Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-05-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis visits Ancient Agora in Athens

[02] PASOK leader: ND governance a 'parenthesis'

[03] PASOK leader outlines health policy at party conference

[04] Papandreou on bonds issue

[05] Minister of State replies to statements by PASOK leader

[06] New poll gives ND 1.2 pt lead over PASOK

[07] South Australia Premier Rann: Macedonia is as Greek as the Acropolis

[08] FM Dora Bakoyannis to receive 'Pericles' award from AHEPA

[09] FM Dora Bakoyannis to give press conference on Sino-Greek diplomatic relations

[10] Parliament president begins official visit to Chile

[11] Health minister inaugurates home for the elderly in Elika

[12] Alavanos addresses party's prefectural committee secretaries

[13] U.S. Ambassador Charles Ries visits Samaria gorge in Crete

[14] Church of Cyprus and Church of Greece agree to strengthen cooperation

[15] Prolonged pre-electoral period 'bad for the economy' FinMin says

[16] Macedonia-Thrace minister inaugurates MARMIN conference

[17] Crete's peace movements demonstrate outside US base at Akrotiri

[18] Police confiscate 16,673 porn DVDs from kiosks, newspaper distribution agencies

[19] 25 kg of cocaine found in containers in region of Piraeus

[20] Youths set cars ablaze outside Thessaloniki University grounds

[21] Gasoline station in Kallithea robbed of 5,000 euros

[22] Panathinaikos wins Euroleague Basketball Final Four 2007 championship

[23] Unicaja Malaga beats Tau Ceramica 76-74, wins 3rd place in Euroleague basketball

[24] Hot and humid on Monday

[25] The Sunday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

[26] Papadopoulos: unrest in Turkey affects Cyprus too

[01] Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis visits Ancient Agora in Athens

Speaking after his visit, Karamanlis said that antiquities dating back to the 5th century, and related to the wider region of the Acropolis, returned to Greece a few weeks ago and are on display in the Attalos Arcade.

"Day after day, the serious and methodical effort aimed at claiming and repatriating elements of our cultural heritage, that are in foreign museums or in private colllections, is producing and will continue to produce tangible results," the prime minister said.

"And, of course, the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures remains the great goal. I am confident that the new Acropolis Museum, work for whose completion is now going on with a speedy pace, will add new and very strong arguments to this effort," Karamanlis added.

[02] PASOK leader: ND governance a 'parenthesis'

On the bonds affair, Papandreou said that the "looting of the (social insurance) Funds' reserves is not an isolated incidented", adding that "certain high-ranking officials wanted, and attempted, to form a new economic elite, organically linked with the party and the government, aimed at creating a system of power which would afford them unlimited financial resources in order to ensure their long-term stay in power".

"The political responsibilities belong, first of all, to the prime minister," Papandreou said, and reiterated his proposal for setting up a parliamentary fact-finding commission on the bonds affair.

Regarding the renewal of his own party with new faces, Papandreou noted that "the symbolism of the faces is of great value, as is who appears on tv" (representing the party's vies), adding that the renewal would continue with the PASOK parliamentary group.

Papandreou expressed certainty that PASOK would win the next general elections, opining that the recent opinion polls reflected this prospect.

The PASOK leader further reiterated his determination to unite "all the Greeks around a radical programme of social changes that will take the country forward".

"Our first priority is to restore a modern, sensitive social state with emphasis on education, health and social insurance," he said.

[03] PASOK leader outlines health policy at party conference

Papandreou said a new National Health system (ESY) must be established that will be financially viable, provide high quality services and bring about a drastic decrease in inequalities in the health sector, while also referring to an increase in the system's financing by 1 percent of GDP by the end of the four-year period and the implementation of health through all ministries.

The PASOK leader further said medical and pharmaceutical care must be provided on a 24-hour basis. In this framework, he proposed the creation of Family Medicine Units in cities' neighbourhoods, regardless of the social insurance funds to which inhabitants belong.

