Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-03-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece, Russia, Bulgaria sign oil pipeline deal

[02] Meetings between PM, Putin and Stanishev

[03] Sioufas lists details of Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline deal

[04] EU Energy Commissioner welcomes pipeline deal

[05] Oil pipeline deal 'event of particular importance', PASOK says

[06] KKE, Coalition parties on signing of Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline deal

[07] U.S. State Department comments on signing of Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline deal

[08] FM Bakoyannis to receive U.S. envoy on Friday

[09] Education rally ends in Athens without incidents

[10] Metsovio Polytechnic professors suspend strike

[11] PASOK leader speaks to Reuters

[12] SYN president, secretary meets police union federation

[13] Controversial school history book not to be withdrawn, minister says

[14] ND Sec't Zagoritis received by Cyprus President

[15] PASOK MP Pangalos in Cyprus

[16] Pangalos meets Cyprus Parliament Speaker Christofias

[17] Greece, Qatar sign high-profile framework agreement

[18] Unemployment down to 8.8 pct in last quarter of 2006

[19] Parliament ratifies bill on creation of Social Solidarity Fund

[20] Greek inflation unchanged at 3.0 pct in February, Eurostat

[21] FinMin confers with tourism minister

[22] Minister cites Patra-to-border rail line

[23] Attica Bank returns to profitability in 2006

[24] Bank of Greece governor says no problem with Attica Bank

[25] President Papoulias opens GSEE congress

[26] Papandreou to address GSEE conference on Friday

[27] General Accounting Office rejects reports of 'hidden' bond issue

[28] PASOK party economy rapporteur on 'secret' bond issue

[29] Greek merchant fleet increases capacity by 6 pc

[30] S&B reports mixed 2006 results

[31] Folli Follie reports spectacular 2006 results

[32] Greek stocks rebound after three-day decline

[33] ADEX closing report

[34] Greek bond market closing report

[35] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

[36] MPs tour new Acropolis Museum site

[37] Action Aid president briefs deputy FM

[38] President Papoulias to visit Volos

[39] Thessaloniki's new city hall to be ready in summer 2008

[40] Exhibition in Rotterdam on 'Uniting Cultures-Greek Artistic Presence in Holland'

[41] Photo exhibition, film screenings on occasion of World Water Day

[42] 5-million-year-old rhino jaw on display in Kozani

[43] Bavarian deputies visit EKDDA

[44] Two people arrested on drug trade charges

[45] 2 arrested in forged documents scam

[46] Mostly fair on Friday

[47] The Thursday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

[48] House votes in favour of Cyprus joining Eurozone

[49] EP calls for speedy investigation into the fate of missing persons

[50] Britain says no proposal to call UN meeting on Cyprus

[51] EU officials hold series of meetings in Cyprus

[52] EP Contact Group with Turkish Cypriots receives extension Politics

[01] Greece, Russia, Bulgaria sign oil pipeline deal

"An issue that remained outstanding for 14 years has been resolved in the best way for the benefit of all concerned," Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis said in statements during a joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev after the signature of the trilateral agreement.

According to Putin, the pipeline was one of the most important projects in Europe and the entire world, while Stanishev spoke of a "new era in the energy sector". All three leaders highlighted the close, high-level cooperation that had made the deal possible.

In response to questions, meanwhile, they promised that construction would use the latest 21st-century technology and fully respect the environment, both during extraction and in transporting the oil.

"Environmental organisations will be satisfied and we will meet all their demands. We will even change the pipeline's route, if necessary," Putin told reporters, citing his country's extensive experience, especially in the region around the Caspian Sea.

Stanishev echoed the Russian premier's emphasis on environmental protection, while also noting that tourist traffic to the Black Sea must not be affected.

Karamanlis stressed that the deal for the construction and operation of the pipeline, which will carry Russian oil to the Mediterranean, "confirms in the most official way the political will and support of the three governments and signals new prospects for the future." It set in motion a project of strategic importance for all three countries involved, as well as the surrounding region, he added.

The Greek premier highlighted the environment benefits of the deal as well, noting that it would be new transport conduit for the oil transported via the Black Sea, auxiliary to the busy Bosporus Straits.

"With the decongestion of the Straits, environmental security is enhanced and a long-term problem is resolved. At the same time, the project is particularly important for the efficient operation and secure supply of oil to large energy markets," Karamanlis said.

The Greek premier pledged that Athens will continue to work on the pipeline at the same intense pace in order to make up for lost ground and complete the work as quickly as possible, giving Greece an upgraded role on the international energy map. He also referred to hundreds of new jobs that construction of the pipeline is expected to create and new opportunities for growth and progress.

According to Putin, the deal signed between the three countries after years of negotiations was an agreement of historic importance for the entire region and confirmed a climate of friendship and constructive relations between the three sides.

Among aspects highlighted by the Russian president was that of energy security, which he said was one of the most important issues of the current age, adding that certain access to energy sources was a guarantee for growth.

"The pipeline is one of the most important projects in both the European Union and the rest of the world. It contributes to the growth of all states in the region but also throughout Europe and boosts dialogue on how best to meet energy demands," he told reporters.

Putin also pointed to the "good geographic position" of Greek and Bulgaria, which created new possibilities for carrying Russian fossil fuels to the surrounding region and the world.

The Bulgarian premier, like Karamanlis earlier, promised that work on the project would continue at a fast pace so that it could be completed as quickly as possible, while again highlighting the prospects for new jobs and for attracting investments among its multiple benefits.

Also confident of the rapid completion of the pipeline was the Russian president, who said that the construction of the Russian pipeline to the Pacific began six months earlier and had already covered more than 600 kilometres.

The trilateral agreement was signed by the three countries on Thursday at an official ceremony held in the presidential mansion in Athens. Signing the agreement on behalf of the three countries were Greek Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas, Russia's Industry and Energy Minister Viktor Khristenko and Bulgarian Regional Development Minister Asen Gagaouzov.

Among those attending were President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias, Putin, Karamanlis, Stanishev, National Defence Minister Evangelos Meimarakis, Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Kalantzis, Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis and Deputy Development Minister Yiannis Papathanassiou. The main opposition PASOK party was represented by MP Christos Papoutsis.

