Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-10-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] 'Cultural Year of Greece in China' begins in Beijing this week

[02] PM departs for Lisbon on Thurs.

[03] PM confers with defence minister

[04] Greece rules out aid extension to FYROM

[05] Papandreou calls for new mandate at Athens rally

[06] PASOK leadership contender Evangelos Venizelos addresses Nea Ionia rally

[07] PASOK leadership rivals to tour Peloponnese

[08] PASOK's Vasso Papandreou states support for current party leader

[09] Gov't spokesman on PASOK development

[10] Yushchenko refers European Orthodox initiative in support of Ecumenical Patriarchate

[11] Justice minister holds talks with Bar Association Coordinating Committee

[12] Development minister meets ambassadors of Kuwait, Romania, UK

[13] Former Cyprus president Clerides' book presented in Athens

[14] Gov't unveils draft law to combat poverty

[15] Greek unemployment fell to 7.8 pct in July, yr/yr

[16] FinMin meeting with tourism minister

[17] FinMin confers with employment minister

[18] Deputy development minister addresses Hellenic British Chamber of Commerce event

[19] Agricultural development minister to visit Crete

[20] SYRIZA to table question on pension fund reserves in Parliament

[21] DEH signs contract with METKA company for new plant in Aliveri

[22] Athens International Airport in position to serve huge Airbus A380 aircraft

[23] Farm export prices up 6.6 pct in August, yr/yr

[24] Greek Sugar Industry president resigns

[25] Alpha Insurance renamed AXA Insurance & Investments

[26] Commission to ask EU court to fine Greece over gaming machine ban

[27] Greek stocks end 0.53 percent up on Wed.

[28] ADEX closing report

[29] Greek bond market closing report

[30] Foreign Exchange Rates - Thursday

[31] New drive against illegal immigration announced

[32] Greek ombudsman says municipality broke law at Lake Kerkini

[33] Second US wildfire expert team visits Greece

[34] Nationwide student rally to be held on Thursday

[35] Natural gas for heating purposes in all Thessaloniki schools

[36] Greek faculty in Albanian university upgraded

[37] Armed and dangerous escaped convict caught in Athens suburb

[38] Cargo ships collide in Thessaloniki Port, captain missing

[39] Bank ATM targeted by arsonists in Athens

[40] Drug arrest in Thessaloniki

[41] Greek journalists to visit China

[42] Greek cinema week in Sofia

[43] Five injured in collision between bus, cement truck

[44] Greece beats Turkey 1-0 away in Euro 2008 soccer qualifier

[45] Fair on Thursday

[46] Cypriot President: Proposals to UN to implement July agreement

[47] UNSG urges leaders to engage in dialogue for July 8 Agreeement Politics

[01] 'Cultural Year of Greece in China' begins in Beijing this week

Greek Culture Minister Mihalis Liapis told a press conference here on Wednesday that "The Cultural Year of Greece in China" comes amid a very special period for China, almost a year ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games of Beijing.

In a press conference in the Chinese capital, Liapis China and Greece have a chance to further promote bilateral ties, adding that Chinese society will be offered a taste of Greece and Greek culture.

The Cultural Year of Greece in China will be formally launched on Friday with a concert by music composer Stamatis Spanoudakis.

"The Olympic Flame unites the two countries," he said, adding that western civilization has presented the Olympic Flame to the oldest eastern civilisation, while Athens will be the host of the 2011 Special Olympics, taking over from Shanghai.

Liapis also referred to the very good bilateral relations, within the framework of which Air China will launch a Beijing-Athens flight beginning on Nov. 29, stressing that he had contributed to this development from his post as the transport minister in the previous Greek government.

A cultural cooperation memorandum will be signed in Athens next month by Liapis and the Chinese deputy culture minister providing, among others, for wider cooperation in theatre and cinema, exchange of museum exhibits, museum personnel training, antiquity protection and maintenance and establishment of cultural centers in Beijing and Athens.

On his part, Chinese culture ministry official Wang Zhigang stressed that the Cultural Year of Greece in China is the most important event in bilateral cultural relations. He also pointed out that Beijing is planning a relative initiative in Athens and the establishment of culture offices by Greece and China in Beijing and Athens, respectively.

The press conference attended ruling New Democracy MP and former culture minister Fani Palli-Petralia, who played an important role in the realization of the cultural year event.

Liapis and the Greek delegation visited the Hellenic Cultural Centre in downtown Beijing.

[02] PM departs for Lisbon on Thurs.

"The (Greek) government accepts the text, as finalised in recent deliberations by both an experts' council and the General Affairs Council," government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said.

In an unrelated development, the spokesman said he was unaware of any intention for a visit to Moscow by Karamanlis in November.

[03] PM confers with defence minister

Meimarakis told reporters after the meeting that theydiscussed matters falling under the authority of his ministry.

