Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-03-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek and German DMs discuss Balkans and Middle East

[02] FM briefs President Papoulias on foreign policy issues

[03] Papoulias on a formal visit to Croatia

[04] PM meets with Canadian parliament speaker

[05] Inner Cabinet to discuss climate change issue on Tuesday

[06] PASOK leader on tour of Thessaly

[07] Papandreou says party 'ready to govern'

[08] SYN's Alavanos meets President over higher education law

[09] Gov't on rioting, reactions to education law

[10] Groups continue protests against ratified university reforms

[11] March 21 trial date for 49 accused of protest violence

[12] Athens mayor says 'the city's image has been wounded'

[13] Gov't on the 6th grade history book issue

[14] Ecumenical Patriach Vartholomeos meets Austria's president and chancellor

[15] FM meets with Orthodox Metropolitan of Germany Augustinos

[16] Progress in investigations on U.S. embassy strike

[17] U.S. ambassador praises government's efforts to attract foreign investments

[18] Deputy FM Evripidis Stylianidis discusses energy, bilateral issues with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State

[19] Greek, US sides discuss bilateral energy, trade relations

[20] Hellenic Aerospace Industry signs new contract with EADS

[21] PASOK leader addresses Farkadona farmers on sector's future

[22] Agricultural development minister replies

[23] PASOK leader discusses agricultural issues with young farmers in Larissa

[24] New Niki border post ready by February. 2009

[25] Interior minister addresses 12th Banking Forum

[26] Doukas meets Montenegrin ministers

[27] Events held in framework of ECOWEEK 2007

[28] ATEbank reports 33.5 pct rise in 2006 profits

[29] Greek industrial production index up 3.0 pct in January

[30] President Papoulias receives National Bank's Arapoglou

[31] BEA and OPE sign cooperation protocol

[32] Greek exports up 5.4 pct in January

[33] Intralot expands partnership with Nebraska lottery

[34] Intrakat in contract to build 20.7-mln-euro clinic

[35] Greek stocks end slightly lower on Monday

[36] ADEX closing report

[37] Greek bond market closing report

[38] Foreign Exchange Rates - Tuesday

[39] Minister Pavlidis addresses Dodecanese anniversary events in New York

[40] Event marking 50th anniversary of Cypriot fighter Afxentiou's death

[41] Mobile police units to be created

[42] Immigrant-smuggler sentenced to 10 years in jail

[43] Overcast on Tuesday

[44] The Monday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

[45] Cypriot President in Bucharest on three-day state visit

[46] Bill for US citizens to claim property in occupied Cyprus introduced Politics

[01] Greek and German DMs discuss Balkans and Middle East

Speaking after the meeting on the European defence and security policy, Meimarakis expressed Greece's support for the aims of the German EU presi-dency and assessed that an impetus will be provided for European defence and security policy in cooperation with the EU's two next presidencies to strengthen the EU's defence dimension for the benefit of peace and international security.

As regards the security situation in the Balkans, Meimarakis reiterated Greece's support for preconditions that are essential for the consolidation of a climate of peace, stability and good neighbourliness in the region.

On the issue of Kosovo, the minister said that Greece is carefully watching developments and is in favour of a viable, workable and long-term solution, while referring to the important role NATO is being called on to play for a smooth transition to the new status quo, "whenever this is agreed", as well as the EU with its planned non-military operation after a new status quo is determined, to strengthen the institutions of a state of law.

On his part, Jung expressed the hope that the two sides in Kosovo will reach some kind of an agreement and, referring to Bosnia-Herzegovina, said that developments being shaped provide the possibility for a decrease in the forces of Greece and Germany in the region.

On the question of Afghanistan, the two ministers agreed that efforts to promote security and development in the country must be continued at the same time "so that at some time the government of Afghanistan will be in a position to assume by itself and with its own forces the governance of the country."

Commenting on the naval force patrolling the sea region of Lebanon(UNIFIL), Jung said that its aim is the stabilisation of the ceasefire achieved so that a political solution on peace in the Middle East can be reached afterwards.

As regards the issue of the command of the force, assumed by Germany until August 31, Jung clarified that "we shall see what the situation to follow will be in the framework of the UN."

Meimarakis pointed out on his part that "we made it clear that ships dock in Limassol, (Cyprus) the new command must have an objectiveness on these issues and the situation to follow must follow the recipe tested, which existed from the German command and this must be continued."

The Greek minister, commenting on the issue of the procurement of submarines, reiterated that isolated events do not overshadow Greek-German relations and reiterated Greece's decision to acquire the submarines "but all the contra-ctual terms anticipated must be observed on delivery."

