Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-10-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek economy can achieve even better performances, FinMin tells IMF conference

[02] PM Karamanlis confers with health minister on pending primary healthcare bill

[03] Gov't spokesman: ND has 'solid and strong' parliamentary majority

[04] Gov't on social security reforms, VAT, Cyprus

[05] Nimetz invites Greek, FYROM reps to new talks on 'name issue'

[06] Greek defence minister addresses SEDM in Kiev

[07] New policy for forests unveiled

[08] Justice minister seeking further improvements to prison system

[09] PASOK leadership contender Skandalidis addresses trade unionists

[10] Alavanos tours Irakleio prefecture

[11] Employment minister on social security issue; unions threaten mobilisations

[12] KKE, Coalition on social security issue

[13] Tourism minister meets with tourist business officials

[14] Greek current accounts deficit widened to 19.266 bln euros in Jan-Aug

[15] National Bank begins roadshows in N.York and Boston

[16] Greek fiscal deficit at 2.5 pct of GDP in 2006, Eurostat

[17] KLT ENERGY contracts concluded for 18 photovoltaic stations

[18] Greek business mission to Romania from Oct. 28-31

[19] Meeting by Iraklio Chamber of Commerce board with French delegation

[20] Terna Energy announces 300-mln-euro IPO

[21] Direct flight link between Athens and Bangkok from Nov. 3

[22] Building materials cost index up 5.6 pct in Sept, yr/yr

[23] Greek stocks end 1.36 percent lower

[24] ADEX closing report

[25] Greek bond market closing report

[26] Foreign Exchange Rates - Tuesday

[27] Weather-related problems in Greece

[28] Rains caused only minor problems in fire-ravaged Peloponnese

[29] Deputy public works minister on flood-protection work

[30] Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos visits Italy

[31] Event in Washington on new Acropolis Museum

[32] Australians calling for return of Parthenon Marbles

[33] Athens prefecture hosts con'f on innovative support methods for people with disabilities

[34] France's Sorbonne university considering expansion to Greece

[35] Search operation for missing illegal migrants off Samos

[36] Drug-related armed attack kills two, injures four, in downtown Athens

[37] Cargo ship runs aground off Nafplio

[38] Rain, windy on Tuesday

[39] Spokesman: President's proposals for July Agreement are clear

[40] Presidential envoy optimistic about Syrian issue Politics

[01] Greek economy can achieve even better performances, FinMin tells IMF conference

Greek Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis referred to prospects for the further improvement of the national economy in his address Monday at the annual conference of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank which is taking place here.

"The Greek economy can achieve even better performances in the medium term, since structural reforms to further strengthen competitiveness and to confront the chronic weaknesses of the public sector are being promoted," the minister said.

Alogoskoufis stressed that the growth rate will continue to be high, exceeding the eurozone's average and it is expected to remain about 4 percent over the 2007-2008 period. Growth is based on private investments and on exports, while tourism and the inflow of income from maritime services also contribute to growth considerably.

He also focused on the role played by Greece in the development of southeastern Europe, through trade and direct investments.

"Southeastern Europe is turning into one of the fastest developing regions in Europe and Greece is facilitating the accession of these countries to the global economy and to the European Union," he further said.

The finance and economy minister placed emphasis on fiscal adjustment achieved over the past three years, that resulted in the general governance deficit falling below the 3 percent GDP limit from 8 percent in 2004, reiterating the assessment that the deficit will reach 2.5 percent of GDP in 2007.

"As far as the future is concerned, the Greek government remains focused on the continuation of structural reforms, including the reforming of the social security system, continuing in parallel the effort to attain fiscal adjustment in order to achieve balanced budgets by 2010," he stressed.

Commenting on the international economy, Alogoskoufis noted that it is continuing to show high growth rates, although the possibilities of it slowing down have increased. The recent turmoil in international money markets, that began from the mortgage loans market of the United States, may slow down the rate of international economic growth.

The minister further said that increasing oil prices, inflationary expectations and protectionism in trade also constitute considerable dangers for the prospects of the international economy, something that was also pointed out by most of the speakers at the conference.

Boosting transparency in money markets, he added, is a decisive element in avoiding unexpected developments that create uncertainty and problems for market liquidity. The recent upheaval necessitates an improvement in the practices of all who participate in the market as regards providing information for investors on exposure to risks.