Papandreou further said that bureaucracy and inconvenience must be combatted with an electronic health card that will include diagnosis, prescriptions and laboratory tests and through which immediate access to a patient's medical record will be possible.

Health must also be related to development, Papandreou stressed, meaning quality services that will be linked to the development of tourism, sports and culture and scientific and medical tourism must be developed to enable people to come to Greece who need specialised restorative and preventive medical services or prolonged treatment.

[04] Papandreou on bonds issue

Papandreou spoke again of an organised looting plan, whose "masterminds" and "main culprits" are "in high positions at the National Economy ministry" and accused Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis of appearing in Parliament unrepentant, insisting on covering up and continuing to slander the past.

The PASOK leader said that the prime minister's effort is being done in vain and accused him of doing nothing for the social insurance system over a period of three years, adding that nobody can trust the New Democracy party to solve the social insurance issue.

Lastly, Papandreou said that Karamanlis has the exclusive political responsibility for the managing of the social insurance funds issue, that will be attributed to him in the elections that are coming up.

[05] Minister of State replies to statements by PASOK leader

Roussopoulos further said that "it was proved only the day before yesterday, in Parliament, with the catalytical evidence presented by the prime minister that covering up and impunity bear exclusively the seal of PASOK."

[06] New poll gives ND 1.2 pt lead over PASOK

The poll was conducted on May 2-3, on a sampling of 1001 persons.

More specifically, regarding voter intent, 33.2 percent of the respondents said they would vote for ND if general elections were to take place now, followed by 32.0 percent for PASOK, 6.4 percent for the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), 4.3 percent for the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos), and 3.5 percent for the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) party, while 20.6 percent were undecided.

Regarding which of the two mainstream parties the respondents predicted would win elections if held now, regardless of their own voter preference, ND amassed a wide lead of 59.1 percent against 22.6 percent for PASOK.

To a question on whether the political responsibility in the bonds affair belonged only to the recently-resigned employment minister Savvas Tsitouridis or to other government officials as well, 75.7 percent of the respondents replied that other government officials also held political responsibility, while just 8.2 percent held Tsitouridis alone as being accountable. A further 16.1 percent declined comment.

To a "spontaneous response" question on who (singular or plural) had political responsibilities over the affair, 25 percent of the respondents said national economy and finance minister George Alogoskoufis, 17.1 percent said prime minister Costas Karamanlis, 10.5 percent said deputy finance minister Petros Doukas, 1.8 percent said the government collectively, while 5.7 percent named other officials, and an overwhelming 60 percent declined comment.

As to whether the bonds affair would influence their vote in the next general elections, 43.5 percent replied in the affirmative, while 52 percent replied in the negative.

Asked whether the ND government's confrontation of corruption phenomena was more effective, the same as, or less effective than the preceding PASOK governments, 35.3 percent of the respondents said more effective, 36.7 percent said the same, and 26.3 percent said less effective.

Also, the "voter satisfaction index" was 39.2 percent for premier Karamanlis, against 25.6 percent for PASOK leader George Papandreou. The corresponding percentages in the previous Metron Analysis poll were 41.6 percent and 27.1 percent respectively.

Finally, to a question on what should be done in the event of a marginal parliamentary self-sufficiency in the next general elections, 26.2 percent of the respondents said that the party with the highest percentage, albeit with a marginal self-sufficiency, should assume the government, whereas 25.7 percent said that the elections should be called again, 29.1 percent said that a government should be formed by the top party with a smaller party, and 10.9 percent said that a ND-PASOK cooperation government should be formed.

[07] South Australia Premier Rann: Macedonia is as Greek as the Acropolis

"For all of us who love History, and know History, Macedonia is as Greek as the Acropolis," said Rann, who was on Sunday presented with the Municipality of Thessaloniki's highest distinction, the Gold Medal of the City, by mayor Vassilis Papageorgoupoulos at an official ceremony. The medal was bestowed on Rann, by unanimous decision of the City Council, in recognition of his contribution to Greece and the promotion of Greece's national issues.

