Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-10-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis and France's Barnier discuss prevention of wildfires, reforestation

[02] Ag minister confers with visiting French counterpart Barnier

[03] PM confers with Transport/ communications minister; OA chief resigns

[04] Papoulias briefed by FM Bakoyannis on foreign policy

[05] Informative event in U.S. Congress on stability in Balkans

[06] Sioufas meets with Uruguayan counterpart Pintada

[07] High-ranking Turkish diplomat in Athens this week to promote Expo bid

[08] Public works ministry on Hellinikon Park funding

[09] NATO ships sail into Souda

[10] New fuel supply regime in effect as of Jan. 1

[11] Greek GDP (base year 2000) revised growth rate 9.6 pct, report

[12] Opposition parties on GDP revision

[13] Alpha Bank cites very positive economic outlook for Bulgaria

[14] Euro-Med Summit of ESCs in Athens this month

[15] British-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce to organize 'Climate Changes & Energy' event

[16] Greek inflation at 2.9 pct in September, yr/yr

[17] Foreign investors' participation in ASE down to 51.80% in Sept.

[18] Greek market breaks 5,200 level

[19] ADEX closing report

[20] Greek bond market closing report

[21] Foreign Exchange Rates - Tuesday

[22] Liver transplant surgery on Christodoulos unsuccessful

[23] Press conference at Jackson Memorial Hospital on state of Archbishop Christodoulos' health

[24] Parliament expresses wishes for Archbishop Christodoulos' health

[25] Patriarch meets new Turkish national assembly president

[26] Alexandria Patriarch visits Moscow

[27] Re-enactment of 1571 Battle of Lepanto held in Nafpaktos

[28] Drug arrests in central and northern Greece

[29] Drunk driver in downtown exceeds breathalyser reading limit

[30] Couple arrested for counterfeit bills

[31] China supports implementation of 8 July Agreement Politics

[01] PM Karamanlis and France's Barnier discuss prevention of wildfires, reforestation

Speaking after the meeting, Barnier said that they discussed the next European Council on farm issues, the recent wildfires and cooperation between the two countries that will concern prevention and reforestation.

"In this framework, I declared the availability of France for this cooperation," the French minister said and mentioned that the issue of the Common European Agricultural Policy's revision was also discussed.

Replying to a question on the European political protection force, Barnier noted that as foreign minister in the past he had worked a great deal for this plan and reminded of France's problems with wildfires and Germany's with floods.

"The prime minister said that he will support this plan for which there shall be a service centre in Brussels and through which there shall be reciprocity between the countries, and joint training regarding natural disasters, as well as disasters resulting from terrorist acts," Barnier said.

On the question of differences in price concerning diesel oil and heating oil and on reduced taxes compared to corresponding problems faced in France, the French minister said that because France does not have oil and natural gas it is obliged to follow prices and it is trying to solve the problem through renewable energy sources.

Kontos said on the issue of destruction caused by the wildfires that the presence of Barnier shows the interest and support of France and stressed that the plan being prepared by the Greek side, and which France will also support in the European Union, was discussed.

"We discussed immediate aid on the part of France in the reforestation sector, with regard to regions struck by the wildfires, as well as measures that must be taken to enable us to achieve substantive prevention of wildfires," Kontos said.

Kontos further referred to the issue of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), stressing that there is a very close relation and joint views with the French side concerning the future of the CAP.

"We talked of creating a joint group that will work in a coordinated manner so that the farm economy of our countries will be strengthened and we will jointly wage the struggles that will be necessary after the year 2009 and after 2013 and, of course, these are goals for which we are now working jointly to enable us to achieve the best result for the farmers of both France and Greece," the Greek minister added.

[02] Ag minister confers with visiting French counterpart Barnier

The two ministers also visited fire-ravaged areas in Evia island.

In a related development, German ambassador to Greece Wolfgang Schultheiss had a working meeting on Monday with Deputy Agriculture Minister Costas Kiltidis on handling possible flooding in ravaged areas, refostestation and protection of regions falling within the EU's NATURA programme.