The pipeline will be roughly 280 kilometres long and is expected to transport 35 million tonnes of crude oil per year, with the possibility of increasing output to 50 million tonnes in the future. The 700-million-euro pipeline is set to be completed by about 2011 and will bypass Turkey's busy Bosporus Straits, carrying oil from the Black Sea port of Burgas in Bulgaria to the Greek port of Alexandroupolis in northeastern Greece.

[02] Meetings between PM, Putin and Stanishev

In greeting the Russian president upon his arrival at the Maximos Mansion on Thursday morning, meanwhile, Karamanlis said Putin's second visit to Athens in just a few months' time was an honour and joy for Greece as well as for himself and his government.

"This visit certifies the excellent relations between the two countries, and marks and symbolises the commencement of the construction of an important project, the Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline," Karamanlis said.

The Greek premier expressed pleasure that the agreement, and the decision taken at the trilateral meeting in Athens last September to manifest the three countries' determination for the ambitions project to proceed, was being materialised.

"I hope that this, and other common plans we have, will proceed with success," Karamanlis said.

Putin, in turn, stressed that the signing of the agreement was in the interests of not only the three countries directly involved in the project but also of the global economy, noting that it was an important project in the sector of global energy.

The Russian president added that the pipeline "allows diversification in the oil routes, to the benefit of our countries, our peoples and the economy".

Putin stressed Karamanlis' personal interest in advancing this issue, adding that his visit here was linked not only with the good relations between the two countries but also with the cooperation that exists in a number of sectors, and chiefly the sector of the economy. Citing Russian statistical data, he noted that the volume of commercial transactions has exceeded three billion dollars.

The Russian president further said that during his private meeting with Karamanlis, discussions would also cover international issues of common interest, with the focus on the Balkans.

Earlier on Thursday, in greeting his Bulgarian counterpart before their meeting, Karamanlis expressed satisfaction over developments for the pipeline project.

Stanishev, in turn, stressed that his associates and the three countries worked with much determination for the realisation of the project, adding that there was still much work to do regarding the establishment of the international construction and supply company for the project so as to enable construction to begin in early 2008.

He stressed that the project will be beneficial for all three countries.

Stanishev further said that the project will put Greece and Bulgaria on the international energy map, bring new investments and create new jobs, while at the same time increase security in both countries.

Putin and Stanishev also met with President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias, who returned from an official visit to Croatia late on Wednesday night.

A half-hour meeting between Putin and Papoulias followed statements by the three leaders, after which the Russian president departed the country, immediately after a meeting with Stanishev at Athens airport.

A meeting between Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and her Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov also took place at the foreign ministry on Thursday morning.

[03] Sioufas lists details of Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline deal

He said the goal was to begin construction of the project in the first six months of 2008 and to complete construction in 20-24 months, at the beginning of 2010.

Outlining the pipeline's technical specifications, the minister said that it would ensure protection of the environment and reduce costs caused by the delays to ships in navigating the congested Bosporus Straits.

Among the projected benefits of the pipeline for the three countries immediately involved, Sioufas mentioned the creation of hundreds of jobs during the pipeline's construction and about 250-300 when it went into operation.

Greece will also earn transit fees amounting to tens of millions of dollars a year from the international consortium that will operate the pipeline, which will be spent on developmental infrastructure projects in the Evros region, he added.

Sioufas said the pipeline will initially be able to transport 35 million tonnes of oil a year, with the capacity to increase this to 50 million tonnes in the future.

Immediately after the signature of the agreement, the process for founding an international consortium that will construct and operate the pipeline will begin and a transit agreement governing tax issues and transit fees will be signed between the consortium and the two countries the pipeline runs through, Greece and Bulgaria.

Its construction will be funded through the project finance method, combined with protection for the interests of minority shareholders, while contracts, procurements and maritime transport will be assigned by the pipeline consortium on competitive terms, preferably to companies from the three countries that signed the agreement.

Russia will control 51 percent of the project, while Greece and Bulgaria will each hold 24.5 percent. About 1 percent of the Greek share will be controlled by the Greek State for symbolic but also practical reasons, the minister said.

Sioufas underlined that the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline, the Greek-Italy natural gas pipeline whose construction begins in 2008 and the Greece-Turkey natural gas pipelines that will be inaugurated in three months time were greatly important international energy projects that would greatly enhance Greece's position and place it within the large energy networks.

Greece is becoming an international corridor linking the major production centres in the East with the major consumption centres in the West, he added.

The minister also clarified that the percentage holdings of companies in the pipeline consortium can only be transferred with the agreement of the three governments and only to oil companies.

Sioufas announced that in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Greek side had raised the issue of extending an agreement for the supply of natural gas from Russia's Gazprom that ends in 2016 until 2040.

[04] EU Energy Commissioner welcomes pipeline deal

European Union Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs on Thursday welcomed the signing of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline agreement, noting that construction of the project will reduce the "increasing pressure" of maritime oil transport through the Bosporus and the Dardanelles straits.

"In the oil sector, increasing international concern is being expressed over the threat of maritime accidents and the ensuing significant environmental damage caused by the resulting oil spills. Given the increasing density of maritime traffic in the enclosed Black Sea and additional quantities of oil exported from the region, it is of utmost importance to give a higher priority to the alternative of transporting oil by pipelines," Piebalgs said.

According to Piebalgs' press office in Brussels, the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline is considered by the Commission as a Project of "pan-European Interest" in the INOGATE programme, which identifies strategic routes for hydrocarbons.

The pipeline will have a length of roughly 280 kilometres and an initial yearly capacity of 35 million tons, increasing to 50 million tons of crude oil after its opening.

[05] Oil pipeline deal 'event of particular importance', PASOK says

"We are now entering a new period that is extremely crucial for the successful completion of this project. Trade agreements that are of paramount significance for all must follow now. Just like the transit agreements on the settlement of issues concerning taxation and transit dues as well," he said.

Papoutsis further pointed out that "the Greek people must know exactly what the partnership composition is of the joint venture undertaking the construction and operation of this major project, the pipeline. What the percentages will be of transit dues that will be provided for the Hellenic state, what will the percentages be that will be provided for the companies participating and what will the percentages be of dues provided for society and the local economy of Evros."