Alogoskoufis also said that Greece supports the decision by the World Bank to provide 3.5 billion dollars from its profits for the International Development Organisation to fund less developed countries, particularly in sub-Sahara Africa.

[02] PM Karamanlis confers with health minister on pending primary healthcare bill

"We are proceeding at a rapid pace in creating the conditions for restructuring of the National Health System (ESY), for consolidating transparency and rational management of the sensitive are of health sector finances, aimed at conserving resources," Avramopoulos said.

He said that "we are on a good road, and are determined to forge ahead at a fast pace in the changes required", adding that the government has always believed that "that which determines the success of a governmental policy is its social dimension".

Avramopoulos further noted that the status quo has changed, and that the ESY required deep changes aimed at its modernisation, since it could no longer function under the conditions of the '80s.

To a question on the "rodents" in the health sector, Avramopoulos noted that the term had been first introduced by former health minister Alekos Papadopoulos (PASOK), "who waged his battle to combat the rodents".

He added that the introduction of a new system of management of the health sector finances, with the bill on procurements and establishment of a procurements central committee, would put an end to that situation. "The rodents and piranhas that were spoken of in the past, are returning to the past. We are looking ahead. We are formulating an environment much more transparent, much more efficient, that will also provide a financial scale, and, chiefly, we are determined to tackle the evil, about which so much has been said in the past, at its roots," the minister continued.

"We are determined, transparency is being consolidated, the economy is being ensured, and a new, optimistic prospect is opening up for health, always to the benefit of the citizens of the country," Avramopoulos said.

The health minister further noted that he had spoken by phone with Archbishop Christodoulos in Miami, to whom he expressed the wish that he will return home soon "in the front line of his lofty spiritual duties".

[03] Gov't spokesman: ND has 'solid and strong' parliamentary majority

Roussopoulos said that it was the government's duty to fulfill its programme, adding that it there was no expediency in fanning rumours of early general elections.

On the other hand, he continued, "it would be good for the electoral law to be passed at the beginning of a government's term in office, and not a month before elections, regardless of whether it will be in force in the following elections or the elections after the following polls".

Asked to comment on the internal problems in the main opposition PASOK party, Roussopoulos expressed the hope that "all the procedures that will help PASOK comprise a factor of checks, with seriousness and without exaggerations, will function to the benefit of democracy".

PASOK, he said, was a large political party "that in the end will find its way".

On the social insurance system reforms, Roussopoulos said that the government's intention was to proceed to an increase in resources, within the framework of the abilities of the economy.

"Many and important things have already been done," he said, noting the increases in pensions "which are substantially above inflation", the increases to the EKAS low-pension benefit, the OGA (farmers' social insurance/pension fund) pensions, and the unemployment benefit. "We wish that we could do more. But it is the mismanagement of many years that led the economy where it is, and which did not allow us to do more things for the benefit of the Greek citizen," Roussopoulos said.

[04] Gov't on social security reforms, VAT, Cyprus

Roussopoulos made the comment in response to a question concerning the validity of the study, as he reiterated a statement by Employment Minister Vassilis Magginas, namely, that figures included in such studies will be taken into account, although they do not necessarily reflect government intentions.

Regarding press speculation of a VAT increase, the government spokesman reminded that there was no such issue, as he referred to "interpretations" made by the press.

Finally, asked about developments over the Cyprus issue, Roussopoulos said that Greek positions are well known. His statement comes after a document sent by the Turkish Cypriot to the UN General Secretary. The document referred to two separate states (on Cyprus), and to "political equality", while characterising the Annan Plan as the best put forward so far, while also making no reference to a federation.

Roussopoulos merely reiterated that the Greek side does not agree with the view that the Republic of Cyprus can be divided into two parts.

[05] Nimetz invites Greek, FYROM reps to new talks on 'name issue'

The United Nations' envoy for the FYROM "name issue", Matthew Nimetz, on Monday announced that he will hold a new series of meetings here on Nov. 1 with representatives of Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

"As the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, I have been in communication with representatives of the two parties (Greece and FYROM), and we have agreed to meet in New York on November 1. I hope that through the resumption of these talks in the established channel we can lay the groundwork to more intensive discussions that will find a mutually satisfactory resolution of the name issue and related matters. Both parties have indicated a sincere desire to reach a solution. I will issue a statement at the conclusion of the meeting," Nimetz's written statement read.