[03] PM confers with Transport/ communications minister; OA chief resigns

Issues concerning public utilities were also on the table, according to Hatzidakis, stressing that consumers should be served in the best possible way, while the taxpayers' money should be respected.

Regarding debt-ridden national carrier Olympic Airlines (OA), he said it is too soon for any discussion on the issue, considering that talks are underway with the European Commission, talks expected to last for some time due to the complexity of the matter.

"On the government's part, everything possible will be done to keep the company alive until it is privatised," the minister, a long-time Euro-MP, said.

In a related development, OA president Ilias Karatzalis submitted his resignation on Monday to Hatzidakis, which was accepted. A replacement is expected to be announced in the next few days.

Regarding threats of a possible strike by fuel tanker owners, Hatzidakis expressed a hope that a settlement will soon be reached.

[04] Papoulias briefed by FM Bakoyannis on foreign policy

Regarding an upcoming meeting that Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos (Bartholomew) will have with Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Bakoyannis referred to a positive development, expressing a wish that the meeting will be useful and constructive.

Among others, Bakoyannis also commented on recent statements by UN mediator Matthew Nimetz, who in touching on one aspect of the "name issue" separating Athens and Skopje, expressed a more-or-less negative opinion of a venerated ancient figure, namely, Alexander the Great.

"History has been written and is not being rewritten," she merely replied.

[05] Informative event in U.S. Congress on stability in Balkans

An informative event on the theme of stability in the Balkans and the future of the region was held in Congress under the auspices and presence of the Chairman of the U.S. Congress Subcommittee on Europe Robert Wexler and with the Greek Ambassador to Washington Alexandros Mallias being the main speaker.

Wexler praised Greece's role in southeastern Europe, stressing that Greece and the United States are cooperating construtively for the consolidation of peace, stability and democratic principles in the region.

He also pointed out that the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) must respect the principle of good neighbourliness and stop irredentist propaganda against Greece. In this framework, he called on his fellow Congressmen to jointly sign a resolution by Congress referring to FYROM's propaganda.

After thanking the members of Congress for the unanimous adoption of resolution 629 on the wildfires in Greece, Greek ambassador Alexandros Mallias underlined our country's important role in the region of the Balkans, the strategic option to support the European and Euro-Atlantic pursuits of all the countries in the region and stressed that their accession to the EU and NATO necessitates compliance with accession criteria. Moreover, Mallias outlined the Greek position regarding the final status quo of Kosovo, noting that diplomacy must be given time and all the ground for achieving a solution that will secure the stability of the wider region must be exhausted.

On the question of FYROM, the Greek ambassador showed maps and school textbooks circulating in the neighbouring country which reveal the effort for a monopolistic use of Macedonia and its history and stressed that the options of the political leadership of FYROM are harming bilateral relations with Greece, they are not serving the interests of FYROM itself, which is deliberately ignoring and violating even the resolutions and practice of the UN, as appeared from a recent event at its General Assembly.

Mallias stressed that the issue of the name, which Greece is approaching with a sincere disposition for constructive negotiating, must be resolved with a mutually acceptable solution, before FYROM's possible accession to NATO.

Greece, he added, will be determined to use all the diplomatic means that it has at its disposal.

[06] Sioufas meets with Uruguayan counterpart Pintada

Sioufas said foundations were laid for greater cooperation between the two national parliaments through the establishment of friendship committees, adding that he made a special reference to the ethnic Greek community of Uruguay.

The Uruguayan leader referred to an agreement establishing friendship groups at the parliament level, while adding that Classical Greek studies play a major role in his country's educational system.

[07] High-ranking Turkish diplomat in Athens this week to promote Expo bid

According to an embassy press release, Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis will receive Berk on Wednesday, followed by a meeting with Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis on Thursday.