Lastly, PASOK's rapporteur said "we remind that the New Democracy party government has the obligation for a full and complete briefing of the Greek Parliament on the content of the agreement it signed today. We also remind of the commitment which is of vital importance for Greece for strong guarantees to exist for the protection of the environment in all the phases of the pipeline's construction and operation."

[06] KKE, Coalition parties on signing of Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline deal

"The need for the creation of alternative solutions for the transportation of oil and natural gas to our country, which is dependent as regards energy, must not lead the working classes to believe the celebrations of the government on the big benefits which it claims will result from the construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupoli energy pipeline," the KKE said in an announcement.

"Those who greatly benefit from the conclusion of this agreement is the European Union, Russia and the plutocracy of Greece, which makes an important step towards utilising the country as an energy corridor in the region," it added.

The KKE further stressed that "the claims of the government that the energy pipeline will function, by itself, as a factor of peace and stability are unfounded at a time when imperialist contradictions are intensifying in our region."

Coalition party Political Bureau member and economic and social policy rapporteur Panayiotis Lafazanis said that "the government, with the consent of the main opposition party, is delivering in an absolutely unacceptable way a project of strategic importance to private profiteering exploitation and to the selfish plans of companies aiming at the total takeover of the neuralgic sector of energy. It cannot be ruled out, indeed, that these private interests will then cede a part or all of their participation in the pipeline to American oil companies, such as the interested Chevron one."

[07] U.S. State Department comments on signing of Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline deal

U.S. State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack commented on Thursday on the signing of a tripartite agreement between Greece, Russia and Bulgaria, in Athens earlier in the day, on the construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline.

"I think that very basically we have no problem with agreements that do a couple of things: further the cause of diversifying supplies of energy for Europe and diversifying the means of transport of those supplies of energy. So this (Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline deal) certainly contributes to it. There are a number of other pipeline proposals that are on deck, and it is important that states of Europe as well as the energy suppliers -- Russia as well as those in the Caucasus -- work in a cooperative manner, that they act based on market principles," McCormack said.

Responding to a question on criticism Washington addressed to Moscow in the past for using energy for political reasons, McCormack said: "There have been events in the past with respect to Ukraine and Georgia, as well as others, in the immediate border area of Russia that have caused concern."

[08] FM Bakoyannis to receive U.S. envoy on Friday

[09] Education rally ends in Athens without incidents

Students and tutors gathered in the afternoon and expressed yet again their opposition to the education reform advanced by the government and to the law.

Also taking part in the rally were lawyers, members of the Athens Bar Association's committee for the Defence of Rights.

A march followed to Parliament where the demonstrators shouted slogans against the education reform. The protestors later marched to Athens University and to Omonia Square where they eventually dispersed.

[10] Metsovio Polytechnic professors suspend strike

An announcement said that the Polytechnic's professors view "the new law on universities dysfunctional and inapplicable and call on the government, the managements of the institutions of higher education and the entire academic community to consider their responsibilities and to cooperate, in order for there to be shaped, with consensus and cool-headedness, a functional and modern bill which will safeguard the autonomy, guarantee the upgrading and secure the role of public universities."

[11] PASOK leader speaks to Reuters

The ruling New Democracy (ND) party had created growing inequality in Greek society while failing to deliver the structural reforms it promised when they came to power in 2004, he said in an interview.

"The richer must be more heavily taxed," Papandreou said. "They (the government) have hurt ordinary people -- there is a lot of poverty in Greece."

Papandreou said his party would also pursue fiscal consolidation and implement pro-business policies combined with solid welfare.

His government would introduce a capital gains tax as one of the measures to bridge the gap between the poor and the rich.

"We need reform but not in the way which would create more inequality," he said.

Papandreou backed bringing elections forward because PASOK saw evidence that the public mood was changing in their favour.

"The sooner the better," he said.

He also said PASOK would be more determined than ND in tackling education reform.

[12] SYN president, secretary meets police union federation

"We do not want any mother to worry at night about how her child will come home, whether it is at university, at a rally or working for the police," Alavanos said, stressing that it was possible to have peaceful mobilisations.

According to SYN's leader, the police were receiving mixed messages that created confusion in their ranks about how to handle demonstrations. He also stressed that social problems could not be solved using the police, not even a better and calmer police force.

"Social problems need political solutions," Alavanos underlined, reiterating his party's demand that the framework-law on education that was passed by Parliament this week be withdrawn.

The police union federation's president Dimitris Kyriazidis said the union had lodged a complaint with Public Order Vyron Polydoras outlining the concern of police officers and their families over the escalation of the confrontation with demonstrators, which had resulted in injury for dozens of officers, asking him not to fuel this further with his actions.

According to Kyriazidis, Polydoras had made the climate against police worse through his statements and attitudes, when he should have been trying to defuse tension and calm things down.

[13] Controversial school history book not to be withdrawn, minister says

Replying to a question put by Coalition of the Left, of Movements and Ecology (SYN) leader Alekos Alavanos in Parliament, Yiannakou said the writers might make changes in collaboration with the Educational Institute that took into account observations made by various sides, including one from the Republic of Cyprus.

Alavanos claimed the authors of the book had been the target of "vulgar attacks and attempts at ideological intimidation" and called on the education ministry to defend the book it had already approved and resist pressures to have it withdrawn.

According to the minister, the book had several flaws from an educational standpoint, which included an extremely concise narrative, scant description of war-time events and references to sources that, though correct from an academic standpoint, were difficult for children of that age group to grasp unless their teacher had a very good knowledge of the subject.

"A discussion was held and the authors agreed to examine the various criticisms that have been made by various sides - including the Cyprus Republic - and to make certain corrections that they agree must be made as a team, after which the book will go to schools and be evaluated as are all other books," Yiannakou said.

She stressed, however, that the ministry will not back down to pressures to have the book withdrawn.

The book has come under fire from various sources, including the Orthodox Church of Greece, for various departures from the version of events traditionally taught in Greek schools concerning Greece's war of independence against the rule of Ottoman Turks and the 1922 Asia Minor war. Among these was the role of the Greek Church in preserving the Greek language during the Ottoman occupation and the treatment of other heroic figures of the revolution, while it also accused of skimming over the massacre of Asia Minor Greeks by the Turks in Izmir.

