Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-03-26

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek Independence Day celebrated throughout Greece, abroad

[02] U.S. President George W. Bush attends Greek Independence Day ceremony

[03] Karamanlis praises Declaration of Berlin, German EU presidency

[04] PM calls for greater determination in promotion of European integration

[05] PM favours creation of 'steam-engine' for European integration

[06] Parliament president attends Treaty of Rome anniversary event at Italian parliament

[07] Papandreou on Treaty of Rome anniversary

[08] Aghios Efstratios not a demilitarised zone, US Undersecretary Burns says

[09] PASOK leader to visit island of Agios Efstratios

[10] All Greeks in Kinshasa safe and well, Greek embassy suffers serious damage by mortar fire

[11] Alexandria Patriarch sends solidarity messages to Kinsasha Greeks

[12] KKE-led meeting of European left parties on public education held in Brussels

[13] University lecturers' union calls off strike

[14] University teachers decide to return to universities

[15] Former PASOK minister predicts victory in next elections

[16] Former KKE Central Committee secretary general Grigoris Farakos dies

[17] FM to meet French culture minister on Monday

[18] Charge d'Affaires at Greek embassy in Australia passes away

[19] FinMin meets with French counterpart, institutional investors in Paris

[20] Employment Minister Savvas Tsitouridis continues Crete visit

[21] Social security fund probes continuing

[22] Neolithic settlement in Ptolemais plain

[23] Moderate earthquake jolts Cephalonia, no damage reported

[24] Explosions in Athens on Friday night

[25] Journalist Marina Beneki dies

[26] Illegal immigrants arrested off Samos

[27] Illegals intercepted before boarding Italy-bound vessels

[28] Orfanos receives multiple honours at NY event

[29] Orfanos speaks to Greeks in Chicago

[30] Greece thumped 4-1 by Turkey in European Cup qualifier

[31] Mostly fair on Monday

[32] The Friday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance Politics

[01] Greek Independence Day celebrated throughout Greece, abroad

President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias officiated at a traditional military Independence Day parade in central Athens, the main event of the celebrations, which was also attended by representatives of the country's political, state, military and religious leadership. A pupils' parade took place on Saturday in central Athens.

The military parade in Athens was preceded by a service at the Athens Metropolitan Cathedral and a traditional wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the president laid a wreath.

"Today, we celebrate the most glorious page of our history. A people virtually unarmed, but with a passion for freedom, a passion for national independence, rose up against the Ottoman empire. Despite the adverse will of a then reactionary Europe, this people fought and won, and today we live in freedom," Papoulias said.

The President added that "the historic messages bequeathed to us by the 1821 freedom fighters are love of country, passion for freedom and the passion, and if required, sacrifices in order to preserve our national independence".

"We all bow our heads devoutly before this heroism, the unique human heroism manifested by those fighters," Papoulias said.

National Defence Minister Evangelos Meimarakis, representing the government, congratulated the chiefs of the armed forces.

"I believe that this day is a day of memory and circumspection," Meimarakis said, adding that "it also offers the opportunity for drawing many conclusions on how we can carry on".

"Investment in the armed forces is an investment in peace, an investment in the individual because, when there is security, than indeed investments can be made to open up jobs. And this is precisely why the armed forces are forces of peace and prevention, which wish to make every Greek and every visitor to our country feel safe," the defence minister added.

Parliament vice-president Ioannis Trigakis said that Greece's "conscripted youth filled us with pride today". He also noted the overwhelming turnout of people in downtown Athens for the parade.

"We fell that the credibility and readiness of the armed forces paraded before us today, and thus tomorrow we will feel greater certainty," he added.

PM issues message

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis issued a message over the weekend on the occasion of the March 25, 1821, anniversary of the Greek rebellion against Ottoman rule, stressing that at a time of changes and uncertainty, Greek women and men are proving in practice that they are firmly being inspired by the same human values that had armed the Independence fighters.

Karamanlis added that "in this spirit, we are working for a healthy and strong economy. For steady high rates of growth. For a society of opportunities and solidarity. For reforms that upgrade democracy institutionally and create preconditions for a better tomorrow in the international competitive environment."

The prime minister further said that "we are working so that Greek women and Greek men, our young men and young women can look at the future with optimism," adding that "Greece, free and strong more than ever in modern history, is a factor of peace and democracy and growth and prosperity in the wider region of Southeastern Europe."

PASOK leader issues

Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou issued a message on Friday, marking the anniversary of the March 25, 1821, rebellion against Ottoman rule, saying that 186 years later Greek women and men can feel proud of what they have achieved.

"The Greeks' freedom struggle will always constitute the symbol of dignity for every person and for every people struggling for freedom. For every society that envisages and claims a better future," he said.

Papandreou added that "we consolidated our freedom, widened our democracy, we are in a position to safeguard our national interests, we are a factor of stability and peace in the region of the Balkans and we can have a voice on the international scene."