[04] Greece rules out aid extension to FYROM

During a meeting of Parliament's standing committee on foreign affairs and defence, which debated a relevant draft bill, Deputy Foreign Minister Theodoros Kassimis said "FYROM had not been included in the group of countries eligible for an extension (of the plan) to 2011, due to an absence of a written response from that country (FYROM). This does not mean that development aid to FYROM is frozen. Projects begun and underway are continuing and funding (for those projects) will exhausted" Kassimis said.

The Greek minister said the Skopje government had responded as "Republic of Macedonia" to diplomatic correspondence sent by the Greek foreign ministry to all beneficiary countries. Athens queried partnership countries on whether they agree with an extension of the programme to 2011, but without changes to the sums earmarked for individual countries and projects.

"Because Greece does not recognise any country with that name (i.e. 'Republic of Macedonia'), it considers that letter as not having been received, and has therefore excluded Skopje from the programme," Kassimis said.

Consequently, a relevant draft bill -- extending the programme for a further five years -- will be presented to Parliament for ratification without containing a provision for FYROM.

Greece's initial Balkan Reconstruction Plan covered the years 2002-2006.

The programme contains a credit line of 550 million euros for various reconstruction projects in Balkan countries, with recipients including Albania, Bulgaria, Serbia, the Kosovo province, Montenegro, Romania and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Approved credits for FYROM during the period 2002-2006 totalled approximately 75 million euros.

[05] Papandreou calls for new mandate at Athens rally

"Today, I am calling for a new mandate, for a new course, a new beginning that will be binding for me and the entire leadership of our movement. To enable us to begin collectively, as of November 12, a new course that will be progressive, visionary, a course that will be reliable and victorious," he said.

Party elections are slated for November 11 for electing a new PASOK leader. Three candidates are competing for the post, current leader George Papandreou, former minister Evangelos Venizelos and prominent member Costas Skandalidis.

Papandreou added that "the precondition for the new change and the new beginning is responsible, strong and programmed opposition," while criticising the government for its policy and stressing that "it did not realise the message sent by the elections and remains harsh and relentless."

The PASOK leader further said that the second precondition for PASOK's victorious course is "placing Greece in the international environment" and referred to the issue of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), saying that "the New Democracy (ND) government is exclusively responsible for the slipping of the negotiating position and of the strength of Greece on the issue of Skopje."

Papandreou pointed out that "the intransigence being shown by Skopje is the scheduled consequence of handlings by the government of Mr. (Prime Minister Costas) Karamanlis. We remind, underline and send a message in every direction that the 'Interim Agreement' achieved by the government of PASOK, and for which we are proud, anticipates among other things that the policy of good neighbourliness is compulsory and that there is no place for irredentist designs."

Referring to Kosovo, the PASOK leader said that "pressures being exerted by certain countries for the immediate and unilateral proclamation of its independence can lead to a flareup in the region" and expressed support for a solution that will be acceptable to all the parties involved.

On the question of Turkey and its relations with the European Union, Papandreou said that "the only path that will lead Turkey to the EU, security and progress, is the path of reforms and of respect for all the commitments it has assumed towards the EU and the member-states," while expressing concern over the course of national issues and warning the government "to wake up and do its duty."

Lastly, Papandreou referred briefly to his personal political course, stressing that "I was, am and will be here to serve our common visions, to guarantee that PASOK was and will remain a movement of the people" and adding that he "never compromised with accounts of a political and personal cost even when I had to disagree with those whom I loved, honoured and respected."

[06] PASOK leadership contender Evangelos Venizelos addresses Nea Ionia rally

Venizelos pointed out that the time has come for intraparty democracy and said that "some are shocked that you will be deciding". He further said that the major issue was the party's defeat in the September 16 general elections and that some were fabricating arguments at the time to justify it.

He went on to say that the party did not exercise it right to win in the elections, while referring to the "autonomy of politics and to various interests that exert pressures."

Closing his speech, Venizelos said that "I cannot do anything by myself. All of us together can, we must open the doors of PASOK to enable it to become the big wave of the social and political majority. It is my moral commitment to struggle for the people, the party and the country and you can hold me accountable if I do not do what is necessary."

[07] PASOK leadership rivals to tour Peloponnese

Skandalidis will visit Tripoli, Arcadia prefecture, and Sparta, Laconia, on Thursday to address gatherings of PASOK supporters. On Friday, he will tour Argolida prefecture and meet with local party officials in the town of Nafplio. Later in the afternoon, he will address PASOK supporters and officials in Corinth.

Venizelos will be in the prefectures of Arcadia and Messinia on Friday, and is scheduled to meet with local PASOK officials in Tripoli before giving a press conference.

He will also meet with the mayor of Tripoli, visit the Peloponnese University and a power plant in Megalopoli. Later in the evening, he will address PASOK members in Kalamata.

