Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-08-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] Initiative eyes free ERT digital decoders for people with disabilities

[02] PM meets with ruling ND former leader Evert

[03] Gov't spokesman on early election speculation

[04] PASOK sec't lashes out at gov't; campaign com't to meet on Thursday

[05] ND former minister Spiliotopoulos won't run for parliament

[06] Gov't to allocate 30.5 million euros for Church-related projects

[07] Greeks can enter FYROM just with police ID

[08] FinMin, DM discuss officers' pay scale

[09] Development minister due in Kozani next week

[10] Inflation slows to 2.5 pct in July

[11] Thessaloniki chamber to participate in Skopje trade exhibition

[12] State revenues up in Jan-July

[13] Seesaw session for bourse on Tuesday

[14] ADEX closing report

[15] Greek bond market closing report

[16] Foreign Exchange Rates - Wednesday

[17] OA precautionary emergency landing in Thessaloniki

[18] Fire in Akrata abates

[19] Programme to establish bicycle lanes in 17 cities

[20] Dedication to late Greek poet Odysseas Elytis

[21] British Airways supports Mt. Parnitha restoration efforts

[22] Port official charged with involuntary manslaughter

[23] ATM gang uncovered in Rhodes

[24] Drug arrests in Argolida

[25] Elderly woman arrested for drug dealing

[26] Sunny on Wednesday

[27] The Tuesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

[28] US Congress legislation to end Turkish occupation of Cyprus

[29] Energy Department satisfied with interest in hydrocarbon exploration Politics

[01] Initiative eyes free ERT digital decoders for people with disabilities

"Society does not have the luxury of duplicating unfair exclusions and stereotypes, and if we want to move ahead we are obliged to recognise and bestow, in practice, every possible opportunity of expression and creativity to our fellow citizens," Minister of State Theodoros Roussopoulos said in announcing the initiative.

Roussopoulos was accompanied by Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis during the announcement, who added that the initiative aims to give people with disabilities easier access to new technologies.

ERT, the large state-run radio and television broadcaster in Greece, currently operates a free-to-air digital terrestrial (DVB-T) network with three channels, Prisma+, Cine+ and Sport+, a platform called "ERT Digital". Prisma+, in fact, first debuted in 2006 and is specifically geared for disabled persons. A fourth channel, Cyprus' satellite programme RIK Sat, is also retransmitted on the same digital platform with the three other ERT channels.

Opposition reaction

In a later response to the initiative, main opposition PASOK MP and former minister Telemahos Hytiris said the initiative was yet another offering on the "altar of a pre-election expediencies", while he also charged that "a decoder does not bring about springtime for all those condemned to marginalisation due to the government's policy".

On its part, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) charged that both ruling New Democracy and main opposition PASOK continue to offer mere "pre-election announcements" that are nothing but "deceptions" for disabled people and their families.

In a released announcement, the party also called for an array of state-funded measures and initiatives for disabled people, particularly children and the unemployed.

[02] PM meets with ruling ND former leader Evert

No statements were made after the meeting.

[03] Gov't spokesman on early election speculation

In response to other questions, spokesman and Minister of State Roussopoulos also heaped praised on the political careers of outgoing ND deputies Spilios Spiliotopoulos, a Patras-elected former defence minister, and Pieria prefecture MP Evangelos Polyzos.

Both men had reportedly informed the party's leadership over their decision not to run for Parliament in the next elections.

[04] PASOK sec't lashes out at gov't; campaign com't to meet on Thursday

PASOK secretary Nikos Athanassakis also claimed this was a "charade" by the government, in answer to various press questions regarding a recent series of government aid packages.

Athanassakis, the party's former spokesman, also charged that the government is only interested in helping its "own supporters".

Meanwhile, the first meeting of PASOK's high-ranking 10-member election campaign secretariat will convene on Thursday at the party's central Athens offices, with Athanassakis chairing the meeting.

Gov't reax

"I can understand why PASOK believes it is unprecedented that the government is realising its commitments: because they are used to a lot of words and little action," government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos later remarked.