Moreover, the envoy also referred to recent controversial comments he made regarding the historical legacy of Alexander the Great, noting:

"I would also like at this time to make a personal statement regarding certain remarks about Alexander the Great that were contained in a recent press interview. I sincerely regret the impact those comments have had and particularly regret the inadvertent introduction of historical comments into the agreed diplomatic process. I take this opportunity to retract the comments made and would emphasize instead the lasting influence and profound importance of Alexander the Great on world history."

[06] Greek defence minister addresses SEDM in Kiev

In his speech, Meimarakis proposed considering the progressive evolution of SEEBRIG into a regional force that will also handle crisis management operations after natural disasters.

Referring to Kosovo he noted the need for KFOR's continued presence until the final status of the province was clarified through a mutually acceptable solution and conditions of security established.

"We consider self-evident the respect for territorial integrity, the inviolability of existing borders, the substantive protection of human and minority rights," he added.

The Greek minister also expressed satisfaction for Bosnia-Herzegovina's entry into SEEBRIG, hailed Ukraine's expression of intent to join the brigade as well and expressed hope that Serbia, Montenegro and Georgia would also soon join the regional force.

The member-states of SEEBRIG were briefed on NATO operations in the Balkans and Afghanistan and worldwide efforts to combat terrorism.

[07] New policy for forests unveiled

These included immediately activating a special forestry body and providing it with 10 million euros to carry out forest protection works, an immediate ban on hunting in all forests surrounding burnt areas, instructing regional authorities to declare all burnt forest land reserved for reforestation and ordering the immediate creation of tree nurseries to provide seedlings for reforestation projects.

He noted that in Cephallonia alone, reforestation would require the planting of two million saplings of Cephallonia fir and that there were currently no more than 70,000 in stock.

Kiltidis announced that he would visit fire-ravaged regions on Wednesday and Thursday to inspect restoration projects underway and announced that another three million euros will be released for the projects currently in progress. He also announced a meeting with Attica forestry service officials on Monday to discuss the state of the forests around the capital.

[08] Justice minister seeking further improvements to prison system

He made the statement in Trikala prison, which he had visited over the weekend with Chinese assistant Public Security Minister Hao Chiyong according to a justice ministry announcement.

Hatzigakis stressed that the ministry intended to modernise the Greek prison system within the next two to three years in order to make it more humane, provide greater social security and mould personalities that would be able to be reintegrated with society and join the labour market.

The minister had received Hao Chiyong and a six-member Chinese delegation at Meteora on Sunday, where he also arranged for a tour of the Megalo Meteoro Monastery.

The Greek and Chinese delegations then visited the new prisons at Trikala, with the Chinese minister expressing admiration for the advanced security systems but also prison facilities that provided inmates with decent living conditions.

[09] PASOK leadership contender Skandalidis addresses trade unionists

PASOK supporters and members are scheduled to vote around the country on Nov. 11 for a new leader. Current President George Papandreou, Thessaloniki deputy and former minister Evangelos Venizelos and Athens MP and former party secretary Skandalidis are the three main candidates in the much-expected election.

Skandalidis said the Nov. 11 election "is not a purpose onto itself, but there is a risk for it to end up as such, if, instead of politics, personal antagonisms prevail."

He said that when PASOK was in office, "it had been transformed after 2000 into a party of the state and officials," terming the 2000-2004 PASOK government as "a period of decay and decline". He added that the main opposition party should change in depth in order to win the next general elections.

[10] Alavanos tours Irakleio prefecture

Among others, Alavanos said Crete needed a "major agricultural revolution", saying that stockbreeding and viniculture are on the decline on the large island.

Finally, he cited a need to shift towards higher quality farm production.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated development, SYRIZA deputy Panayiotis Lafazanis on Monday cited an increase in Greece's trade balance for the first eight-month period of 2007 as evidence that the government's "neo-liberal" policies, as he said, have failed.