The high-ranking Turkish diplomat, who serves as a special envoy to the country's foreign minister, is scheduled to give a press conference at the Turkish embassy in Athens on Thursday afternoon.

[08] Public works ministry on Hellinikon Park funding

"We preferred the method of self-funding for the Hellinikon Park with which, building on less than 10 percent of the biggest Park in Europe, without the Greek taxpayer paying even a cent, we will secure full funding for the construction and maintenance of the Park, the creation of a Greenery Fund for reformation projects all over Attica and, of course, the unimpeded European Union funding for important environmental projects all over the country," the announcement said.

Referring to a question last week by Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) Eurodeputy Dimitris Papadimoulis to EU Commissioner Danuta Hubner, the ministry stressed that "the relevant Commissioner Mrs. Hubner gave the following replies:First of all and what is self-evident. The construction of the Hellinkikon Park could be a project eligible in the 4th Programming Period of 2007-2013. Secondly and what is known. The Greek government has not requested EU funding for the specific project. Apart from superficial conclusions and easy populism that is being heard for reasons of impression, this option took place on the basis of common sense."

Lastly, the ministry pointed out that "the Hellinikon Park will ultimately have a total surface of about 1,500 acres (5,900 stremmas) and not only will it be the biggest park in Europe, but one of the biggest in the world in an urban area as well."

[09] NATO ships sail into Souda

The force has a multinational character, it is always in a state of readiness and in a position to react swiftly. It is composed of 6-10 ships from an equal number of NATO countries. About 700 people are serving on these ships.

Four of the vessels sailed into Marathi, where they will be staying for five days for recreation for the crew, as well as for maintenance and refuelling.

The fleet's American Commander Michael Mahon visited Hania prefect Grigoris Arhontakis in the morning and discussed the issue of the staff's stay in Hania with him.

On his part, Arhontakis requested from the American Commander to caution crews to be careful, particularly with regard to behaviour.

Financial News

[10] New fuel supply regime in effect as of Jan. 1

A ministry announcement also stated that the existing regime for the supply of heating oil would go into effect as of Oct. 15, 2007, and run through the end of the year.

Details will be announced during a presentation of a relevant draft law, the announcement said, adding that the target is none other than to tackle fuel smuggling and tax evasion. The ministry also stressed that changes aimed to avoid additional burdens on taxpayers in good standing.

[11] Greek GDP (base year 2000) revised growth rate 9.6 pct, report

[12] Opposition parties on GDP revision

He added that "a whole year after the submission of data, that made us 25.7 percent richer on paper, to Eurostat and after the news went round the world with sharp comments against our country, the offhandedness of the government's moves is leading, once again, to the international degradation of Greece."

Referring to the same issue, Coalition deputy and Economic and Social Policy rapporteur Panayiotis Lafazanis said that "the approval by Eurostat of the increase of the GDP of our country by 9.6 percent, instead of 25.7 percent that the government had proposed, is coming to reveal the arbitrariness and the offhandedness of the government's proposals, as well as the evident expediencies, that as we had underlined, they were concealing."

[13] Alpha Bank cites very positive economic outlook for Bulgaria

The Bulgarian economy's prospects are very positive, Alpha Bank chief executive Dimitris Matzounis announced here on Monday, with the senior banker noting that the economic growth rate in the country currently stood at 6.5 percent, while inflation was expected to end 2007 at 8 percent.

Matzounis said the spike in the inflation rate was a temporary phenomenon and noted that Bulgaria's entry into the EU would boost the economy and help maintain high growth rates.

He added that Athens-based Alpha Bank will focus on growth in the country, and plans to hire local executives for its subsidiary in Bulgaria.

Alpha Bank's branch network in Bulgaria is expected to reach 80 units this year, while the bank's target is for activities in Eastern and Central Europe to contribute one-fourth of the group's profits.

[14] Euro-Med Summit of ESCs in Athens this month

Greece's Economic and Social Committee (ESC), in cooperation with the European Economic and Social Committee, will organise the 2007 Euro-Mediterranean Summit of ESCs in Athens on Oct. 15-16, it was announced here on Monday.