[14] ND Sec't Zagoritis received by Cyprus President

Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos received ruling New Democracy (ND) party Secretary Lefteris Zagoritis here on Thursday.

"Turkey must respect European Union rules, principles and values and fully adapt itself to the criteria and preconditions set by the Union if it wants its accession course to go ahead," Zagoritis told reporters after the meeting.

The ND secretary was accompanied by ND deputy Andreas Lykourentzos. Both men arrived on the island republic to represent Greece's ruling party at a congress of Cyprus' Democratic Rally (DHSY) party.

Zagoritis said he had a "fruitful" discussion with President Papadopoulos on all aspects of Greece-Cyprus relations, adding that Athens' strategic objective is continuous cooperation and close coordination by the two countries in all sectors.

Cyprus' accession to the EU created very important prospects in the process of finding a solution to the political problem of the island republic, one "based on UN resolutions and the European acquis communautaire, and one that will be unquestionably acceptable, viable and just for the people of Cyprus," Zagoritis noted.

[15] PASOK MP Pangalos in Cyprus

Greek main opposition PASOK party MP Theodoros Pangalos, responsible for foreign affairs and defense issues, met with Cyprus' Democratic Party (DHKO) President Marios Karoyian in Nicosia on Thursday and stressed the need to seek methods and means that will change the existing situation in the Cyprus issue.

"I was never a proponent of stagnation and policies that allow time to consolidate faits accomplis", Pangalos said, adding that it is clear that the verdict issued by the Greek Cypriots should be respected.

The Cyprus issue is a problem of invasion and military occupation, pointed out Pangalos, and stressed that the solution of the Cyprus problem should be in accordance with real facts, the international law and the European reality.

Also discussed during the meeting were cooperation prospects between DHKO and PASOK, with Pangalos stressing that relations between the two parties were "traditionally very good".

Karoyian commented that the talks with Pangalos were substantive and creative as always, and added that the aim is to further expand DHKO's relations with PASOK.

[16] Pangalos meets Cyprus Parliament Speaker Christofias

Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) deputy Theodoros Pangalos met with Cyprus Parliament Speaker Demetris Christofias in Nicosia on Thursday.

After their meeting, the Greek deputy, who heads PASOK's Foreign and Defence Department, told reporters that "the seeking must proceed of a new form of contacts and discussions between the two factors of the Cypriot problem,that is the Cyprus Republic and the Turkish Cypriot community."

Pangalos said that the Cyprus parliament speaker briefed him "in detail on the prospects existing for the seeking of a solution for a unified democratic Cyprus, whose existence will be based on international rules and the European acquis communautaire."

Financial News

[17] Greece, Qatar sign high-profile framework agreement

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and Qatari Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Al-Thani signed the agreement for the respective sides, whereas earlier discussions focused on the situation in the Middle East and other issues of mutual interest.

"There is a confirmed interest for investment of Qatari capital in Greece," the Qatari foreign minister said, while underlining the need for a "long-term" partnership with Athens.

Al-Thani stressed that the desire is for Greece-Qatar relations to expand amid a very favorable bilateral climate, especially after a successful trip to Doha by President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias last May.

On her part, Bakoyannis referred to the excellent cooperation between the two countries and her counterpart on the UN Security Council, as well as the continuation of this cooperation "in a mutual effort to reveal the crucial situation in the Middle East today".

The high-ranking Qatari official also expressed his view that Greece's close relations with the Arab world should lead to its more active participation in the region's developments.

Both sides, in fact, have agreed to establish embassies in each other's capital by May, it was announced.

Al-Thani was later received by Papoulias at the presidential mansion.

[18] Unemployment down to 8.8 pct in last quarter of 2006

According to NSS, this is the first time that average unemployment rates have fallen below 9 pct since 1998.

Unemployment rates remain highest among young people aged 15-29, where it stands at 18.3 pct, rising to 25.2 pct for young women in this age group compared to 12.9 pct for young men.

Rates of joblessness among women of all ages are almost double that for their male counterparts, reaching 13.5 pct on average compared with 5.5 pct for men, though it is lower in relation to 2005.

Based on education leels, unemployment was above the total rate mainly for higher technical education and secondary education level graduates, while for graduates of higher education levels, unemployment was lower compared with the total rate.

Out of a total of 429,089 unemployed people in the country, 87.9 pct was seeking full-time jobs, while first-time unemployed accounted for 36.2 percent of total unemployed. Long-term unemployed accounted for 54.81 pct of total. The statistics service said unemployment among foreigners was 8.3 pct in the country. Western Macedonia (12 pct) and Eastern Macedonia-Thrace (10.6 pct) recorded the highest unemployment rates in the country, while Crete (7.2 pct) and the Peloponese (7.4 pct) recorded the lowest unemployment rates.

The number of employed people totalled 4,462,111 in the fourth quarter of 2006, up by 95,637 compared with the same period in 2005.

The report showed that part-time job remained low in Greece, totalling 5.7 pct of employed people, while the rate of wage earners (63.7 pct) remained below the EU average of 80 pct of total workers.

[19] Parliament ratifies bill on creation of Social Solidarity Fund

Employment Minister Savvas Tsitouridis reiterated in his address that the government "is putting an end to the state that, through untransparent procedures, could harm the funds."

The minister referred in particular to the committee created in the summer of 2006 by the finance and employment ministries for the shaping of a new institutional framework.

Tsitouridis said that this framework will express the government's will for "absolute transparency in the managing of the property of social security funds."

He added that this committee's report has been delivered and in two months' time a complete proposal on the modernisation of the institutional framework will be produced in Parliament.

[20] Greek inflation unchanged at 3.0 pct in February, Eurostat

The EU executive's statistics agency, in its monthly report, said the inflation rate was also unchanged at 1.8 pct in the Eurozone in February, although down from 2.3 pct in February 2006. In the EU, inflation was unchanged at 2.1 pct, slightly down from a 2.2 pct figure in the same month last year.

Malta (0.8 pct), France, Cyprus and Finland (1.2 pct) recorded the lowest inflation rates in February, while Hungary (9.0 pct), Latvia (7.2 pt), Bulgaria and Estonia (4.6 pct) recorded the highest levels.

