Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-10-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis in Lisbon for two-day informal EU Summit focusing on reform treaty

[02] Informal EU summit begins in Lisbon

[03] Papoulias addresses UNESCO con'f in Paris

[04] Athens adamant over FYROM 'name issue'

[05] Gov't on the Cyprus issue

[06] Maximum fines for environmental offences to quadruple

[07] Draft law on primary healthcare to be tabled soon

[08] Health minister concludes visit to Larissa

[09] PASOK presidency candidate Skandalidis visits Tripolis

[10] Queen Sofia of Spain honored by City of Athens

[11] Greece and China discuss agreements for cooperation in justice

[12] U.S. ambassador-designate to Greece Speckhard addresses Senate Foreign Relations Committee

[13] Simitis to address LSE's 'Greek Observatory'

[14] Social security dialogue opens in Parliament with opposition mostly abstaining

[15] Gov't on social security dialogue

[16] SYRIZA addresses letter to PASOK, KKE on social security issue

[17] PASOK MPs table bill on heating subsidy

[18] Spectacular Greek participation in ANUGA 2007 trade fair

[19] New chairman of OA appointed

[20] Altec concludes loan for 62 million euros

[21] Greece to introduce MiFID directive from Nov. 1

[22] Greek trade deficit totaled 22.5 bln euros in Jan-July, Eurostat

[23] Greek stocks fall 1.15 pct on Thursday

[24] ADEX closing report

[25] Greek bond market closing report

[26] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

[27] Greece participates in Cultural Olympiad of Beijing

[28] Tourist minister visits Ancient Olympia, Lake Kaiafa

[29] Search for missing captain resumes

[30] Student rally in central Athens against university reforms

[31] Survey shows Greek lifestyle is increasingly unhealthy

[32] Transport minister cites health risk in taking Proastiakos underground

[33] Nine robberies pinned on recaptured convict, accomplices

[34] Dozens of illegals intercepted on Samos after setting off from opposite Turkish coast

[35] Demolition of former 'Xenia' hotel in Hania begins

[36] "Aris FC" fan club targeted by homemade explosive device

[37] Hellenic Parliament Foundation organizes Greek music culture event

[38] Overcast on Friday

[39] President Papadopoulos discusses Cyprus problem with Commissioner Rehn

[40] President Papadopoulos' proposal aims at implementation of July agreement Politics

[01] PM Karamanlis in Lisbon for two-day informal EU Summit focusing on reform treaty

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis arrived in Lisbon on Thursday to attend a two-day informal EU Summit expected to focus on the European Union's 'reform treaty', which has been submitted by the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC).

In the afternoon, Karamanlis participated in a summit of the Euro-pean People's Party (EPP) convened on the sidelines of the informal EU Summit, where he again reiterated that the reform treaty tops the agenda in talks here.

"It is necessary for the EU to overcome the impasse, which has affected it, over the past two or more years. I want to believe and hope that we will agree over this text, so that the treaty can be signed in December, because Europe must proceed ahead, with strength and determination, so that we can face the major challenges of the future," Karamanlis said.

Karamanlis, who arrived in Lisbon at noon told reporters after the meeting that the main purpose of the intermediate summit was the reform treaty drafted by the Intergovernmental Confe-rence (IGC) on the basis of the mandate it received from the EU summit in June.

[02] Informal EU summit begins in Lisbon

Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis is participating at the Informal Council of the European Council which started in Lisbon Thursday evening, with the reform treaty of the European Union as its main objective.

Late Thursday afternoon the conference of the European People's Party ended with Karamanlis and the other leaders agreeing that at this Summit the reform treaty must be completed.

[03] Papoulias addresses UNESCO con'f in Paris

Greek President Karolos Papoulias on Thursday addressed the 34th UNESCO conference here, where he emphasised the global fight against ignorance through education, while he also touched on the areas of culture, science, migration and protection of the environment.

He also referred to the repatriation of the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum to Athens, referring to a "life-long goal" of late Greek culture minister Melina Mercouri.

Papoulias was invited to address the conference by UNESCO General Director Koichiro Matsuura, as sessions will continue until Nov. 3.

His address came on the heels of the unanimous election of Greece's ambassador to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), George Anastasopoulos, as president of the body's General Conference for the next two years.

Among others, Papoulias stressed that ignorance is an "enemy of peaceful co-existence of peoples," while he recognised the significance of UNESCO's primary goal of "equality in education".