Financial News

[11] Employment minister on social security issue; unions threaten mobilisations

Magginas pointed out that the government has clearly and adequately presented all malignancies plaguing the social security system and has included them in the 10 proposed axes for discussion, adding that it was met with no apparent opposition by political parties and social partners.

Meanwhile, both the GSEE labour umbrella organisation, the country's largest union, and the civil servants' union (ADEDY) backed street rallies during a joint board meeting on Monday.

[12] KKE, Coalition on social security issue

According to KKE, "the problem of the social security issue and its solution is a class and political issue and not an issue of economic management, as it is being presented by the government, assisted by the positions of PASOK and the labour union leaderships of GSEE and ADEDY."

It further stressed that "the government's 'social dialogue' is aimed at securing the consent of working people for the promotion of anti-social security measures that are being implemented in all the countries of the European Union from centre-right and from centre-left governments."

Referring to the same issue, the Coalition party said through its Political Bureau member and labour policy rapporteur Dimitris Stratoulis that "the negative changes being promoted by the government on the social security issue will have the young men and the young women of our country as victims. The New Democracy party government is offering the new generation uncertainty, insecurity, social security, salary and labour discriminations today and with the changes in the social security issue being promoted it is preparing an even more gloomy future for it."

[13] Tourism minister meets with tourist business officials

In statements after the meeting, Spiliotopoulos said "the Tourism Development Ministry will assist the efforts of the tourism community, which are done with the objective of improving tourism services, giving clear emphasis on quality and always in connection with the performance of our tourism product."

Within this framework, for the first time decision was reached for a communication group to be set up between the ministry and SETE, "so that cooperation is continuous and effective," the minister said.

[14] Greek current accounts deficit widened to 19.266 bln euros in Jan-Aug

The central bank, in its monthly report, said the widening current accounts deficit reflected higher trade and incomes deficits, despite higher surpluses in current transfers and services.

The country's trade deficit grew by 229 million euros in August, compared with the same month in 2006, reflecting a higher deficits in goods -excluding fuel and vessels, while the services surplus grew by 58 million euros and the incomes deficit widened by 56 million euros reflecting higher payments on interest, dividends and profits.

In the eight-month period from January to August, the current accounts deficit widened by 4.349 billion euros to 19.266 billion euros. The trade deficit also grew by 3.297 billion euros, reflecting higher deficits in goods -excluding fuel and vessels. Excluding fuel and vessels, the value of exports grew by 452 million euros, or 6.0 pct, while import payments grew by 2.751 billion euros, or 12.2 percent.

The services surplus in the January-August period grew by 614 million euros, helped by a 13.1 percent increase in transport services gross revenue and an 1.5 percent rise in travel services gross revenue.

The incomes deficit grew by 1.346 billion euros, due to higher payments on interest, dividends and profits, while the current transfers surplus fell by 319 million euros in the eight-month period.

The capital transfers balanced showed a surplus of 12.6 million euros in August 2007, after a surplus of 1.9 million euros in August last year, while in the eight-month period the capital transfers balance showed a surplus of 2.503 billion euros, up 498 million euros from the same period in 2006.

Direct investments abroad from Greek citizens totaled 122 million euros in August, of which 35 million euros accounted for the purchase of a real estate property in Romania by Eurobank Properties SA. Foreing direct investments in the Greece recorded a net outflow of 87 million euros in the month.

In the portfolio investments category, a net outflow of 2.108 billion euros was recorded in August, while in the other investments category, a net inflow of 2.616 billion euros was recorded.

In the eight-month period, direct investments recorded a net inflow of 2.211 billion euros, with the portfolio investments category recording a net inflow of 13.325 billion euros and the other investments category a net inflow of 5.7 billion euros.

Greece's foreign exchange reverses totaled 2.1 billion euros in August 2007.

[15] National Bank begins roadshows in N.York and Boston

Foreign institutional investors hold an equity stake of more than 53 percent in National Bank, up from 17 percent four years ago, evidence of international investors' confidence in the course of the bank and its presence in international markets.

National Bank's board, headed by chairman and chief executive Takis Arapoglou, emphasizes on the bank's performance in the region in the last few years, a development that has put National Bank at the focus on attention by international portfolios. Greece's largest financial institutional operates in Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, FYROM, Romania, Serbia and Turkey with investments more than 5.0 billion euros. National Bank said 40 percent of its revenues resulted from activities outside Greece, with 10 percent coming from the Balkans.