Lastly, the PASOK leader said that the message sent by the liberation strugge "calls on us to wage a continuous struggle to safeguard national independence which is taking on a new dimension today, to deepen democracy, to consolidate social justice and for an open and creative society."

Pupils parade in Athens on national anniversary

The traditional pupils parade, marking the anniversary of the March 25, 1821, Greek rebellion against Ottoman rule, was held at Syntagma Square in Athens on Saturday morning in the presence of Education Minister Marietta Yiannakou and representatives of Parliament, political parties, local administration bodies and the security forces.

The parade began shortly after 11 in the morning and after the minister had laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Pupils from 13 elementary schools, nine junior high schools and 12 senior high schools participated in the parade, that was headed by the senior high school of Kalavryta and the banner of Agia Lavra.

At the end of the parade, members of a nationalist group threw leaflets and shouted slogans.

Celebrations marking the national anniversary will heighten in Athens on Sunday morning with a military parade in the presence of President Karolos Papoulias.

[02] U.S. President George W. Bush attends Greek Independence Day ceremony

United States President George W. Bush praised the contribution of the March 25, 1821, Greek Revolution fighters and at the same time the contribution of modern-day Greece to the international community, during an imposing ceremony held at the White House on Friday to honour Greek Independence Day.

The U.S. President thanked Greece for its immediate reaction to the terrorist attack on the U.S. embassy in Athens, saying that "the Greek government reacted quickly and we appreciate the determination of the Greek authorities to bring those responsible before justice."

President Bush underlined Greece's contribution to the NATO force in Afghanistan, as well as to the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon. In this framework, he pointed to the immediate assistance provided by Greece for the evacuation of American citizens from Lebanon, when the war broke out last summer.

"We requested your help and you responded. We appreciate this. This is what friends are for," President Bush said and praised Archbishop of America Demetrius, terming him a "wise man" and saying he is proud of knowing him.

"I appreciate your leading position and your prayers," President Bush said, addressing the primate of the Greek Orthodox Church of America. He also thanked Archbishop Demetrius for the psychological support he provided for both himself and his wife immediately after the attacks on September 11.

President Bush also spoke positively of Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, who was present at the ceremony. "I thank you for coming. I spoke with Condi (Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice) about the discussions you had. We have a lot to do together and I appreciate your leading presence," he said.

Lastly, President Bush stressed the great contribution made by the 1.2 million Americans of Greek origin to American society, praised the bonds existing between the two peoples and noted that with the ceremony taking place at the White House "we are celebrating our friendship with the Greek nation."

[03] Karamanlis praises Declaration of Berlin, German EU presidency

Karamanlis described the text of the Declaration of Berlin as "mature and balanced", expressing optimism on the prospects of the European Union and the reforms still outstanding.

Earlier in the day, Karamanlis had a private meeting with European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso, while on Saturday night, he attended a dinner hosted by German President of the Republic Horst Koehler for the EU leaders, after which he visited the renowned Pergamon Museum, where he was given a tour of an exhibition of Byzantine icons from the Velimezis Collection, entitled "The Splendour of Heaven", organised in cooperation with Athens' Benaki Museum and the Greek Foundation of Culture.

Karamanlis and his entourage are due to return to Athens shortly after a luncheon hosted by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, during which the EU leaders will bid farewell to French President Jacques Chirac, given that this was his last participation in an EU summit as he has announced that he will not be standing for office in the imminent presidential elections in France.

The signing of the Declaration of Berlin -- which, although just short of three pages long, aspires to opening up a new chapter for the prospects of the venture called the European Union, and chiefly to help overcome the alienation between the existing structure and the citizens of the member states -- coincides with the 186th anniversary of Greek Independence Day, celebrating the start of the Greek revolution against tour Ottoman rule on March 25, 1821.

Karamanlis statement

"Today is a double celebration for Hellenism. Together with the Annunciation of the Virgin, we also have the anniversary of the 1821 great struggle of the Greeks for freedom and national dignity. It is also, however, a very special day for Europe, too. For all of us who believe in the European Idea and the vision of European integration, this anniversary has a distinct symbolic meaning. In this half century, Europe, the European Union, has proved historically to be the most successful model of peace, cooperation and prosperity. Cooperation and consensus have taken the place of war as a method of resolving differences. The strength and size (of the member countries) is not so significant as the participation and devotion to the European principles and values, and, naturally, we must not forget that Europe is a protagonist in adopting and advancing pioneering policies directly concerning the citizens on crucial issues such as unemployment, education and climate change.

"I wish to congratulate the German presidency on the great effort it has made and for the Declaration of Berlin, which is a mature and balanced text, which is primarily addressed to the European citizens. It is true, and we all know, that the European Union today finds itself at a critical juncture in time, at a crucial turning point. It is equally a fact that, many times in the past as well, Europe had difficulties which it confronted and successfully overcame. I want to believe, and I do believe that Europe has the strength and the political volition to move ahead with determination in the future".