The inflation rate rose in 13 EU member-states, it was unchanged in Greece and fell in 12 member states. There were no figures for the UK.

[21] FinMin confers with tourism minister

During their meeting, they agreed on acceleration of the relative procedures, while also Petralia briefed Alogoskoufis on the tourism sector developments ahead of the new tourism season.

[22] Minister cites Patra-to-border rail line

Liapis announced that in a few years the Patra-Athens-Thessaloniki-Evzoni high-speed rail line will be ready, stressing that the new rail network is expected to meet European standards.

He also stated that a 5km-long section of the line in Patra will be underground and completed next year.

[23] Attica Bank returns to profitability in 2006

The bank said its after tax profits were affected by an 1.2-million-euro extra tax on the bank's tax-free reserves.

Attica Bank said a restructuring of its loan portfolio, better use of software programming and developments in pension and labour issues have created the right conditions for rapid growth and higher profitability in the coming years.

Assets totaled 3.047 billion euros last year, up 23.4 pct from 2005, while loans (pre-provisions) rose 23.6 pct to 2.261 billion euros. Housing loans totaled 362.6 million euros in 2006, up 41.8 pct from the previous year.

Consumer loans and credit cards totaled 326.2 million euros, up 25.7 pct in the year, while saving deposits and repos totaled 2.424 billion euros, up 23.9 percent from 2005.

Consolidated pre-tax profits were 3.7 million euros in 2006, after a loss of 11.1 mln euros in 2005 and consolidated after tax profits were 873,800 euros from a loss of 9.9 mln euros.

[24] Bank of Greece governor says no problem with Attica Bank

"I want to reassure the public and the market that there is no problem with Attica Bank's capital adequacy. There was a pending issue with its pension contributions, but that's a matter of political will. In case these contributions are recorded in the bank's deficit, then Attica Bank's shareholders should proceed with a new share capital increase. This is a standard practice and there is nothing else to worry the public, depositors and the market".

Garganas said remarks by Attica Bank's governor on Wednesday were a mistake, while adding that the central bank would make necessary recommendations so that similar statements are not repeated in the future.

He also underlined the need for reforms, particularly in the education sector, saying: "The education system needs reform and not only in higher education. Current reforms are significant".

Finally, Garganas referred to the need for reforms in social security and the healthcare sector.

"There is a majore problem there, huge spending and deficits are a vital issue and must be fairly dealt with through a timely reform programme," he said.

[25] President Papoulias opens GSEE congress

In his address, the president said "my presence here today shows the state's interest in matters concerning the working people, but also my own personal interest for the protection of the right to work which is consolidated by the Constitution."

Papoulias underlined that "we have a duty to help the low income earners, the people who cannot make ends meet with their salary, we are obliged to stand in solidarity next to the unemployed, who, losing their job, lose the hope for a better tomorrow."

[26] Papandreou to address GSEE conference on Friday

According to a party press release, Papandreou will also meet later on Friday with Guy Ryder, President of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).

[27] General Accounting Office rejects reports of 'hidden' bond issue

Commenting on a press report alleging that the government issued a "hidden" bond loan, the General Accounting Office said the larger part of the state's borrowing requirements were covered by the Public Debt Management Organisation, but a small part remained under the management of the General Accounting Office's public debt directorate, covering mainly arms purchases, European Investment Bank loans and loans issued by the Council of the European Development Bank. All bond loans issued are recorded with the central government's debt and the state budget.

The 280-mln-euro, 12-year bond loan (issued on Feb. 22, 2007) was managed by JP Morgan Securities Ltd, one of the primary market dealers. The terms of borrowing were particularly favorable for the Greek state, according to the yield curve at the time of the issue, with a final interest rate cost of Euribor plus 16 basis points annually. The manager did not receive any commission for the issue.

[28] PASOK party economy rapporteur on 'secret' bond issue

"For the first time, unless there are more such secret bonds, the State General Accounting Office issues such a complex bond without having cadres having the necessary specialised knowledge and experience," she said.

Papandreou spoke of an "issue staged from the beginning which must be investigated", adding that "the issuing of this bond evidently serves the aims of the 'Akropolis' stock exchange company and those hiding behind it."

[29] Greek merchant fleet increases capacity by 6 pc

According to an announcement by the National Statistical Service of Greece, and compared to January 2006, the total capacity of ships increased by 6 percent, the total force of Greek ships decreased by 1.4 percent, freighters decreased by 0.5 percent, the total capacity of freighters increased by 4.9 percent, tankers increased by 0.9 percent and their total capacity by 8.3 percent and passenger and other ships decreased by 3.2 percent.

Out of the 2,012 ships registered in January this year, 632 are freighters, 469 tankers and 911 passenger and other ships.

[30] S&B reports mixed 2006 results

Speaking to reporters, presenting the group's 2006 results, Vidalis said its expansion programme envisages the integration of CEBO International BV after completion of the acquisition by the end of May 2007. The acquisition is expected to boost S&B's turnover to more than 500 million euros.

S&B said group sales rose 8.5 pct last year to 455.6 million euros, from 419.84 million euros in 2005, consolidated operating earnings rose 16 percent to 40.24 million euros, while pre-tax profits fell 8.5 pct to 34.2 million euros in 2006.

Consolidated net, after-tax profits totaled 23.54 million euros, down 6.4 pct, although in a recurring base they were up 13.5 pct last year, while net profits after minorities totaled 22.1 million euros and earnings per share were 0.73 euros.

Consolidated sales of Industrial Minerals rose 6.0 pct to 355.4 million euros in 2006, while operating earnings rose 14.5 percent to 34.55 million euros and net profits rose 12.7 pct to 19.96 million euros.

S&B's board plans to pay a 0.30 euros per share dividend to its shareholders, up 11.1 percent from the previous year.

[31] Folli Follie reports spectacular 2006 results

Pre-tax, interest and amortization earnings jumped 79.5 pct to 121.2 million euros, while pre-tax profits totaled 106 million euros, up 51.4 percent. Net after tax profits rose 44.3 percent to 81.7 million euros, while consolidated after tax and minorities profits were up 17.7 pct to 65.2 million euros. Earnings per share rose 17.8 pct to 1.98 euros.