[08] PASOK's Vasso Papandreou states support for current party leader

"I am here to state my support to George Papandreou," Papandreou told reporters while arriving at a party rally organised in Athens on Wednesday evening and addressed by George Papandreou.

"The president of PASOK has made a bold self-criticism for PASOK's heavy defeat (in last month's general elections) and committed himself for the re-birth of the party without the errors of the past. Consequently, I feel obliged to support him," she added.

Regarding the candidacy of also top party official and former minister Evangelos Venizelos, Vasso Papandreou clarified that her stance "does not have any sense of rivalry neither with Venizelos or with Costas Skandalidis, as I agree with many of the positions they have tabled."

Nationwide party elections are slated for November 11 for electing a new PASOK leader. Three candidates are competing for the post, current leader George Papandreou, Evangelos Venizelos and prominent member Costas Skandalidis.

[09] Gov't spokesman on PASOK development

"This illegality (Yennimata's conflict of interest as prefect for election to Parliament) was proven before the election, as the courts were obliged to do," spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said during a regular press briefing, adding:

"Discussion then revealed the problem. Discussion now mostly revolves around (PASOK) political infighting and not society," the spokesman said in reference to charges and counter-charges exchanged by Yennimata and PASOK leadership contender Evangelos Venizelos over the past few days.

[10] Yushchenko refers European Orthodox initiative in support of Ecumenical Patriarchate

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko on Wednesday said he intends to promote a joint effort of all European Orthodox countries in support of the Ecumenical Patriarch's ecumenical role as the centre of Orthodoxy.

In the 40-minute meeting he had in Kiev with visiting Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa, who was accompanied by Metropolitan Vladimir of Kiev and All Ukraine, Yushchenko said he is very pleased with the missionary work conducted in Africa by the Patriarchate of Alexandria.

Theodoros, who served in Odessa 12 years ago as a representative of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa, referred to the missionary work done and expressed gratitude for the protection offered by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

The Patriarch stated that the Church of Ukraine, headed by Metropolitan Vladimir, has the support of all Orthodox Churches, while he invited the Ukrainian president to visit the seat of the Orthodox Church of Africa in Alexandria.

Patriarch Theodoros II returns to Alexandria on Thursday after a 10-day visit to the Patriarchates of Russia and Ukraine.

[11] Justice minister holds talks with Bar Association Coordinating Committee

"The great needs and shortages existing in the courts and prisons of the country necessitate the immediate taking of measures that will improve the present state of these buildings, which have weaknesses even in basic infrastructures such as toilets, elevators and air conditioning," the minister said.

The Coordinating Committee briefed Hatzigakis on the main issues preoccupying their sector. According to an announcement by the justice ministry, they requested the active participation of lawyers in the Central Prison Council, an increase in posts for judges, judicial secretaries and appeals court judges, the speeding up of procedures required for cases to be tried and the establishment of an Administrative Court in every prefecture.

[12] Development minister meets ambassadors of Kuwait, Romania, UK

During the meetings, cooperation issues were discussed and the climate of friendship and cooperation between Greece and these three countries was confirmed.

The mutual will for further and closer cooperation between Greece and Kuwait was confirmed. The ambassador invited Folias to visit Kuwait and the development minister agreed within the framework of a broader strategic rapproachment, opening a cycle of visits to Arab countries.

At the meeting with the Romanian ambassador, cooperation issues were discussed in the sectors of energy and trade.

With the ambassador of the United Kingdom, trade and energy issues were discussed.

[13] Former Cyprus president Clerides' book presented in Athens

Both Mitsotakis and Simitis agreed that "the passing of time works against us", as regards the protracted Cyprus issue and the finding of a solution, and that the present status quo "creates conditions of insecurity, destabilisation and intense uncertainty." They also noted that Cyprus, as a European Union menber-state, should be led to "a solution of union and not to a perspective of partition or 'Taiwanisation'."

Former premier Mitsotakis said in his address that if Clerides "remained at his post as president of the Republic of Cyprus until the final talks for the finding of a solution, developments would have been different."

Expressing the wish "to see the falling of the last dividing wall in Europe, that of Nicosia," Mitsotakis said that the Annan plan "belongs to history".

Former PASOK prime minister Costas Simitis said, on his part, that after the rejection by the Greek Cypriots of the Annan plan in the April 2004 referendum, "developments are not favourable for the Greek Cypriot side", referring to "continuous efforts for the upgrading of the (Turkish) occupation regime and a change in the demographic character of the occupied areas of Cyprus."

According to Simitis, Cyprus' accession to the EU in 2004 was successful "because we have convinced for our staedfast objectif which was reuniting the island."

"We must return to the policy of taking initiatives," Simitis concluded.

Financial News

[14] Gov't unveils draft law to combat poverty

Speaking to reporters, the minister noted that Greece and Ireland recorded the highest poverty rate after social transfers in the European Union, while he also noted that the Greek problem reflected low efficiency of social transfers.