DECLARATION ON THE OCCASION OF THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIGNATURE OF THE TREATY OF ROME

For centuries Europe has been an idea, holding out hope of peace and understanding. That hope has been fulfilled.

European unification has made peace and prosperity possible. It has brought about a sense of community and overcome differences.

Each Member State has helped to unite Europe and to strengthen democracy and the rule of law.

Thanks to the yearning for freedom of the peoples of Central and Eastern Europe the unnatural division of Europe is now consigned to the past. European unification shows that we have learnt the painful lessons of a history marked by bloody conflict.

Today we live together as was never possible before. We, the citizens of the European Union, have united for the better.

I. In the European Union, we are turning our common ideals into reality: for us, the individual is paramount. His dignity is inviolable. His rights are inalienable. Men and women enjoy equal rights.

We are striving for peace and freedom, for democracy and the rule of law, for mutual respect and shared responsibility, for prosperity and security, for tolerance and participation, for justice and solidarity.

We have a unique way of living and working together in the European Union. This is expressed through the democratic interaction of the Member States and tie European institutions.

The European Union is founded on equal rights and mutually supportive cooperation. This enables us to strike a fair balance between Member States interests.

We preserve in the European Union the identities and diverse traditions of its Member States. We are enriched by open borders and a lively variety of languages, cultures and regions.

There are many goals which we cannot achieve on our own, but only in concert. Tasks are shared between the European Union, the Member States and their regions and local authorities.

II. We are facing major challenges which do not stop at national borders. The European Union is our response to these challenges.

Only together can we continue to preserve our ideal of European society in future for the good of all European Union citizens, This European model combines economic success and social responsibility.

The common market and the euro make us strong. We can thus shape the increasing interdependence of the global economy and ever-growing competition on international markets according to our values.

Europe's wealth lies in the knowledge and ability of its people; that is the key to growth, employment and social cohesion. We will fight terrorism and organized crime together.

We stand up for liberties and civil rights also in the struggle against those who oppose them. Racism and xenophobia must never again be given any rein.

We are committed to the peaceful resolution of conflicts in the world and to ensuring that people do not become victims of war, terrorism and violence.

The European Union wants to promote freedom and development in the world. We want to drive back poverty, hunger and disease. We want to continue to take a leading role in that fight.

We intend jointly to lead the way in energy policy and climate protection and make our contribution to averting the global threat of climate change.

III. The European Union will continue to thrive both on openness and on the will of its Member States to consolidate the Union's internal development.

The European Union will continue to promote democracy, stability and prosperity beyond its borders. With European unification a dream of earlier generations has become a reality.

Our history reminds us that we must protect this for the good of future generations. For that reason we must always renew the political shape of Europe in keeping with the times.

That is why today, 50 years after the signing of the Treaties of Rome, we are united in our aim of placing the European Union on a renewed common basis before the European Parliament elections in 2009. For we know, Europe is our common future.

[04] PM calls for greater determination in promotion of European integration

Speaking shortly before a meeting of European Peoples Party (EPP) leaders in the German capital, Karamanlis said "the 50 years from the signing of the Treaty of Rome is a great European achievement. During this half a century, we have succeeded in making war inconceivable and mapping out together a course of peace, cooperation, growth and prosperity."

Referring to the EPP, the prime minister said "for the European Peoples Party, today is a celebration even more so. And this is so because the European concept, the promotion of European integration are great fundamental priorities that were served with consistency by leading personalities of our political family."

[05] PM favours creation of 'steam-engine' for European integration

Greece's prime minister Costas Karamanlis is in favour of the creation of a front-line in the European Union that would serve as a steam-engine for European integration to proceed, according to a message by karamanlis appearing in Friday's edition of the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, in the framework of an insert dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the signing of the EU's founding Treaty of Rome, the celebrations being held to mark the anniversary, and the informal EU summit to be held Sunday in the German capital where the Declaration of Berlin will be adopted.

Karamanlis, who arrived in Berlin on Saturday morning to take part in the European People's Party (PPE) meeting, referring to the major issue of the crisis caused by the rejection of the European Constitutional Treaty in referenda in France and the Netherlands, said that although this fact could not be ignored, neither could the fact that the majority of the EU member states have already approved it be ignored.

"We are convinced that the Constitutional Treaty renders us capable of meeting the challenges. Otherwise the EU, with 27 members, runs the risk of paralysing. This is why we find ourselves in front of two alternatives: either to move ahead, or remain stagnant," he said.

He said he considered it a fact that "we can no loner move ahead all together", but "those who wish to and can, must do so, as a steam engine, paving the way for the rest", with the euro-zone countries in that role.