Folli Follie said Japan accounted for 21 pct of its sales, with the rest of Asia accounting for 43 pct, Europe 21 pct and duty free and airline sales accounted for 15 percent of total sales. Jewelry accounted for 61 pct of sales, watches 33 pct and other accessories 6.0 pct.

[32] Greek stocks rebound after three-day decline

Sector indices were mixed, with the Media (2.73 pct), Healthcare (2.44 pct) and Financial Services (2.39 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while the Constructions (0.93 pct), Utilities (0.67 pct) and Insurance (0.44 pct) suffered losses.

The Big Cap index rose 1.03 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 1.33 pct higher and the Small Cap index rose 0.62 pct.

Petropoulos (10.0 pct), Boutaris (9.62 pct) were top gainers, while Delta Project (19.32 pct), Desmos (8.0 pct) and Nikas (5.98 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 163 to 93 with another 45 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: -0.44%

Industrials: +0.88%

Commercial: -0.25%

Construction: -0.93%

Media: +2.73%

Oil & Gas: +0.71%

Personal & Household: +0.43%

Raw Materials: +1.32%

Travel & Leisure: +1.58%

Technology: +0.87%

Telecoms: +1.08%

Banks: +1.15%

Food & Beverages: +1.21%

Health: +2.44%

Utilities: -0.67%

Chemicals: +1.63%

Financial Services: +2.39%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 21.20

ATEbank: 3.82

Public Power Corp (PPC): 19.34

HBC Coca Cola: 30.00

Hellenic Petroleum: 10.58

Emporiki Bank: 20.90

National Bank of Greece: 38.22

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 28.52

Intralot: 24.12

Cosmote: 21.74

OPAP: 29.20

OTE: 20.72

Titan Cement Company: 39.40

[33] ADEX closing report

The March contract on the FTSE 20 index was traded at a discount of 0.39 pct and on the FTSE 40 index at a discount of 0.40 pct.

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totaled 19.041 contracts worth 222.731 million euros, with 28,020 open positions in the market, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 947 contracts worth 25.698 million euros, with 1,216 open positions.

Volume in futures contract on equities totaled 33,593 contracts worth 21.579 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Intracom's contracts (5,842), followed by Hellenic Telecoms (5,229), PPC (1,086), Piraeus Bank (973), National Bank (1,490), Alpha Bank (3,501), ATEbank (3,378), GEK (1,733), Mytilineos (1,491) and Motor Oil (1,814).

Volume in stock repos was 21 contracts and in reverse stock repos 2,558.

[34] Greek bond market closing report

The 10-year benchmark bond (July 20, 2017), was the most heavily traded security with a turnover of 810 million euros, while the yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German bond was 0.225 percent. The Greek bond yielded 4.16 pct and the German Bund 3.94 pct.

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates remained unchanged. National Ban's overnight rate was 3.83 pct, the two-day rate was 3.83 pct, the one-month rate was 3.85 pct and the 12-month rate rose to 4.09 pct from 4.08 pct.

[35] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

U.S. dollar 1.333

Pound sterling 0.688

Danish kroner 7.509

Swedish kroner 9.342

Japanese yen 156.33

Swiss franc 1.621

Norwegian kroner 8.151

Cyprus pound 0.584

Canadian dollar 1.567

Australian dollar 1.692

General News

[36] MPs tour new Acropolis Museum site

Voulgarakis stressed that the project is progressing as planned, with a completion date due this summer.

In a related development, MPs expressed concern over a warning issued by scientists a decade ago regarding the structural integrity of Acropolis Hill itself, which hosts the remnants of the Parthenon and other Classical-era structures. The deputies were assured that any problems will be dealt with by geologists.

Meanwhile, a study has been commissioned to ensure that the artifacts currently on display at the old museum atop the Acropolis will be safely transferred to the new museum, which lies across from the southern side of the Acropolis.

[37] Action Aid president briefs deputy FM

Action Aid has issued circulars/letters titled "Let's put an end to poverty now", signed by citizens, which have also been forwarded to national economy and finance minister Alogoskoufis as well as Stylianidis.

Mitsotaki told reporters after the meeting that the non-governmental organisation (NGO) was calling for the sensitisation of the citizens and the government, which she said must fulfill its international obligations in the framework of the UN Millennium Goals and increase its developmental aid to needy countries.

"Every three seconds a child loses the battle for life. One billion people live on less than one dollar a day. Is this the 21st century? There is no justification," the Action Aid card says, adding that "the time has come for substantive action...Greece can contribute significantly to reducing poverty throughout the world".

Stylianidis said that the government has joined forces with Action Aid and the foreign ministry's Hellenic Aid organisation "to mobilise the Greek people and sensitise the government so as to play a more protagonistic role in this direction, at the same time manifesting our firm belief in the humanitarian values that our civilisation put foward".

"Tomorrow, we will not be able to say to our children that we hadn't heard, that we didn't know. We know both what must and what can be done. It is our obligation to leave a better world to our children. The govenments, the citizens, and the non-governmental organisations. We must do our duty," Mitsotaki said.

[38] President Papoulias to visit Volos

Shortly after his arrival at Aghialos Airport on Friday afternoon, Papoulias will visit the site where a replica of the prehistoric 50-oar vessel ARGO, followed by a visit to the Volos Municipal Theatre, where the ceremony wll be held during which he will be declared an honourary resident.

On Saturday, the President will inaugurate the Museum, before returning to Athens.

[39] Thessaloniki's new city hall to be ready in summer 2008

The contemporary architecture five-storey building, with a spectacular view of the Thermaikos Bay, is the biggest project ever launched by a municipality nationwide and will cover an area of 15,000sqm featuring a 900-space parking area.

A ticket-free bus route will serve commuters wishing to get to downtown Thessaloniki or reach the parking areas on the city outskirts.

[40] Exhibition in Rotterdam on 'Uniting Cultures-Greek Artistic Presence in Holland'

The exhibition, which will be held from March 25 to April 16 at the Art Hall of the World Trade Center, will include works by twenty Greek painters and sculptors who are living permanently in Holland.

The initiative for hosting the exhibition was taken by Greece's Consul General in Rotterdam Kyriakos Amiridis, while it will be supervised by art and museum historian Eva Fotiadi, from Amsterdam.