National Bank's board expects foreign institutional investors to show increased interest for the bank's activities in Turkey, through its subsidiary Finansbank. Finansbank's net profits totaled 244 million euros in the first half of 2007, or 31 percent of National Bank Group's profits. Finansbank aims to raise its branch network to 410 units by the end of the year.

National Bank is the 24th largest bank in the European Union, based on its capitalisation and ranks 363rd in the global list of the world's largest companies.

[16] Greek fiscal deficit at 2.5 pct of GDP in 2006, Eurostat

Greece's fiscal deficit fell to 2.5 percent of GDP in 2006, Eurostat said on Monday. In a report over the EU-27 member states' public finances, the EU executive's statistics agency said Greece's public debt also fell to 95.3 percent of GDP.

Hungary (9.2 pct), Italy (4.4 pct), Portugal (3.9 pct), Poland (3.8 pct) and Slovakia (3.7 pct) recorded the highest fiscal deficits in 2006, while Denmark (4.6 pct), Finland (3.8 pct), Estonia (3.6 pct) and Bulgaria (3.2 pct) the biggest fiscal surpluses.

Estonia (4.06 pct) and Luxembourg (6.6 pct) recorded the lowest public debt as a percentage of GDP last year, while Italy (106.8 pct) and Greece (95.3 pct) the highest debt.

In the Eurozone, the fiscal deficit fell to 1.5 pct in 2006, from 2.5 pct in 2005, while the public debt rate eased to 68.6 percent from 70.3 percent over the same period, respectively.

[17] KLT ENERGY contracts concluded for 18 photovoltaic stations

According to an announcement by the company on Monday, the total budget for the 18 stations reaches 7.6 million euros.

[18] Greek business mission to Romania from Oct. 28-31

A 15-member mission of Greek businesspersons will visit Bucharest and Constanza from October 28-31 within the framework of the program of the Greek businesses of the Greek Export Promotion Organization (OPE), aiming at the expansion of possibilities for cooperation with Romanian companies.

The OPE mission is jointly organized by the Greek Embassy in Bucharest and the local chambers of commerce and industry. The Greek businesspersons come from the sectors of food and beverages, clothes, furs, construction material, mechanical and electronic equipment as well as advisory services.

[19] Meeting by Iraklio Chamber of Commerce board with French delegation

During the meeting, the presidents, vive-presidents and technical advisers of the Chambers of France accepted a proposal by Iraklio Chamber president Nikitas Dolapsakis for an exchange of the visit next year and the signing of a memorandum of cooperation.

[20] Terna Energy announces 300-mln-euro IPO

Terna seeks to raise around 300 million euros from the market. The new money will be used to finance its investment programe, expected to surpass 1.0 billion euros in Greece and around 500 million euros abroad.

The Greek company said it goal was to build a production network of 1.2 GW, mainly from alternative energy sources in Greece by 2012, while investments in alternative energy sources are expected also in the Balkans (Bulgaria, Romania) and China.

Terna Energy focuses on the development of wind power parks, small hydroelectric projects and energy production from waste. It is a subsidiary of Terna SA and a member of GEK-Terna Group. Its sales totaled 25.5 million euros in the first six months of 2007 with EBITDA at 10.9 million euros.

[21] Direct flight link between Athens and Bangkok from Nov. 3

During a press conference on Monday, it was said that three flights a week will be held with Boeing 777-200ER aircraft. The Athens-Bangkok flights begin on November 3.

The flights from Athens' International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" will depart on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 16:15 and the trip to Bangkok will take nine hours. The return flights from the capital of Thailand depart on the same days at 00:30 and will take about 10 hours.

[22] Building materials cost index up 5.6 pct in Sept, yr/yr

The statistics service said the building materials cost index rose 2.6 pct in the third quarter of 2007, compared with the corresponding period in 2006.

[23] Greek stocks end 1.36 percent lower

All sectors ended lower with the Industrial Products (2.52 pct), Utilities (2.27 pct) and Commerce (1.95 pct) suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day. The Big Cap index dropped 1.54 percent, the Mid Cap index ended 1.40 percent lower and the Small Cap index fell 2.16 percent.