Rann arrived in Athens on Friday on a three-day visit to Greece. He arrived in Thessaloniki on Saturday afternoon, following talks with government officials in Athens and visits to the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. He returned Sunday evening to Athens where, during the working leg of his visit on Monday, Rann will hold meetings with Greek officials, culminating in a meeting with Greece's President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias, who will bestow on him a medal of honour.

Rann, for many years a patron of Australia's "Justice for Cyprus" Committee, will leave later on Monday for a working visit to Cyprus.

Speaking to reporters after his meeting with Kalantzis on Saturday, Rann expressed pleasure at "visiting Macedonia once again, and indeed just a few short weeks ahead of Greek prime minister Costas Karamanlis' visit to Australia".

"For many years, since the decase of the '90s, we have been making efforts so that the name 'Republic of Macedonia' (for FYROM) is not recognised, because no nation should steal the history and symbols of another nation".

Rann also noted his efforts on the Cyprus issue as well over the past 30 years.

Kalantzis, in turn, thanked the South Australia premier for his fervent support of the Greek positions.

"When the responsible politicians know the truth, the state it, and the premier spoke the truth. We welcome him, and in his person we meet all those great men who recognise a reality, that no one can forget Hellenism's contribution to the world. The Greeks gave light to Humanity," Kalantzis said.

During the 45-minute meeting, Rann also stressed the strong bonds of frienship between Greece and Australia, and praised the large Greek community that lives and works in his country.

Rann was presented with the Gold Medal of the City of Thessaloniki on Sunday by Mayor Papageorgopoulos. During the ceremony, City Council president Sotiris Kapetanopoulos read out the Council's unanimous decision, while the Mayor stressed that the honour was being bestowed "on a great political man who has contributed much to his homeland, but also to a very great philhellene who has contributed much to Greece and to the promotion of its national issues".

Papageorgopoulos noted that Rann has "boldly and outspokenly" defended Macedonia and the just cause of Cyprus vis-a-vis the Turkish invasion and occupation, and also assistance financially the Cypriot Australians, who lost their properties and posessions during the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island republic, to seek their rights. In recent years, Rann has spoken at more than 40 events of Greek Australians, and taken party in many Greek community events, the Mayor said, also noting Rann's substantial contribution to the founding of the Greek Orthodox College and Greek Primary School in Adelaide.

"We present to you the Gold Medal of the City, with the certanty that this honour is two-way. We unanimously, and as one spirit, honour you with the Gold Medal, and you honour us with your continuous support," Papageorgopoulos said.

Rann, who was born in Britain and moved with his family to New Zealand at the age of 9, and afterwards to Australia, said that upon arriving in Australia it was the Greek Australians who welcomed him into their homes, opened up their arms to him and helped him better understand the Greek issues. And, of course, "it is Greece that has given an immense gift to Australia and the world, immigration".

"Greece's greatest contribution to the world, however, is the meaning of Democracy, and for this reason it is very important for all of us who believe in freedom and in human rights to defend them wherever we are in the world," Rann said, and cited the Cyprus problem and the FYROM issue.

On the Cyprus issue and Turkey, Rann said: "It is very important not only to proclaim it to the world, but also to defend Cyprus and its rights, against the 1974 Turkish invasation".

Today, he continued, Cyprus was one of the few states in the world that remains divided, following the illegal invasion. "Apartheid has eclipsed, the Berlin Wall has fallen, but the horrendous scar that divides Cyprus remains. Turkey wishes to become a full member of the European Union, but it does not abide by the basic and fundamental rules of the EU, nor with the rulings of the Court of Human Rights. Turkey wants everything for itself, but it cannot continue like this. It must accept the European rules," Rann said.