Under the draft legislation, the government will set up a fund with an initial capital of 100 million euros, with another 500 million euros in 2008 and more money the coming years up to two billion euros by the end of 2011.

Alogoskoufis noted that the health and employment ministries will draft programmes and actions to support this goal with money coming from the state budget.

The Greek minister noted that boosts to pensions will be in the form of direct income support, while support for younger people will include training programs. Alogoskoufis did not exclude the possibility of a heating oil subsidy for certain groups of low-income people in the country.

Commenting on recent speculation over VAT rate hike in the country, Alogoskoufis said the government's tax policy was clear and that it had a four-year horizon.

[15] Greek unemployment fell to 7.8 pct in July, yr/yr

The statistics service, in its monthly report, said the regions of Epirus (13 pct), Western Greece (11.4 pct), Central Greece (11.9 pct) and Western Macedonia (9.2 pct) recorded the highest unemployment rates in July, while Crete (3.5 pct), Southern Aegean (4.1 pct) and Ionian Islands (4.2 pct) the lowest unemployment rates.

NSS said unemployment mainly hit women (12.3 pct) and to a lesser extent men (4.7 pct), while people aged 15-24 recorded the highest unemployment rates among age groups in the country (20.8 pct), followed by the 25-34 age groupo (11.7 pct). On the other hand, the 65-74 age group recorded the lowest unemployment rate (2.8 pct).

The number of employed people totaled 4,558,139 in July 2007, while the number of unemployed totaled 384,564 and the financially non-active population totaled 4,267,089.

The number of employed people steadily rises since 2004, the statistics service said.

[16] FinMin meeting with tourism minister

No statements were made after the meeting.

[17] FinMin confers with employment minister

No statements were made after the meeting.

[18] Deputy development minister addresses Hellenic British Chamber of Commerce event

"The necessary platform is being created to enable every business, every SA company to be able to function in an absolutely internationalised and intensely competitive environment," he said.

Vlachos mentioned that the new law 3604/2007, that was ratified recently on the reshaping of the old law 2190/1920 on SA companies, constitutes an important change that creates new developments in business.

The deputy minister termed it a "considerable reform that proves the government's will to proceed at a speedy pace with the strengthening of entrepreneurship through the simplification of procedures for companies, the modernisation of the legislative framework, the securing of transparency and the introduction of new conceptions in company governance."

[19] Agricultural development minister to visit Crete

[20] SYRIZA to table question on pension fund reserves in Parliament

He said the question would also be accompanied by specific proposals on various issues concerning pension funds but would essentially amount to an attack on the government's policies regarding this issue.

Alavanos said that the contents of the SYRIZA's question would also be sent to other opposition parties in Parliament, main opposition PASOK and the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), so that there could be a common front of resistance to attempts to undermine the position of the workforce.

[21] DEH signs contract with METKA company for new plant in Aliveri

According to a relevant announcement, the contractual price for the project will amount to 219.16 million euros and the time required for the plant to be placed in commercial operation will be 27 months.

The plant will have a high performance rate (57.6 percent) and its main equipment will be manufactured by Alstom.

It will be constructed in the framework of DEH's programme for the replacement of old and pollutant plants with new modern technology ones and it is expected to contribute to the strengthening of the corporation's competitiveness, meeting the needs of its customers in the southern part of the country and improving the environment.

[22] Athens International Airport in position to serve huge Airbus A380 aircraft

The aircraft in question, that can carry over 600 passengers, needs special specifications to be able to be served on runways.

According to Airbus and the Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Qantas companies that are including the new aircraft in their fleets, the "Eleftherios Venizelos" airport in Athens possesses these specifications and its administration participated since 12002 in the work of the A380 Airport Compatibility Group, focusing on the operational needs of airports with the aim of securing safe and excellent service for the A380 aircraft during landings, stopovers and take-offs.

As a result of this work a relevant certification was given to the manufacturing Airbus company by the European Aviation Safety Agency, as well as by the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States for the Airbus A380 aircraft to operate at airports such as those of Sydney, Los Angeles, London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Rome, Vienna and Athens.

In another development, aircraft movement in Greek air space increased by 9.9 percent during the January-September period this year, and during the summer months in particular, compared to the corresponding period in 2006, resulting in all previous records being broken, according to the Civil Aviation Service.

During the nine-month period this year, domestic flights increased by 4.7 percent, flights abroad by 9.5 percent and overflights by 12.9 percent, resulting in the overall increase approaching 10 percent.

According to the Civil Aviation Service, foreign airline companies and private aircraft choose Greek runways due to their trustworthiness from the point of view of security and the quality of services, as well as the low cost of use.

[23] Farm export prices up 6.6 pct in August, yr/yr

The statistics service, said the import price index in the farm sector grew by 5.7 percent in Augusts compared with August 2006.

