Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-10-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papoulias calls on Turkey to meet obligations towards ethnic Greeks

[02] President Karolos Papoulias visits Lake Vistonida

[03] Deputy FM Valynakis again warns FYROM on name dispute

[04] Athens cites Nov. 6 date for EU progress report on FYROM

[05] Koumoutsakos reply to Solana statement on use of veto

[06] Athens urges adherence to Reform Treaty schedule

[07] Gov't spokesman on pension, education reform; Solana statements

[08] Greek PM heads meeting on healthcare policy

[09] FM Bakoyannis addresses conference on Humanitarian Law

[10] Latest measures against illegal immigration announced

[11] Problem of illegal immigration examined in Lesvos

[12] UN High Commission for Refugees report

[13] PASOK Political Council confirms agreement on president election procedures

[14] Papandreou addresses PASOK Political Council meeting

[15] SYRIZA leader tours Crete, comments on headlines

[16] Souflias dismisses press allegations over his country home

[17] Parliament president meets predecessors for briefing

[18] Employment minister holds talks with labour unions

[19] PASOK spokesman on pension reform dialogue

[20] Requirement for stamped receipts scrapped in tax evasion bill

[21] Deputy development minister inaugurates 'Infosystem' exhibition

[22] Aspis Insurance reports improved nine-month results

[23] Subsidiary company of Altec undertakes project in Romania

[24] Building activity down 6.4 pct in Jan-July, yr/yr

[25] Market, shareholders' interests a condition for any foreign partnership, ASE chairman says

[26] ASE-organized business meeting

[27] Greek stocks end up for fourth consecutive session

[28] ADEX closing report

[29] Greek bond yields slightly up in September

[30] Greek bond market closing report

[31] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

[32] PM thanks Theodorakis for relief concerts

[33] Agriculture ministry promises tough action against crooked forestry official

[34] Baby seal rescued off Aegean island of Tinos

[35] Greece to acquire its first Apothecary Museum

[36] Norwegian ambassador visits aquarium in Crete

[37] E-crime unit uncovers international ring of banking system crackers

[38] Big heroin bust in northern Greece

[39] Couple arrested for drug and gun possession

[40] Migrant smuggler arrested by Samos coastguard

[41] Mostly sunny on Friday

[42] Cypriot President ready to meet T/C leader

[43] Cyprus highlights inconsistencies in Gul's speech at PACE Politics

[01] Papoulias calls on Turkey to meet obligations towards ethnic Greeks

Papoulias, speaking in the northeastern city of Xanthi, where he arrived on Thursday to attend celebrations for the city's liberation from Ottoman rule, also referred to the role that the geographical position of Thrace could play in the region's development and improvement.

"The geographical position of Thrace, a factor that in the past contributed to its isolation and marginalisation, is today a factor that can be used to upgrade the area," Papoulias said, pointing out that Thrace could now act as a gateway and a bridge between Europe and the East.

"In a broader political and economic scale, Thrace lends itself for becoming a crossroads and a support for a wider communications network for people and goods that will organically link western Europe with the eastern Balkans and western Black Sea zone," he added.

During his visit, the president was also declared an honorary citizen of the city and attended a celebration with Agricultural Development and Foods Minister Alexandros Kontos and Macedonia-Thrace Minister Margaritis Tzimas.

He then laid a wreath at a monument to the fallen in Xanthi's central square and witnessed a school and military parade held in the city.

On Thursday afternoon, Papoulias is to visit the Porto Lagos wetlands in honour of World Animal Day.

In other statements during the visit, during a dinner at the Xanthi Officers' Club, the Greek president also referred to the Muslim minority of Thrace, stressing that Greece was a country that respected international law and international treaties.

"We believe, however, that neighbouring Turkey, which looks to European accession, is aware of its obligations toward the Greeks that are left there and of the respect due toward the religious rights of the institution of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. This respect must at last be demonstrated with the re-opening of the School of Theology on Halki and all this entails," Papoulias stressed.

Regarding the Muslim community in extreme northeast Greece, the president said integration of Muslims in the process of economic and social development and in a modern educational system "were elements of maturity so that we can pass to a new age of prosperity for all. It is here that the principles of equality before the state and the law come into play, regardless of religion, and the positive discrimination that a European country considered it necessary to provide."

[02] President Karolos Papoulias visits Lake Vistonida

President Papoulias, impressed by the beauty of the lagoon of Vistonida, said that "we all have a responsibility in delivering this beauty of the natural environment to our children and the politicians in particular."