On the FYROM name issue, Rann said: "Greece has given immense support ty FYROM and helped it regarding its future accession of the EU. I consider it wrong for any state to usurp and steal the symbol of the civilisation and culture of another peoples".

Rann further recalled his first visit to the Vergina archaeological site, noting that "there I saw first-hand and realised the true history and origin of Macedonia". "In Vergina, one can 'live' the Greekness of this region, recognising its Greek history, which is not recent but begins in the years of antiquity, and is as certain as are the Old and New Testaments".

On Greek-Australian relations, he said they were "optimum", adding that he looked forward to welcoming Greek prime minister Costas Karamanlis in his country, during Karamanlis' upcoming visit.

In closing, Rann said "I promise you that I will continue to fight for the just demands of Greece and Greek Macedonia".

Rann was visited the Royal Tombs at Vergina and given a tour of the Byzantine Museum before returning to Athens.

[08] FM Dora Bakoyannis to receive 'Pericles' award from AHEPA

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, who is of Greek origin, will be given the "Pericles" award by the American Hellenic, Educational and Progressive Association (AHEPA), while the "Demosthenes" award will be given to Antonis Diamataris, publisher of the "Ethnikos Kyrikas" (National Herald) Greek community newspaper of New York, that was established 92 years ago.

The awards will be given during the 85th annual congress of the biggest Greek community organisation that will be held in Denver, Colorado, in July.

"We are proud and enthusiastic that AHEPA will have the opportunity to honour these three people who, with their presence, have represented all Greeks at such a high level," said the organisation's President, Gus James.

This year's congress will be held between July 9-15, while the next one will take place in Athens between July 2-11, 2008.

[09] FM Dora Bakoyannis to give press conference on Sino-Greek diplomatic relations

[10] Parliament president begins official visit to Chile

Greece's parliament president Anna Psarouda-Benaki on Sunday began an official visit to Chile, the first-ever by a Greek parliament president to the South American country.

Psarouda-Benaki, who arrived in Santiago on Saturday at the invitation of her Chilean counterpart Patricio Walker Prieto, visited the northern Chile city of Antofagasta on Sunday, on the first stop of her tour, and was due to meet with local authorities and members of the Greek community.

During her visit, Psarouda Benaki will address a plenary session of the Chilean Parliament and have meetings with Chilean Republic President Veronica Michelle Bachelet, Senate President Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle, Foreign Minister Alejandro Foxley, the UDI and RN party presidents, Isabel Allende, daughter of the late former Chilean President Salvador Allende, and representatives of the Greek community in Chile.

[11] Health minister inaugurates home for the elderly in Elika

The need for the creation of another home for the elderly in the wider region of Laconia, that will serve the prefecture and that will also be accessible to handicapped people, led the "Stavros Niarchos" foundation to this decision.

The home was built and fully equipped with a donation by the "Stavros Niarchos" foundation in memory of Mary A. Drakopoulou, sister of Stavros S. Niarchos.

Avramopoulos said in an address that "indeed, it is a splendid project which is an offer by one of the country's most important foundations, the 'Stavros Niarchos' foundation."

[12] Alavanos addresses party's prefectural committee secretaries

"We have seen one of the most savage attacks on the welfare state, with the theft taking place at the social insurance funds by this system that has been set up by the international stock exchange capital," he said.

Alavanos added that "we are seeing the reserves of the social insurance funds being offered as a 'feast' to Greek and foreign banks, stockbroker businesses, etc. In a way that is scandalous."

Lastly, the Coalition party leader said that the government has great responsibilities "but is following other corresponding situations that existed beforehand", and pointed out that the main axis of his party's policy must be the slogan "hands off the insured."

[13] U.S. Ambassador Charles Ries visits Samaria gorge in Crete

Earlier, U.S. embassy security men and local Greek police had examined the region and accompanied Ries throughout his visit. It is the third time that the U.S. ambassador arrives in the region of Hania, but the first time that he visited the Samaria gorge.