The opening session of the summit will be addressed by Greek President Karolos Papoulias, while 120 delegates from ESCs of European Union member-states and Mediterranean countries will participate.

[15] British-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce to organize 'Climate Changes & Energy' event

The main speaker at the event will be Development Minister Christos Folias, the Chamber announced in a press release on Monday.

Among the issues which will be discussed at the event will be theconsequences of climate changes, the saving of energy and renewable sources of energy.

[16] Greek inflation at 2.9 pct in September, yr/yr

The statistics service, in its report, said the country's harmonised inflation rate was also 2.9 percent. NSS said the consumer's price index rose 2.0 percent in September form August.

Commenting on the figures, NSS's secretary-general Manolis Kontopyrakis said the September rise reflected a 0.5 percent increase in petrol prices, after an 11.2 percent decline in petrol prices in September 2006.

Kontopyrakis said he expected the consumer price index to rise slightly in October because of higher heating and petrol prices in the country.

The 2.9 percent annual inflation figure in September, reflected a 4.7 pct rise in education prices, a 4.2 pct increase in hotel-restaurant-coffee shops, a 4.2 pct increase in alcohol and tobacco prices, a 3.9 pct rise in food and beverage prices and a 4.3 pct increase in clothing and footwear.

[17] Foreign investors' participation in ASE down to 51.80% in Sept.

Foreign investors' participation in the big cap index FTSE/Athex 20 eased to 57.40 percent in September, from 57.77 pct in the previous month, in the FTSE/Athex Mid 40 index rose to 42.99 pct from 42.47 pct, while in the FTSE/Athex Small Cap 80 index it rose to 22.58 percent from 22.38 percent.

Foreign institutional investors were net buyers in the Greek capital market (259.12 million euros), while foreign private investors and off-shore companies were net sellers (248.82 million euros) in September. On the other hand, Greek investors were net sellers with outflows of 55.48 million euros.

The Greek stock market's capitalization totaled 195.474 billion euros in September, up 6.1 percent from the previous month and up by 38.8 percent compared with September 2006.

The value of transactions in the Athens Stock Exchange totaled 9.487 billion euros in September, up 1.7 pct from the previous month and up 73 percent from September 2006. Average daily turnover was 474.36 million euros (up 11.87 pct) from the August and up 0.32 percent from September 2006.

[18] Greek market breaks 5,200 level

Most sectors, however, moved lower, with the Media (2.10 pct), Food/Beverage (1.93 pct) and Financial Services (1.77 pct) suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day, while Utilities (1.88 pct), Telecommunications (1.70 pct) and Personal/Home Products (0.69 pct) scored gains.

The Big Cap index ended 0.46 percent higher, the Mid Cap index eased 0.93 percent and the Small Cap index fell 0.96 percent. Desmos (10 pct), Viosol (9.09 pct) and Altius (7.53 pct) were top gainers, while Ippotour (8.99 pct), Petzetakis (7.25 pct) and Eurodrip (4.07 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 163 to 88 with another 49 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: -0.07%

Industrials: -1.32%

Commercial: +0.29%

Construction: -0.21%

Media: -2.10%

Oil & Gas: -0.18%

Personal & Household: +0.69%

Raw Materials: -1.36%

Travel & Leisure: -0.13%

Technology: -1.32%

Telecoms: +1.70%

Banks: +0.40%

Food & Beverages: -1.93%

Health: -1.50%

Utilities: +1.88%

Chemicals: -0.20%

Financial Services: -1.77%

The stocks with the highest turnover were Bank of Cyprus, National Bank, Marfin Investment and OTE.