[05] ND former minister Spiliotopoulos won't run for parliament

Spiliotopoulos told reporters that he reached the decision after careful thought and with the conviction that his move will help his party, the ruling New Democracy, to proceed with deeper renewal and adopt a more dynamic presence. One should know when and how to leave the political scene, he stressed.

Spiliotopoulos also stated that he is satisfied with the course of his career in politics that reached its peak in 2004 when PM Costas Karamanlis appointed him minister of national defense. He stressed that he will adhere to his party's principles, values and goals, and continue fighting at Costas Karamanlis' side to ensure the country's success and progress.

New Democracy Central Committee Secretary Lefteris Zagoritis, in a statement later, thanked the former minister for his long and valuable contribution to the party and the government, stressing that ND is counting on his support.

[06] Gov't to allocate 30.5 million euros for Church-related projects

The agreement was signed by Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis and Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos at the latter's residence, as he continues to recuperate from intestinal surgery two months ago.

[07] Greeks can enter FYROM just with police ID

Greek citizens as of Tuesday can enter the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) just by showing their police identity card.

The relevant police and customs authorities at the FYROM border crossings received directives by the country's interior ministry for the implementation of this measure as of August 7.

The decision for the entry of Greek citizens only with their police identity card, was taken by FYROM's ministerial council on July 18 and this was published in the Government Gazette on Monday.

Financial News

[08] FinMin, DM discuss officers' pay scale

[09] Development minister due in Kozani next week

An outline of the PPKDM's actions and activities will be presented by the University of Western Macedonia at a special event, including the expansion of its innovation development mechanism, while the contract assigning the project will also be formally signed by Sioufas.

The PPKDM is financed by the development ministry's general secretariat for research and development, and comprises a collective effort of research agencies local businesses in the energy sector.

The PPKDM's purpose is to increase the competitiveness of the regional economy, and cooperating in the effort, which is under the aegis of the Western Macedonia Periphery, are the University of Western Macedonia (Coordinating Partner of the project), the National Research and Technological Development's Institute of Solid Fuel Applications Technology (ITESK/EKETA), the Kozani technical college (TEI) and various developmental agencies and companies, including the Public Power Corporation (PPC).

[10] Inflation slows to 2.5 pct in July

In the 12-month period July 2006-2007, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was running at an average 2.8 percent, compared to 3.5 percent in the corresponding period of 2005-2006.

The reduction in inflation in July 2007 is attributed to the fact that the cost of living index for the month fell by 0,8 percent with respect to the preceding month of June.

The reduction in the cost of living index was attributed to: a 0.3 percent reduction in prices of foodstuff and non-alcoholic beverages, prompted by declines in the prices of olive oil, fresh fruit and vegetables; a 6.7 percent reduction in clothing and footware prices due to summer sales; a 2 percent reduction in non-perishable goods and household goods due to summer sales; and a 0.1 percent reduction in fuel prices, despite a 0.1 percent increase in home rents and a 0.6 percent increase in prices in restaurants, sweet shops and hotels.

The Harmonised Consumer Price Index in July rose by 2.7 percent against July 2006, against a 2.6 percent increase in June against June 2006.

The structural inflation (which does not include fuel and fresh produce prices) was running at 2.6 percent in July and at 2.5 percent in June.

[11] Thessaloniki chamber to participate in Skopje trade exhibition

[12] State revenues up in Jan-July

The annual target is a 5.5-percent increase.

Additionally, VAT remittances increased by 9.8 percent during the same month, ahead of an annual target of 9.6 percent.

More importantly, state revenues reached 28.668 billion euros between Jan-July 2007 period, up from 27.293 billion euros during the first seven-month period of 2006, a 5-percent increase nearing the annual target of 5.5 percent.

[13] Seesaw session for bourse on Tuesday

Most sector indices lost ground, with Mass Media (-156 percent), Utilities (1.52 percent) and Retailing (-1.34) posting the biggest losses. Telecoms and Foods & Beverages posted the biggest gains, at 1.23 percent and 1.21 percent, respectively.