"Every child that has access to schooling is another step towards development and peace. However, I believe that we are far from the desired result .It is particularly worrying that access to education, particularly high-quality education, depends on one's financial ability and place of birth. Education should cease to be a privilege of the 'haves' in opposition to an education of values," he said.

Finally, in signing the official book of visitors, Papoulias wrote that "when threats of war poison the atmosphere, when thousands of people are plagued by hunger and poverty, UNESCO's values remain ecumenical".

[04] Athens adamant over FYROM 'name issue'

Kassimis also added that EU funding to the neighbouring land-locked country was flowing at a slower pace than to the rest of the Balkan countries.

However, he clarified, Greece does not want to stifle FYROM financially, "because it does not believe that economic degradation will create a better neighbour."

Kassimis made the statement in reply to a tabled question by Popular Orthodox Rally (LA.OS) party rapporteur Constantine Aivaliotis, who cited the recent placement of a statue of Alexander the Great, no less, at Skopje airport, which was also recently renamed as 'Alexander the Great Airport' by FYROM authorities.

Aivaliotis charged that the Skopje government was following a policy of provocation at all international fora, while also pointing to a"recital of nationalistic extremities in its school books ... its airport has been renamed as 'Alexander the Great Airport', and it has established a military medal called 'Alexander III, the Macedon'," the Greek deputy charged.

"Don't we see that, with our stance, we are making them tougher and more provocative?" he questioned.

Replying to the question, Kassimis said Greece's approval was not required for EU funding to FYROM, but was made on the basis of economic criteria.

Regarding developments on the "name issue", Kassimis reminded that Greece has at all levels denounced Skopje's provocative stance, particularly after the provocation of the placement of the statue of Alexander, adding that EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana recently stated that Greece will have the EU's full solidarity on the name issue.

"Greece will in no instance accept FYROM's entry, either to NATO or the European Union, so long as there is no mutually acceptable name for that country resulting from consent by two sides (Greece and FYROM)," Kassimis said.

[05] Gov't on the Cyprus issue

Antonaros also pointed out that the Greek government and the Cypriot leadership share close and friendly cooperation for the benefit of both countries.

[06] Maximum fines for environmental offences to quadruple

Souflias said that the maximum fine will increase from 500,000 euros at present to two million euros in order to make the administrative sanctions allowed under law an effective deterrent to pollution and environmental degradation and the problems that these cause.

Replying to criticism regarding the ministry response to issues like pollution in the Asopos River, Lake Koroneia and the Markopoulos quarries, Souflias stressed that "criticism in bad faith" was not helpful.

"It is not the ministry's job to inspect everything and be responsible for everything. Responsible for these inspections are prefectures and local government," the minister pointed out.

He also noted that the 30 environmental inspectors - who would be increased to 45 as of next week - had done important work since their service was first set up in 2004 and that the ministry had imposed hefty fines where these inspectors had discovered transgressions.

Regarding the problems at Lake Koroneia, Souflias reported that environmental inspectors had stepped up inspections of industries and other activities in the area since September at his orders, especially with regard to the management of liquid wastes.

He said that inspections had so far been carried out at 25 of the industrial units operating in the region and at four munici-palities. These had shown that all the units checked had violated environmental regulations in their operation, especially with regard to the processing, monitoring and disposal of liquid wastes. In addition, borehole wells for agricultural activity and other uses lacked necessary licences, while local municipalities did not have the necessary drainage and sewage processing facilities, so that significant quantities of untreated sewage ended up in the lake. As an example, the minister reported that a sewage treatment plant built for Lagada Municipality in 2001 had never gone into operation because works to connect it with the sewage network were never completed.

Souflias also listed action taken by the ministry to improve protection of the lake, such as completing the legal framework for the protection of lakes Koroneia and Volvi, setting up a management body that was given 2.18 million euros for environmental sub-projects in the region and providing the Thessaloniki Prefecture with 26.91 million euros to carry out various projects related to the area's wetlands, in addition to including projects for sewage processing plants and drainage networks for the Koroneia-Volvi basin in the 4th Programme Period (2007-2013).

[07] Draft law on primary healthcare to be tabled soon

The draft law will place emphasis on the reinforcement of regional health structures while the government-set objective will be to create a framework guaranteeing security, safety and dignity for the Greek people.