[06] Parliament president attends Treaty of Rome anniversary event at Italian parliament

Hellenic Parliament president Anna Psarouda-Benaki and parliament first vice-president Sotiris Hatzigakis represented Greece at a commemorative event held Friday morning in the Italian Chamber of Deputies marking the 50th anniversary of the signing of the EU's founding Treaty of Rome, by virtue of which the European Communities (or Europe of the 6), which has evolved since into the European Union of the '27', was created.

The event at the Chamber of Deputies, themed "Political Europe and its role in the world", was the culmination of two days of commemorative events in Florence and Rome, respectively. It was co-chaired by the speakers of the Chamber of Deputies (lower house of the Italian bicameral parliament) and the Senate of the Republic (upper house).

Addressing the event, Psarouda-Benaki stressed that, for a strong Europe, the parliaments of the member countries, as the genuine representatives of the people and as the agencies of democratic legality, were called on to play an important role.

In a living organism that was evolving and creating the legislative framework that will ensure viability and prospects, the national parliament were acquiring the special weight due to them, reducing the existing democratic deficit and achieving greater transparency, Psarouda-Benaki said, adding that transparency was one of the fundamental requirements in the effort to ensure better operation of the European mechanism.

Above and beyond all that, however, the national parliaments also gave an active role to the citizens, whose participation and involvement was absolutely necessary, she said.

She said that the rejection of the Constitutional Treaty by certain member countries was the result mainly of the citizens' insufficient knowledge of the European affairs, "and this is the chasm that we are called on to bridge, this is the relationship -- the relationship between the Union and its citizens -- that we must restore".

In that context, Psarouda-Benaki continued, the Greek parliament, through the organisation of symposiums and lectures, with live coverage of its meetings via its own television station, and with various publiciations, has brought the European themes to the Greek citizens, in order to make them participants in the venture.

She opined that the efforts of all the national parliaments needed to focus on prceisely those points, adding that the quintessence of the values of the Europe of the last 50 years was summed up in the democratic principles, the guardians of which were the national parliaments.

[07] Papandreou on Treaty of Rome anniversary

The completion of 50 years since the historic initiative for European unification finds the EU at a critical period for its future, Papandreou's message said, adding that the adoption on Sunday of the high-profile Declaration of Berlin "cannot hide the serious institutional and strategic orientation problems of the European Union".

Throughout the historic course of development of the common European vision, significant conquests for Europe and its peoples have been recorded, Papandreou said.

For Greece and its people, the message continued, the country's accession and its 26-year course in the European institutions contributed decisively to the creation of a modern democratic European Greece, an equal member and participant in the decisions and operation of the European Union.

The EU constituted the natural strategic space for Greece and its people, and the EU's course and future concerned all, both political forces and citizens alike.

"At a time of crisis and seeking of the new institutional and political model for the European Union, which will enable the confrontation of the modern-day problems and challenges of globalisation, Greece must be dynamically present with its proposals and initiatives," Papandreou stressed.

In this common space of tough daily negotiations, where nothing is given away and everything must be earned through plans, knowledge and consistency, the (preceding) governments of PASOK wages battles for many years and achieved significant results for Greece's economic and social progress, he continued.

Today, Papandreou's message said, it becomes apparent that the European Union needs a new political vision and plan that will inspire and mobilise its citizens.

In the face of this strategic challenge, Papandreou continued, Greece needs its own new political vision and plan.

PASOK, he added, as a European socialist and democratic party, with a deep European experience in government, can guarantee and defend its programme, a Greece of development, progress, social cohesion and self-confidence in the European Union.

[08] Aghios Efstratios not a demilitarised zone, US Undersecretary Burns says

The northern Aegean island of Aghios Efstratios is not a demilitarised zone, US Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns said after talks with visiting Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis at the State Department here on Friday.

"We discussed this issue. It is evidently a very sensitive issue. However, it is a Greek island and there is no doubt about this. It is our clear impression that it is not demilitarised. Our position is that it is an issue for NATO that must try, if it can, to reach an arrangement to enable its exercises to go ahead and to have differences that may or may not exist there resolved, because it is very important for NATO to be able to carry out exercises and be present in all its territory, as well as in the Eastern Aegean," he said.

Bakoyannis said on her part that issues of Greek concern were discussed. "We discussed the issue of Kosovo, we discussed the issue of Cyprus, we continued the discussion we had yesterday with Mrs. Rice on the issue of the name of Skopje (FYROM) and we made an overall briefing on Greek-Turkish issues and on the issues of the Aegean. It was a useful meeting, a meeting in which we had the opportunity of repeating Greek positions explicitly," she said and added that she briefed Burns on the issue of Aghios Efstratios.

Burns, a former US ambassador in Greece and Washington permanent representative to NATO, termed Bakoyannis a "great friend of the United States" who had "excellent discussions with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and now with me."

Lastly, he mentioned that energy issues were also discussed, saying that "we discussed some very important issues for the future of Greece and for all the countries in the region and we wish to cooperate on this issue."