The Big Cap index ended 0.07 pct down, the Mid Cap index fell 0.13 pct and the Small cap index ended 1.50 pct down.

Decliners led advancers by 189 to 78 with another 38 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: -0.70%

Industrials: -0.25%

Commercial: -1.34.%

Construction: +0.65%

Media: -1.56%

Oil & Gas: -0.59%

Personal & Household: -0.61%

Raw Materials: -0.86%

Travel & Leisure: +0.90%

Technology: -0.46%

Telecoms: +1.23%

Banks: -0.51%

Food & Beverages: +1.21%

Health: -1.15%

Utilities: -1.52%

Chemicals: -0.56%

Financial Services: +0.29%

The stocks with the highest turnover were Marfin, Eurobank, OTE and National Bank.

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

Alpha Bank: 22.62

ATEbank: 3.82

Public Power Corp (PPC): 20.40

HBC Coca Cola: 32.62

Hellenic Petroleum: 10.48

Emporiki Bank: 20.30

National Bank of Greece: 42.50

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 26.00

Intralot: 25.90

Cosmote: 21.82

OPAP: 25.86

OTE: 22.44

Titan Cement Company: 37.94

[14] ADEX closing report

The September contract on the FTSE 20 index was traded at a discount of 1.12 pct while the August contract on the FTSE 40 index at a discount of 1.50 percent.

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totaled 7,864 contracts worth 99.844 million euros, with 41,890 open positions in the market, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 688 contracts worth 21.598 million euros, with 1,492 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 6,669 contracts worth 8.842 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Atebank's contracts (1,349) followed by Intracom (1,160), Post Office Bank (715), Marfin Popular Bank (508), National Bank (388), ELTEX (314) and PPC (250).

[15] Greek bond market closing report

The 10-year benchmark bond (July 20, 2017) was the most heavily traded security with a turnover of 285 million euros. The Greek bond yielded 4.655 pct.

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were mixed. National Bank's overnight rate was 4.25 pct, the two-day rate 4.09 pct, the one-week rate 4.09 pct, the one-month rate 4.11 pct, the three-month rate 4.32 pct, the six-month rate 4.43 pct and the 12-month rate 4.58 pct.

[16] Foreign Exchange Rates - Wednesday

U.S. dollar 1.390

Pound sterling 0.685

Danish kroner 7.502

Swedish kroner 9.289

Japanese yen 164.98

Swiss franc 1.657

Norwegian kroner 8.040

Cyprus pound 0.588

Canadian dollar 1.468

Australian dollar 1.627

General News

[17] OA precautionary emergency landing in Thessaloniki

The ATR42 plane with 38 passengers on board took off from Athens' "Eleftherios Venizelos" International Airport at 7.40 am for Bucharest and half an hour later, while flying over Thessaloniki, the captain saw an indication on the instrument panel warning of problems in one of its engines.

The passengers, all Romanian nationals, were safe and were staying at a Thessaloniki hotel at the airline's expense waiting for another plane to fly them to their destination.

[18] Fire in Akrata abates

The fire, which threatened private houses, was contained by 36 firemen and 18 fire engines assisted by 11 firemen on foot while 3 helicopters and 3 aircraft also took part in the firefighting efforts.

An investigation is underway to determine the causes of the blaze.

[19] Programme to establish bicycle lanes in 17 cities

During the meeting, Liapis announced that he has sent a letter to all mayors throughout the country, asking them to actively participate in the celebration of European Transportation Week, which has been designated this year from September 16 to 22.

Liapis explained that the goal of this European initiative, the theme of which this year will be "Streets Open to the People", was not only to raise citizens' awareness on ecological transportation in the cities, but also the establishment ofpermanent measures by local governments for the transition from the use of private cars to more environmentally-friendly transportation means (public transport, bicycles, walking).

The minister further announced that, in cooperation with the Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece (KEDKE), a programme will be implemented for the creation of bicycle lanes in 17 municipalities throughout the country, which has yet to be materialised, despite the fact that the corresponding studies have been carried out and the funds for co-financing of those projects have been secured.