Altius Securities (7.10 pct), PC Systems (5.10 pct) and Rainbow (4.37 pct) were top gainers, while SATO (14.57 pct), Ideal (10.0 pct) and Karamolegkos (9.02 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 252 to 22 with another 26 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: -0.86%

Industrials: -2.52%

Commercial: -1.95%

Construction: -1.31%

Media: -1.73%

Oil & Gas: -1.82%

Personal & Household: -1.42%

Raw Materials: -1.85%

Travel & Leisure: -1.22%

Technology: -1.95%

Telecoms: -0.78%

Banks: -1.75%

Food & Beverages: -0.13%

Health: -1.94%

Utilities: -2.27%

Chemicals: -1.48%

Financial Services: -1.57%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, OTE, Marfin Investment Group, OPAP and Piraeus Bank.

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

Alpha Bank: 24.50

ATEbank: 3.94

Public Power Corp (PPC): 27.82

HBC Coca Cola: 40.00

Hellenic Petroleum: 10.70

Emporiki Bank: 20.46

National Bank of Greece: 42.74

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 25.02

Intralot: 29.44

Cosmote: 24.28

OPAP: 28.10

OTE: 25.66

Titan Cement Company: 35.06

[24] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contract on the FTSE 20 index totaled 7,658 contracts worth 102.146 million euros, with 33,024 open positions in the market, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 528 contracts worth 17.437 million euros, with 870 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 11,586 contracts worth 16.691 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Marfin Investment Group's contracts (4,438), followed by Marfin Popular Bank (1,457), National Bank (1,065), Intracom (658), GEK (336), Mytilineos (247), Post Savings Bank (527) and ATEbank (292).

[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 4.18 pct, the three-month rate 4.63 pct, the six-month rate 4.60 pct and the one-month rate 4.57 pct.

[26] Foreign Exchange Rates - Tuesday

U.S. dollar 1.427

Pound sterling 0.703

Danish kroner 7.514

Swedish kroner 9.288

Japanese yen 162.69

Swiss franc 1.678

Norwegian kroner 7.795

Cyprus pound 0.588

Canadian dollar 1.397

Australian dollar 1.624

General News

[27] Weather-related problems in Greece

The heavy rainfall and the strong winds blowing in the wider region of Athens caused many problems during the night.

The Fire Brigade responded to a total of 46 calls to assist in the pumping out of waters from flooded basements while an additional 46 calls concerned the removal of debris (broken tree branches, commercial signs and other objects) blocking the streets.

Soil erosion was reported in a section of Alamana St. in the district of Kolonos, Athens, which remains closed to traffic.

Traffic was rerouted due to the rising water level in the Chalivourgiki section of the Athens-Corinth national motorway, the Kalliroi St. underground passage in Athens and in a number of other Attiki Prefecture road network sections. All problems were quickly restored.

Elsewhere in Greece, the Fire Brigade responded to tens of calls to pump out flood waters and remove broken trees blocking streets.

Power outages were recorded in the district of Toumpa, Thessaloniki, due to damage caused to underground power cables by the heavy rain that fell during the night.

Weather is rainy across central and western Macedonia, northern Greece, with seasonal temperatures ranging from 11C to 16C.

[28] Rains caused only minor problems in fire-ravaged Peloponnese

The problems were restricted to some rural roads and the Megalopolis-Andritsaina national highway and were mostly due to small-scale landslides, according to Gortyna Mayor Costas Mihopoulos, who added that the roads were now being cleared.

The mayor noted that there was still a risk of flooding at the Alfeios River and that water levels in the river were being closely monitored in case it became necessary to intervene. Also rising were water levels on the Lousios River but without posing a flooding threat, he said.

[29] Deputy public works minister on flood-protection work

Referring to the Attica prefecture, due to the wildfire in Parnitha, four big contractorships were working intensively for two and a half months in big streams in Kifisos near Tris Gefyres, at Yiannoula, at Agios Georgios, meaning the Thriasio region, at Sarantapotamos and at Eschatia.

Speaking in a radio interview, the deputy minister said that since work and clearing was carried out the system responded well.

"When we want and we do it in time, we can do something more than what is usually done. And, of course, all this series of projects is continuing to enable us to move even higher," he said.