He appeared to be well-informed on the lake's ecosystem and throughout his guided tour he did not conceal his interest and anxiousness in the salvation and preservation of the rich natural and animal ecosystem.

Lake Vistonida has 214 different species of birds and covers an area of about 11,000 acres, together with the lagoon of Porto Lagos which lies to the southeast of the lake.

A visitor approaching the wildlife preserves will be surprised by the various shapes taken by the blending of water with land and will admire the wealth of wildlife.

[03] Deputy FM Valynakis again warns FYROM on name dispute

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (FYROM) intransigence in its name dispute with Greece may have serious repercussions in the landlocked republic's course towards Euro-Atlantic institutions, while Greece "means what it says on the issue demanding from all countries which are interested in becoming members of the European Union (EU) or NATO to follow a policy of good neighbourliness and implement the committements they have undertaken," Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valynakis warned here on Thursday, after his meetings with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs Daniel Fried and Assistant to the Deputy State Secretary Rosemary di Carlo.

Talks also focused on bilateral relations, developments on the Kosovo issue and Greek-Turkish relations.

Valynakis reiterated Greece's position that Turkey can become a full EU member on condition it abides by all criteria and all preconditions set by the Union.

The Greek minister discussed these issues also with State Department Deputy Undersecretary Matthew Braiza during a reception hosted by Greek Ambassador Alexandros Mallias.

In statements after his talks at the State Department, Valynakis said that Greece's role is that of a factor of stability and peace for all countries in the region.

"Our adherrence to our strategic aim, that is to transform Balkans from what it was - a powder-keg of Europe - to a region of cooperation in a European neighbourhood is well known," he said.

On the issue of Kosovo he said he explained to his interlocutors that "we are trying for a solution to be found, a solution which will be mutually acceptable, a solution safeguarding stability in the entire region, a solution based on international legality, that is through UN Security Council resolutions, a solution which will be based also on European principles. That is why it is necessary to give more time to diplomacy, so as for these solutions to be found and we hope that the Troika will contribute towards this direction."

On the FYROM issue, Valynakis said that Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis had made "clear to the American side a few days ago, and I think the message was understood, that intransigence can not lead to any positive result, that intransigence can have serious repercussions on Skopje's course towards Euro-Atlantic institutions."

[04] Athens cites Nov. 6 date for EU progress report on FYROM

Spokesman George Koumoutsakos also noted that special Commission delegations will visit candidate-countries Croatia, Albania and FYROM in November.

[05] Koumoutsakos reply to Solana statement on use of veto

"Nobody likes vetos and for this reason problems ought to be solved in a manner that is mutually acceptable, while practices of intransigency and tension that often betray an unproductive arrogance should be abandoned," Greek foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos underlined, when asked to comment on Solana's statement.

The spokesman said that Greece's permanent representation in Brussels had already conveyed Athens' displeasure and outlined Greek positions on the issue to Solana's office, while Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis would be contacting the EU official in person either on Thursday or Friday since he was currently travelling.

The same phrase "Nobody likes vetos" was also used by Bakoyannis earlier on Thursday during a radio interview.

[06] Athens urges adherence to Reform Treaty schedule

"We consider, also, that issues that were raised both during negotiations for the [European Council's] mandate and during the recent Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) should not now be raised again," the spokesman added.

Announcing that the IGC on the Reform Treaty had ended on Wednesday, Koumoutsakos said that Greece wanted the European Council's mandate to be adhered to and considered that the IGC had done so.

He said the final text produced by the IGC would be discussed at the EU General Affairs Council on October 15 and would then forwarded to the informal EU Summit on October 19-20 so that there could be political agreement on the text, which would then be adopted during the regular European Council meeting.

[07] Gov't spokesman on pension, education reform; Solana statements

"Nothing has been decided in advance," Antonaros said in reference to the social security issue. Commenting on the stance by opposition political parties and trade unions in response to the government's invitation to dialogue, he stressed that the government's goal is to adopt a "fair, viable, modern and viable social insurance system."

Antonaros said changes and adjustments are necessary to ensure good pensions, and this is the objective set by the government-initiated dialogue.

"The government positions on the social security issue are known, he said, adding that they were outlined by the prime minister during the most recent New Democracy Parliamentary group meeting and in the government's policy statements, whereas the competent minister has also referred to the issue.

Antonaros cited the PM's comments in the meeting, referring to the negative response of leftist parties to the government's invitation.

Referring to education reforms, the spokesman stated that all necessary moves are being made toward implementation of a relative law, passed last spring by parliament, which has the support of a majority of society and students.