He also revealed Jung's intention to contribute with his influence on the company to have whatever obstacles have arisen to be overcome. He also reiterated the Greek govern-ment's decision on the particiption of the Greek defence industry in all the programmes of the armed forces, through joint production, for the benefit of the Greek economy.

Jung said that it is right for the various pending issues to be discussed since their solution will create a better base for safeguarding the 1.600 jobs in Greece and expressed his optimism that "we shall soon reach very positive results so that both sides will be satisfied."

On the question of the procurement of "Leopard" tanks, Meimarakis said that problems that have existed have almost been overcome and reiterated that "we are prepared to receive, as regards what Greece has ordered to date, provided that contractual commitments are met as is self-evident."

Regarding the issue of the two German hostages in Iraq, Jung said that efforts are being made to secure their release, but blackmail will not be accepted.

[02] FM briefs President Papoulias on foreign policy issues

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Bakoyannis said she briefed the President on developments in the Balkans, ahead of Papoulias' official visit to Croatia, and due to the interest posed by the situation in Kosovo.

President Papoulias leaves on Tuesday for a state visit to Croatia at the invitation of Croatian President Stjepan (Stipe) Mesic.

Bakoyannis said she further briefed Papoulias on Greek-Turkish affairs and the outcome of the recent EU informal summit.

Before entering the Presidential Mansion for the meeting, and in reply to a question by Papoulias on the EU summit, Bakoy-annis commented that it had been of particular interest, given that "the EU for the first time dealt with something diffe-rent...Europe has finally decided to respond to the needs of the environment".

To a comment by Papoulias that he had been impressed by the fact that German chancellor Angela Merkel had brought up the subject, Bakoyannis noted that "it is very important...the people are demanding that we mobilise (with respect to the environ-ment), and this is intensely apparent in Greece".

Papoulias further congratulated the government on the imminent signing in Athens later in the week of the trilateral agreement between Greece, Russia and Bulgaria for con-struction of the long-awaited Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline, to which Bakoyannis replied "this is an important week for Greece", adding that "Greece is dynamically re-entering the energy map".

[03] Papoulias on a formal visit to Croatia

The talks between the two presidents will focus on bilateral economic relations and developments in the European Union and the SE Europe region.

During his visit to Zagreb, Papoulias is scheduled to meet with Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader, Parliament President Vladimir `eks and Zagreb Mayor Milan Bandi , while he will also address an economic forum held with the participation of Greek and Croat entrepreneurs.

The Greek president will be accompanied by Tourism Development Minister Fani Palli-Petralia, Deputy Economy Minister Petros Doukas, Deputy Foreign Minister Theodoros Kassimis and a large business delegation.

[04] PM meets with Canadian parliament speaker

No statements were made after the morning meeting.

[05] Inner Cabinet to discuss climate change issue on Tuesday

Meanwhile, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos on Monday said the relevant ministries have conducted all necessary inspections on the Cyclades island of Milos in regards to the loading of vessels carrying mined building materials from the island despite EU-issued environment directives protecting the region.

[06] PASOK leader on tour of Thessaly

Papandreou, who commenced a three-day tour of Thessaly on Sunday, said during a visit Monday morning to a model women's cooperative in the village of Trygona, Trikala, that PASOK was committed to creating prospects for new farmers, as well as reinforcing the retired producers, reiterating his proposal for a 550 euros minimum pension for individual farmers and 950 euros for couples.

[07] Papandreou says party 'ready to govern'

"We are ready to govern the country after the next general elections with values, through a new relation between the state and the citizen, with a different democratic manner which answers the real problems, creating new consensus and not polarisations," Papandreou said.

The main opposition leader added that "a political will is needed for big changes that the country needs," at the same time accusing the New Democracy (ND) government of "lying when it says that there are no economic possibilities". He said that necessary funds for investments in agricultural production, education, health and social insurance existed but "because of ND's policies, billions of euros have been lost."

Referring to PASOK's governance programme, Papandreou said it was "reliable and not like ND's" which he accused of "being in a confusion".

Roussopoulos responds to PASOK leader

Minister of State Theodoros Roussopoulos said on Monday evening that main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou was "provoking the memory and the judgement of Greeks".

In a response to Papandreou's statements from Larissa, central Greece, earlier in the day, Roussopoulos said that "Mr. Papan-dreou, in choosing the chapter 'reliability' in order to criticise the government, provokes the memory and the judgement of the Greeks."

"PASOK, in its twenty years in power and three years in the opposition, made and still makes everything in its power in order to be considered by citizens as a synonym to insolvancy and unreliability," Roussopoulos concluded.

