Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-10-25

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Bakoyannis and Sweden's Bildt discuss Balkans, Cyprus issue

[02] Swedish FM Bildt addresses ELIAMEP event

[03] State Dep't: New meeting on FYROM name issue a 'positive' development

[04] Gov't on Cyprus question

[05] Foreign ministry secretary general to receive British ambassador

[06] NATO DMs hold informal meeting in Netherlands

[07] FM Bakoyannis in Ankara for BSEC sessions; meeting with Babacan

[08] PASOK leader on 'autonomy of politics'

[09] PASOK's Venizelos gives speech in Iraklio, Crete

[10] PASOK's Skandalidis visits Larissa

[11] Former PM Simitis criticises process for PASOK leadership vote

[12] Parliament completes discussion, ratification of social insurance funds e-governance bill

[13] Social insurance funds e-governance bill passed in first reading

[14] SYRIZA presents proposals for pension system

[15] Government delegation visits wildfire-stricken regions in Arcadia, Laconia

[16] US special envoy for Holocaust Issues in Greece; Parliament ratifies ITS archive amendment

[17] Culture and health ministers meet LA.OS leader

[18] Former PM Simitis' lecture at the London School of Economics

[19] Cuban Communist party official in Greece

[20] Inner Cabinet focuses on energy issues

[21] Development minister addresses energy conference

[22] Circular sent for issuing temporary pensions in 15 days

[23] Foreign investors express confidence over National Bank's course

[24] Gov't on Olympic Airlines

[25] Tourism minister addresses Hotel Chamber of Greece annual awards ceremony

[26] FG Europe to issue 65-mln-euro bond loan

[27] MIG Shipping submits public offers for remaining stakes in Attica Group, Blue Star Shipping

[28] Cosmote announces resignation of operations manager

[29] 2008 road tax stickers pending

[30] Greek stocks end 0.11 pct higher

[31] ADEX closing report

[32] Greek bond market closing report

[33] Foreign Exchange Rates - Thursday

[34] Archbishop Christodoulos to return to Greece on Friday

[35] Vartholomeos addresses Inter-religious Conference in Naples

[36] President Papoulias to visit pollution-plagued Lake Koroneia

[37] "Cafavia 2007" congress dedicated to philosopher Castoriadis

[38] IOM event on 'The Alphabet of the Mass Media and its teaching'

[39] 4.2R earthquake recorded off Crete

[40] Car chase leads to big heroin bust

[41] Clocks in EU revert to standard time on Sunday, Oct. 28

[42] Olympiakos loses 4-2 to Real Madrid away in Champions League match

[43] Partly cloudy on Thursday

[44] Cyprus makes strong representations to Britain

[45] UN top envoy: July agreement can help reunify Cyprus

[46] European Parliament regrets no progress made in Cyprus problem Politics

[01] Bakoyannis and Sweden's Bildt discuss Balkans, Cyprus issue

Their talks focused chiefly on the Balkans, with emphasis on Kosovo, Turkey's European prospects and developments in southeast Turkey. They also discussed the Cyprus issue, the dispute between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) over the latter's name and EU issues, particularly the progress of the Reform Treaty.

Greece's foreign minister repeated Athens' position for Kosovo, calling for a solution that was viable and promoted stability, while she emphasised the need to fully exhaust the margins for negotiation, ensure a unified European stance without unilateral actions and the maximum possible international legitimacy, such as that given by resolutions of the UN Security Council.

She also reiterated the Greek position that, for Turkey, full compliance with EU criteria should lead to full EU accession. Commenting on developments in SE Turkey, meanwhile, Bakoyannis condemned "all forms of terrorism" and advised "self-restraint and respect for international law", while she also urged respect for the territorial integrity and independence of Iraq.

On the Cyprus issue, the minister called for "in-depth preparation based on the Agreement of July 8, 2006, followed by the intensification of efforts - always within the set and official framework of the United Nations - for achieving a just, viable and functional solution to a problem that was created by a foreign military occupation and the unilateral declaration of independence of a pseudo-state".