Reiterating a statement by Education Minister Evripidis Stylianidis, he said all likely weaknesses are being corrected, while new ideas coming up during implementation of the law are being taken under consideration.

Solana

Commenting on a statement made by EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), Javier Solana, who was quoted as saying he does not like the "veto option", Antonaros cited statements by Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and the foreign ministry spokesman.

"No one likes to exercise a veto, and that is why problems should be solved in a mutually acceptable manner, putting aside intransigence and tensions that often reveal an underlying counterproductive arrogance," he concluded.

Spokesman on Turkey's accession course

Athens on Thursday again referred to the crucial points in neighboring Turkey's EU accession course for the ongoing year, noting that an annual progress report due in late October or early November, is expected to evaluate the course of reforms and harmonisation with the Union's acquis communautaire by Turkey.

The comment was made by the foreign ministry's spokesman during a regular press briefing in Athens.

[08] Greek PM heads meeting on healthcare policy

Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Health Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos said an extensive program of reforms was currently underway, begining with a new legislation on healthcare procurement. The Greek minister stressed that the sector's finances were very important and that the issue was related with pension funds. "We move forward rapidly to impement a new law on procurements and developing a primary healthcare network through a new draft legislation to be tabled to Parliament in the next few weeks.

Avramopoulos said state hospital managements have been ordered to draft their budgets and prepare their balance sheets, a development likely to create scale economies, necessary to boost the finances of the healthcare system. He dismissed reports of cutbacks in the sector, saying a 2008 draft budget envisaged a 9.3 percent increase in healthcare spending.

The Greek minister confirmed talk of a plan to hire 4,500 doctors in the next three years and 2,000 hospital staff in the next two months.

[09] FM Bakoyannis addresses conference on Humanitarian Law

In her speech, Bakoyannis called on academics, politicians, journalists and the society of citizens to rally themselves "in strengthening the International Humanitarian Law and decreasing human pain during military conflicts."

"The renaming of 'Law of War' to 'International Humanitarian Law' and the adoption of the latter's rules by the international community constitute an achievement, but their implementation still remains to be seen," the foreign minister noted before adding that the international community's reaction in many cases is "extremely late to come".

Referring to Greece's position, Bakoyannis said Athens "is implementing an active humanitarian diplomacy, thus contributing effectively to every effort of reconstruction of many non-developed areas in the world in crisis."

The three-day conference is hosted by Athens' Panteion School and takes place under the auspices of the foreign ministry, with the support of the Red Cross.

[10] Latest measures against illegal immigration announced

Deputy Interior Minister Athanassios Nakos said a relevant presidential decree foreseeing the measures is pending.

His statements came in response to a tabled question by Popular Orthodox Rally (LA.OS) MP Athanassios Plevris, who queried the government over what measures it has taken to fight illegal immigration.

The government, Nakos said, is also working on reform of an institutional framework regulating the operation of reception centers for illegal immigrants, saying it was considering handing over the responsibility for their operation to local prefectures.

Referring to the number of non-EU immigrants in Greece, Nakos said that as of Oct. 1 registered legal residents numbered 473,547, while a commissioned study -- authored by Prof. Lianos -- showed that illegal immigrants in Greece are estimated at between 185,000 to 275,000.

The LA.OS MP disputed the numbers, stressing that roughly 70,000 cases dealing with illegal immigrants have reached Greek courts in the first eight months of the year alone.

Plevris also stressed that the time has come to discuss whether the country can withstand the influx of illegal migrants or whether it should consider implementing a quota system adopted by other European countries, such as the Netherlands, Spain and Italy.

In response, Nakos said such methods are "beyond Greek mentality, humanism, (Greek) culture and temperament."

[11] Problem of illegal immigration examined in Lesvos

At a press conference after the meeting, Voulgarakis underlined "that illegal immigration is developing into a very great problem for the country due to the great 'explosion' in the arrival of illegal immigrants which is being observed this past period."

[12] UN High Commission for Refugees report

Represented in the UN Executive Committee are 72 countries.

"Fear for own safety leads the operation of the systems of asylum in even more countries, contributing to the growth of a culture of thought where rights become less essential," a senior UN official said.

"The arbitrary custody, including of children, and the privatization of custody which in some countries has been converted into an industry create particular concern," the official added.

[13] PASOK Political Council confirms agreement on president election procedures

The meeting did not focus on the causes of the party's defeat in the September 16 general elections, which will be an issue to be examined by the National Council over the weekend, without any proposal being made by the Political Council.

PASOK spokesman Yiannis Raggousis said that the timetable and the procedures for the election of the party president that have already been agreed on, apply in full.