Ries, who made no statement, had visited Hania two months ago to attend the appointment ceremony for the new commander of the American base at Souda.

[14] Church of Cyprus and Church of Greece agree to strengthen cooperation

The Church of Cyprus and the Church of Greece stressed here Sunday their determination to maintain "the strong bonds and the brotherly relationship between them with a view to further their cooperation in all fields, religious, social, pastoral and national."

A statement, issued by the church of Cyprus at the conclusion of a week-long official visit by the head of the Greek church Archbishop

Christodoulos, also said that the church will assist, at international fora, initiatives by the governments in Cyprus and Greece aimed at a political settlement, saying this is imperative to help restore international law and order on the island, divided since Turkish troops invaded in 1974.

"This will be achieved through the withdrawal of the Turkish occupation troops, the return of refugees to their ancestral homes, the solution of the humanitarian issue of missing persons, the respect of human rights and the safeguard of the pillaged cultural heritage in Turkish occupied Cyprus," the statement added.

It notes the need to strengthen the national conscience of the Greeks and their cultural identify, pointing out that bilateral contact between the churches should be more systematic, in addition to joint action to support the Greek language and history.

The statement also said that cooperation must extend to issues relating to bioethics, the environment, human rights, immigration, youth, family, drugs, AIDS, women's issues and other modern day concerns.

"Promoting Christian values and the Orthodox faith and truth as well as providing a social service is among the priorities and the duties of the leadership and their clergy," the statement said.

The two archbishops believe, the statement concludes, that Greek Hellenism continues to adhere to his spiritual and national origins and values and believes strongly in a "just and viable solution in Cyprus that will truly reunite the country in a free, single, independent and democratic nation."

Financial News

[15] Prolonged pre-electoral period 'bad for the economy' FinMin says

"In a climate of danger-mongering and scandal-mongering, in a climate of mudslinging against individuals, everything is at risk of becoming inert. It is not only that the bonds market has been villified, today, but nearly all relations with banks have been villified as well," he said, noting that the bonds affair "functioned cumulatively in the main opposition party's strategy of scandal-mongering on everything, villifying everything, and its attempt to spread conspiracy scenaria on all the governmental initiatives".

Alogoskoufis said that former employment minister Savvas Tsitiouridis, who was recently forced to resign over the bonds affair, had been the "victim of very unfortunate circumstances", adding that "the problem arose because the (social insurance) Funds have no specialised experience in their administrative boards".

"This is a long-standing matter," he explained.

At the same time, Alogoskoufis reiterated the government's determination to stand at the side of the Funds in the process for the return of their monies from the physical and/or legal entities that may have defrauded them.

The minister further said that the Greek government's imminent exist from the excessive deficit procedure was a "vindication" of the policy implemented by the government, and noted that Greece found itself in this "misadventure" due to the choices of the preceding governments (of PASOK).

He added, however, that there was still a "very long road ahead" to reach the point of "balanced budgets, which is our obligation", but also in order to introduce structural reforms that will place the Greek economy on a much more competitive footing, to everyone's benefit.

Reiterating that the government rejects the rationale of "pre-electoral promises in order to win the elections", he listed the measures and procedures that have been commenced by the government aimed at wiping out poverty, the most important of which will be the creation of a special fund, which will receive funds of 2 billion euros per year, which translated into 100 euro per poor citizen.

[16] Macedonia-Thrace minister inaugurates MARMIN conference

"Greek regions and together with them everything concerning their future and their development is very high in the priorities of this government," he said.

Kalantzis also stressed that 80 percent of funds of the 4th Community Support Framework (CSF) will be directed to Greek regions, while referring to the importance of marble as a product for the development of the country in general and of specific regions in Greece in particular.

General News

[17] Crete's peace movements demonstrate outside US base at Akrotiri

Approximately 300 demonstrators, in a convoy of cars, mareched through the streets of the town and the old harbour before heading to the US base chanting slogans and holding banners calling for the removal of foreign bases from Akrotiri.