[24] Greek Sugar Industry president resigns

It was disclosed that Kaisis will be replaced by Leonidas Tsolekas.

Vice-President and alternate managing director Dimitris Darnakos remains at his post, while Christos Kalyvas was elected new member.

[25] Alpha Insurance renamed AXA Insurance & Investments

AXA chief executive Eric Kleijnen, speaking to reporters, said the group's aim was that AXA Insurance and Investments to become the first choice of customers in the Greek market of insurance and investment, through the introduction of new programs in the sectors of healthcare, pension, savings and corporate risk coverage.

Kleijnen said the new company aims to become one of the top three companies in the domestic insurance market over the next six years, while he did not exclude the possibility of new acquisitions in the sector.

AXA is the 15th largest insurer in the world, with a premium production of 80 billion euros, 150,000 partners and 52 million customers.

[26] Commission to ask EU court to fine Greece over gaming machine ban

The European Commission on Wednesday decided to ask the European Court of Justice to impose a fine on Greece for failing to comply with the court's order to lift a blanket ban on all electronic gaming machines - including computer games - throughout the country.

The Commission is recommending that the court impose a one-off fine of 3.5 million euros and a daily fine of 31,798 euros on Greece as long as it continues not to comply.

On 26 October 2006, The European Court of Justice ruled that the Greek ban of all electrical, electromechanical and electronic games, including all computer games, on all public and private premises apart from casinos violates the principles of free movement of goods, freedom of establishment as well as freedom to provide services.

On June 27, the Commission had sent a reasoned opinion to Greece for failing to take the necessary measures to comply with the judgment of the Court of Justice and invited Greece to adopt the measures required to comply with the judgement within two months. In its decision on Wednesday, the Commission found that Greece had failed to do this and decided to ask the EU court to take action against Greece.

[27] Greek stocks end 0.53 percent up on Wed.

Sector indices moved higher, with the Constructions (2.65 pct), Food/Beverage (1.93 pct) and Healtchare (1.39 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while Commerce (0.23 pct), Travel (0.19 pct) and Financial Services (0.03 pct) suffered losses.

The Big Cap index rose 0.55 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 0.77 pct up and the Small Cap index rose 0.91 pct. Revoil (10.36 pct), Tria Alpha (9.93 pct) and Geniki Bank (9.87 pct) were top gainers, while Allatini Ceramics (8.06 pct), Boutaris (7.87 pct) and Everest (5.97 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 172 to 78 with another 47 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +0.34%

Industrials: +1.14%

Commercial: -0.23%

Construction: +2.65%

Media: +0.97%

Oil & Gas: +0.53%

Personal & Household: +1.34%

Raw Materials: +0.08%

Travel & Leisure: -0.19%

Technology: +1.17%

Telecoms: +0.16%

Banks: +0.47%

Food & Beverages: +1.93%

Health: +1.39%

Utilities: +1.09%

Chemicals: +0.48%

Financial Services: -0.03%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 25.10

ATEbank: 4.04

Public Power Corp (PPC): 27.64

HBC Coca Cola: 41.00

Hellenic Petroleum: 11.48

Emporiki Bank: 21.10

National Bank of Greece: 44.08

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 26.16

Intralot: 29.96

Cosmote: 24.02

OPAP: 27.84

OTE: 25.80

Titan Cement Company: 35.44

[28] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totaled 7,551 contracts worth 103.237 million euros, with 32,381 open positions in the market, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 465 contracts worth 15.680 million euros, with 1,696 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts one equities totaled 14,456 contracts worth 25.791 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Marfin Investment Group's contracts (3,336), followed by Marfin Popular Bank (2,230), PPC (1,591), Piraeus Bank (379), OPAP (414), National Bank (1,901), Intracom (850) and ATEbank (693).

[29] Greek bond market closing report

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were mixed. National Bank's overnight rate was 4.05 percent, the two-day rate was 4.05 percent, the one-month rate was 4.20 percent and the 12-month rate eased to 4.68 percent from 4.70 percent on Tuesday.

[30] Foreign Exchange Rates - Thursday

U.S. dollar 1.431

Pound sterling 0.702

Danish kroner 7.513

Swedish kroner 9.218

Japanese yen 167.6

Swiss franc 1.690

Norwegian kroner 7.733

Cyprus pound 0.588

Canadian dollar 1.398

Australian dollar 1.602

General News

[31] New drive against illegal immigration announced

Voulgarakis reported an increased flow of illegal immigrants into the country, particularly from its eastern sea borders, pointing out that the illegal migrants caught during this year alone amounted to the population of a small provincial town.

Specifically, he said that 6,185 people had been caught entering Greece illegally between the start of the year and October 15, of which 5,957 had came in from its eastern sea border.