According to the decision, the election of the party's president for four years will take place on November 11, the national conference, in which there shall be institutional representation, will take place on November 2-4 and the regular congress next February.

The theme of the national conference will be "the course of PASOK, political positions and strategy for a new social and progressive political majority." In the event that another election will be necessary for the election of the president, it will be taking place on November 18.

A long discussion was held on the issue of the members' register and who will be entitled to vote. According to the decision taken by the Political Council, the lists of members and friends of the party will close on November 1 and will be sent to organisations for relevant confirmation and certification to take place to secure the irreproachable nature of the procedure in the best possible way.

The register will open again on the day of the president's election and those who will be enlisting on that day will have the right to register themselves and to vote.

The cost of enlisting is 10 euros for members and 2 euros for friends to enable, primarily, the cost of the election procedure to be covered.

Voting will take place with the presentation of a police identity card, while the supervising committees will be composed of members of the coordinating committees of the party's municipal organisations.

Confirmation of the members and friends register with national elections lists will also take place, while all issues than may concern the protection of personal data are also being examined.

As regards the proclamation of candidacies, it was decided that in the case of the three candidates (George Papandreou, Vangelis Venizelos and Costas Skandalidis) it will be carried out by the national council.

In the case that a candidacy out of the four known ones or any other one is not approved by the national council, then the candidate in question will be obliged, over a period of 10 days, to collect the number of party member signatures that are anticipated by the charter which, according to assessments, amounts to about 35,500.

[14] Papandreou addresses PASOK Political Council meeting

Papandreou said that the party's "grassroots want democratic and open procedures to be safeguarded," adding that the party's grassroots, its bodies and he personally guarantee the party's unity and the safeguarding of procedures.

He reiterated that ballot boxes must be open to the end and added that there is the possibility of agreement with regard to the approval of candidacies, otherwise voting can take place.

As regards an assessment on the outcome of the general elections, the PASOK leader said that he has made an initial evaluation twice, on the day of the elections and during the Parliamentary Group meeting.

Focusing on government policy, Papandreou said that the aim of PASOK "is always to defend the interests of the people against a neo-conservative policy that is being applied by the ruling New Democracy (ND) party."

He also made reference to the state budget and to "taxes being imposed by the government, as well as to the secret agenda that is opening gradually," as he said, and "which will burden the average and poorer Greek even more."

Papandreou also commented on educational issues, saying that the new minister "is freezing the implementation of the new law on universities, because the government is aware that its application would meet with great reactions."

On the question of the social security issue, the PASOK leader said that ND "is opening the front because it is obliged to, since matters are dramatic and for whose development it is exclusively responsible, just like it is also responsible for the dramatic worsening of the social security funds' financial situation."

[15] SYRIZA leader tours Crete, comments on headlines

Alavanos visited a research centre's facilities and was briefed on its activities, after which he visited the environmental chemistry department at Crete University.

Commenting on a handful of scathing front-page headlines in Thursday's Athens dailies charging that a 23-year-old armed robber -- arrested Wednesday immediately after a bank heist in the Athens district of Gyzi -- is the son of a senior member of his party, Alavanos merely thanked the media for "the seriousness with which they handled the problem that arose yesterday".

He underlined that SYRIZA condemned every form of violence, regardless where it originated.

"I also want to note that there is no political dimension of family or collective responsibility for our party. However, I want to say that it is perhaps harder to be a father than the leader or even a high-ranking member of a party. From here on, one must consider why only he who has no sins should cast the first stone".

On Thursday afternoon, Alavanos is due to visit the towns of Archanes and Tefeli, while on Friday he is to meet with employees in the raisin processing plant and the staff union of the university hospital on the island, after which he will visit an open-air street market for organic foods before addressing a meeting in Androgeo in the evening on the election result.

On Saturday, Alavanos will discuss the environment and the prospects for agriculture with environmental movements, organic farmers, scientists and activists at the Androgeo Youth Multi Centre, followed by a meeting in the afternoon with farmers and farming bodies of Lasithi prefecture.

[16] Souflias dismisses press allegations over his country home

In a statement issued at midnight, in response to a television report aired on the SKAI television station earlier on Wednesday, Souflias said the house in the Thimari-Tripia Petra site has legal building permit and that altering initial construction plans was within his legal right.

Souflias has appointed a local architect to oversee the building project.