Avramopoulos, on a one-day visit to Larisa for contacts with local health sector and municipal authorities, also announced that the construction of an additional wing at the Larisa General Hospital will be financed by the 4th CSF. He also outlined the hospital's ICU operation plan and praised the work of local health sector administrators.

Avramopoulos will visit the city of Trikala to attend the inauguration of the new hospital wing and later in the afternoon he will return to Larisa to visit the University Hospital and participate in a meeting of local health officials. The health minister is also scheduled to address an event organized by the ruling New Democracy party.

[08] Health minister concludes visit to Larissa

"The Parliamentary Group of the New Democracy (ND) party is united, strong and determined to support the government in the achievement of its targets," Avramopoulos told a gathering of women ND supporters.

"Times cannot wait. We are determined to buid a modern and functional state and we shall proceed without taking account the political cost," the health minister added.

[09] PASOK presidency candidate Skandalidis visits Tripolis

Skandalidis met with Tripolis Mayor Alexandros Kotsianis and then visited the offices of PASOK's prefectural committee, after which he held a press conference and gave a speech in a local hotel.

In his address, he stressed the need to bring politics back to the forefront and for PASOK to emerge united through the process of electing a new president.

[10] Queen Sofia of Spain honored by City of Athens

"We share much in common with Spain: Europe, the Mediterranean, art, culture, but, above all, what truly unifies us is the kindness of our people. Certain individuals also unify us, individuals in whom both nations find reason to admire and feel pride. El Greco, for instance, the Greek of Spain, has made both our nations feel proud.

We are equally proud of your work Your Majesty, and the dedication shown to humanity and the arts," Kaklamanis said.

On her part, the Queen of Spain responded:

"It is a great pleasure and an honour to receive the Gold Medal of Merit of the City of Athens, which you so kindly offer. I consider it a distinction that my Athenian heart will always cherish. This time, I return to Athens with a feeling of deep sorrow and pain due to the terrible fires that Greece experienced this summer. My family, but also all Spanish people, were devastated by this immense tragedy, which we all hope will be surpassed considering the character and passion for life that characterises the Greek people. From this podium today, I would like to express my sincere condolences to all the victims, their families, their friends and compatriots."

[11] Greece and China discuss agreements for cooperation in justice

According to a justice ministry announcement, they agreed to process the two existing agreements as quickly as possible and work on preparing the third, so that cooperation between Greece and China in these areas might be extended and upgraded.

[12] U.S. ambassador-designate to Greece Speckhard addresses Senate Foreign Relations Committee

The ambassador-designate of the United States to Greece, Daniel Speckhard, addressed a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on October 17, outlining relations between his country and Greece.

"If confirmed, I will put all of my energy and experience towards strengthening our relations with Greece and working together to promote regional stability and tackle some of the global problems that we face together," he said.

"As you know Greece is a strategic partner of the United States. Our partnership stems from the close ties our nations share as members of the Euro-Atlantic community, as NATO Allies, and from the millions of Americans whose ancestry can be traced back to the Hellenic Republic. Both Greek and American people share a common heritage, based on a belief in values such as liberty, freedom, and equality. The concept of democracy originated in Ancient Greece and the ideals the Ancient Greeks embodied profoundly influenced the founders of our great nation," he added.

Speckhard further said that "our country's relationship with Greece clearly is important for our interest in stability in Southern and South Central Europe. The Balkans in particular require continued attention in the coming years to ensure peace, economic transformation, and integration of all countries in the region into Euro-Atlantic institutions. The unresolved nature of the future status of Kosovo remains a barrier to the development of the region, and in the coming months it will be critical to see a resolution as envisaged by the UN Special Envoy, Maarti Ahtisaari."

Focusing on Greece, the ambassador-designate said "Greece also has an important interest and role to play in bringing diversified sources of energy to the European market. The United States wholeheartedly supports these efforts to diversify, and to introduce true market competition to this vital economic sector."

He further said that "in the case of Cyprus, I hope a just and lasting settlement, acceptable to majorities in both communities, can be achieved through the efforts of Cypriots and the support of the international community."

Lastly, Speckhard said "in that vein, I would like to mention the important role that Greek-Americans play, both in our own country's history and in ensuring that our relationship with the Hellenic Republic is so strong. In my career as a diplomat I have come to realize that no matter what we in our capacity as public servants do to represent this great country, nothing is more effective at presenting the best face of America than the personal ties and connections Americans establish every day on their own. I would note the beneficial role Greek-Americans have played by contributing to all sectors of our own society, and the continuing role they play in strengthening relations between the United States and Greece."