[09] PASOK leader to visit island of Agios Efstratios

In another development, Papandreou and leading party officials will be touring regions in the countryside in the days to come, after having prepared a specific plan for touring the country, to present and highlight the social image of PASOK's programme.

[10] All Greeks in Kinshasa safe and well, Greek embassy suffers serious damage by mortar fire

Kassimis explained that the Greek and Spanish embassies suffered damages when the building they are housed in was hit by mortar fire in the violence that broke out late Thursday night, as well as the UNICEF offices housed in the same building.

The Greek deputy minister said that all seven employees of the Greek embassy and their families were safe and accounted for, and well in health. He added that the few hundres of Greek nationals in Kinshasa were trapped where they had been when the violence broke out, but added that no injuries among them have been reported.

He also said that the Greek school in the Congo capital had been evacuated in time, without problem, while only material damage has been reported to buildings of the Greek community, and to the home of a Greek national.

Kassimis stressed that the ambassadors of the EU member states in Kinshasa were in constact contact for apprisal of the situation. He explained that a conference of EU ambassadors would decide whether to evacuate EU citizens from Congo, provided all the guarantees for the safe collectin and evacuation of the European citizens were secured.

According to a foreign minister announcement issued late Thursday night, the building housing the embasssies of Greece and Spain and the UNICEF delegation in Kinshasa was hit by mortar fire during clashes between government forces and armed groups attempting to overthrow the government.

It said the offices of the Greek Embassy suffered serious damages, but the embassy personnel and their families were safe and well, while there were also no reports of victims or injuries among the Greek community.

The announcement said that the ministry was closely monitoring the development of the situation, and was in constant contact and cooperation with the UN peacekeeping force in the African country.

[11] Alexandria Patriarch sends solidarity messages to Kinsasha Greeks

The Patriarch of Alexandria Theodoros II expressed his sadness to the Greek community in Kinsasha over the weekend for the attack on the building housing the Greek embassy in the People's Republic of the Congo.

In messages he sent to the Metropolitan of Central Africa Ignatios, Greece's Ambassador in Kinsasha Ioannis Christofilis and the Greek Community's President Constantine Sofiadis, the Patriarch expressed his solidarity, sympathy and love to the Greeks living in the region.

"I hope that all the obstacles and difficulties will be overcome and the blessed region of Kinsasha will find its calm again," the Patriarch stressed in his messages.

[12] KKE-led meeting of European left parties on public education held in Brussels

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga on Friday headed a large party delegation to a meeting of representatives of 21 communist and labour parties from the countries of Europe to coordinate mobilisations and common action for uniform free public education, held in Brussels at the initiative of the KKE.

Talks focused on an exchange of experiences and proposals, as well as coordination of the action of the communist and left parties in the field of education.

Speaking to reporters, Papariga noted the large weakenessses existing in Greece with respect to school programmes, and more particularly with respect to the teaching of language. She also great problems in public education, stressing that thousands of children abandoned school each year without having completed the basic 12-year education.

Papariga further referred to the dialogue taking place in Greece over the schoolbooks, saying that there were certain post-modern and theological interpretations of history which do not give the children the opportunity to perceive the real history.

On the c elebrations taking place in Europe to mark the 50th anniversary of the EU's founding Treaty of Rome, Papariga said that the European Union had brought good luch chiefly to industrialists, shipowners and the big interests.

As for the peoples, she continued, everything gained in these last 50 years had been gained through struggles and mobilisations, and were not given to them by the EU. that was why the KKE continued to believe that the correct path for the peoples was that of insubordination to Brussels' dictates.

[13] University lecturers' union calls off strike

Conversely, Athens Polytechnic professor Nikos Stavrakakis, a member of the "open universities" grouping of lecturers, expressed a hope that "we will return to a calm and peaceful environment."

[14] University teachers decide to return to universities

According to President Lazaros Apekis, the university teachers will continue the struggle both inside and outside universities, while the teachers have already called a 24-hour strike on March 28 when students are scheduling rallies in Athens and in all major cities.

Asked to comment on a decision taken by the students' coordinating body calling on their colleagues to continue sit-ins until March 30, Apekis said that the teachers support their students and are at their side.

[15] Former PASOK minister predicts victory in next elections

The former minister said that the party is calling for elections in order to win them and stressed that winning is a one-way path.

Venizelos pointed out that the main parameter of victory is the utilisation of governance experience and of persons, without prejudices and complexes, and stressed that the "managing inadequacy" of the ruling New Democracy party has now taken on judicial dimensions.

[16] Former KKE Central Committee secretary general Grigoris Farakos dies

Born in the city of Nafplio in 1924, Farakos was elected as KKE's secretary general in 1989, while he had been repeatedly elected as a Parliamentary deputy after 1974.

President Karolos Papoulias, PASOK leader extend condolences

President Karolos Papoulias and main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou on Saturday extended their condolences to the family of leading personality of the Left Grigoris Farakos, who died on Friday at the age of 84.