[08] SYN's Alavanos meets President over higher education law

The government's bill was passed in principle and on the individual articles by Parliament last week.

Alavanos outlined his party's deep concern over the way that the government was handling the younger generation, both in terms of free public education but also the incidents of violence. He claimed that fundamental legal rights of young people were being violated.

"We condemn violence wherever it stems from and we are opposed to the strategy of tension cultivated by the government," Alavanos said.

Commenting on criticism against his party that it is inciting the protests, Alavanos said those making the claims had "not understood anything" and that the students were "defending values".

Regarding the hooded youths that attacked police and caused havoc during the protests, he said that the "government has converted them into a major problem".

Asked how the president had responded to the problems he had outlined, Alavanos said the president had "listened attentively".

"We have a sensitive president," he added.

[09] Gov't on rioting, reactions to education law

The police were doing their best to deal with the violent reactions resorted to by opponents of the bill, he added.

He was responding to statements by university professors about not implementing the government law in practice.

Roussopoulos did not want to comment on statements by Public Order Minister Vyron Polydoras regarding the students that resorted to violence during the protests rallies against the law, who said that the consensus of the opposition parties was needed to deal with the problem.

Noting that certain individuals had chosen violence in order to make their opinions known - if they had any - Roussopoulos said that the government had already stated its position.

"The student movement has made a contribution to democracy and no one has a right to play their own games and take advantage of it, in one direction or the other," he said.

Finally, asked about a request by Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) Alekos Alavanos to visit a group of individuals, 49 in total, arrested during the violence at Thursday's protests through downtown Athens, Roussopoulos said he will not comment on the initiatives of another political party leader, whereas he merely noted that the law is quite clear-cut on visits to individuals held at police precincts.

Alavanos' request was turned down by a relevant first instance prosecutor.

[10] Groups continue protests against ratified university reforms

The draft bill was passed in principle and on the individual articles by the Greek Parliament last week, while the final vote ratifying the bill will be held on Thursday.

Groups of protesters blocked traffic on several streets surrounding the Panteion liberal arts and social sciences school as well as the adjoining General Press Secretariat building in Athens, setting fire to two dumpsters, while traffic on a highway leading west out of the greater Athens area was blocked outside a campus hosting several tertiary Technological Education Institutes (TEIs) for three hours.

Another group blocked Solonos Street outside the Law School for half an hour, at the same time as other students blocked Vassilisis Sofias Avenue near Syntagma Square, right in the heart of Athens.

The students dispered at around 14:30, with Vassilisis Sofias and Solonos being the last roads to open.

In Thessaloniki, Aristotle University graduate students staged a two-day sit-in demonstration at the rector's office.

Student groups are planning another major protest rally in central Athens on Thursday, when the final vote on the educational reforms takes place in Parliament, with general assemblies taking place on Tuesday at all the largest university schools.

In a show of solidarity with protesting students and striking academics, meanwhile, well-known musicians will hold a concert in Syntagma Square on Monday night.

Meanwhile, nine individuals arrested during protests last Thursday on felony charges were led before an Athens prosecutor on Monday. Three of the suspects have already provided statements regarding the accusations.

The trial of a total of another 49 youths accused of "disrupting public order" during the protests was on Monday postponed until March 21.

Many academics and much of the student body are vehemently opposed to the government's law for reforming higher education, which among others introduces measures changing the university asylum regime, sets a ceiling on the numbers years of study, introduces student loans, a more representative election process for university faculty administrations, inde-pendent evaluation, more transparent management of colleges' finances as well as increased autonomy.

[11] March 21 trial date for 49 accused of protest violence

The trial was postponed so that the lawyers for the defence could view the evidence and be briefed on the case.

Tensions flared outside the building during the proceedings, as parents and friends of the accused tried to break through a police cordon and enter the courtroom. They were driven back by MAT riot police using tear gas.

After the hearing, lawyers for the defendants said they would demand that the head of the public prosecutors' office Panagiotis Poulios order an investigation into the way MAT officers had dealt with the crowd outside the courtroom, as well as the arrest of the MAT officer in charge and those responsible for the use of teargas.

The 49 were among 61 suspects taken into custody on Thursday during extensive clashes between protestors and police, who were attacked with rocks, petrol bombs and various other objects by hood-wearing youths. The incidents occurred during a student protest against the government's framework-bill for higher education.

[12] Athens mayor says 'the city's image has been wounded'

He noted that "the city centre cannot all the time be at the mercy of catastrophic appetites which have no relation with democracy," adding that "Athens cannot be held hostage certain days of the week and the following days to count its wounds."