[18] Police confiscate 16,673 porn DVDs from kiosks, newspaper distribution agencies

[19] 25 kg of cocaine found in containers in region of Piraeus

According to an announcement by the Merchant Marine ministry, the drugs were found thanks to coordinated action by the finance and economy ministry's Special Checks Service and the Merchant Marine ministry's Security Department, while two sniffer dogs were also used in the operation.

The cargo had been unloaded at the port of Piraeus, coming from French Guiana in South America.

[20] Youths set cars ablaze outside Thessaloniki University grounds

[21] Gasoline station in Kallithea robbed of 5,000 euros

Sports

[22] Panathinaikos wins Euroleague Basketball Final Four 2007 championship

It is the fourth time that Panathinaikos wins the Euroleague championship. The last time was in 2002.

[23] Unicaja Malaga beats Tau Ceramica 76-74, wins 3rd place in Euroleague basketball

The final between Panathinaikos Athens and reigning champions CSKA Moscow will be played later in the evening.

Weather forecast

[24] Hot and humid on Monday

[25] The Sunday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

APOGEVMATINI: "500 million euros reinforcement to SMEs - Government utilising the investment opportunities of the 4th Cycle (4th Community Support Framework-CSF, covering the period 2007-2013) as of June".

AVGHI: "Polarisation as a line of defence - The party leaders' discussion in parliament reveals".

AVRIANI: "Elections, quickly, Mr. Karamanlis - Otherwise, the country will become embroiled in a big misadventure".

CHORA: "5,000 jobs for unemployed - 60 million euros in funding from OAED (Manpower Employment Organisation)".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Worry in Athens - Sarkozy, Erdogan and the pashas".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Suspicious agro-bonds, too - Three high-risk titles that are losing up to 30 percent (of their value) purchased by Agricultural Bank together with the 14 social insurance funds".

ETHNOS: "New bomb concerning Evgenios and Tsitouridis - The government concealed their close relations with the 'relatives' ring".

KATHIMERINI: "Television a problem for democracy - Displeasure over the news programmes and the 'guest windows' expressed by citizens in VPRC opinion poll".

LOGOS: "Change of political scenery, following the lifting of the excessive deficit procedures for the Greek economy".

NIKI: "Extended lack of governance - Karamanlis entrapped in the bonds scandal".

RIZOSPASTIS: "Strengthening of the struggles on higher education and the people's needs, with vote in the nationwide student elections".

THEMA: "The godfather, the 'relative' and the bonds - Revelation that approaches the prime minister".

TO VIMA: "Elections, quickly - Karamanlis mulling two options - Exclusive interview with national economy and finance minister Alogoskoufis".

VRADYNI: "Karamanlis has decided: Elections on September 30 - The die has been cast, following deliberations with top ministers".

Cyprus Affairs

[26] Papadopoulos: unrest in Turkey affects Cyprus too

Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos said here Sunday that any unrest in Turkey certainly causes concern in Nicosia and expressed hope that Ankara will change its policy.

The president was responding to questions, after attending a lunch hosted by Archbishop of Cyprus Chrysostomos II in honour of his guest Archbishop of Greece Christodoulos, who concluded Sunday his official visit here.

"Anything that causes unrest in Turkey certainly causes concern to us. However we hope and anticipate that Turkey's policy will change," Papadopoulos added.

Commenting on the withdrawal of Abdullah Gul's candidacy for the presidency in Turkey, he said "this was predetermined to allow for early elections."

Asked if the political crisis was actually staged, he replied "I would not comment on Turkey's internal affairs."

On naval manoeuvres by the Turkish armed forces, in the open seas southwest of Cyprus, the president noted that "the exercises are conducted outside Cyprus' territorial waters."

"I do not see that they raise any specific issue," he added.

Responding to other questions, he said that as far as he was aware there were no violations during the exercises.

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