Replying to a remark by a member of the Committee, that the unilateral recognition of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) as "Macedonia" by the United States harmed the interests of Greece which is an ally of the U.S. and undermined mediating by the UN and by mediator Matthew Nimetz, Speckhard stressed that he understands Greece's concern over "stability in the Balkans and the protection of its rich cultural heritage," adding that his own task is beginning now and in this context he will try to facilitate dialogue between Athens and Skopje with the aim of finding a solution as anticipated by the Interim Agreement.

Referring to Greek-Turkish relations, Speckhard said that during his tenure in Athens he intends to support efforts being made to further improve relations between the two NATO allies and noted that following the Parliamentary elections in both countries a possibility is being provided for new mobility in this direction.

He expressed satisfaction over Greece's support for Turkey's accession course, believing that the development of a warmer climate between Athens and Ankara can also contribute to a solution to the issue of Cyprus for which, as he said, the U.S. is ready to play an assisting role. In this framework, he reiterated Washington's support for a just and viable solution that the interested parties will agree to.

Speckhard further said that the fact that in both countries apparatuses now exist that can lead to de-escalation is a positive development, pointing out that their participation in NATO also contributes to this.

He added that, having served at the Alliance's headquarters in Brussels, he has cooperated with Greek diplomats, particularly on the promotion of stability in the Balkans. He also underlined that in the coming months the final status quo of Kosovo will come to the forefront of developments and, being a leading factor in the region, Greece has an interest in contributing to the finding of a solution.

The new amabassador expressed Washington's strong support for the natural gas pipeline linking Turkey, Greece and Italy and noted the steadfast position of the U.S. in favour of diversity in the transfer of energy.

Lastly, Speckhard referred to the recent disastrous wildfires in Greece and revealed that the United States offered economic aid amounting to 1.9 million dollars.

[13] Simitis to address LSE's 'Greek Observatory'

Former Greek prime minister Costas Simitis will deliver the annual speech at the London School of Economic's (LSE) "Greek Observatory" on Tuesday, on the theme "Democracy in Crisis. Lessons from the Greek Experience".

The sold-out event will take place at the LSE's Old Theatre.

Simitis is a LSE gratuate.

Financial News

[14] Social security dialogue opens in Parliament with opposition mostly abstaining

The meeting on Thursday focused on procedural matters and the presentation of the issues under discussion by the ministers of economy and employment.

Employment Minister Vassilis Magginas laid the basis for the dialogue, stating that it will be divided into three parts. The first will concern the economic aspect of the social insurance system, such as funding, measures against tax evasion and debt collection.

The second part will deal with the merger of pension funds and their administrative updating and the third will concern special issues, such as hazardous and heavy occupations, disability pensions and benefits for working mothers.

Both the political parties and social partners participating in the process agreed on the basis of the dialogue, stressing that funding and the payment of state debts to pension funds need clarification.

PASOK's rapporteur MP Theodoros Pangalos set three preconditions for his party's participation in the dialogue, demanding clear presentation of the actual condition of pension funds, actuarial analysis and specific government proposals.

However, former minister of employment and ruling New Democracy party rapporteur Panos Panagiotopoulos termed PASOK's decision to step out of the talks as "an excuse concealing a lack of arguments."

Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis stated that it is unrealistic to expect that the social insurance issue will be solved during the current government's term, stressing that the process will be time consuming.

[15] Gov't on social security dialogue

Antonaros pointed out that the government is seeking a dialogue with all political parties and social partners within a specific framework it has suggested, adding that participation in the talks is a big responsibility.

"Abstention from the talks proves a lack of ideas and proposals," said Antonaros, adding that those who reject the dialogue will be judged by the Greek people and society.

Regarding the main opposition PASOK party request for an actuarial analysis, he said PASOK ruled the country for many years and is well-aware of what it has failed to do when dealing with the social insurance issue. "All political parties and institutions are called to submit ideas and proposals," he said, adding that the dialogue will be comprehensive.

Commenting on the government's refusal to submit a detailed proposal, Antonaros said the purpose of dialogue is to find common ground in the proposals of political parties and institutions and to combine viewpoints presented in a way acceptable by the majority.

[16] SYRIZA addresses letter to PASOK, KKE on social security issue

The letter, which is identical, was signed by the Parliamentary representative of SYRIZA Yiannis Dragasakis and proposes the "creation of a joint resistance front" and mentions that his party is open to proposals and observations that would allow the text of the question to be the basis for a joint initiative.