He reiterated his pre-election proposal, saying that "we are obliged to safeguard the terms to those who wish to demonstrate to be able to do so, without however disrupting the terms of daily life for the rest of our citizens. For this reason, small gatherings and marches must be made in such a way as not to obstruct the free movement of working people and visitors in the city."

He called on the state "to seek effective ways to safeguard and protect public and private property, the unhindered movement of citizens and public transport, the smooth economic operation but also the city's history and its monuments."

[13] Gov't on the 6th grade history book issue

Roussopoulos also pointed to a previous statement by Education Minister Marietta Yiannakou on the issue, namely, that textbooks will be evaluated in practice and that scholars will decide if any changes are necessary.

He also reiterated that the issue can be viewed and approached in many different ways, while echoing Yiannakou's statements that educators and scholars will be the ones to decide if changes are necessary.

Critics, including Church leaders, representatives of ethnic Pontian groups and several office-holders, have charged that the sixth-grade reader "glosses over" and diminishes the importance of certain historical events pertinent to Modern Greek history, such as the 1821 War of Independence, the Ottoman occupation, the so-called Asia Minor Catastrophe of 1922 and WWII.

Conversely, the textbook's authors and other academics have dismissed criticism and pointed to a stricter interpretation and use of objective historical evidence, among others.

[14] Ecumenical Patriach Vartholomeos meets Austria's president and chancellor

Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos began a five day visit to Austria on Monday and held talks with President Heinz Fischer and Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer.

During the meetings, the Patriarch ascertained the Austrian political leadership's particular interest for the implementation and respect of human rights in Turkey and particularly of religious freedoms.

Vartholomeos expounded to his interlocutors the situation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to date and the situation of Christians in Turkey, while both the Austrian president and chancellor also showed interest in Turkey's European course. In response to reporters' questions following his meeting with the Austrian president, the Ecumenical Patriarch noted that "sincerely," since the Pope's visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul last November to date, "no specific progress has been made."

Referring to the fact that in Turkey presidential elections will be held in May and parliamentary elections in November, the Ecumenical Patriarch expressed the hope that after these elections, "there will be and must be more specific steps and greater progress towards the reforms and towards the rapprochement to the European acquis communautaire and the criteria set by the European Union for the candidate countries."

In statements later to ANA-MPA in Vienna, the Ecumenical Patriarch expressed particular satisfaction over his meetings with President Fischer and Chancellor Gusenbauer because he also ascertained their respect and appreciation towards the Orthodox Church and to Metropolitan of Austria and Exarch of Hungary and Central Europe Michail.

[15] FM meets with Orthodox Metropolitan of Germany Augustinos

[16] Progress in investigations on U.S. embassy strike

Ries said that finding those responsible is a difficult task, but the police are achieving firm progress with the examination of evidence it is collecting.

[17] U.S. ambassador praises government's efforts to attract foreign investments

Ries referred to the great challanges for the development of American investments in northern Greece, as well as to prospects existing in the specific sector.

Commenting on postive aspects favouring the development of investments in northern Greece, Ries focused on the fact that the situation in the Balkans is being stabilisied and that Greece is the political and economic leader in the region.

According to the U.S. ambassador, unique opportunities exist in northern Greece for direct foreign investments in biofuel, renewable energy sources and tourism.

Financial News

[18] Deputy FM Evripidis Stylianidis discusses energy, bilateral issues with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State

In the framework of talks on developing bilateral economic and trade relations that were examined by the joint Greek-American Committee, the foreign ministry's international economic relations secretary general Theodoros Skylakakis, who headed the Greek delegation, said earlier that progress has been achie-ved and the creation of work groups will follow, as well as the holding of a business meeting between the two countries by the end of the year.

[19] Greek, US sides discuss bilateral energy, trade relations

The meeting was co-chaired by Theodore Skylakakis, the secretary-general for international economic relations and Mathew Bryza, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs

Speaking to the ANA-MPA, Skylakakis said the Greek delega-tion presented a general overview of the country's energy sector, including the nearly finalised Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline, the Greece-Italy natural gas pipeline and prospects of renewable energy sources in Greece. He noted that a very significant part of the meeting would focus on necessary conditions to attract US investments to Greece and to promo-ting Greek investments in the United States.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Assistant Secretary for Europe Paul Dyck, the US ambassador to Greece Charles Ries, Greek government officials and a representative of USAID.

[20] Hellenic Aerospace Industry signs new contract with EADS

The president of EADS' Military Aircraft Systems Sector, Johann Heitzmann, described the project as a "fine example of industrial cooperation" with EAB and expressed EADS' readiness to offer more opportunities for industrial participation and access to high technology to EAB, "providing a positive decision is taken for the purchase of the Eurofighter in Greece."