For this purpose, a follow-up meeting will be held in two-weeks' time in order to complete the list of the cities that will develop bicycle lanes and the relevant funding may begin.

[20] Dedication to late Greek poet Odysseas Elytis

The musical event is organised with the cooperation of the Lesvos Prefectural Local Government and the Municipality of Eresos-Antissa.

Also projected will be audiovisual material on Odysseas Elytis, which comes from the archive of George and Iro Sgourakis and state-run Greek Radio and Television (ERT).

[21] British Airways supports Mt. Parnitha restoration efforts

British Airways will donate 1 euro from each ticket sold in Greece in August, September and October for the restoration of the Mt. Parnitha forest, a large part of which was destroyed by a devastating fire that broke out at the end of June.

The airline, being sensitive to environmental protection issues, is currently supporting a total of 130 such programmes worldwide, a British Airways announcement said.

[22] Port official charged with involuntary manslaughter

Dimitris Makrygiannis died shortly after being admitted to the island's hospital. An autopsy was conducted in Athens on Tuesday.

In their testimony at Chios Port Authority, the two friends of the deceased said that the crew of the patrol boat attacked them without warning and while their dinghy was lit.

[23] ATM gang uncovered in Rhodes

A 22-year-old Romanian, a member of the gang, was arrested, while three other accomplices, among them the mastermind, are being sought.

The culprits would follow their candidate "victim." Afterwards, one of them, holding a map of the island, approached, pretending to be a tourist and started talking to the individual, asking him about Rhodes' sites. Then, the other culprits appeared, pretending to be Interpol agents and through checking identity, managed with the help of a special mechanism, to copy the victim's credit card.

The 22-year-old appeared before Rhodes' Public Prosecutor who charged him of committing a criminal act.

[24] Drug arrests in Argolida

The detainees were due to appear before a public prosecutor on Tuesday.

[25] Elderly woman arrested for drug dealing

The woman and two men, 45 and 31, allegedly sold hashish to users from the former's residence.

Police reportedly found and seized 750 grams of hashish at the location.

Weather Forecast

[26] Sunny on Wednesday

[27] The Tuesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "What is going on with the stock exchange? New drop in general index on Monday, of 1.32 percentage points".

APOGEVMATINI: "Karamanlis is (ruling New Democracy party) ND's trump card in the upcoming elections - The current prime minister enjoys the public opinion's steadily increasing confidence".

AVGHI: "Ashes and floods - The government's pre-electoral tactic".

AVRIANI: "New package of pre-electoral benefits from Karamanlis - Minimum National Pension of 550 euro as of January 1, 1,000 euro poverty benefit, and subsidisation of 70 percent of the interest on loans for first homes".

CHORA: "Cheap homes for farmers, with interest subsidisation of up to 70 percent".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "Baiting for the vote fishing - Prime minister met with employment minister (Magginas on Monday) to discuss the Minimum National Pension".

ELEFTHEROS: "PASOK (main opposition party) preparing provocation at TIF (Thessaloniki International Fair, where the prime ministers traditionally unveil the economic policy for the following year and the political party leaders also present their platforms) - With rigged catcalls and incidents, they are preparing backdrop of violence and conflicts".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Buildings 'springing up' instead of trees in expanses designated for green areas".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Karamanlis - Look at what you were saying (in September 2003: 'True social sensitivity is proved in action during the four-year term, and not in the pre-electoral period')".

ESTIA: "The revaluation of the euro - In five years, its parity against the dollar rose from 0.88 cents to 1.38 dollars".

ETHNOS: "Frenzy for 6,161 summer hirings - Orgy of vote-grabbing by the government in view of elections".

KATHIMERINI: "The premier will cite the economy as the reason for early elections - Citing a foreign policy issue has been ruled out".

LOGOS: "Frenzy over the elections in the government and opposition staffs - They're preparing for the final showdown".

NIKI: "They remembered poverty - New promises by the government in order to strengthen its social profile".