President Papoulias said Farakos's course ran parallel to that of the Greek Left and stressed that he was a fighter who was consistent with his principles and who was creatively uneasy to the end.

Papandreou said on his part that Farakos was a fighter and an intellectual of the Left, who honoured the principles and values that he believed in and who struggled for his positions with dignity.

PM, Coalition party extend condolences

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) party extended their condolences to the family of former Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Central Committee secretary general and leading personality of the Left, Grigoris Farakos, who died on Friday at the age of 84.

Karamanlis said that Farakos devoted his life and work to the struggle and ideals that inspired him, adding that he was a man of profound dignity and a true character.

The Coalition party stressed that the deceased was a fighter having a great social and cultural contribution, rich and acknowledged literary work and a distinct public presence.

[17] FM to meet French culture minister on Monday

[18] Charge d'Affaires at Greek embassy in Australia passes away

Maniatis, who had been suffering from a terminal disease, leaves behind two daughters.

Maniatis' body will be transported to Greece on Wednesday for burial.

Financial News

[19] FinMin meets with French counterpart, institutional investors in Paris

Greece's national economy and finance minister George Alogoskoufis met Friday in Paris with his French counterpart, minister of economy, finance and industry Thierry Breton, focusing on bilateral relations, and during which French interest in investments in Greece was reaffirmed. Alogoskoufis also met later with French institutional investors.

"We had an excellent discussion," Alogoskoufis said after the meeting, noting that he and Breton "know each other well, as we meet at least once a month, during the Eurogroup sessions, in Brussels".

Breton said they reviewed relations between the two countries, "and we are very satisfied that the French companies consider that the Greek economy is so strong that it presents opportunities for investments".

"Some French companies have already made investments in Greece," Breton stressed, adding that "there are, however, many more opportunities that can be taken advantage of by both sides, and for Greek companies to invest in France," he said.

Breton told reporters that he stressed to Alogoskoufis that he was impressed "by the fast recovery of the Greek economy", adding that "we, as members of the Eurogroup, support his policy, which is going precisely in the right direction...And this is good for Greece".

Alogoskoufis stressed that "the relations between France and Greece, from a political aspect but also from an economic aspect, are very strong".

He added that apart from bilateral political relations, "which have always been exceptional", bilateral relations "are also very close in the economic field".

He noted that there have been very significant investments by French firms in Greece over the last three years, adding that "our commercial ties are very strong, and the French economy is doing very well due to the efforts of Mr. Breton, who has done a very good job in bringing France's deficit below the 3 percent ceiling and taking his country out of the excessive deficit procedure".

Today, he added, the French economy has recovered and has a very strong growth.

To a question concerning Credit Agricole, which acquired a 71.97 percent controlling majority stake in Athens-quoted Emporiki Bank of Greece S.A. in August, Alogoskoufis said that the French company has stressed that Greece is a very hospitable place for investments, adding that "this plays an important role in convicing more French companies to invest in our country, and this is very significant".

"Many French companies lately have invested in Greece. Take, for example, last year's denationalisation of Emporiki Bank, in which Credit Agricole invested more than 2 billion euros...There is also very great interest in the sector of retail sails as well, and also in the sector of construction and of the major projects being carried out in Greece, in which French firms are also involved. And our commercial ties are also very close," Alogoskoufis said.

The Greek minister further said that he outlined to Breton the role played by Greece in Southeastern Europe, impressing upon him the fact that Greece was no longer an isolated economy, but operating in the framework of a wider region.

After the meeting with Breton, Alogoskoufis attended a lunch with institutional investors at a central Paris hotel.

He explained to reporters that the institutional investors were mainly representatives of major banks who "invest in securities, either in issues by the Greek state or stocks in Greece" and, before the luncheon, said that "we will speak to them about the economic developments and the denationalisations programme".

Alogoskoufis was also due to take part later in an event with senior officials of major French enterprises, whom he would brief on the investment opportunities in Greece.

[20] Employment Minister Savvas Tsitouridis continues Crete visit

Tsitouridis visited the town of Neapoli in the morning and the location where new homes will be created for workers and then he visited the town of Agios Nikolaos where he held talks with the prefect and with mayors from the region.

"Within the development course of the country and of the overall course of the region of Crete, the prefecture of Lasithi requires the special attention of the government. The government is here," the minister said.

[21] Social security fund probes continuing

General News

[22] Neolithic settlement in Ptolemais plain

The new finds were presented Friday night at a special event at the Archaeological Museum in Aiani, Kozani, where the older finds from the region are housed and on display.

It is believed to be the one of the oldest settlement in the Balkans, following a settlement discovered in Nikomideia, Imathia prefecture.

A dense dwelling complex has been discovered, with 31 distinct positions confirmed. Digging has been conducted in the region for approximately 20 years, and extends over tens of stremma, but are hampered by the fact that many of the positions are inside the Public Power Corporation's (PPC) expanse of lignite mines development.