On his part, EAB managing director Tassos Filippakos said that "the new contract constitutes an example of the lengthy and successful cooperation between the two companies, which includes the manufacture by EAB of components of Airbus aircraft and of the fuselage of the Eurofighter Typhoon."

[21] PASOK leader addresses Farkadona farmers on sector's future

The European Union was under great pressure from many countries to divert farming subsidies to other sectors and these pressures would increase, Papandreou added.

PASOK's leader also underlined that Greek agricultural products must combine environmental concerns with good quality, so that when PASOK came into government it could negotiate with the EU on a different basis.

"We will say that we want funding not for the agricultural sector but for a framework that includes the environment, healthy diet and maintaining traditions," he noted, adding that these were high-priority issues for Europeans.

Papandreou also attacked the government for failing to negotiate with the EU on farming issues.

Local livestock farmers told PASOK's leader that their chief problems were bureaucracy, the credit system, transactions with banks and the civil service and subsidies.

Farmers said they wanted subsidies to be paid in a single installment, while they complained that prices for beef and milk were unchanged or falling, while the cost of materials for producing milk and feta cheese were up 15 pct.

They also asked for better infrastructure and demanded that Papandreou promise to take action to hook up stables with the power and water networks.

Papandreou, on his part, said that solutions existed but that the state must provide assistance, or else Greek farmers would "become homogenised in the global market without retaining any special identity".

He promised to support young farmers using all means but also to provide for pensioners in the sector.

Papandreou ended by stressing the need to provide certification of Greek products, improve infrastructure and link universities and technological educational institutes with agricultural produ-ction.

[22] Agricultural development minister replies

Making an account of what the New Democracy (ND) party government received from the PASOK party government, Basiakos said that "there was a rapid decrease in the active farming population by 30.4 percent from 1994 to 2004 and of the gross agricultural product, as a percentage of GDP, from 10.1 percent in 1994 to 4.4 percent in 2004."

Moreover, the minister said that there was a decrease in the actual agricultural income during the last full two-year period of PASOK (2002-2003) by 11.2 percent, a decrease in the production base of agriculture and a considerable drop in exports.

On the other hand, outlining what the government has achieved, Basiakos said that "the actual agricultural income increased by 2.5 percent during our first full two-year period (2005-2006) and the exports of farm products increased by 24 percent in 2005 and by 29 percent during the first eight months in 2006."

[23] PASOK leader discusses agricultural issues with young farmers in Larissa

PASOK's programme also includes incentives for the pro-duction and utilisation of technological innovations, the guaranteeing of funding for innovative investments in the first stage sector by the Hellenic state, the promotion of programmes concerning the settlement of young scientists in the country-side, support for young couples with special incentives to stay in mountainous, insular, waning and underprivileged regions and backing for the quality of Greek products with the extension of certified products, as well as for new forms of farmers' collective organising.

[24] New Niki border post ready by February. 2009

The new border crossing, 100 metres for a same-name border post, is expected to greatly facilitate the movement of goods and people between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

The 4.88-million-euro project will replace the older facilities, allowing FYROM citizens to quicker access onto Greek territory, especially during busy summer months.

The project is also expected to boost bilateral trade between the bordering regions, making it easier for FYROM nationals to make same-day trips to Greece, a regular practice in the early '90s before the break up of the former Yugoslavia.

Meanwhile, the 6.6-million-euro study for the improvement and modernisation of the Krystallopigi border post on the Greek-Albanian frontier -- also in Florina prefecture -- is also underway.

[25] Interior minister addresses 12th Banking Forum

The minister also said that this sector is also a springboard for the development and improvement of services, as well as the improvement, safety and boosting of the competitiveness of the Greek banking sector.

Pavlopoulos referred to efforts being made by the government to reconstruct public administration "so that established antiquated structures and conservative mentalities can be combatted," while underlining a speedup in procedures among steps taken to improve service provided for citizens and businesses.

[26] Doukas meets Montenegrin ministers

A ministry press release said that the development of the northern Ionian road axes and investment opportunities in the bank sector, town development, shipyards, food industry and road construction were examined in the meeting.

[27] Events held in framework of ECOWEEK 2007

ECOWEEK 2007 is a sensitisation and information initiative that proposes practical solutions that are friendly to man and the environment. The institution of ECOWEEK (Ecology Week) began in Egina in 2005.

The organiser of ECOWEEK 2007 is the non-profit ECOWEEK company that, in the framework of the exhibition, provided information on the programme of events of ECOWEEK 2007 in Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu and Egina.

The inauguration of ECOWEEK 2007 will take place at the Benaki Museum on April 24 at 7:30 in the evening.