According to the minister, there were currently two main points of entry of illegal migrants into Europe: from the coast of Casablanca in Morocco to seas north of Tripoli in Libya, while the second was via Greece, with a horseshoe-shaped catchment area spreading from the coast of Libya south of Crete and ending at the shores of Turkey opposite the Aegean island of Lesvos.

Dealing with the problem, which it viewed as a social problem, was one of the government's top priorities, Voulgarakis stressed. He also pointed to a recent government meeting dealing with ways to deal with the phenomenon, noting that this would be followed by a second that would finalise the measures taken, which would be announced after they were first discussed by the inner cabinet.

Regarding the role of the Greek coast guard, the minister said that coast guard authorities and services were on constant alert and intensifying inspections that took place on a 24-hour basis, while they took all required deterrent measures.

Announcing additional measures for guarding sea borders, he noted that these would include providing the coast guard with additional manpower and technical equipment.

Apart from reinforcing the strength of the coast guard, the merchant marine ministry also intended to boost international cooperation, over and above the agreements handled by the foreign ministry, enhance the involvement and cooperation of all branches of law enforcement and the military in this effort and crack down on the few cases of crooked officials that were collaborating with immigrant-smuggling rings.

[32] Greek ombudsman says municipality broke law at Lake Kerkini

Investigating reports by local residents, the ombudsman found that the municipality had erected and leased out a two-storey building at the Limanaki location on the lakeshore without securing any sort of permit, based on the existence of a previous cafe at that location, even though the lake actually falls within two protected zones, the NATURA 2000 network and the wetlands protected under the RAMSAR treaty.

The municipality has admitted responsibility for the unauthorised building, while Kerkini's mayor has already been referred to appear before the Disciplinary Council after he was called up to answer to charges of "violations and omissions amounting to a serious disciplinary offence of breach of duty" three months ago.

Noting the seriousness of the offence with respect to protecting the natural environment, the Ombudsman's Office has asked the Central Macedonia Region General Secretary to speed up execution of an outstanding demolition order to knock down the lakeside building, while noting that the Ombudsman has not been informed to date about the time frame for executing the order.

[33] Second US wildfire expert team visits Greece

The BAER team visit is part of an ongoing, larger American effort to assist Greece in its recovery. Immediately after Greece declared a state of emergency on August 25, USAID offered $700,000 in emergency funds and commodities to the Hellenic Red Cross and $1.2 million in protective gear for firefighters and technical assistance to the Greek government, for a total of $1.9 million in U.S. government funding. On September 19, acting USAID Administrator Henrietta H. Fore led a forum organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to garner American private sector support for the recovery effort. The U.S. Embassy in Athens also remains in contact with Greek-American charitable organizations, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in New York, and U.S. businesses.

[34] Nationwide student rally to be held on Thursday

At the time when the students raised their demands, the private professors argued that the majority of private colleges do not fulfill the necessary prerequisites to grant recognized graduations, regarding the professional rights of their graduates.

In an announcement on Wednesday, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) expressed its support to the students who "are striving for the solution to the acute problems and the inadequacies which their schools face."

[35] Natural gas for heating purposes in all Thessaloniki schools

The replacement of conventional heating oil boilers with natural gas-fired boilers will be completed in 12 months, according to a contract signed between the interior ministry and a private contractor.

Already, a total of 200 schools and other public buildings in Thessaloniki have been hooked up to the natural gas network, while an additional 143 will be added to the list by the end of next year.Natural gas is currently used by 50 percent of the Thessaloniki school buildings.

[36] Greek faculty in Albanian university upgraded

Last May in Ioannina, the rectors of the two universities started the process for the implementation of the upgrading of the faculty. A second working meeting followed in Gjyrokastr on July 17, with the main aim being the taking of further activities regarding the viability of the faculty at the Albanian university.

Within the framework of the third working meeting which was held in Gjyrokastr on October 9, the two rectors, Ioannis Gerothanasssis and Kristaq Kikina, signed a protocol of cooperation, in the presence of Consul General of Greece in Gjyrokastr, Christos Mantelos.

[37] Armed and dangerous escaped convict caught in Athens suburb

He was intercepted with two accomplices in a private car around noon, and none of the three men offered any resistance when police moved in and arrested them. All three men arrested were armed with semi-automatic rifles and guns.

Makrygiannis had been sentenced to serve three times life for five murders and three attempted murders and had served 12 years of his sentence.

In August 2006 he had been given five-day prison leave from Alikarnassos Prison and did not return when this expired. Police have since been seeking him throughout the country.

Further announcements regarding the case are expected to be made later on Wednesday by Attica Police headquarters.

[38] Cargo ships collide in Thessaloniki Port, captain missing

The captain has been missing since the Greek-flagged cargo vessel "Diamond I" was rammed by the Panama-flagged freighter "Dubai Guardian" about 0.7 nautical miles from the shore, as the latter was entering the port of Thessaloniki.