"In this way, we believe that there can be a joint resistance front in Parliament as well to the effort of the government to further downgrade the social security rights of working people," the letter said.

"At the same time, we believe that those proposals which, in our view, can also lead to a solution to the problems of the social security system, the strengthening of its prospects and the creation of possibilities for the improvement of benefits for the insured will also be promoted," it added.

[17] PASOK MPs table bill on heating subsidy

The bill calls for the establishment of a heating subsidy in the form of tax-free financial assistance, determining as beneficiaries the salaried citizens receiving the minimum salary or wage set out in the GSEE (General Confederation of Workers of Greece) national collective labour agreement, OGA (Farmers' Pension Fund) pension recipients, low-pension earners, and the long-term unemployed.

The amount of the subsidy is determined under a system of zones in accordance with the regions of the country, based on heating requirements per zone. The subsidies called for in the draft law are set out at 240 euros in Zone A comprising the prefectures of Zakynthos, Dodecanese, Heraklion, Cephallonia, Lassithi, Rethymno, Samos, Chania and Chios; 320 euros for Zone B comrpising Attica, Aetoloakarnania, Argolida, Arta, Achaia, Viotia, Evia, Ileia, Thesprotia, Laconia, Lesvos, Lefkada, Magnisia, Messinia, Corfu, Corinth, Preveza, Fthiotis and Fokida; and 400 euros for Zone C comprising the prefectures of Arcadia, Grevena, Drama, Evros, Evrytania, Imathia, Thessaloniki, Ioannina, ikavala, Karditsa, Kastoria, Kilkis, Kozani, Larissa, Xanthi, Pella, Pieria, Rodopi, Serres, Trikala, Florina and Chalkidiki.

[18] Spectacular Greek participation in ANUGA 2007 trade fair

Germany is teh best customer for Greek food products. The Greek pavillion covered an area of 4,000 square metres and exhibitors presented olive oil, cheeses, olives, canned food and syrup fruits, with special focus on Cretan diet.

ANUGA 2007, which closed its gates on Wednesday, brought together around 6,000 exhibitors, with 83 percent from abroad.

[19] New chairman of OA appointed

Yiannos Benopoulos, a businessman and former secretary general of trade in development ministry, was appointed as chairman and chief executive in state-run Olympic Airlines, while Pyrros Papademetriou, a consultant in the restructuring of enterprises, was appointed chairman and chief executive of Olympic Airways Services SA.

The minister said the new managers could fundamentally contribute, with their knowledge and expertise, to overcoming legal problems with the European Commission in order to allow for the privatisation of Olympic Airlines.

[20] Altec concludes loan for 62 million euros

Participating in the bonds loan are the National Bank, E.F.G. Eurobank-Ergasias, the Bank of Piraeus, the Agricultural Bank, the General Bank, the Emporiki Bank and the Bank of Attica. The duration of the loan is six years and its payment will take place with six-month instalments.

According to a relevant announcement, the bonds loan was concluded with the purpose of refinancing the existing bonds loan and short-term bank loaning. The aim of the bonds loan is to strengthen Altec's fiscal structure, to enable the group's development plans to be implemented with even speedier rates.

[21] Greece to introduce MiFID directive from Nov. 1

The Markets in Financial Instruments Directive is the foundation of a regulatory framework in the EU for all mobile assets aiming to introduce an effective "single passport" allowing investment services companies and regulated markets to operate across Europe based on a common group of rules.

MiFID aims to three main axes:

-strengthening cross-border competition,

-changing competition in securities transaction,

-promoting transparency.

The new directive offers several investment choices, widening the range of services and mediums offered to investors while at the same time enhancing protection measures in European markets. The new framework acknowledges the operation of a new generation of trading platforms, ensuring high quality in transactions along with integrity and efficiency of the financial system.

The directive also underlines that the Capital Markets Commission will continue its supervisory role in investment transactions, while the Bank of Greece will exercise pre-emptive supervision.

[22] Greek trade deficit totaled 22.5 bln euros in Jan-July, Eurostat

The EU executive's statistics agency, in a report, said Greek exports totaled 10.1 billion euros in the seven-month period, while imports jumped to 32.6 billion euros. Greek exports rose 6.0 percent in the January-July period, compared with the corresponding period in 2006, while imports grew by 11 percent over the same period.