[28] ATEbank reports 33.5 pct rise in 2006 profits

The bank said its operating expenses rose by 5.1 pct last year despite higher costs from a new collective labour agreement, higher advertising spending and a 47.8 pct decline in provisions.

ATEbank said the group reported profits despite a negative affect of an extra dividend tax charge of 29.9 million euros, an extra tax on its reserves (8.9 million euros) and a 14.2 million euros decline in Hellenic Sugar Industry last year.

The bank reported a 7.6 pct increase in its outstanding loan portfolio, reflecting a 36.6 pct increase in retail banking loans (consumer loans up 30 pct, housing loans up 41 pct, farm sector loans up 8.6 pct and small- and medium-sized enterprises up 9.5 pct).

ATEbank said savings deposits were up 2.8 pct in 2006, while the loan to deposits rate was 82.5 percent.

Parent after tax profits jumped 43.7 pct to 161.4 million euros last year, reflecting a 9.0 pct increase in net interest income, a 7.82 pct rise in management expenses and a 50 pct decline in provisions for bad loans.

ATEbank's board plans to seek shareholders' approval to a plan to pay a 0.09 euros per share dividend to shareholders, up 28 pct form the previous year.

The bank's three-year business plan, for the period 2007-2009, envisage a more efficient management policy, completion of a restructuring in its loan portfolio and maintaining a capital adequacy ratio of more than 10 percent.

[29] Greek industrial production index up 3.0 pct in January

The statistics service, in a report, said the January figure reflected a 2.2 pct increase in the mining production index, a 3.9 pct rise in manufacturing and a 0.2 pct increase in electricity-natural gas-water production index over the month.

[30] President Papoulias receives National Bank's Arapoglou

[31] BEA and OPE sign cooperation protocol

BEA president Pavlos Ravanis brought to the attention of OPE managing director Panagiotis Drosos the basic axes of the 2007 Action Programme, which aim at the support of BEA's members in the international exhibitions sector, as well as of business missions, a fact, which, as he said, gives greater importance in the cooperation between BEA and OPE.

The protocol includes cooperation in the sectors of exhibitions, trade missions, joint actions in European Union programmes and the planning of the agencies' joint strategy.

[32] Greek exports up 5.4 pct in January

[33] Intralot expands partnership with Nebraska lottery

[34] Intrakat in contract to build 20.7-mln-euro clinic

The new clinic will have a general and maternity clinic of 169 beds fully equipped with an intensive care unit capable to cover the wider region of the prefectures of Larissa, Karditsa, Magnesia and Trikala. The project is expected to be delivered by the end of 2008.

[35] Greek stocks end slightly lower on Monday

Sector indices ended lower with the Food-Beverage (1.25 pct), Telecommunications (0.92 pct) and Media (0.80 pct) suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day, while the Commerce (1.78 pct), Industrial Products (1.59 pct) and Travel (1.17 pct) scored gains.

The Big Cap index fell 0.43 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 0.28 pct higher and the Small Cap index eased 0.52 pct.

Kego (12.35 pct), Diekat (7.63 pct) and Balkan Export (6.62 pct) were top gainers, while Tria Alpha (14.49 pct) and Vivere (6.81 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 146 to 94 with another 63 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: -0.01%

Industrials: +1.59%

Commercial: +1.78%

Construction: -0.71%

Media: -0.80%

Oil & Gas: +0.94%

Personal & Household: -0.40%

Raw Materials: +1.16%

Travel & Leisure: +1.17%

Technology: +0.62%

Telecoms: -0.92%

Banks: -0.60%

Food & Beverages: -1.25%

Health: -0.09%

Utilities: -0.74%

Chemicals: +0.10%

Financial Services: -0.79%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, Alpha Bank, OPAP and Piraeus Bank.

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

Alpha Bank: 22.22

ATEbank: 4.00

Public Power Corp (PPC): 20.10

HBC Coca Cola: 30.80

Hellenic Petroleum: 10.60

Emporiki Bank: 21.50

National Bank of Greece: 39.10

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 28.70

Intralot: 24.70

Cosmote: 21.78

OPAP: 29.10

OTE: 21.50

Titan Cement Company: 41.08

[36] ADEX closing report

The March contract on the FTSE 20 index was traded at a discount of 0.48 pct and on the FTSE 40 index at a discount of 0.64 percent.

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totaled 17,969 contracts worth 217.816 million euros, with 30,132 open positions in the market, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 1,055 contracts worth 29.072 million euros with 1,280 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 30,461 contracts worth 27.370 euros, with investment interest focusing on ATEbank's contracts (6,506), followed by OTE (1,519), PPC (3,096), National Bank (2,001), Intracom (3,292), Emporiki Bank (1,463), Mytilineos (2,583) and Motor Oil (1,632).