She also repeated calls for achieving a mutually acceptable solution in the dispute over FYROM's name that could act as the basis for building relations of alliance and solidarity within the framework of NATO and the EU.

Replying to questions regarding an agreement signed between Turkey and the United Kingdom that contains a reference to the so-called "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" (the illegal regime in the Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus, which is not recognised by any country apart from Turkey), Bakoyannis said the Greek foreign ministry was considering the issue and "would lodge the necessary demarches as necessary".

Bildt noted the "excellent" bilateral relations currently enjoyed by Greece and Sweden and his satisfaction at the agreement over the Reform Treaty, adding that its ratification would enhance the EU's ability to become an important player in world affairs.

The Swedish minister also noted his concern over developments in Bosnia-Herzegovina and stressed that the situation in the Balkans required an overall approach that included Bosnia but also the future of Kosovo and FYROM's name.

"It is clear that Serbia is the key for stability in the entire region. We need a mutual and as far as possible acceptable solution to the issue of Kosovo. Problems in the Balkans cannot be solved unilaterally. Some form of consensus is necessary, some form of agreement and Kosovo is not an exception to this rule," Bildt told reporters, while also hailing the launch of a new initiative to resolve the FYROM name issue at the UN.

Pointing out that "one way or another, all Balkan issues were now on the table," Bildt said it was important to work for their solution in the coming months and that the EU should focus its attention on this area at this time.

Commenting on the Cyprus issue, the Swedish minister said that action on this had to be timed correctly and carefully and be within a UN framework.

Questioned about a Swedish initiative to arrange an informal meeting on the Cyprus issue in New York without Greece or the Cyprus Republic attending, Bildt clarified that this "was not some kind of council".

"We want to have a strong and clear EU policy on everything concerning security, external affairs and some forms of defence and this is being developed step by step. The EU has a very important role to play on a large number of issues. We know that there are issues that are still in the framework of the UN Security Council and we respect this, of course, but we must do all that we can in order to further support this framework," he said.

According to Bildt, the issue of FYROM's name was another possible area where an EU initiative might be useful in order to find a mutually agreed solution quickly, even though he added that this was "to a great extent a bilateral issue".

In response to other questions, Bildt denied that he might be a candidate for the post of EU foreign minister but stressed that the current stage within the EU would have been inconceivable 10 years earlier. He said the European citizens were demanding a strong international role for the EU and that the Reform Treaty offered the member-states new and important tools.

[02] Swedish FM Bildt addresses ELIAMEP event

Focusing on the issue of Kosovo in particular, Bildt said that "Kosovo cannot remain uder the auspices of the UN forever" and stressed that the prospect of independence for Kosovo is not a panacea.

"It must be accompanied by a package of external and internal arrangements," he pointed out and added that it must be realised by all that the proposal by the Troika is "a new approach. To be more specific, it is an approach to a process for a solution to the problem."

Bildt also expressed hope that "Russia will see itself as part of the effort for stabilisation in the region," noting that vetoes are not compatible with this goal.

However, the speaker conceded at the same time that the role of Serbia is important in the region, stressing that "a stable Serbia produces stability in the wider environment."

With the prospect of Croatia's accession to the EU, a speedy rapprochement between Serbia and the EU, a solution to the issue of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (FYROM) name based on a mutually acceptable solution by Athens and Skopje, the EU's "mild power" will facilitate the region's transformation.

He added that in his view this is crucial for Europe, among other things, because "if southeastern Europe is separated from the EU, it will be like the EU being separated from its history."

Commenting on a possible invasion of Iraq by Turkey, the speaker noted that for Europe "the Middle East, Iraq and Iran are our direct neighbours, since our Europe extends to the Middle East," while noting that for the United States the people living in this region are unknown, while for Europe they are familiar, since all countries (Sweden in particular) receive refugees and immigrants from there.

"Europe, that is experiencing its most peaceful and prosperous period, has considerable know-how on issues concerning the peaceful settlement of crises and in consolidating Confidence Building Measures, while it plays a very important role on international issues of climatological changes, nuclear disarmament and energy," he said.