Eurostat said Germany recorded the biggest trade surplus (114.9 billion euros) in the seven-month period, followed by Holland (23.6 billion) and Ireland (18.3 billion), while the UK (78.1 bln), Spain (53.3 bln), France (22.9 bln) and Greece (22.5 bln) recorded the highest trade deficit.

The Eurozone recorded a trade surplus of 1.3 billion euros in the January-July period, while the EU-27 a trade deficit of 16.3 billion euros.

[23] Greek stocks fall 1.15 pct on Thursday

Most sectors ended lower, with the Oil (2.28 pct), Industrial Products (2.21 pct) and Media (1.92 pct) suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day, while the Insurance (0.29 pct) and Utilities (0.22 pct) scored gains. The Big Cap index fell 1.23 percent, the Mid Cap index ended 0.97 percent lower and the Small Cap index ended 1.14 percent off.

Alpha Grissin (11.76 pct), Marak Electronics (9.92 pct) and Atlantic (9.29 pct) were top gainers, while Ideal (8.55 pct), Tria Alpha (7.09 pct) and Grigoris Snacks (6.57 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 194 to 60 with another 41 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +0.29%

Industrials: -2.21%

Commercial: -0.22%

Construction: -0.96%

Media: -1.92%

Oil & Gas: -2.28%

Personal & Household: -0.07%

Raw Materials: -1.14%

Travel & Leisure: -1.52%

Technology: -1.71%

Telecoms: -0.81%

Banks: -1.24%

Food & Beverages: -1.76%

Health: -0.92%

Utilities: +0.22%

Chemicals: -0.63%

Financial Services: -1.60%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 24.78

ATEbank: 4.00

Public Power Corp (PPC): 27.78

HBC Coca Cola: 40.10

Hellenic Petroleum: 11.18

Emporiki Bank: 20.84

National Bank of Greece: 43.58

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 25.78

Intralot: 30.00

Cosmote: 24.02

OPAP: 27.24

OTE: 25.52

Titan Cement Company: 35.32

[24] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totaled 7,915 contracts worth 107.902 million euros, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 798 contracts worth 26.877 million euros.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 16,196 contracts worth 22.715 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Marfin Popular Bank's contracts (5,374), followed by Marfin Investment Group (3,718), OTE (402), National Bank (880), Intracom (699), Mytilineos (491) and ATEbank (925).

[25] Greek bond market closing report

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were mixed. National Bank's overnight rate was 4.05 pct, the two-day rate 4.05 pct, the one-week rate 4.08 pct, the one-month rate was 4.17 pct, the three-month rate 4.66 pct and the 12-month rate 4.66 pct.

[26] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

U.S. dollar 1.441

Pound sterling 0.703

Danish kroner 7.513

Swedish kroner 9.226

Japanese yen 166.32

Swiss franc 1.683

Norwegian kroner 7.731

Cyprus pound 0.588

Canadian dollar 1.406

Australian dollar 1.618

General News

[27] Greece participates in Cultural Olympiad of Beijing

Greek Culture Minister Mihalis Liapis secured Greece's participation in the Cultural Olympiad of Beijing during a meeting he had on Thursday with the vice-president of the Beijing Olympic Committee BOCOG 2008 (Beijing Organsing Committee of 2008 Olympic Games), Jiang Xiaoyu.

During the meeting, Liapis praised the work of the Olympic Committee, stressing that Beijing possesses an excellent transport network. At the same time, he assured Xiaoyu that by the day of the lighting of the Olympic Torch, the environmental space of Ancient Olympia, which suffered damages during the recent wildfires, will have been restored.

[28] Tourist minister visits Ancient Olympia, Lake Kaiafa

"Tourism can and must support the revival and rejuvenation of Ilia and, of course, of all the regions that were struck by the wildfires," the minister said.

Spiliotopoulos added that "we shall proceed immediately with the creation and operation of a third stage body on education, as regards tourist professions and the tourist function in general."

On the question of Ancient Olympia, the minister said that an appeal by the Mayor of Ancient Olympia George Aidonis on the establishment and operation of a Greek Tourist Organisation (EOT) office has been accepted, while stressing that the entrance to the city will be improved in cooperation with the prefecture and the municipality.

[29] Search for missing captain resumes

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.

Oil containment 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 spill.

[30] Student rally in central Athens against university reforms

The rally took place between noon and 14:00, with students protesting against a law reforming the regulatory framework for universities that was passed in the previous academic year, in addition to an European Union directive that instructs Greece to give equal professional recognition to graduates of courses under franchise with European universities offered by private colleges based in Greece.