[17] Parliament president meets predecessors for briefing

Financial News

[18] Employment minister holds talks with labour unions

Supreme Civil Servants Administrative Council (ADEDY) President Spyros Papaspyros said after the meeting with Manginas that ADEDY is ready for dialogue on the real problems of social security, but it is not ready to participate in procedures leading to deadlocked results.

He added that the government must publicise its positions, such as on the funding of social security funds, while such a thing would be a position that would add essence to the proposal for dialogue.

Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) President Dimitris Daskalopoulos spoke of a dialogue without preconditions and without prerequisites for all and stressed the danger of security funds collapsing in the future.

Economic and Social Commission (OKE) President Christos Polyzogopoulos said on his part that he was, is and will be in favour of dialogue and that there is no reason for one to leave work before pensioning since, as he said, "I cannot imagine that mature rights will be harmed."

[19] PASOK spokesman on pension reform dialogue

Spokesman Yiannis Ragoussis, a newly elected MP on the state deputies' list, said the government should "stop playing hide-and-seek and show responsibility, publicly unveiling its positions immediately on the issue of pension reform."

[20] Requirement for stamped receipts scrapped in tax evasion bill

Under the draft bill, tax payers will be able to submit receipts for a series of services in order to qualify for deductions from their taxable income, calculated as a percentage of their total spending on these services. Among the tax-deductible spending will be bills for receptions, restaurants, bars, cafeterias, real estate agents, music school fees, gyms, swimming pools, slimming centres, hair dressers and clubs, in addition to spending for various forms of repairs and maintenance work on homes and for heating and ventilation systems.

The bill also provides incentives to tax payers to reveal incidents of corruption and illegal transactions by inspectors, incentives to tax evaders to come clean, sets up a National Council against tax evasion and establishes a three-year period of leniency toward newly-established companies, during which their books will not be held "inadequate" over minor offences.

[21] Deputy development minister inaugurates 'Infosystem' exhibition

It is assessed that the Greek market of Informatics and Communications will continue its upward trend in 2008 as well, given that the main businesses of the sector continue their investment plans for the next three years.

They thus create the prerequisites for the increase of the sector;s contribution to the Greek Domestic Product (GDP), which today stands at 3.8% compared to the European Union average of 6%-8%, a fact which indicates a clear margin for improvement.

[22] Aspis Insurance reports improved nine-month results

Aspis Life said new premium production jumped 81.7 percent in the January-September period, compared with the corresponding period last year, while Aspis Damages soared 71.4 percent over the same period.

Aspis Pronia Insurance said it achieved a significant cut in its nine-month expenses.

[23] Subsidiary company of Altec undertakes project in Romania

The project was undertaken by Sysware Romaia after an open international tender of the World Bank in Romania.

[24] Building activity down 6.4 pct in Jan-July, yr/yr

Building activity in the public sector accounted for 1.7 percent of total volume in the country, the statistics service said.

Central Macedonia (14.5 pct) and south Aegean (12.2 pct) recorded the biggest percentage decline in the number of building permits in the January-July period, while Central Greece (7.2 pct) and Crete (4.6 pct) recorded the biggest percentage gains.

Building activity fell by 8.0 percent (in permits) and by 9.6 percent (in volume) in July 2007, compared with July 2006.

[25] Market, shareholders' interests a condition for any foreign partnership, ASE chairman says

In an interview with Bloomberg TV on the occasion of the 2nd annual roadshow organised by the Greek bourse in London, Kapralos underlined the success of this year's event and noted that a total of 38 Greek-listed enterprises participated in the roadshow, meeting more than 160 foreign fund managers from 11 countries.

Commenting on a FTSE Group report warning over a possible downgrade of the Greek market to a developing one, Kapralos said there was no fundamental problem since the introduction of MiFID community directive in Greek as of Nov. 1, 2007, which will cover most of the criteria cited by the FTSE Group.

[26] ASE-organized business meeting

The 2nd annual one-day meeting organized by the Athens Stock Exchange (ASE) was held in London on Wednesday at Bloomberg's European headquarters (a major business and financial information network) with the participation of representatives of 38 Greek firms and numerous foreign institutional investors.

ASE Chairman Spyros Kapralos expressed satisfaction over the outcome of the meeting during which foreign investors stated their interest in investing in Greece.

The keynote speaker at the dinner hosted later by the ASE board was Citi Investment Research Chief Global Equity Strategist Robert Buckland.

[27] Greek stocks end up for fourth consecutive session

Most sectors moved higher, with the Healthcare (2.71 pct), Constructions (1.20 pct) and Commerce (1.01 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while the Food/Beverage (1.03 pct), Travel (0.68 pct) and Utilities (0.52 pct) suffered losses.