The "Diamond I" sank, taking its captain with it, while its crew and one passenger were picked up by a rescue ship.

An investigation into the exact causes of the accident was launched by the Thessaloniki Port Authority.

Meanwhile, an oil booms have been placed around the site of the accident by the Thessaloniki Port Authority and the prefecture, with a cleanup vessel on standby in the case of a leak.

The incident occurred shortly before noon when the 186-metre "Dubai Guardian", manned by a crew of 23 men and carrying a load of iron ore, was entering the port with the help of navigator. It rammed into the 67-metre "Diamond I" loaded with 1,200 tonnes of lignite, which had a crew of six and one passenger.

The "Diamond I" immediately started to sink in waters about 16 metres deep and all those on board immediately abandoned ship and were picked up by the navigator of the Panama-flagged vessel.

According to Macedonia-Thrace Minister Margaritis Tzimas, there is no risk of pollution to the Thermaikos Gulf from the sunken lignite and all measures to contain pollution as a result of the accident have been taken.

The minister added that the port of Thessaloniki remained open and that there had so far been no obstruction of shipping traffic.

[39] Bank ATM targeted by arsonists in Athens

The explosion and subsequent fire caused only limited damage. The culprits fled the scene.

[40] Drug arrest in Thessaloniki

Police made the arrest after finding on her a total of 67 grams of heroin. A search in her house revealed roughly 100 grams of the drug and 55 tranquillizer pills.

[41] Greek journalists to visit China

The journalist's mission constitutes the continuation of similar annual visits that take place following an initiative by the General Communication and Information Secretariat.

The visiting journalists will be given the opportunity of having an in depth briefing on developments in China, expanded bilateral relations and the country's Olympic preparations in light of the holding of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

On its part, the General Communication and Information Secretariat offered hospitality to 12 Chinese journalists in Greece between June 6-16 this year.

[42] Greek cinema week in Sofia

The Oscar-winning film "Never on Sunday", directed by Jules Dassin and starring Melina Mercouri, will open the Greek Cinema Week in Sofia on Monday.

Among the films screened within the framework of the event, held with the support of the Hellenic Business Council ofBulgaria, will be Theo Angelopoulos' "The Suspended Step of the Stork" and Nikos Nikolaidis' "Sweet Bunch".

The Hellenic Business Council of Bulgaria supports cultural and educational events contributing to closer Greek-Bulgarian ties.

[43] Five injured in collision between bus, cement truck

The injured passengers were taken to the Asklipio Hospital in Voula by ambulance, where they are being treated for injuries that are not life-threatening.

An inquiry into the causes of the accident was launched by the Glyfada traffic police department.

Soccer

[44] Greece beats Turkey 1-0 away in Euro 2008 soccer qualifier

Greece's goal was scored by Ioannis Amanatidis in the 79th minute.

European champions Greece qualified for next year's tournament.

The win lifted Greece to 25 points in Group C, seven clear of Turkey with two games remaining. Norway are also in contention in the group.

Weather Forecast

[45] Fair on Thursday

Cyprus Affairs

[46] Cypriot President: Proposals to UN to implement July agreement

Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos said here Wednesday that he has submitted to the UN Secretary General a proposal of eight points to help speed up implementation of a UN-brokered agreement, in July last year, reached between Papadopoulos and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot side.

In statements prior to departure for Lisbon, to attend the Informal European Council, President Papadopoulos explained that, during his September meeting with UNSG Ban Ki - moon in New York, he asked for the acceleration of the process to implement the agreement.

"The UN SG expressed the view that both sides should undertake initiatives to speed up the July process and reiterated his support for the agreement. Ban Ki - moon asked me to submit in writing some thoughts I had to help speed up this process. On the other hand, the Turkish Cypriot leader (Mehmet Ali Talat) has said this is the right time to discuss confidence building measures (CBM)," he said.

President Papadopoulos added that the CBM should be discussed parallel to discussions on issues of substance relating to the Cyprus problem, noting that "we should learn to live together, not separately".

He explained that he had submitted his proposals ahead of Ban Ki - moon's meeting with Talat, which took place on Tuesday.

"I submitted to the UNSG an amended proposal to overcome procedural difficulties regarding the implementation of the July agreement", the president added.

The agreement provides for 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.

Papadopoulos refrained from further comment on his proposal, saying it would be "unwise" to publicise its contents and risk being accused of wishing to "create impressions".

"What concerns us is the outcome and the substance and not creating impressions," he pointed out.

"The UN believe that before they proceed to the appointment of a new Special Representative to Cyprus, they should see some expression of will by both sides towards a solution," he said, replying to questions.

Invited to comment on Ban Ki - moon's statement that Cyprus negotiations had reached a deadlock, President Papadopoulos said that one should not make any further moves every time there is a deadlock.