[03] State Dep't: New meeting on FYROM name issue a 'positive' development

The new meeting between negotiators from Greece and FYROM called for November 1 in New York by UN special mediator on the FYROM name issue Matthew Nimetz was a "positive" development, US state department spokesman Sean McCormack said on Tuesday, replying to questions during a daily press briefing.

McCormack also said that Washington has "encouraged a resolution to this issue", noting that the US government has already made its decision on the name issue.

[04] Gov't on Cyprus question

The spokesman also pointed to the foreign ministry after queried on a response by Athens to Syria's decision to launch a ferry boat route from the port of Famagusta (in the occupied part of Cyprus) to Syria.

"All recognition efforts, direct or indirect, are rejected by the Greek side," he stressed.

[05] Foreign ministry secretary general to receive British ambassador

[06] NATO DMs hold informal meeting in Netherlands

Addressing the meeting, Defence Minister Evangelos Meimarakis referred to Afghanistan and stressed the importance of the active involvement of the Afghans themselves as an essential precondition for the successful continuation of the process of building institutions.

"It is necessary that international officials adopt an integrated approach and coordinate their efforts with the Afghan authorities, in accordance with their priorities, with the prospect of achieving higher levels of effectiveness," the minister said.

Commenting on developments in Kosovo, the defence minister reiterated that Greece supports all efforts to achieve a workable and viable and not a unilateral solution and that will be compatible with European principles and values and will move in the framework of the region's European prospects.

He also expressed support for the continuation of KFOR's military presence and stabilising role in the region.

"We consider necessary the existence of a UN Security Council resolution as an essential legalising basis for the implementation of the final status quo, as well as for the development of the non-military mission of the European Security and Defence Policy in the region," Meimarakis concluded.

[07] FM Bakoyannis in Ankara for BSEC sessions; meeting with Babacan

Greece's Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis arrived in Ankara on Wednesday night, accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister Petros Doukas, to take part in Thursday's sessions of the ministerial conference of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC), while on the sidelines of the sessions, she is expected to have a series of bilateral contacts.

Bakoyannis will meet on Thursday afternoon with her Turkish counterpart Ali Babacan, with whom she will discuss all the spectrum of bilateral relations and developments in the broader region of the Near and Middle East, including the "Kurdish issue" which tops the agenda these days in Turkey's domestic and foreign policy.

The two foreign ministers are also expected to discuss Turkey's European prospects, a few days before the issuing of the progress report by the European Commission.

Earlier on Thursday, she is expected to meet with her Romanian and Serbian counterparts, with whom she will discuss developments in the Balkans with focus centred on Kosovo and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

Doukas will also hold bilateral meetings.

[08] PASOK leader on 'autonomy of politics'

Papandreou defended what he called the "autonomy of politics" against "vested and all kinds of extra-institutional interests", saying that "not only vested interests are against the autonomy of politics but all those who come to their service as well."

He also said that changes being currently promoted within the main opposition party "will also signal changes in the political system, precisely with the safeguarding of the political autonomy of parties."

Addressing a rally of supporters in the western Peloponnese city of Patras later in the evening, Papandreou termed the November 11 election as an "unprecedented democratic process, taking place outside mechanisms and bureaucracy."

PASOK, he said, "is present with a new unity based on truth, and every one should assume the responsibility of this unity," also asking from party members and supporters a new "binding mandate" for himself as well as for the entire party leadership.

He said he was asking the new mandate in order to build a new PASOK which would "defeat the right wing party," because it (PASOK) will be "in rift with all kinds of establishement."

The PASOK leader also criticised sharply the ruling New Democracy (ND) party for its entire policy saying that "ND was thinking that our crisis would cover up its own problems but it is ND which faces today a crisis and an impass."

[09] PASOK's Venizelos gives speech in Iraklio, Crete

Elections will be held on November 11 for the leadership of the party and the candidates include current PASOK leader George Papandreou and prominent member Costas Skandalidis.

Concluding his tour of Crete from Iraklio, Venizelos spoke of "a great historic bet," noting that "what I had to give as minister and deputy I gave."