The digs are being funded by the PPC, as required under legislation concerning archaeology, but the increasing need for mining larger quantities of lignite creates problems for the digs, given that the rate of growth of technology and energy needs is speedier than the archaeological research, according to archaeologist George Karamitrou-Mentesidi.

[23] Moderate earthquake jolts Cephalonia, no damage reported

According to Patras University seismology professor Akis Tselentis, the epicentre of the earthquake, which was recorded at 5:00 p.m., was in the sea area northwest of Cephalonia, with an epicentral depth of approximately 35 kilometres.

Tselentis told ANA-MPA that the phenomenon would be closely monitored for at least the next 48 hours.

He said that the earthquake's epicentre was not the same one as that which produced the devastating earthquakes of 1953.

According to initial information from the local Fire Brigade, no damages have been reported from the earthquake in Cephalonia, nor the neighbouring islands of Lefkada and Zakynthos or in Western Greece, apart from some rockfall at points along the Cephalonia provincial road network.

[24] Explosions in Athens on Friday night

At 2:30 a.m., firebombs were thrown by unknown persons in Pireos street in Athens, causing damage to premises, while a flag and a surveillance camera were also destroyed.

At about the same time and at the intersection of Pireos and Petrou Ralli streets, a number of cars that had been parked outside a music hall were damaged in the same way.

Again during the early hours of the morning, firebombs were thrown at the ground floor and first floor of the Development Ministry in Kaningos Square, causing slight damage.

[25] Journalist Marina Beneki dies

Her funeral will be held Monday in her hometown of Marko, in Karditsa.

Beneki was born in 1960, and studied law at the Athens University's Law School.

She began her career in 1984 at Messimvrini newspaper, after which she worked for Epikairotita news magazine, and the Athens daily Apogevmatini as a political reporter.

She also worked at the state-owned ERT tv station, and more recently at the press office of the ruling New Democracy party (ND).

Marina Beneki was also one of the first to join the Athens 98.4 municipal radio station, where she worked from 1987 to the present as a political news writer and producer of political programmes.

The board of directors of the Athens Union of Journalists (ESIEA) expressed their condolences to her family, and bid farewell to a worthy colleague who served journalism with consistency and honesty.

[26] Illegal immigrants arrested off Samos

The illegal immigrants were taken to a hospital in Samos for medical tests to be carried out and afterwards they will be taken to a reception centre.

[27] Illegals intercepted before boarding Italy-bound vessels

In the first case, three foreign nationals without travel documents were found hiding in a truck preparing to enter a ferry boat. The lorry's 48-year-old driver was also arrested.

In the second similar case, two foreign nationals were detected. Both the driver and co-driver of the vehicle were likewise arrested.

Sports

[28] Orfanos receives multiple honours at NY event

The Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Thursday night (Friday morning Greek time) decorated Greece's deputy culture minister responsible for sport George Orfanos with the prestigious Drexel Presidential Gold Medal.

University president Dr. Constantine (Taki) Papadakis presented Orfanos with the medal and accompanying honourary diploma, during a special ceremony in New York, saying that "we honour a worthy Greek politician, representative of the Greek government, in recognition of his significant contribution to the successfull organisation of the Olympic Games in Athens (2004) and his constant efforts for spreading the athletic ideal".

Papadakis said that the 2004 Games "filled us all with pride because it highlighted the accomplishments and virtues of the Greeks and, in Mr. Orfanos, we acknowledge and honour one of the most beautiful achievements of the Greek government and the Greek nation".

"We, who visit the homeland once or twice a year, see the gradual changes. The image of Greece becomes better each year," he said.

Papadakis explained that the Presidential Medal is given to international public personalities of politics, the sciences, the arts and sport, noting that previous recipients include former US and Chinese presidents Bill Clinton and Zhiang Zemin, several Nobel laureates, as well as Oscar winners.

The presentation of the Medal was held in New York on Friday morning (Greek time) at an event organised by the founder and owner of the National Greek television channel of America (NGTV) Dimitris Kastanas, who also presented Orfanos with an honourary plaque "in recognition of his abilities, work and ethos", noting that NGTV has been in operation for 32 years and comprises a constant bridge of communication of the Greeks of America with Greece.

At the same event, Orfanos was also honoured by the State House of Representatives of New York, with the honourary diploma presented to him by State House of Representatives member Michael Giannaris, who said that "we honour Mr. Orfanos for his contribution, as a member of the Greek government, to the great success of the Olympic Games of Athens".

"We Greek-Americans, in particularly, thank him for making us proud of our parents' country," he said.

Orfanos was further honoured by the US federal House of Representatives, receiving an honourable distinction from Congresswoman Caroline Maloney (D-NY), co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, which was presented to Orfanos by Maloney's representative Mary Maragos, who said that "we acknowledge and honour him for his work for the ideals of athleticism".