RIZOSPASTIS: "Announcements of disgraceful benefits/breadcrumbs".

TA NEA: "511,00 citizens hostage to the benefits ruse - The government tabling bills that will not be passed".

TO VIMA: "Vote-grabbing game with draft laws - They've 'stuffed' parliament".

VRADYNI: "The beneficiaries of the 1,000 euro benefit - Tomorrow (Wednesday) the final decisions (to be taken) at the Inner Cabinet meeting".

Cyprus Affairs

[28] US Congress legislation to end Turkish occupation of Cyprus

The US Congress has taken another significant step toward improving American policy on Cyprus with the introduction of two Cyprus bills, which the sponsors noted complement each other, said the leaders of the Coordinated Effort of Hellenes (CEH).

According to a CEH statement, "one of the two bills, House Resolution 620, calls on Turkey to end its military occupation "particularly because Turkey's pretext has been refuted by over 13 million crossings by Turkish-Cypriots and Greek-Cypriots into each other's communities without incident.""

"This legislation carries particular weight with American policy-makers because its primary sponsors, Congressmen Albio Sires (D-NJ) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), are among only 14 out of the 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives selected by their colleagues to oversee matters relating to Europe -- as members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee's Subcommittee on Europe. Cyprus advocates Representatives Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), John Sarbanes (D-MD) and Zack Space (D-OH) are also original co-sponsors", CEH added.

"The bill adds to momentum that is building in the U.S. to end Turkey's occupation of Cyprus, particularly after 13 million peaceful crossings of the Green Line", CEH said, noting that it also "builds on the recent statement by the Chairman of the powerful U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Joe Biden (D-DE), who encouraged America to refocus on this matter that is at the heart of the Cyprus problem."

It also adds to the impetus generated by the recent letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice by the creator of the Congressional Turkey Caucus and Chairman of the House Europe Subcommittee, Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL), the statement notes.

"Chairman Wexler felt that it is in Turkey's interests to focus on withdrawing troops", it says.

"No legislation in recent years that has focused on ending the division of Cyprus has received more than 27 members of Congress asking to become cosponsors (advocates). If this new momentum continues, and we plan to make sure that it does, many more that 27 members of Congress will become cosponsors."

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the islandÔs northern third. Restrictions on free movement to and from the island's occupied areas, imposed by the Turkish Cypriot regime, were partially lifted in April 2003, a move that is still in place and allows, albeit under restrictions, Cypriots to cross the UN controlled buffer zone.

[29] Energy Department satisfied with interest in hydrocarbon exploration

Director of the Energy Department of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Solon Kassinis has expressed satisfaction with the interest shown so far regarding licenses to carry out research for hydrocarbons in Cyprus' exclusive economic zone.

Kassinis told CNA on Tuesday that the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus were monitoring Turkish moves in the region, noting that there was no cause for concern, since Nicosia was acting within international law and the Law of the Sea Convention.

He said interested parties would have to submit their tenders on August 16, which would be evaluated by a ministerial committee and sent to the Council of Ministers with an accompanying report, for a decision on the three-year license.

Replying to questions, Kassinis said the evaluation would be completed by the end of the year and the second phase would follow, which has to do with exploration of other areas and new data with three-dimensional graphs and their evaluation.

Kassinis said the successful applicant would carry out investigative drilling to determine the kind of hydrocarbons available, namely oil or natural gas, as well as their quantity.

He added that the license could be extended for up to two years, reaching a total of five, but this would reduce the sea area to be licensed for exploration.

Referring to Turkish moves in the Eastern Mediterranean, Kassinis said the Department was briefed on developments and the Republic was acting within international law, which is observed by over 140 countries and the European Union.

''So, we believe there is nothing to worry about regarding our actions and, if the Turks violate this legal framework of the Law of the Sea Convention, we will report them internationally,'' he added.

Kassinis expressed the satisfaction of the Energy Department for the interest so far for licenses, noting that ''it is truly good, it is substantive and within the international framework and practice observed.''

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