a share capital increase plan. The plan also envisages reducing the share's nominal value to 0.40 euros from 0.62 euros. Trading will begin on Feb. 23.

The stock market also approved the listing of 16,710,000 new common nominal shares issued by Revoil AEEP under a plan to cut the company's share value to 0.30 euros from 1.20 euros (split programme). Trading will begin Feb. 23.

Finally, ASE's board approved the listing of 4,000,000 units of a 33-year state bond, carrying an interest rate of 4.60 pct and issued on Feb. 6, 2007.

[28] Greek stocks ease slightly on Friday

Sector indices ended mixed, with the Raw Materials (3.55 pct), Chemicals (1.90 pct) and Industrial Products (1.50 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while Telecommu-nications (2.21 pct), Travel (1.09 pct) and Technology (0.45 pct) suffered losses.

The Big Cap index fell 0.46 pct, the Mid Cap index rose 0.64 pct and the Small Cap index ended 1.15 pct higher.

Elbisco (20 pct), Elviemek (19.50 pct) and Vis (16.82 pct) were top gainers, while Tria Alpha (8.16 pct), Tasoglou (6.59 pct) and Euroholdings (6.52 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 131 to 121 with another 51 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +0.41%

Industrials: +1.50%

Commercial: +0.44%

Construction: +0.35%

Media: +0.44%

Oil & Gas: -0.11%

Personal & Household: +0.49%

Raw Materials: +3.55%

Travel & Leisure: -1.09%

Technology: -0.45%

Telecoms: -2.21%

Banks: -0.20%

Food & Beverages: +0.34%

Health: +0.16%

Utilities: -0.40%

Chemicals: +1.90%

Financial Services: +0.70%

The stocks with the highest turnover were Marfin, Lamda, National Bank and Neochimiki.

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

Alpha Bank: 24.60

ATEbank: 4.08

Public Power Corp (PPC): 21.78

HBC Coca Cola: 31.20

Hellenic Petroleum: 11.08

Emporiki Bank: 21.98

National Bank of Greece: 40.10

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 30.10

Intralot: 25.60

Cosmote: 22.60

OPAP: 26.80

OTE: 22.30

Titan Cement Company: 45.38

[29] ADEX closing report

The March contract on the FTSE 20 index was traded at a discount of 0.70 pct and on the FTSE 40 index at a discount of 0.62 pct.

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totaled 13,041 contracts worth 166.750 million euros, with 25,973 open positions in the market, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 1,158 contracts worth 32.77 million euros with 1,594 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 7,576 contracts worth 10.842 million euros with investment interest focusing on Mytilineos (2,192 contracts), followed by Eurobank (382), OTE (377), PPC (207), Piraeus Bank (576), Alpha Bank (559), ATEbank (239) and Viohalco (347).

Volume in stock repos was 138 contracts and in reverse stock repos 470 contracts.

[30] Greek bond market closing report

The 10-year benchmark bond (July 20, 2016) was the most heavily traded security with a turnover of 985 million euros, while the yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German bonds was 0.23 percent. The Greek bond yielded 4.39 pct and the German Bund 4.06 pct.

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were mixed. National Bank's overnight rate was 3.58 pct, the two-day rate was also 3.58 pct, the one-month rate rose to 3.65 pct from 3.63 pct on Thursday and the 12-month rate fell to 4.09 pct from 4.10 pct over the same period, respectively.

[31] Foreign Exchange Rates - Saturday-Monday

U.S. dollar 1.322

Pound sterling 0.678

Danish kroner 7.514

Swedish kroner 9.344

Japanese yen 157.52

Swiss franc 1.634

Norwegian kroner 8.108

Cyprus pound 0.583

Canadian dollar 1.538

Australian dollar 1.683

General News

[32] Rain ushers in Clean Monday weekend

According to the Greek weather service, wet weather is expected to continue during the weekend, with a slight impro-vement expected from Monday.

Traffic police throughout the country were on standby to assist excursionists leaving urban centres for the countryside.

Measures to assist the flow of cars and commuters have been taken at particularly busy spots in central Athens and the suburbs, such as shopping centres, ports, train stations, bus depots and airports.

Police have been stationed at all the main junctions on national highways to direct traffic, backed up by frequent car and motorbike patrols on key roads in Attica to prevent road accidents.

Teams of officers have been deployed round the clock to carry out traffic inspections and hand out tickets to motorists seen to commit dangerous traffic violations, such as speeding, drunk driving, dangerous driving, failure to observe traffic lights and not wearing seatbelts and helmets. The last offence is considered largely responsible for fatal accidents on Greek roads.

Traffic police also have orders to be extraordinarily strict in dealing with trucks and lorries, in particular, and to order them off the road if they are seen driving dangerously or do not meet safety rules.

[33] Greek ambassador in US attends several events in Arizona, California

While in Arizona, Mallias spoke at an event organised by the Morrison Institute of International Policy at Arizona State University, while he also addressed members of the Greek-American community in the Phoenix area at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

In California, the Greek envoy appeared at several public events and held meetings with, among others, the LA Times' editorial board, the leadership of the Rand Corp. and the J. Paul Getty Museum. He also served as the guest speaker at an event hosted by the west coast office of the American Jewish Committee (AJC).