Volume in stock repos totaled 4,033 contracts and in reverse stock repos 3,729 contracts.

[37] Greek bond market closing report

The 10-year benchmark bond (July 20, 2017) was the most heavily traded security with a turnover of 1.4 billion euros, while the yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German bonds was 0.225 percent. The Greek bond yielded 4.17 pct and the German Bund 3.95 pct.

In the domestic inter-bank market, interest rates were mixed. National Bank's overnight rate was 3.53 pct, the two-day rate rose to 3.55 pct from 3.53 pct on Friday, the one-month rate rose to 3.85 pct from 3.84 pct and the 12-month rate rose to 4.11 pct from 4.08 pct.

[38] Foreign Exchange Rates - Tuesday

U.S. dollar 1.326

Pound sterling 0.687

Danish kroner 7.509

Swedish kroner 9.367

Japanese yen 155.68

Swiss franc 1.626

Norwegian kroner 8.187

Cyprus pound 0.584

Canadian dollar 1.551

Australian dollar 1.696

General News

[39] Minister Pavlidis addresses Dodecanese anniversary events in New York

Minister of the Aegean and Island Policy Aristotelis Pavlidis praised the "immense contribution" of the Greeks living abroad to the liberation of the Dodecanese islands, addressing an event organized by the Federation of the Dodecanese Associations in America and Canada held in Astoria, New York on Sunday on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the unification of the Dodecanese islands in SE Aegean Sea with Greece.

Pavlidis referred to the struggle and dreams of the Dodecanese people aimed at uniting with Greece and outlined the achievements and current efforts made by them for security, economic growth and prosperity.

Referring to Greece's relation with the Greeks living abroad, he underlined that the focus is on continuous communication, while speaking about the Dodecanese islands, he said that an impressive effort is underway to improve living conditions offering incentives that will keep the local population from moving to the large urban centers.

On Greece's relations with Turkey and the situation in the region, he pointed out that the Turkish policy is to create an issue of national importance every now and again and assured his audience that Greece is ready to handle any situation that could arise.

The event was also attended Dodecanese Prefect Ioannis Macheridis, who presented the prefecture-published book titled The Greek Dodecanese, as well as the consul generals of Greece and Cyprus.

During his visit to the United States, Pavlidis had a number of contacts with representatives of Dodecanese associations in New York and New Jersey in addition to meetings with Greek American businessmen and mass media representatives.

A meeting with Archbishop Demetrios of America is scheduled for Monday evening, while Palidis will also address an event in Manhattan on the role of the Dodecanese islands in the wars for independence and their influence on Greece's economy.

[40] Event marking 50th anniversary of Cypriot fighter Afxentiou's death

The event, organized by the Cypriot student movement "Protoporia", was held in Thessaloniki on Sunday night in the presence of the hero's sister Chrystala Souroulla-Afxentiou who, together with Efstathiou, was the honored guest.

Afxentiou, second in command to Georgios Grivas in the EOKA (National Organization of Cypriot Struggle) leadership, was trapped by the British forces near the Machairas monastery with his small group of fighters on March 3rd, 1957. At the ensuing Battle of Machairas, Afxentiou held off the British, mostly single-handedly, for 10 hours before they burned him alive by pouring petrol in the cave in which he was hiding and igniting it.

[41] Mobile police units to be created

The KAM are small uniformed police groups riding in suitably-equipped vehicles that will be active in central regions or regions having increased crime or tourist movement.

The staff of the KAM will come from the police precinct in the area in which they will be active. These units can also be active in the regions of other police precincts.

[42] Immigrant-smuggler sentenced to 10 years in jail

The accused was arrested on the island on Saturday after successfully eluding capture for two days. He was arrested by coast-guard officers and led to immediate trial under the process used for offenders caught in the act.

Eight illegal immigrants from Lebanon and Afghanistan were located on the island by Samos security forces on Sunday, while another eight from Afghanistan were intercepted on Monday morning.

They were all taken to the immigrant reception centre on the island, where 250 people are currently housed, after undergoing a medical inspection.

Weather forecast

[43] Overcast on Tuesday

[44] The Monday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Crime rampant - Unbelievable incidents, according to official announcement".

APOGEVMATINI: "In interview with Apogevmatini, Vyron Polydoras (public order minister charges): Urban guerrilla warfare by the hooded troublemakers".

AVRIANI: "Polydoras' 'praetors' unshielded - The anarchists caught them off guard (late Saturday night in Athens' central Exarchia district), beat them, disarmed them, and made fools of them".