Xanthopoulos stressed that the projects need about two years to be completed, but the immediate ones are taking place now, meaning the urgent ones that decrease the consequences of the flood. The remaining ones will eliminate the phenomenon for other cases, but at last they are starting.

[30] Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos visits Italy

Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos and Pope Benedict XVI exchanged a "brotherly embrace" in the historic square of Naples during World Prayers Day for peace.

Earlier, the Pope held a religious service before the Inter-religious Conference began and which gathered Christians, Moslems and Jews. The conference, organised by the Catholic community of Saint Egidio, was a tangible refusal of the concept of the "war of cultures".

The Patriarch and the Pope held a private meeting on the sidelines of the conference. The meeting focused on latest developments, while reference was also made to the Pope's visit to Istanbul and the Ecumenical Patriarchate's seat about a year ago.

[31] Event in Washington on new Acropolis Museum

An event on the new Acropolis Museum was organized by the Greek Embassy in Washington on Monday, under the auspices of the Archaeological Institute of America.

The event, which was addressed by Greek Ambassador Alexandros Mallias, attracted the interest of hundreds of people from the broader region of Washington, among them many journalists.

[32] Australians calling for return of Parthenon Marbles

Australia's two most prestigious newspapers, "The Sydney Morning Herald" and "The Australian", are endorsing the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece on the occasion of the functioning of the new Acropolis museum.

Both daily newspapers, having circulations running into hundreds of thousands of copies each, are promoting in relevant reports events and lectures that will be beginning in Sydney this week on the issue of restoration work at the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum under the general title of "The Parthenon Project."

The newspaper "The Australian" mainly refers to the campaign for the return of the Parthenon Marbles and the New Acropolis Museum.

According to the report, the most noticeable element of the New Acropolis Museum, that is expected to open early next year, will be an empty room that will "await" the return of the Parthenon Marbles that were removed by Lord Elgin and are in the British Museum.

The report in the newspaper "The Sydney Morning Herald" refers to the historic event of the transfer and sale of Parthenoin Marbles by Lord Elgin.

Now, as the work on the restoration of the Parthenon is being completed and as the inauguration of the New Acropolis Museum is approaching, the time has now come for the return of the Marbles to their home.

As is noted by Maria Ioannidou, the director of the Acropolis Monuments Maintenance Service, "we must no longer call them the Elgin Marbles but the "Parthenon Marbles" and they must be returned to Greece."

"The Parthenon is not a ruin. It is standing autonomously and for one to see it complete, the Marbles must be returned," she said.

[33] Athens prefecture hosts con'f on innovative support methods for people with disabilities

The conference on innovative support methods for people with disabilities was held within the framework of the EU Equal initiative.

Pavlopoulos stressed that the state has given an emphasis on all education levels, the health sector, social care and social insurance, underlining the important role of local admini-stration in identifying the needs of local communities.

The interior ministry has adopted a number of measures contributing to the solution of problems faced by people with disabilities such as, favorable work contracts, accessibility to public buildings, publication of a special guide and online services.

[34] France's Sorbonne university considering expansion to Greece

Speaking in a press conference held at the French Embassy in Athens, the Sorbonne's President Jean-Robert Pitte said the university had chosen Greece in order to launch its opening in Europe and that he would be meeting the heads of the French Institute and Greek associates that were interested in developing the Sorbonne's activities in Greece.

He said the meetings would focus on possible cooperation in offering master's-level courses during the next academic year, 2008-2009. Proposed course subjects include law, commu-nications, international relations and psychology.

Pitte said that the prospect indicated the desire of French universities and Greek institutions to internationalise and highlighted the modern character and strength of Greek-French ties, which were already very strong in the sector of higher education.

He added that studies offered by the Sorbonne in Greece would not be free of charge, as they were for students in Paris, but that the fees set would take into account the specific socioeconomic conditions in the country and would be adjusted accordingly.

One of the oldest universities in Europe, the Sorbonne was originally founded in 1257 and gained international recognition over the centuries. It is now the seat of the Paris Academy and is one of the most influential institutions of higher education in Paris and France generally.

[35] Search operation for missing illegal migrants off Samos

The operation was launched Monday morning in adverse weather conditions, considering that the area was swept by 9 Beaufort-strong winds. Authorities were notified of the vessel by an anonymous caller.