"This is exactly what I have asked the SG on the occasion of his meeting with Talat and the submission of the eight points in my proposal, to contribute to the commencement of negotiations to overcome this impasse. We should not forget that our main precondition is that the Cyprus issue should be solved under UN auspices," he pointed out.

Referring to the eight points, he said Ban would examine the proposals he had submitted which provide for the opening of crossing points into the northern Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus at Ledra street (in the capital) and Pyrgos - Limnitis, on the northwest.

President Papadpoulos recalled that when the National Guard demolished its observation post at Ledra street, to facilitate opening a crossing point, the Turkish side and especially the Turkish occupation army laid claims on the buffer zone.

"Our position is that it is UNFICYP's responsibility to define the demarcation line in the buffer zone. We cannot accept the Turkish military claims that after the Turkish invasion of 1974 it should be allowed to have control over the buffer zone. Later on, UNFICYP drafted a preliminary map, with which we disagree".

"In our new proposal", he explained, "we say that we maintain our disagreements regarding the demarcation line and we are ready to open the Ledra crossing point provided that UNFICYP undertakes the responsibility for the security in the area. UNFICYP would be the only military force in the area and there will be no Turkish troops. At the same time we reiterate our position that discussions between UNFICYP, the Turkish occupation army and the National Guard to define the buffer zone should continue".

The Cypriot President clarified that the government will continue to maintain that the demarcation lines it had set out are the ones it accepts, and not the lines indicated on the UN map.

"Military issues are always discussed by UNFICYP with the Turkish occupation army and the National Guard," he reiterated.

The Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state since May 2004, is divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.

[47] UNSG urges leaders to engage in dialogue for July 8 Agreeement

UN Secretary General Ban Ki - moon urged the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot side to engage in dialogue with a view to fully implement the July 8th Agreement, which was agreed in 2006.

In a meeting he held Tuesday in New York with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, Ban Ki - moon urged him to seize the window of dialogue with a sense of flexibility as well as to fully cooperate with the Greek Cypriot side regarding the Cypriot government's recent proposals for the opening of new crossing points across the divide.

But the UNSG said that unless there are firm commitments from both sides, it would be very difficult for him at this stage to take certain initiatives on the Cyprus issue.

"My meetings with both Mr. Papadopoulos and Mr. Talat today and a few days ago, were very useful for me and for my staff to understand the current situation, as well as to tell them the United Nations' position. In my meeting with Mr. Talat I have first of all urged him and also I conveyed the gist of my meeting with Mr. Papadopolous the same message that, as leaders they should engage in dialogue, as they have signed the July 8th agreement, to fully implement that agreement", he said.

Ban Ki - moon expressed disappointment over the lack of progress regarding the implementation of the July 8th Agreement, which aims at preparing the ground for substantive talks between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus.

"While I was encouraged by the leaders' recent meeting in early September, I was again disappointed by the lack of progress", the UNSG noted.

He added that he urged Talat "to continue and to seize the window of opportunity, the window of dialogue with a sense of flexibility and a proactive manner. I also urged him to take necessary measures to build trust, as an example of a confidence-building measure, I again urged him to cooperate fully in opening the Ledra crossings".

Asked whether he will appeal to the nations of the world to lift up the "restrictions" on the Turkish Cypriots and if he is going to take up any initiative to start the negotiations, Ban Ki Moon indicated that "negotiation has been deadlocked" and added that he is "very seriously considering what kind of initiative" he should take.

"My lessons recently I learned is that unless there are firm commitments from both sides, it is very difficult for me at this time to take certain initiatives. But we will continue to discuss this matter" he continued.

Meanwhile, in a written statement read out by the UNSG Spokesman's Office says that "the Secretary-General met with Mehmet Ali Talat, the Turkish Cypriot leader, and discussed the way forward on the Cyprus problem, including the implementation of the 8 July 2006 Agreement and confidence-building measures".

"Mr. Talat reassured the Secretary-General of the willingness of the Turkish Cypriot side to reach a comprehensive settlement under the Secretary-General's good offices", the statement concludes.

In statements after the meeting, the Turkish Cypriot leader spoke about the urgency to reach a Cyprus solution "because time is running out and the division is becoming more and more permanent".

Talat said, he asked UNSG's involvement for an initiative that would allow full-fledged negotiations aiming at a solution until the end of 2008, adding that he fully supports the implementation of the July Agreement.

Referring to the Confidence Building Measures package he submitted to the UN, Talat said it includes "some military measures to be taken to build confidence between the two sides about maneuvers, about de-confrontation and similar issues and also opening the crossing points".

Answering to questions, he said that he also asked UNSG's contribution in lifting the "isolation" of the Turkish Cypriots.

President of the Republic of Cyprus Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat agreed on 8 July 2006, 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. So far the Turkish side has failed to comply with the agreement.

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