In terms of the university circuit, Mallias spoke at events held at the USC Center of Public Diplomacy, the University of San Diego's School of International Relations and the University of Santa Barbara's World Affairs Council, along with providing interviews to a handful of Southern California media outlets and holding contacts with local Greek-American community representatives.

[34] University professors decide to continue their strike

They reiterated with the same voting their previous decision for a continuous strike in the form of repeated five-day strikes.

However, they assessed that in a first stage, their struggle has been vindicated as they evaluated that private universities will not be established.

Nevertheless, the board called on professors' associations to intensify their action until February 22 when the process for the revision of Article 16 will be completed in Parliament. The federation also called on professors to be on alert in the event that a bill will be submitted concerning changes in the universities.

[35] N17 trial prosecutor aims closing arguments at Giotopoulos, Koufodinas

Appellate-level prosecutor G. Vlassis mostly centred his statements on Alexandros Giotopoulos and Dimitris Koufo-dinas, with the former considered by authorities and characterised in the voluminous indictment as the co-founder and ideological guru of the terror group, and with the latter painted as its arch-assassin and operational chief.

"There was no leadership above Giotopoulos and Koufodinas. Alexandros Giotopoulos was the spiritual guide. Do you see anyone else here (in the courtroom) with his intellectual supremacy (amongst the other defendants)? He had the decisive role. Do you see anyone else here with his education, allowing him to write such proclamations; one able to translate entire phrases of (French novelist Honoré de) Balzac from the original?" Vlassis asked in reference to the Paris-educated Giotopoulos, aka "Michel Economou".

In turning to Koufodinas, a self-styled beekeeper that also lived under an assumed name for more than 20 years, Vlassis said:

"Koufodinas was the key, the keyholder to the (group's) hideouts. He was present at all the actions. Was his surrender voluntary? Was it an act of moral superiority? Or, was he forced by circumstances to surrender because the (N17) leader was not assuming responsibility?" Vlassis asked rhetorically.

On her part, chief prosecutor Euterpe Koutzamanis called on the three-judge tribunal to acquit Angeliki Sotiropoulou, Koufodinas' long-time companion and subsequent spouse, of a felony charge regarding the establishment and membership in a criminal organisation. She also recommended Sotiropoulou's acquittal of misdemeanor aiding and abetting charges related to the assassination of British defence attaché Stephen Saunders and a botched bomb attack in Piraeus in June 2002 -- the last attempted attack by the ultra-leftist terror band.

[36] Tests show IKA Governor Vartholomeos suffered from heart problems

The report of the tests were delivered to the coroners' service and it was revealed that Vartholomeos suffered from heart problems, which he apparently did not know he had and did not take any medication.

The coroners are of the view that Vartholomeos' death was due to a combination of causes, from head injuries which were fatal due to his heart problem.

Vartholomeos was murdered last Friday in the Athens suburb of Zographou.

[37] Appeals judge remanded in custody on fraud, money-laundering charge

He appeared before an appeals court examining magistrate to make his plea on charges of fraud and legalising income from criminal activity.

His wife Maria Karagianni - another appeals court judge facing the same charges - was released after the examining magistrate and prosecutor handling her case disagreed over whether they should impose restrictions on her movements.

According to the charge against them, the couple falsely declared the destruction of two luxury vehicles in traffic accidents, for which a court awarded them large sums in compensation.

[38] Foreign truck driver arrested for drug smuggling

According to police, the drugs, discovered by two police sniffer dogs, were stashed in a modified space on the ceiling in the driver's cabin.

[39] Gun and drug possession arrests in Larissa

A search conducted by police in the house of one of the car passengers revealed two military automatic firearms, a Kala-shnikov and a hunting riffle, a bayonet and small quantities of hashish and cannabis seeds.

[40] Elderly man killed by handgrenade explosion in Thessaloniki

The police were informed by neighbours who were frightened by the strong noise which was caused by the explosion. The unfortunate elderly man suffered burns all over his body, serious injuries to his legs, while he also lost one hand, according to doctors of AHEPA hospital where he was taken dead.

The police are investigating the case.

[41] Sudden death of police suspect on Thasos

The man fell unconscious as soon as he was brought in and was declared dead by a private physician who rushed to his assistance.

An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of his death.

[42] Weather forecast: Rainy, windy on Saturday

[43] The Athens dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "12,000 euros each to 4,000 unemployed professionals to set up their own business".

ANO KATO: "Mardi Gras party in PASOK - Unrest and worry in the party headquarters".

APOGEVMATINI: "New threats against peace in Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean".

AVGHI: "MAT (riot police) against the youths - The government responds to the shipwreck of the constitutional revision with blatant police violence".

AVRIANI: "The (procurements) contracts to be put through the sieve, and the bank accounts to be opened of all those involved in procurements over the last decade".