PASOK, he said, "sends a message to the government from Iraklio, not only a message of unity, but also a message of revival, reversal and victory. PASOK is here with explicit speech on major matters."

[10] PASOK's Skandalidis visits Larissa

The elections for the party leadership will be held on November 11.

Continuing his two-day tour of Thessaly with Larissa as his last stop, Skandalidis met in the afternoon with members of PASOK's Prefectural Committee.

Asked to coment on "the seriousness of the crisis in PASOK," he stressed that "the magnitude of the crisis depends on how one sees it." He concluded by saying, "the irrational talk should stop, we should go to a procedure through which we will overcome this difficulty."

[11] Former PM Simitis criticises process for PASOK leadership vote

Former prime minister and PASOK leader Costas Simitis criticised the process currently underway for election of a new main opposition PASOK leader, speaking during an event here on Tuesday evening.

"The process currently underway for the election of a PASOK leader is unacceptable," Simitis said in answer to a relevant question following a lecture he delivered at the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE).

PASOK is holding a nation-wide ballot on Nov. 11 for the election of a new leader, in which party members and registered supporters can vote, with some estimates pointing to a figure of as high as one million voters.

Incumbent president George Papandreou, Thessaloniki deputy and former minister Evangelos Venizelos as well as Athens MP and former party secretary Costas Skandalidis are the three main candidates in this much-expected election.

"In Europe," Simitis added, "with one exception, a party's leader or president is elected by the (national) congress of the party. PASOK's leader is now elected with the participation of members and friends of the party. However, it is very difficult to separate members from friends, and since anybody can vote it is not certain whether some of those voting are interested in having the best or the worse (candidate) elected."

Simitis also noted that there was no possibility of a third party existing between ruling New Democracy and PASOK, and predicting that his party would come to office again.

[12] Parliament completes discussion, ratification of social insurance funds e-governance bill

The discussion was characterised by the confrontation between the government and the main opposition PASOK party, both on public dialogue and on the views of Bank of Greece Governor Nikos Garganas on the reforming of the social security system.

On the question of the social security system and public dialogue on its reforming, Employment Minister Vassilis Magginas reassured that during the first cycle that will begin and which concerns the economic data of social security funds the government will come forward with full evidence.

"Dialogue does not mean one contributing thoughts and the other exercising criticism. Dialogue means an exchange of views on specific positions," the minister added in reply to criticism by opposition deputies.

Earlier, both PASOK Parliamentary representative Haris Kastanidis and PASOK's rapporteur Evi Christofilopoulou, as well as Maria Damanaki, accused the government of "making a systematic effort to create a climate of insecurity for working people with painful consequences for the social security funds."

[13] Social insurance funds e-governance bill passed in first reading

The bill, the first to be voted on by the new parliament that emerged from the September 16 general elections, was passed in the first reading, while debate will continue in the 300-member House on the individual Articles of the draft law.

Addressing the plenary session, employment minister Vassilis Magginas reiterated that the government will take its decisions on reform of the social insurance system following the conclusion of the ongoing public dialogue with all sides concerned, noting that the three unities of the dialogue, as per the central axes recently announced by the government, have met with agreement on the part of the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE).

Responding to opposition criticism of a lack of an actuarial study on the social insurance funds, and to demands that he take a clear-cut and specific position on data in a recent study by the International Labor Office (ILO), Magginas said "I have no reason to either extol or criticise the relevant study of the ILO, which is indeed a serious organisation, nor the view of any letter-writer to any newspaper", adding that the government was evaluating all those both as data, and as facts, which it would take into consideration.

Earlier, main opposition PASOK deputy Maria Damanaki called on the government to clarify whether it adopted or not the relevant actuary studies, so as to put an end to the insecurity of the social insurance beneficiaries and the 'wave of exodus' (early retirement from public sector jobs), stressing that PASOK would take part in the public dialogue only when the government succinctly presented its proposal in writing.