The Big Cap index rose 0.22 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 0.30 pct higher and the Small Cap index jumped 1.01 pct. Viosol (9.38 pct), Alma-Atermon (8.77 pct) and Klonatex (8.33 pct) were top gainers, while Ideal (8.97 pct) and Sprider (4.16 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 140 to 118 with another 44 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +0.79%

Industrials: -0.37%

Commercial: +1.01%

Construction: +1.20%

Media: -0.46%

Oil & Gas: +0.09%

Personal & Household: +0.69%

Raw Materials: -0.35%

Travel & Leisure: -0.68%

Technology: -0.45%

Telecoms: +0.12%

Banks: +0.45%

Food & Beverages: -1.03%

Health: +2.71%

Utilities: -0.52%

Chemicals: -0.36%

Financial Services: +0.21%

The stocks with the highest turnover were Bank of Cyprus, OTE, National Bank and Coca Cola.

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

Alpha Bank: 24.94

ATEbank: 4.04

Public Power Corp (PPC): 27.46

HBC Coca Cola: 40.78

Hellenic Petroleum: 11.28

Emporiki Bank: 20.50

National Bank of Greece: 44.68

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 24.80

Intralot: 29.02

Cosmote: 25.00

OPAP: 26.62

OTE: 25.60

Titan Cement Company: 36.50

[28] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totaled 6,736 contracts worth 90.465 million euros, with 31,930 open positions in the market, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 277 contracts worth 9.360 million euros, with 1,391 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 7,709 contracts worth 11.914 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Marfin Investment Group's contracts (1,238), followed by PPC (1,158), National Bank (398), Intracom (864), ATEbank (308), GEK (812), Sidenor (540) and Post Savings Bank (261).

[29] Greek bond yields slightly up in September

In a monthly report on the Greek electronic secondary bond market, the central bank said the three- and 30-year benchmark bonds' yields also rose slightly to 4.25 percent and 4.98 percent in September from 4.22 pct and 4.95 pct in August. The average monthly yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German benchmark bonds rose to 32 basis points in September from 31 basis points in August.

Benchmark bond prices fell in September, and in particular long-term bonds, while the three-year benchmark bond price was almost unchanged in September at 98.60, from 98.59 in August. The 30-year bond recorded the biggest decline, by 51 bps to 93.76 in September, followed by the 10-year bond, down by 40 bps to 97.23.

Turnover in the electronic secondary bond market rose to 34.35 billion euros in September, from 28.43 billion in August, but fell sharply compared with a 52.45 billion euros figure in September 2006. Average daily turnover totaled 1.72 billion euros in September frm 1.29 billion in August. Seven- and 10-year bonds were the most heavily traded securities, accounting for 50 percent of total volume (around 17.25 billion euros). The 10-year benchmark bond was the most heavily traded security with a turnover of 12.3 billion euros.

[30] Greek bond market closing report

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates eased slightly. National Bank's overnight rate rose to 3.85 percent from 3.80 pct on Wednesday, the two-day rate fell to 3.85 pct from 3.87 percent, the one-month rate eased to 4.36 percent from 4.38 percent and the 12-month rate was 4.70 percent.

[31] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

U.S. dollar 1.422

Pound sterling 0.699

Danish kroner 7.512

Swedish kroner 9.248

Japanese yen 165.83

Swiss franc 1.675

Norwegian kroner 7.754

Cyprus pound 0.588

Canadian dollar 1.419

Australian dollar 1.607

General News

[32] PM thanks Theodorakis for relief concerts

Congratulating all the people who were involved in the organisation of and took part in the concerts, Karamanlis said that their action rendered culture a life stance that concerns every aspect of public activity, becoming a strong bond and continuation of a society of active citizens.

"Dear Miki, I wish to warmly congratulate you for the sensitivity you always manifest in times of difficult national circumstances. A sensitivity that was expressed in the two concerts with your works at the Herod Atticus this past Saturday and Sunday. The debate of the government's Policy Statement in parliament did not allow me to be with you on those two special nights that united all our souls through your music, lighting up all that unites us: our love for man, nature, culture, and our country," Karamanlis said in his letter.

"Warm congratulations are due to all of you. To Lakis Lazopoulos for his initiative and the presentation of those two exceptional nights. To Margarita Theodoraki (Miki's daughter) for her successful coordination of the event, and to all the artists, singers and actors, and to the musicians of the Mikis Theodorakis orchestra, who placed themselves and their talent in the service of our fellow human beings who suffered from the devastating fires, and also to the technicians who worked for the success of the two concerts. With this act of yours, you rendered culture into a way of life that concerns avery aspect of public action, becoming a strong bond and continuation of a society of active citizens, the letter said.