CHORA: "Law on social insurance sector immediately after the elections - Premier determined to close the issue".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "Worry over the viability of the social insurance system expressed by premier to the Association of Insurance Companies because there is...governmental insecurity over social security".

ELEFTHEROS: "With razorblades and bars against the ELAS (Greek Police) - Unprecedented violence by students at yesterday's education sector protest".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "CASUS...OIL - Colossals vie for the oil in Cyprus - Turkey threatens...US, Britain, China, Russia, India".

ESTIA: "PASOK's provocative absence from the constititional revision discussion an offense against parliament".

ETHNOS: "He rolled out the carpet to the insurance companies - Karamanlis: The private insurance companies co-assistants with the public sector".

KATHIMERINI: "The cost of the great unrest in Education".

LOGOS: "Resolution of the social insurance issue a priority - Karamanlis: A just reform is the goal".

NIKI: "Areios Paghos points to the door - Thousands of contract employees out on the street".

RIZOSPASTIS: "Dangerous development for the civil rights and people's freedoms - EU decides incorporation of Schengen III into the Community Law".

TA NEA: "Jump in 17 taxes brought by the objective real estate prices - In effect as of March 1".

TO VIMA: "Karamanlis: The social insurance issue immediately after the elections".

VRADYNI: "22,000 euros to young professionals - Subsidy and loans with the state as guarantor".

Cyprus Affairs

[44] Spokesman: Cyprus to proceed with hydrocarbon exploitation as planned

The Cypriot government, exercising its sovereign rights, will proceed with the procedures for research and exploitation of oil and natural gas deposits, believed to exist in its exclusive eco-nomic zone, despite the threats expressed by Turkey, Govern-ment Spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardis said on Friday.

Cyprus launched on Thursday the 1st Licensing Round Off-shore Cyprus for the grant of hydrocarbon exploration and development licenses, a move which triggered the reaction of Turkey, which through its ministry of foreign affairs spokes-man declared that Turkey expects the Cypriot government ''to halt its demarches regarding calling international tenders to prospect oil and natural gas.''

''We do not reply to the indirect threats expressed by Turkey, through the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesman. We remain silent and proceed as planned, exercising our sove-reign rights,'' Pashiardis said, commenting on the statement.

Noting that ''Turkey has the right to expose itself by resorting to its well-known method of threats and blackmails,'' Pashiardis said that the Cypriot government will inform the international organisations about ''all these threats and blackmails, repeatedly expressed by Turkey.''

He reiterated that the government does not worry about these threats and proceeds as planned with the oil research and exploitation for which many big companies from many countries of the world have expressed interest.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

[45] PACE President to visit Cyprus to promote dialogue

President of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) Rene van der Linden will be paying an official visit to Cyprus from 19 to 22 February, during which he hopes to promote dialogue and reconciliation between the Greek Cyp-riots and Turkish Cypriots.

Rene van der Linden, according to an official press release, will be accompanied by a three-member delegation, consisting of Bonnie Theophilova Permaud, Deputy Director of the PACE President's office, David Milner, member of the Private Office, and Angus MacDonald, member of the PACE Communication Unit.

During his stay in Cyprus, van der Linden will be received by President Tassos Papadopoulos and House of Representatives President Demetris Christofias, and will have meetings with Minister of Foreign Affairs George Lillikas, Minister of the Interior Neoklis Sylikiotis and the Cypriot Delegation to the PACE, MPs Andros Kyprianou, Christos Pourgourides, Antigoni Pericleous Papadopoulos and Fidias Sarikas.

Head of the Cypriot Delegation Andros Kyprianou will be welcoming the delegation at Larnaca Airport.

In remarks ahead of the visit, van der Linden said ''there will be no lasting resolution of the situation in Cyprus without serious and sustained dialogue between the two communities, at every possible level.''

''We have already encouraged working contacts in our Assembly, where two Turkish Cypriot representatives partici-pate in our activities,'' he said.

''As President of the Parliamentary Assembly, a body that relies on and promotes mutual respect and open dialogue,'' he continued, ''one of the main aims of my visit will be to try and bring people together.''

The PACE President will also be attending a working lunch hosted by members of the Cypriot Parliamentary Delegation to PACE and attended by representatives of the Turkish Cypriot community, who participate in PACE activities.

Also, following a visit to the headquarters of the UN peace-keeping force and a tour of the buffer zone, he will cross over to the northern part of Cyprus to meet Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat.

Returning to the buffer zone, he will hold bicommunal meetings with political party leaders, representatives of civil society, representatives of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cyp-riot communities in Nicosia and religious leaders.

Cyprus has been a member of the Council of Europe since 1961. The island has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

[46] President appoints new Minister of Education

President of the Republic Tassos Papadopoulos has appointed Akis Kleanthous new Minister of Education and Culture.

In a written statement on Friday, Government Spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardis says Kleanthous will be sworn in on February 20 and will take over the Ministry.

Minister of the Interior Neoklis Sylikiotis is currently also Minister of Education, following the sudden death of Pefkios Georgiades.

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