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

Alpha Bank: 25.04

ATEbank: 4.12

Public Power Corp (PPC): 27.60

HBC Coca Cola: 39.72

Hellenic Petroleum: 11.38

Emporiki Bank: 20.42

National Bank of Greece: 45.70

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 25.58

Intralot: 28.80

Cosmote: 24.76

OPAP: 27.30

OTE: 25.88

Titan Cement Company: 35.92

[19] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totaled 3,697 contracts worth 50.469 million euros, with 33,599 open positions in the market, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 269 contracts worth 9.135 million euros with 1,550 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 6,767 contracts worth 11.532 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Marfin Investment Group (1,653 contracts), followed by Marfin Popular Bank (208), OPAP (373), Piraeus Bank (243), National bank (594), Intracom (346) and ATEbank (511).

[20] Greek bond market closing report

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates moved lower. National Bank's overnight rate eased to 3.60 percent from 3.90 percent on Friday, the two-day rate rose to 4.0 pct from 3.90 percent, the one-month rate fell to 4.32 percent from 4.36 percent and the 12-month rate was 4.71 percent.

[21] Foreign Exchange Rates - Tuesday

U.S. dollar 1.420

Pound sterling 0.696

Danish kroner 7.511

Swedish kroner 9.239

Japanese yen 166.81

Swiss franc 1.681

Norwegian kroner 7.731

Cyprus pound 0.588

Canadian dollar 1.397

Australian dollar 1.580

General News

[22] Liver transplant surgery on Christodoulos unsuccessful

The laconic announcement also cited comments by Christodoulos' attending physician, noted Miami transplant surgeon Andreas Tzakis, who said the procedure was ruled out when surgeons ascertained that Christodoulos' liver cancer had metastasized to the peritoneal cavity, while further therapy will follow.

[23] Press conference at Jackson Memorial Hospital on state of Archbishop Christodoulos' health

Noted Miami transplant surgeon Andreas Tzakis, speaking at a press conference at the Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami after liver transplant surgery was not ultimately carried out for Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos on Monday, said that his treatment will now be undertaken by two leading oncologists.

Tzakis added that the Archbishop will be taken from the intensive care unit to a room of his own in the hospital on Tuesday.

The form of treatment indicated has not yet been decided and for what duration because the biopsies of tumours found in the peritonic cavity have not yet been completed.

It is also not yet clear whether the Archbishop will undergo treatment in an American hospital or return to Greece.

Meanwhile, the Archbishop has recovered from his prolonged operation and has been briefed by Tzakis on the state of his health.

The Archbishop got out of bed and sat on a chair. According to a close associate of his, he told his doctor "Godwilling", after being informed of what had happened during the operation.

Also staying in Miami, apart from the Archbishop's associates, are the Archbishop of America Dimitrios, Greece's general consul in Tampa Andreas Psycharis and the Metropolitan of Atlanta Alexios, to whose jurisdiction the state of Florida belongs.

[24] Parliament expresses wishes for Archbishop Christodoulos' health

Avramopoulos said that "we wish that the Archbishop will overcome this difficult moment and science will live up to the degree that corresponds to it," adding that the Archbishop is accompanied by the thoughts, love and respect of all.

Sourlas said that all of Parliament is extending wishes for the health of the Archbishop.

[25] Patriarch meets new Turkish national assembly president

Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos met here on Monday with the new President of the Turkish National Assembly Koksal Toptan.

The Patriarch congratulated Toptan for his election elaborating, at the same time, on the problems facing the Ecumenic Patriarchate and the Greek community in the country.

[26] Alexandria Patriarch visits Moscow

Visiting Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Theodoros on Monday invitated Moscow Patriarch Alexios to visit the Patriarchate of Alexandria after a joint service they officiated near the Russian capital, in the presence of thousands of faithful.

Along with the two patriarchs, tens of bishops of the Russian Church and clerics participated in the ceremony, in the spiritual centre of the Russian Church, Lavra, which is about 70 kilometers outside the Russian capital and which consists of many churches.

"I express my great joy of being again in Russia, after twelve years," Theodoros noted.