[41] Photo exhibition, film screenings on occasion of World Water Day

The exhibition, running from March 16 to March 23, was scheduled to coincide with World Water Day on March 22.

The event is co-sponsored by Athens-based Medwet, an organisation founded in 1991 to encourage international collaboration among Mediterranean countries, specialised wetland centres and international NGOs in protecting wetlands.

[42] 5-million-year-old rhino jaw on display in Kozani

The remains were discovered in the region's lignite mines a few months ago.

The jaw is the latest in a series of important prehistoric finds unearthed over recent years in the wider region of Kozani and Ptolemaida during excavations by paleontologists.

The museum visitors will be impressed by the remains of a fossilized mammoth which lived in the region 2.5 million years ago, a 70-million-year-old fossilized fish and other marine life remains dating back 50-90 million years. The collection also includes fossilized leaves and pinecones estimated to be between 9 and 14 million years old.

[43] Bavarian deputies visit EKDDA

During the visit, the Bavarian deputies had a working meeting with EKDDA Secretary-General George Voutsinos who briefed them on the centre's strategic activities for the growth of manpower and its support to the reform of Greek public administration.

The deputies were also briefed on EKDDA's international presence and activity as well as on the agreements which it has reached on a European and international level.

[44] Two people arrested on drug trade charges

Police made the arrests acting on a tip-off and found in their possession approximately 1 kilo of unprocessed cannabis, ecstasy (xtc) pills and 0.4 grams of heroin.

Police also seized 9,140 euros in drug money, a depositor's book with the amount of 78,229 euros, two mobile phones and a precision scale.

[45] 2 arrested in forged documents scam

Police made the arrests in a western Athens district after acting on information. According to reports, the suspects focused on the printing forged Romanian documents, which they subsequently sold to third country nationals attempting to become legalised as EU citizens.

Weather forecast

[46] Mostly fair on Friday

[47] The Thursday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "The historic agreement on the pipeline to be signed today (Thursday) - All eyes turned to Greece".

ANO KATO: "The pipeline, with Putin's seal - Historic day for Greece, which is entering the international energy map".

APOGEVMATINI: "Athens now 'playing' the petrol poker - The signing of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline agreement is of major strategic importance".

AVGHI: "Government check mated - Huge rally today".

AVRIANI: "The Russian bear puts its foot down - The Americans livid with the Greece-Russia strategic agreements on energy and weapons systems".

CHORA: "Historic Putin-Karamanlis agreement - Greece an energy hub for the EU".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "The Ides of March came, but have not gone, as the Russian President and Greek prime minister today sign the Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline agreement".

ELEFTHEROS: "PASOK's benefits (pledges) just empty words - (National economy and finance minister) Alogoskoufis blows the main opposition party's platform sky-high".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "After 14 years, Greece-Russia-Bulgaria found...the keys to the agreement".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Cop to Polydoras: Outburst by the Panhellenic Federation of Policemen".

ESTIA: "Lowly hypocrites - PASOK on Pangalos' (PASOK MP and former minister) statements".

ETHNOS: "Karamanlis once again a spectator - Maximos Mansion (government headquarters) incited the tension, and now is worried...".

KATHIMERINI: "The economy brings Athens and Moscow closer together - Karamanlis, Putin and Stanishev dined together last night in Athens".

LOGOS: "The police on the streets - Draconean security measures due to Putin and...students".

NIKI: "They took off the government's hood - Police trade unionists accuse Polydoras of provoking the incidents".

RIZOSPASTIS: "The framework-law (on higher education passed earlier this week) must be shelved - Press conference by KKE (Communist Party of Greece) leader Aleka Papariga".

TA NEA: "ELAS (Greek Police), Maximos Mansion, Polydoras at each other's throats - They mutually accuse each other over the incidents".

TO VIMA: "Phantom 'blue' bond - 300 million euros - It was secretly sold by the infamous Acropolis brokerage to four social insurance funds".

VRADYNI: "Which map do we want? The open roads of energy...and the roadblocks of polarisation".

Cyprus Affairs

[48] House votes in favour of Cyprus joining Eurozone

The Cypriot House of Representatives plenary voted on Thursday in favour of bills for Cyprus' entry into the Eurozone on 1 January 2008, with 36 votes in favour from the Democratic Rally, the Democratic Party, the European Party, the Social Democrats' Movement EDEK and the Ecologists and Environmentalists' Movement, and 15 against from AKEL.

The amendments tabled by AKEL and EDEK were withdrawn and thus the four bills will be published in the official Gazette of the Republic on Friday.

House President Demetris Christofias said that any amendments would be submitted by the parties aiming at the further strengthening of the institutional framework to protect the people from any rounding off of figures and profiteering.

Also present at the plenary were Minister of Finance Michalis Sarris, Central Bank of Cyprus Governor Christodoulos Christodoulou and head of the European Commission's Representation in Cyprus Themis Themistocleous.

AKEL's Parliamentary Representative Nicos Katsourides said his party did not disagree with joining the EMU but was requesting a postponement for a year because it believed that it was a precautionary policy for granting further social benefits, adding that AKEL trusted the government and the economy, and believed Cyprus could meet the Maastricht criteria, and that its disagreement did not mean it should withdraw its participation in the government.

President of the Democratic Rally Nicos Anastasiades said that his party would be voting in favour of the bills, since it received convincing explanations from the government that the transition to the Euro would be smooth, adding that DISY was in favour of joining the Eurozone right from the beginning because ''if you want to create conditions of full integration, you must fulfill the obligations you already undertook on signing your accession to the EU.''

On behalf of the Democratic Party, the party's Parliamentary Representative Andreas Angelides said DIKO would contribute to the smooth transition of the whole economic life and action after Cyprus' accession to the Eurozone, adding that ''the huge prospects and the challenge begin today'' and called on everyone ''to be part of this huge project which is our accession to the Euro.''

President of the Social Democrats' Movement EDEK Yiannakis Omirou said ''we must support the effort of the government for the smoothest

possible transition to the common European currency,'' adding that ''with accession to the EMU, certain aspects of the Cyprus problem will be reassessed, the inclination will be towards unified economic structures, accession to the EMU will mean the conclusive retraction of the provisions of the Annan plan for separate Central Banks and separate currencies, it will conclusively and irrevocably be one Central Bank, one currency, one single economy.''