CHORA: "Murderous attack against police officers by anarchists (in Exarchia) - Two MAT (riot police) officers seriously injured".

ELEFTHEROS: "The government unwavering - Despite the formation of a 'popular front' by the leaderships of the centre-left".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Endurance test for the AEI (institutions of higher education) and...ELAS (Greek Police) - Critical week following the adoption of the framework-law".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Education: Demonstrations, arrests".

ESTIA: "New Democracy's unexploited power ideological supremacy", noting that if the ruling party had made use of its ideological strength, it would perhaps have made main opposition PASOK disappear from the political map.

ETHNOS: " 'Dark' plans at PPC (Public Power Corporation) - Fear of blackout, and increases in electricity (rates)".

TA NEA: "Hidden tax on the first home - On real estate transfers after January 1, 2006".

VRADYNI: "The new salaries in the public sector and Armed Forces - Analytical charts for salary-earners and pensioners".

Cyprus Affairs

[45] Cypriot President in Bucharest on three-day state visit

Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos arrived in Bucharest on Monday, where he will pay a three-day state visit.

At the international airport of Bucharest a welcome ceremony took place, by the Romanian Mission of Honour. The Head of the Presidential Protocol accompanied President Papadopoulos to the Official Residence.

President Papadopoulos is accompanied by Industry and Tourism Minister Antonis Michaelides, Cypriot businessmen and representatives of the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Tuesday morning, President Papadopoulos will meet with his Romanian counterpart Traian Basescu at the Cotroceni Palace.

After the official welcome ceremony at the Cotroceni Palace, the two presidents will have tete-a-tete talks, followed by official talks with the participation of the two delegations and by the signing of a Cooperation Protocol between the governments of Romania and Cyprus on research and develop-ment.

In the afternoon, Papadopoulos will visit the Palace of the Parliament to meet with President of the Senate of Romania, Nicolae Vacaroiu. Papadopoulos will sign the Book of Honour and visit the Plenary Hall of Senate.

Papadopoulos is going to pay a similar visit to the Chamber of Deputies and have a meeting with the President of the Chamber, Bodgan Olteanu.

Later on, in the afternoon, the president will visit the National Museum of Romanian History and then he will sit at a state banquet hosted by the President of Romania.

[46] Bill for US citizens to claim property in occupied Cyprus introduced

US Congressman Frank Pallone and 16 other colleagues have introduced bipartisan legislation that would allow US citizens, who own property in the Turkish occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus, to seek financial remedies with either the current inhabitants of their land or the Turkish government.

The bill ''authorises the President to initiate a claims progra-mme under which the claims of US nationals who Turkey has excluded from their property in occupied Cyprus can be judged by the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission (FCSC) and compensated through government-to-government negotiations between the United States and Turkey.''

It also ''empowers the US district courts to hear causes of action asserted by US nationals who have been excluded from their property in occupied Cyprus against private persons or entities that occupy or use the property of US nationals in occupied Cyprus.''

Furthermore, it ''empowers the United States district courts to hear causes of action asserted by US nationals who have been excluded from property their in occupied Cyprus against Turkey without having to assert those causes of action under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976 as amended.''

Pallone is joined in leading this effort by Thaddeus McCotter and the co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, Carolyn Maloney and Gus Bilirakis.

The four lawmakers were joined by 13 other original cosponsors, namely Zachary Space, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, John Sarbanes, Henry Brown, James McGovern, Mike Rogers, Diane Watson, Mario Diaz-Balart, Don Payne, Frank LoBiondo, Chris Van Hollen, Shelley Berkley and Michael McNulty.

According to a press release, Pallone, a member of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, said the bipartisan American Owned Property in Occupied Cyprus Claims Act serves as an essential response to ongoing violations of interna-tional law, and provides US nationals with long-overdue rights to seek restitution.

He added that it is unconscionable that Turkey, a US ally, who has been, and continues to be, the beneficiary of significant aid and support from this nation, excludes US citizens from property to which they hold lawful titles under the laws of the Republic of Cyprus.

''It's time Congress vindicate the property rights of US citizens in Cyprus,'' Pallone said, adding that he was ''encouraged by the strong bipartisan support this legislation has already received'' and hoped to continue building support in the coming weeks.

He noted that ''through this legislation, Americans who are being denied access to their property and even their ancestral homes will finally be able to seek restitution.''

Pallone first introduced this legislation in the 108th Congress. He worked with Nick Larigakis, Executive Director of the American Hellenic Institute (AHI), and Nick Karambelas, volunteer counsel of AHI, for several months to draft the legislation.

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