The Greek deputy minister will attend the special White House event in Washington on Friday during which US president George Bush will proclam March 25, 2007, as "Greek Independence Day: National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy", which will also be attended by Greece's foreign minister Dora Bakoyannis and Archbishop Demetrios of America.

Orfanos will then depart for Chicago where, on Sunday, he will be Grand Marshall of the Greek Independence Day Parade, which will take place on historic Holstead Avenue.

[29] Orfanos speaks to Greeks in Chicago

Greece's deputy minister of culture for sport George Orfanos, currently on a US visit, brought an optimistic message to the Greek community in Chicago on Saturday, stressing that "there is not only the Greece of the past, but also the modery-day Greece that knows how to create and succeed".

Orfanos, who will be the Grand Marshall of the Greek Independence Day Parade, to take place on historic Holstead Avenue on Sunday, said that despite the "negative climate" that had been created before the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens due to doubts and negative press coverage, "we succeeded".

Orfanos presented the "creative and successful" picture of Greece in sports over the last three years.

Giving two characeristic examples from personal experiences he had with foreign colleagues, who acknowledged and accepted that Greece is the "cradle of civilisation", Orfanos stressed that the Greeks must all realise "our true abilities", acquire "full confidence in our strengths", and conprehend that the lasting cooperation between Greece and the Greeks abroad "will be the fruition of all the rights and dreams that our ancestors fought for on March 25, 1821".

"We must be a true force in culture, sport, the letters, education. We can be protagonists in these fields, too," he said.

Orfanos said that the overseas Greeks comprised "the best example", because under difficult conditions, they became protagonists in the socieities in which they lived,

"We are happy that we will parade together to remember that some others, before us, fought for Greece to be free," the deputy minister said.

Orfanos, who attended an event at the White House on Friday during which US president Bush proclaimed March 25, 2007, as "Greek Independence Day: National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy", had the opportunity on the sidelines of the event to meet with US undersecretery of state Nicholas Burns, a former US ambassador to Greece.

Soccer

[30] Greece thumped 4-1 by Turkey in European Cup qualifier

In other matches played over the weekend in the same group, Moldova and Malta drew 1-1 and Bosnia pulled off a surprise 2-1 win over Norway away.

Greece's next match for the group is against Malta away on Wednesday.

Standings in Group III after four games played:

Turkey 12 points

Greece 9

Bosnia (5 games) 7

Norway 6

Malta 4

Hungary 3

Moldova (5 games) 2

Weather Forecast

[31] Mostly fair on Monday

[32] The Friday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Prime minister's head-on collision with Papandreou".

ANO KATO: "Karamanlis message in all directions - The audit will not stop anywhere - The manner of appointment of the (social insurance) Funds' administrations changing".

APOGEVMATINI: "Karamanlis' thunderbolts - Heavy criticism against Papandreou and PASOK".

AVGHI: "The government in the corner over the bonds scandal - The premier did not give answers in parliament".

AVRIANI: "The packages (of money) from the Akropolis brokerage were 'falling like rain' - Zorbas (head of the independent authority investigating money-laundering) pinpointed transfer of immense sums from the company accounts to relatives and friends".

CHORA: "We bring everything out into the open, you covered them up back then - Karamanlis-Papandreou clash over the economy".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "Unprecedented personal attack by Papandreou against the prime minister but... -- Head-on collision in parliament, without collateral damage".

ELEFTHEROS: "George, you went overboard - Stop 'poisoning' the public life - Karamanlis outburst in parliament - Response to the PASOK leader's demogogy".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Clearing up of the responsibilities - The prime minister reassures social insurance recipients and pensioners".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Greek in London the key - Corporate bonds also ended up in the Funds' (posession)".

ESTIA: "Insert of March 25, 1897 edition - A rare document, with poem by Kostis Palamas (the poet who wrote the words to the Greek national anthem) and reports from the war-front".

ETHNOS: "Bring back the Funds' monies - George's ouburst in parliament over the bonds affair".

KATHIMERINI: "The key to the Funds in Cyprus - The corruption has deep roots".

LOGOS: "Changes to the social insurance funds...announced by prime minister - The age when everything was concealed has passed".

NIKI: "He fears elections - Karamanlis did not dare to pick up the gauntlet cast down by Papandreou".

RIZOSPASTIS: "No solution for the people, either with ND or PASOK - Debate in parliament on the economy".

TA NEA: "George's bombs onpolitical money: Bring back the Funds' monies".

TO VIMA: "The secret of the bonds hidden in London - The graft ring - The faces, the connecations, the secret coordinators, the banks and the companies".

VRADYNI: "3,000 hirings in hospitals, welfare centres - New STAGE programmes via OAED".

36, TSOCHA ST. ATHENS 115 21 GREECE * TEL: 64.00.560-63 * FAX: 64.00.581-2 INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.ana-mpa.gr * e-mail: anabul@ana gr * GENERAL DIRECTOR: GEORGE TAMBAKOPOULOS

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article