Speaking before the House of Representatives Plenary session, President of the European Party Demetris Syllouris said Cyprus has the potential to prove to be the most successful country joining the Eurozone and ''can be an example,'' adding that Cyprus could tackle the negative aspects of the Euro and that by postponing accession ''we will loose our trustworthiness in Europe.''

In his speech, General Secretary of the Ecologists and Environmentalists' Movement George Perdikis said the Ecologists would vote in favour of the bills because they believed Cyprus' accession to the Eurozone is possible, and at the same time the economically weaker groups of the population could be supported, without leaving Cyprus outside the Maastricht indices, noting that there were also political arguments for joining the tough core of the EU concerning the Cyprus problem.

[49] EP calls for speedy investigation into the fate of missing persons

The European Parliament adopted Thursday a resolution on missing persons in Cyprus, calling all parties concerned to cooperate sincerely on a speedy completion of the appropriate investigations into the fate of all missing persons in Cyprus after the Turkish military invasion of 1974.

The European Parliament also calls on the parties concerned and all those who have any information regarding the missing persons to pass it on to the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) in Cyprus without any further delay.

It calls on the Council and the Commission to concern themselves actively with this problem, and to take all necessary steps, in cooperation with the United Nations Secretary General, to bring about implementation of the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and the relevant UN and European Parliament resolutions.

The resolution also foresees that the problem is referred to its appropriate committee of the European Parliament with a view to follow-up, in close cooperation with the Commission, and instructs the committee to report to it periodically, the first report to be submitted within six months.

The resolution had the support of all the political groups in the European Parliament and was an initiative of Cypriot MEP Panayiotis Demetriou (EPP-ED/CY).

During his intervention in the plenary Demetriou underlined the importance of looking into the matter from its strictly humanitarian aspect. ''The issue of the missing persons in Cyprus is exclusively a humanitarian one and it needs to be kept away from political tactics''.

''Persons from both the G/C and the T/C communities are still missing and their relatives have the fundamental right to find out what has happened to them'', Demetriou added.

He also expressed his deep appreciation towards the important work the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus has so far conducted as regards the exhumation and identification of remains and stressed the constructive cooperation between its Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot members.

''The Council and the Commission also need to actively involve themselves in providing financial assistance to the CMP and to take all necessary steps, in cooperation with the UN Secretary General, to bring about implementation of the relevant judgement of the ECHR as well as the UN and European Parliament resolutions'', Panayiotis Demetriou concluded.

The resolution was adopted in the light of press information regarding Christakis Georgiou, who was five years old when he disappeared during the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island and transferred to Turkey.

In May 2001 the ECHR found Ankara guilty of violating the rights of the relatives of missing persons because of its refusal to inform them of their fate, thus violating article 3 of the European Convention of Human Rights.

After the 1974 invasion, 1.493 Greek Cypriots were officially reported as missing to the CMP but following a number of identifications in the past several years that number now stands at 1.468.

The Turkish Cypriot community has declared 502 persons as missing. Cyprus, which entered the EU in May 2004, has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

[50] Britain says no proposal to call UN meeting on Cyprus

British High Commissioner to Cyprus Peter Millet dismissed reports on Thursday that after talks with the UN

Secretariat, the US State Department and the UK Foreign Office, Britain is ready in April, when it assumes the presidency of the Security Council, to call a meeting on the issue, in order to be briefed on the situation by the UN Secretary General's Special Representative in Cyprus Michael Moller.

Speaking in Limassol, Millet said there was no such proposal on behalf of Britain and that it was all a misunderstanding. He explained that any meeting at the UN on the issue would probably be held in the context of the programme set out by former UN Undersecretary for Political Affairs Ibrahim Gambari, who is now a UN special advisor.

''There is no proposal on our side,'' Millet said, adding that ''if they want they will have a discussion in New York but no proposal has been made on our behalf.''

Millet noted that ''the July 8 agreement is a large basis and framework for the solution of the Cyprus problem and our role is to encourage progress and to push the other side to take steps necessary for progress soon.''

Commenting on the fact that EU spheres were trying to promote trade between the EU and the areas of Cyprus over which the government does not have effective control, Millet said this issue concerned the German Presidency of the bloc and ''we must wait for the framework that may be agreed on.''

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

Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat agreed on 8 July 2006, during a meeting in Nicosia in the presence of Gambari, 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.

[51] EU officials hold series of meetings in Cyprus

Jaako Blomberg, Special Advisor to the European Commissioner for Enlargement, has been holding talks in Cyprus since Wednesday, focusing on the UN process to resume substantive negotiations on the Cyprus problem and trade between the EU and the areas of Cyprus over which the government does not have effective control.

CNA sources have said that on Thursday Blomberg, who is accompanied by Director at the Enlargement General Directorate Timo Summa, was received by President of the Republic Tassos Papadopoulos.

On Wednesday, the two European officials had a working lunch with the UN Secretary General's Special Representative in Cyprus Michael Moller and on the same day they met with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat and so-called prime minister in the Turkish occupied areas Ferdi Sabit Soyer.

[52] EP Contact Group with Turkish Cypriots receives extension

The Contact Group of the European Parliament with the Turkish Cypriot community received an extension of its works from the heads of the Parliament.

French MEP Francoise Grossetete of the European People's Party, who is heading the Group, presented to the presidents of the European Parliament the report of the Group for its works since January 2006, when it was set up, and its contacts with representatives of the Turkish Cypriot community.

Grossetete said that ''the report was adopted unanimously by our Group, despite the differences on certain issues, and it is the result of group work between the participating MEPs.''

''The report shows that dialogue is the only way for the reconciliation of the two communities. It encourages the two communities to continue rapprochement efforts, which we hope will lead to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem,'' she noted.

The French MEP said that during the Group's meetings with representatives of the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities and with the promotion of meetings mainly with civil society organisations, the Group hopes to play a significant role in improving relations among citizens.

Expressing a personal view, Grossetete said she did not see as positive a proposal included in the report for recognising Turkish as an official EU language as long as the Cyprus problem remained unsolved.

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