The students were carrying banners and pickets, while several were dressed in black and had symbolically chained a fellow student to show that students of state universities were "hostages" of private colleges.

They announced that they intended to carry out a march to Parliament in order to present a memorandum with their demands.

[31] Survey shows Greek lifestyle is increasingly unhealthy

According to its results, present-day Greeks are "committing a slow suicide" on a daily basis by eating too much, smoking incessantly, spending too much time in front of the television and completely ignoring the need to exercise or undergo regular medical exams.

The results of the survey were announced by professor of social medicine Ioannis Tountas and were based on an analysis of a number of European and Greek studies on lifestyle and habits.

They indicated that Greece currently holds one of the highest positions worldwide for rates of smoking, since 49.9 percent of men and 30.8 percent of women are smokers and the numbers are tending to increase.

About 60 percent of the population is overweight, with Greeks ranking as the most overweight and obese nationality in Europe after the British.

They also tend not to exercise, with one third of men and about half of women saying they do not do any exercise.

Most worrying is the evidence that Greeks have to a great extent abandoned their previously healthy Mediterranean diet, with current dietary trends diverging as much as 50 percent from the Med diet model, while they do not take precautionary action against disease, with 35 of Greek adults suffering from some chronic ailment.

Studies carried out by Tountas showed that the lower socioeconomic classes tended to have more health problems, with a rate of 36.9 percent, compared to the higher classes (30.4 percent).

The inverse relation between income and health also held true across regions, since areas with a low per capita GDP like Eastern Macedonia and Thrace tended to have a higher mortality index and a higher rate of cardiovascular disease.

[32] Transport minister cites health risk in taking Proastiakos underground

According to the minister, scientists had informed him that a 25,000 volt overhead electrification network in a confined, underground environment trapped electromagnetic fields with possible negative repercussions for the operators and passengers of the railway.

Referring to existing proposals to create a sunken corridor for the Proastiakos line, of which 1,850 metres would be fully covered over, Hatzidakis listed a number of potential benefits for traffic and the environment, such as the fact that it would avoid the existence of any level crossings within the city centre, less noise pollution, and the creation of new parkland that would contain 4,000 trees.

The minister also defended plans by the OSE Greek railways organisation to erect a building for commercial use in the Athens Central Station, which would be leased to shops and businesses in order to raise extra revenues.

Filini disagreed with the minister on whether a Council of State decision called for making the railway completely underground and pointed to the division of the city into two sections that would make life harder for its residents and the city's operation.

Regarding the OSE shopping centre, meanwhile, she criticised its huge size (82,000 square metres) and said that it would greatly increase traffic congestion and worsen the lives of local residents.

[33] Nine robberies pinned on recaptured convict, accomplices

They are suspected of carrying armed robberies against seven banks, one post office branch and one super market.

The head of the Attica police headquarters said the three men admitted to their participation in the above robberies under police interrogation. He also pointed out that at all three men had been heavily armed, equipped with disguises and were riding in a stolen car at the time of their arrest, indicating that they were planning to hit a bank in Peristeri.

Specifically, police found in their possession at the time of arrest one Uzi sub-machine gun, three pistols, one revolver, 150 cartridges, hoods, gloves and small quantities of drugs.

The three men are believed to be part of a gang made up of nine people, of which five are being sought and a sixth is in jail.

Among the charges against them is the theft of eight cars used as getaway vehicles.

Makrygiannis escaped from Alikarnassos Prison in August 2006 when he was given five-day prison leave and failed to return. He had been sentenced to serve four times life plus 25 years and 31 months for five murders and three attempted murders. He had served 12 years of his sentence at the time of his escape, while he had also made three escape attempts while being transferred from one prison to another.

All three arrested men were led before a public prosecutor on Thursday.

[34] Dozens of illegals intercepted on Samos after setting off from opposite Turkish coast

In one instance, a group of seven illegals - two men, two women and three minors - used a "pedalo" craft.

Another two groups headed straight for the island's main harbour, no less, by using inflatable dinghies. All three of the groups disembarked from the Turkish coast, according to the illegals.

[35] Demolition of former 'Xenia' hotel in Hania begins

The demolition was decided by the Central Archaeological Council after the signing of a contract program between Hania Municipality and the Byzantine Antiquities Department.