[33] Agriculture ministry promises tough action against crooked forestry official

"What must at last prevail is the morality of responsibility," Kiltidis said, adding that the response of the authorities would be "ruthless in every direction".

He was answering a question raised by main opposition PASOK MP Theodoros Pangalos in Parliament, who pointed out that Kanellopoulos had already been granted two postponements in the hearing of the case against him.

According to Pangalos, the whole Markopoulos area where Kanellopoulos served as head of the local forestry service was "abuzz" with his activities:

"He operated in two ways: either by removing the designation of land as forested or public land and acknowledging it as private land, in return for bribes, or by blackmailing and raising issues that land was forested that he finally gave freely to be converted into building lots in order to earn money," Pangalos claimed.

The MP further noted that the accused and a team that quite likely assisted him were rumoured to have earned huge sums in this manner, while pointing out that Kanellopoulos had a highly luxurious residence and lived in a "scandalous" manner.

Pangalos also commented on the fact that the same forestry official had let it be known that he was extremely highly connected and could expect support, and that his brother was a trade unionist that was very well known at the agriculture ministry.

"I am not suggesting that this constitutes some sort of responsibility but it is undoubtedly an interesting dimension that must be treated carefully. It would be better if postponements of his trial did not continue," the MP added.

Kiltidis noted that the forestry official was being prosecuted by justice and through internal disciplinary proceedings and that the Public Administration Inspectors and Comptrollers Corps had been called in to investigate any cases that Kanellopoulos had handled.

Thanking Pangalos for his question, he said that the entire government and leadership of the ministry were determined to uphold the law, according to the prime minister's orders.

Kanellopoulos was arrested on September 24 after he accepted a bribe of 5,000 euros in pre-marked notes from a woman to give a favourable opinion in a property case concerning her husband.

[34] Baby seal rescued off Aegean island of Tinos

The four-day-old seal, which had been swept away from its mother, still had its umbilical cord attached to it when it was rescued by the woman and taken to the local Port Authority offices.

The MOm organization for the protection of the Monachus monachus seal was contacted immediately for instructions on how to take care of the newborn seal, which was named "Victoria" after the woman who rescued it.

As soon as weather conditions allowed, two biologists and a Thessaloniki Aristotle University veterinary professor, making up the MOm rescue team, arrived on the island and transported baby "Victoria" to the National Sea Park on the Sporades island of Alonnisos.

There, it will receive the care and attention of trained personnel throughout the four-month breastfeeding period and afterwards it will be taught how to get its own food and become independent before it is released back into its natural environment.

Reproduction period for the Mediterranean seal Monachus monachus, a species threatened with extinction, spans from late August to December. Roughly half of the 500-strong Monachus monachus global population lives in Greece, which is considered one of the most important Mediterranean seal habitats.

Baby Victoria, the seventh Monachus monachus seal to be born in Greece this year, is still in a critical state and MOm scientists told ANA-MPA that it would become clear in two week's time whether the seal will survive.

[35] Greece to acquire its first Apothecary Museum

The museum was set up by the Thessaloniki Pharmacists Association and hopes to also act as a motive and inspiration for scientific research, conferences and to provide educational services.

Among the prize exhibits is the apothecary cabinet that once belong to the pharmacy "Elafos" owned by Zafiris Sfyras in the seaside town of Volos in 1889, which was made in Paris. The cabinet stands 4.9 metres high and is 6.4 metres wide and was donated to the museum by its last owner, pharmacist Michail Panou.

The museum is a 173-175 Ethnikis Antistaseos Street in Thessaloniki and is open from 9:00 until 14:00, while admission is free.

[36] Norwegian ambassador visits aquarium in Crete

Stub, accompanied by his country's consul in Crete, Andreas Metaxas, and the aquarium's director, Mihalis Papadakis, was given a guided tour of the aquarium and had the opportunity of admiring its unique character.

The creation of Crete's aquarium was made possible with funds of the European economic framework and out of which Norway contributed more than 60 percent.

The total amount of the investment reached 8.8 million euros, of which 5.6 million euros came from European economic framework funds.

Speaking after his visit, the Norwegian ambassador said "I am impressed and inside the aquarium the public can learn more about marine ecology. I believe that the money invested by my country has been spent in the right place and I am pleased that Norway has contributed about 60 percent."