[27] Re-enactment of 1571 Battle of Lepanto held in Nafpaktos

Delegations from Venice, Malta, Croatia and Austria -- many of whose members were decked out in uniforms and regalia reminiscent of the era -- participated in a variety of anniversary events. Among others, a 14-metre-long gondola, replete with knights aboard, along with choirs and various civic groups filled the fortress town, in southwestern Greece on the Patras Gulf, with their presence and performances.

"Within the new prospect of cooperation and peaceful cohabitation in the European Union, Nafpaktos municipality establishes the multicultural character of these anniversary's events, ones aimed at an alliance of peoples. Our aim is for the anniversary events to extend beyond Greece's borders and to become a product of cooperation between the citizens and the cultural associations of the nations which took part in this naval battle," Nafpaktos Mayor Thanassis Papathanassis stressed.

Italian ambassador to Greece, Gianpaolo Scarante, himself a native of Venice, announced that the mayor of Nafpaktos will be invited next May to Venice's well-known "Marriage to the Sea" (Festa della Sensa) festival.

Amb. Scarante also noted that the Venice regional authority will promote a programme, in cooperation with Greece, Spain Malta and Austria, for the collection of data to preserve the historic memory of the Battle of Lepanto.

The battle marked a significant victory for an allied Christian fleet, the Holy League, a coalition made up of the Republic of Venice, the Papacy, Spain, Naples, Sicily, Sardinia, the Republic of Genoa, the Duchy of Savoy, the Malta-based Knights Hospitaller and others, which thoroughly defeated a fleet of Ottoman war galleys.

[28] Drug arrests in central and northern Greece

In a separate incident, a 30-year-old man was arrested in Veria, northern Greece, after a police search in his truck revealed a total of 1,078 grams of heroin, while a small quantity of heroin and other illicit drugs was found and seized in two apartments he used in the city of Veria.

[29] Drunk driver in downtown exceeds breathalyser reading limit

The man was arrested driving under the influence on Sunday afternoon. The officers conducting the test were shocked to realize that the breathalyzer showed an estimated 2mg/lit alcohol content in his blood, the highest reading on the device, considering that the allowed blood alcohol content for drivers is set at 0.25 mg.

[30] Couple arrested for counterfeit bills

The pair allegedly used counterfeit 100-euro bills to purchase small value items in the towns of Kiato and Xilokastro.

Police seized a number of counterfeit banknotes they found in a car owned by the alleged culprits.

Cyprus Affairs

[31] China supports implementation of 8 July Agreement

Chinese Ambassador to Cyprus Zhao Yali expressed Monday to Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos the continuous support of his country for a Cyprus settlement on the basis of UN resolutions and for the immediate implementation of the 8 July Agreement.

An official press release issued here said the Chinese Ambassador was received by President Papadopoulos who informed him about the latest developments on the Cyprus question, reaffirming the strong will of the Greek Cypriot side for the implementation of the 8 July Agreement.

On July 8, 2006, President Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat agreed, during a meeting in Nicosia in the presence of UN official Ibrahim Gambari, to begin a process of bicommunal discussions on issues that affect the day-to-day life of the people and concurrently those that concern substantive issues, both contributing to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.

According to the official press release, the Chinese Ambassador expressed the continuous support of his country for a Cyprus settlement on the basis of UN resolutions and for the immediate implementation of the 8 July Agreement, as described in the Gambari letter of November 15, 2006, which is fully supported by the international community and particularly by the UN Security Council.

Furthermore he informed President Papadopoulos on the latest developments in the problem of Taiwan and conveyed the warm thanks of the Chinese Government for the substantive help and support of Cyprus to the rejection by the UN General Assembly of Taiwan's demand to become member of the UN.

President Papadopoulos reaffirmed the firm position of Cyprus for "One China". Furthermore he denounced the secessionist actions of Taiwan's leadership aiming at the independence of the island, and particularly the effort to conduct a referendum in Taiwan to promote its accession to the UN.

Papadopoulos and the Chinese Ambassador also exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern.

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