The cost of the demolition is 130,000 euros and the work is expected to last about 20 days.

[36] "Aris FC" fan club targeted by homemade explosive device

According to police, the explosion and subsequent fire caused wall discoloration.

[37] Hellenic Parliament Foundation organizes Greek music culture event

The exhibition, featuring photographs, sheet music, videotapes, costumes, music records and books on the work and spectacular career of the Greek dramatic coloratura soprano, will be open until October 31.

Weather Forecast

[38] Overcast on Friday

Cyprus Affairs

[39] President Papadopoulos discusses Cyprus problem with Commissioner Rehn

President of the Republic of Cyprus Tassos Papadopoulos discussed on Wednesday in Brussels with Enlargement

Commissioner Olli Rehn the implementation of a UN-brokered agreement in July last year and Turkey's EU accession course.

Speaking on Thursday to reporters in Lisbon, where he is participating in the EU informal summit, President Papado-poulos said he arranged the meeting with Rehn when he saw him in New York, adding that they discussed the Cyprus problem in general and various pending EU issues.

''The main issue was around the implementation of the July agreement, which the EU supports and especially Mr. Rehn,'' he said.

Regarding Turkey's accession negotiations, President Papado-poulos said ''we have mentioned our conditions and reserva-tions in discussions in the working groups,'' adding that other countries have also expressed reservations.

Replying to questions, President Papadopoulos said it was not yet certain which new chapters would open for Turkey or even if they would open. ''I don't think the Portuguese Presidency has great aspirations to open more chapters,'' he added.

Furthermore, President Papadopoulos expressed certainty that with the intervention of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon Turkey could be convinced to change its policy regarding the implementation of the 8 July 2006 agreement, which the Turkish side appears to be brushing aside.

Asked about the UN chief's recent meeting in New York with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, President Papadopoulos said that, from the information he has received from Cyprus' Permanent Representative to the UN, Ban seems to have heard what Talat had to say and replied that the July agreement must be implemented.

President Papadopoulos said that he had submitted a proposal to the UN chief for the immediate implementation of the agreement, since Ban had told him during their meeting that both sides should make an effort to promote the agreement.

''We insist that this is the only available process today for substantive talks on the Cyprus problem to start,'' he pointed out.

Asked if the Turkish scenarios for an invasion of northern Iraq would affect the question of Cyprus, President Papadopoulos said ''any unrest in the area certainly has an effect'' and mentioned remarks by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan that the authorisation from the parliament did not necessarily mean an immediate operation.

''I have been informed about the statement of President Bush, who strongly recommends that the operation is not carried out. I cannot make any predictions. We have enough problems of our own. Let us not become involved in other issues that may affect us but do not concern us directly,'' he concluded.

Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

President Papadopoulos and 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.

[40] President Papadopoulos' proposal aims at implementation of July agreement

The 8-point proposal, put forward by President Tassos Papadopoulos regarding the Cyprus problem, aims at the launching and implementation of the process agreed on by the leaders of the two communities on the island on 8 July 2006, ''without deviations, in order to reach a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem the soonest possible,'' Government Spokesman Vassilis Palmas says in a written statement issued on Thursday.

Palmas adds that the proposal ''shows flexibility within the bounds of the agreement, maintaining at the same time respectful dedication to that which was agreed on by the leaders of the two communities.''

''The 8-point proposal includes a specific proposal aiming at the institutional and substantive involvement of civil society, so that the negotiating process is closer to the citizen and is democratically monitored to a greater extent, based on participation and proper information,'' he notes.

The spokesman adds that the proposal contains suggestions regarding confidence-building measures, ''both of a military and non-military nature.''

The Greek Cypriot side, he pointed out, favours the adoption of confidence-building measures, noting however that the aim is not for the measures to replace the process for a settlement.

Palmas notes that ''the adoption and implementation of confidence-building measures, which is provided for in the 8 July agreement, is included in the 8-point proposal only to assist and enhance the negotiating process of 8 July, under the UN.''

He adds that the proposal ''includes a point with which the introduction of urgent measures is proposed in compliance with the Third Vienna Agreement on the enclaved persons.'' (Greek Cypriots living in Turkish occupied Cyprus).

''Finally, special attention is given in the proposal to the huge humanitarian problem of missing persons, with the proposal, inter alia, recommending that emphasis be given to the investigation into the fate of missing persons,'' for which exhumations are being carried out for some time now, Palmas concludes.

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