[37] E-crime unit uncovers international ring of banking system crackers

A police investigation showed that the two men, aged 47 and 27, had managed to install spyware into the PCs of bank customers via the Internet, which enabled them to get hold of bank account details and record everything that the customer typed, including their personal access codes.

They then transferred funds from the customers' bank account into their own, kept their share and sent the rest to accomplices in a East European country via an foreign exchange transfer firm.

Greek authorities will inform Interpol and police authorities in the country involved about the existence of the outfit so that its other members can also be placed under arrest.

[38] Big heroin bust in northern Greece

Four Albanian nationals planning to flood central Macedonia, northern Greece, with large quantities of drugs from Albania were arrested and a fifth is still wanted by police, while an investigation is underway to locate more ring members.

According to police, two Albanians, aged 24 and 25, were arrested in Neapoli Municipality, Thessaloniki, while attempting to sell 500 grams of heroin, while a third managed to flee. Another two Albanians were arrested following a police raid on their Thessaloniki apartment where roughly 6.5 kilos of heroin were found and seized.

[39] Couple arrested for drug and gun possession

The drugs and the guns were seized while an investigation is underway to determine if the couple was involved in other crimes as well.

[40] Migrant smuggler arrested by Samos coastguard

The illegal immigrants, mostly men, were taken to Samos Hospital for a precautionary medical examination and then to the island's reception centre for immigrants.

Weather Forecast

[41] Mostly sunny on Friday

Cyprus Affairs

[42] Cypriot President ready to meet T/C leader

The government of Cyprus expressed its readiness on Thursday for a new meeting to take place between President of the Republic Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, with the aim to implement the July 8 Agreement.

Speaking to journalists after a cabinet meeting, Government Spokesman Vasilis Palmas said the position of the UN, the Security Council and the Republic of Cyprus "is clear, we have before us the Gambari Agreement, which outlines, at a procedural level, the preconditions to achieve progress and at the same time, a discussion to be held at the working groups to touch upon the substance of the Cyprus issue and then be led to an overall settlement".

Palmas added "we are ready, to begin the process of the implementation of this agreement and to proceed with its substance" noting that the staedfast aim of the President of the Republic is the overall settlement of the Cyprus issue.

Asked whether Papadopoulos and Talat will meet again, following their encounter on 5 September, Palmas said that President Papadopoulos had proposed a meeting later this month but Talat has so far failed to make a commitment.

Palmas said Talat's meeting with the UN Secretary-General will be held soon and "we repeat once again that we are ready in October, based on the President's position, to meet with the aim to implement the procedure of the July 8 Agreement".

The UN agreement, brokered on July 8, of last year, was reached in Nicosia between President Papadopoulos and Talat, in the presence of then UN Undersecretary for Political Affairs Ibrahim Gambari.

The agreement provides for the setting up of technical committees and working groups to deal with day to day issues that affect the daily life of the people of Cyprus and core issues relating to the Cyprus problem, in order to prepare the ground for substantive negotiations leading to a solution, that would reunite the country, divided since Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern part.

They met again on 5 September 2007 in the presence of the UN Secretary General's Special Representative in Cyprus Michael Moller.

[43] Cyprus highlights inconsistencies in Gul's speech at PACE

Cyprus' Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe (COE) Michalis Stavrinos has pointed out inconsistencies relating to Cyprus, in a speech Turkey's President Abdullah Gul has made at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on Wednesday.

Commenting on the speech, Stavrinos told CNA that Gul presented a mild and constructive spirit in his remarks on the Cyprus problem but spoke about ''realities'' that must be taken into account in reaching a settlement.

Stavrinos pointed out that Gul ''was very careful in what he said about the Cyprus problem'' because of Nicosia's recent protests over Gul's remarks about "two states and two religions" on the island.

Turkey, whose troops occupy since 1974 Cyprus' northern part, does not recognise the government of the Republic of Cyprus. Instead it is making every effort to give legal status to its local subordinate Turkish Cypriot regime in the occupied areas, which the UN has described as "legally invalid."

Referring to Gul's statement that Turkey was committed to finding a political settlement, under UN auspices and in line with UN parameters, that would guarantee the reunification of the island, Stavrinos said Gul retracted this position by referring to ''realities.''

Stavrinos said that Gul had avoided any mention of ''realities'' in his speech.

He noted that Gul referred to the issue of Iraq and the southeast provinces of the Turkish state, saying that the unity of the state and the respect of the borders must be maintained but when he spoke about Cyprus he referred to ''realities'', without any mention of the continuing Turkish occupation and attempts to give legal status to the illegal Turkish Cypriot regime in occupied Cyprus.

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