Roughly 200 illegals, all attempting to reach Greek and EU territory from Turkey, have been intercepted by coast guard officials on Samos over the past three days.

[36] Drug-related armed attack kills two, injures four, in downtown Athens

The bloody assault took place Sunday night at an Albanian-owned coffee house in Omonia Square, downtown Athens, and police have launched a manhunt for the arrest of two hooded individuals armed with a Kalashnikov and a hand pistol. The two riddled the coffee house with bullets while standing on the sidewalk. At the time of the shooting, inside the store were its owner and seven customers, among them a couple which was the actual target of the attack.

A 31-year-old man was killed on the spot while a 44-year-old woman suffered serious wounds and succumbed shortly after she was rushed to Evangelismos Hospital. Police found small quantities of heroin and hashish on the male victim.

Among the wounded are the coffee house owner and three customers, all Albanian nationals, who were slightly injured.

[37] Cargo ship runs aground off Nafplio

No injuries were reported, and efforts are underway to move the vessel. The ship had set sail from Spain and Nafplio was its final destination.

Weather Forecast

[38] Rain, windy on Tuesday

Cyprus Affairs

[39] Spokesman: President's proposals for July Agreement are clear

There is no new development regarding the proposals submitted to the UN by Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos for the implementation of the July 8th Agreement, said Monday Government Spokesman Vasilis Palmas.

"Our proposals are on the table but there is nothing new regarding this issue", Palmas said answering to questions during his daily briefing.

President Papadopoulos has sent a letter last week to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon proposing eight points for the immediate implementation of the July 8 Agreement and other issues that concern the Cyprus problem.

President 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.

Answering to questions, Palmas dismissed statements made by Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat that President Papadopoulos' proposals are indefinite.

"The proposals are clear and explicit, as long as there is a political will on behalf of Talat for a discussion on the basis of those proposals", he added.

The spokesman said that Talat's positions concern mainly issues of day to day life, of confidence building measures, and remit to a discussion for the creation of conditions of good neighborhood with the Greek Cypriot community.

"We consider the Turkish Cypriot positions unacceptable and we believe that they constitute a method leading to the creation of two states. We do have proposals which concern confidence building measures as well as the substance of the Cyprus problem, because our ultimate goal is the comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue", he underlined.

Asked whether President Papadopoulos' proposals are affected by the developments in Turkey regarding a possible offensive against Kurdish rebels, Palmas indicated that the Greek Cypriot side is obliged to continue submitting constructive proposals aiming at making headway regarding the Cyprus talks.

"Turkey's new front in northern Iraq is not a positive development as regards the Cyprus problem" Palmas added, saying that regardless of the Turkish military plans, Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side are avoiding any discussion which is based on the Gambari Process.

Answering to questions regarding the Cypriot government's proposals for the opening of the Ledras Street crossing point in Nicosia, Palmas said that the government has always been raising security issues before the Ledras crossing point opens.

"The security aspect has been the prerequisite we were raising for the opening of Ledras. When the area is under the control of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, (UNFICYP) this automatically means that the safety of the citizens is safeguarded, there is no Turkish occupation army in the area and so we can proceed to discussions for the opening of the Ledras crossing point", he concluded.

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

[40] Presidential envoy optimistic about Syrian issue

Honorary President of the Social Democrats Movement EDEK, Vasos Lyssarides in his capacity as presidential envoy for talks regarding the illegal sea routes between Latakia, Syria, and the Turkish occupied port of Famagusta, expressed conviction that the issue will be settled soon.

On Monday, Lyssarides was received by Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos and submitted a report regarding his contacts in Damascus with Syrian government officials.

Lyssarides said he held a series of meetings among others with the Syrian President, the Syrian Foreign Minister, the Syrian Vice President, as well as the President of the Syrian Parliament.

''I am convinced that the issue will be settled before Cypriot Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou-Markoullis' visit to Damascus and it will be settled in such a way that will satisfy our side. I believe that this mission has been crowned with success", Lyssarides told reporters after his meeting with President Papadopoulos.

Famagusta has been declared by the government of Cyprus a closed port following the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island.

The UN has branded the illegal regime in occupied Cyprus "legally invalid" and called on all states not to recognize or facilitate it in any way.

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