PASOK rapporteur on the bill, MP Evi Christofilopoulou, called on the employment minister to withdraw the regulation on the debts to IKA, which she said created a climate of "welshers" which "ill beseems the overall effort for the future of the social insurance system", and accused the government of "pulling hat tricks" with "rabbits" such as Bank of Greece governor Nick Garganas and Nikos Analytis, who heads the government-appointed committee of experts examining the reform of Greece's pension system.

ND parliamentary spokesman Panos Panayotopoulos replied that Garganas belonged to the "modernist" PASOK, stressing that the government, and prime minister Costas Karamanlis himself, do not adopt Garganas' views. "The bill will not be paid by the social insurance recipients. We call on PASOK to take a clear-cut position, because the Greek people should not pay for its (PASOK's) internal problems," Panayotopoulos said.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) rapporteur Dimitris Tsiogas also disagreed with the IKA regulation, saying that a prosecutor should investigate the issue and accused both the ND and PASOK governments of having passed regulations that wrote off billions of euros in debts to IKA, in favor the employers and at the expense of the working people.

Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA) rapporteur Panagiotis Lafazanis spoke along similar lines, accusing the government of "hastening to facilitate the tax-dodgers".

Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) rapporteur Kyriakos Velopoulos said his party disagreed not only with the IKA regulation but also with the entire bill, saying that it contained 'murky Articles'.

Responding to the criticism, Magginas explained that the IKA arrangement was not a new regulation but simply a 30-day extension of a previous extension, following the request of the country's two largest social insurance funds, so as to facilitate some small-scale debtors with outstanding payments.

[14] SYRIZA presents proposals for pension system

The press conference was held by SYRIZA leader Alekos Alavanos and senior party members Dimitris Stratoulis and Yiannis Theonas, who justified their refusal to take part in dialogue on pension reform by stressing that they refused to participate in a process with a predetermined course and outcome.

"Greek society is under a regime of pension terrorism and we refuse to enter a dialogue with a predetermined development. We will continue to bombard Parliament and society with a series of specific measures designed to support pension funds, without undermining the public-sector character of social insurance," Alavanos underlined.

The proposals they outlined were mainly oriented toward ensuring that the state paid its share of the cost of social insurance, that social insurance and pension funds fully and safely utilised their available assets, collecting unpaid insurance contributions and ending favourable settlements for employers that owed insurance contributions, as well as payment of outstanding state debts to pension funds.

They also proposed creating a special "reserve fund" for social insurance by taxing share transactions and dividends that would have the form of a special social solidarity fund and that will "open" after 2025 to support younger contributors to the system.

SYRIZA has already tabled its proposals in Parliament and appealed to the other opposition parties to support them, which the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) has already refused to do.

[15] Government delegation visits wildfire-stricken regions in Arcadia, Laconia

Kiltidis talked to inhabitants in villages of the municipalities of Megalopoli and Falesia in Arcadia and in villages of the municipality of Therapni in Laconia. Two meetings were also held in Megalopoli and in Sparti with the participation of prefects and mayors of the wildfire-stricken municipaities, as well as representatives of agencies, services and farm union organisations.

Kiltidis said in a statement that "an assessment was made of the situation and the value of projects of forestry flood protection was ascertained, which is developing in the mountain regions that were burnt and the value of these projects is great."

The deputy minister added that the purpose of the visit is an on-the-spot inspection of the development and completion of anti-erosion and forest flood protection projects, as well as of actions to face the problems of farmers and stockbreeders harmed by the wildfires.

Meeting held in Sparti on Special Strategic Development Plan

A meeting was held on Wednesday at the Prefecture of Laconia in the city of Sparti, focusing on the course of the implementation of the Special Strategic Development Plan for the prefectures of Laconia and Messinia, which is prepared by the Regional Development Institute.

Representatives of the two Prefectural Administrations stressed that the Special Strategic Development Plan is a unique opportunity for the joint development course of two regions that are underprivileged and that have many common characteristics.

It is a unique opportunity for the southern Peloponnese to converge with development. In any case, it was pointed out that many common elements exist, such as Taygetus, Mani and the modern Sparti-Lefktro motorway that join the two prefectures.

[16] US special envoy for Holocaust Issues in Greece; Parliament ratifies ITS archive amendment

"I want to congratulate the Greek Parliament and to note that with this historic vote, all 11 countries have completed their approval process," Amb. Kennedy was quoted as saying in a press release issued on Wednesday by the US embassy in Athens, following the newly sworn-in Parliament's unanimous vote a day earlier.

The US special envoy scheduled meetings with government officials and institutions as well as with leaders of the Greek Jewish community in Athens and Thessaloniki regarding Holocaust education and remembrance.

According to the press release, at a May 2006 meeting in Luxembourg, the 11 member-states of the International Tracing Service (ITS) Commission adopted amendments to the founding agreements to permit each member-state to receive a digitised copy of virtually the entire Bad Arolsen archive, a collection totalling approximately 30 million pages of pre-war, WWII and post-war detention, concentration camp, labour and displaced persons records.

In addition to the United States and Greece, the ITS Commission is comprised of Belgium, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland and the United Kingdom.

[17] Culture and health ministers meet LA.OS leader

Liapis said the ministry's top priority is the safe transfer of antiquities to the new Acropolis Museum.

Liapis added that a serious issue of the ministry is the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece.

Karatzaferis also met with Health and Social Solidarity leader Dimitris Avramopoulos who briefed the LA.OS leader on two important bills which will be tabled in Parliament in the coming ten days, one being on primary care.

[18] Former PM Simitis' lecture at the London School of Economics

"Mass media today play an important role in the operation of Democracy", former Prime Minister of Greece Costas Simitis said Tuesday night, speaking at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

Simitis, an alumnus of LSE, gave a lecture titled: "Is Democracy in crisis? Lessons from the Greek Experience", underlining that it has become common knowledge that the mass media play a role in modern-day Democracy, regardless of the fact that there is no such provision in the Constitution.

Referring to the role of the mass media, Simitis said that "The Press monitors and oversees, which is a right that belongs to society". The media should not impose policies, promote special interests or use their power in such a way that will dictate government policies, added Simitis, stressing that contrary to the way it should be, mass media -- and television in particular -- make political parties more dependent on the capital and reinforces the plutocratic characteristics of the Democracy.

Despite efforts made in many countries to limit the power of the mass media, political life is still defined by a factor (mass media) with limitations that are hard to define or restrict, said Simitis, stressing that "legislation is not enough" and that "power is only limited through the use of power". "In this case, the crisis in Democracy is the result of a lack of political will to face the power of the mass media", he said, adding that "political parties wishing to use the mass media for their own purposes tend to identify with them".

Simitis pointed out that Democracy can be strengthened only through open dialogue before national audiences, to safeguard complete information, transparency, control and punitive action where needed.

The former prime minister has also been invited on Wednesday to address the St Catherine's College, University of Oxford on EU developments and prospects. The event is hosted by the Greek association of the University of Oxford.

[19] Cuban Communist party official in Greece

According to a KKE press release, the two delegations exchanged views on this year's international meeting of Communist parties in Minsk, Belarus as well as in Moscow, whereas Arias extended an invitation to KKE Secretary General Aleka Papariga to visit Cuba.

Financial News

[20] Inner Cabinet focuses on energy issues

On his part, Development Minister Christos Folias, whose portfolio includes the all-important energy sector, commented after the meeting that certain initiatives are in progress and need to be accelerated, while others need to be tackled with a long-term strategy.

According to reports, the urgent utilisation of alternative forms of energy in oil-dependent Greece dominated talks, with the minister adding that environmental protection has become a tangible and top priority in the governmental policy.

Responding to a question on the likelihood of a meeting between the prime ministers of Greece and Turkey to discuss progress over a much-expected Greek-Turkish pipeline, Folias expressed certainty that it will take place in the following weeks.

Referring to a university study revealing widespread adulteration if fuels on the Greek market due to inadequate inspections, Folias underlined that these are the Athens Polytechnic's conclusions, while merely noting that extensive inspections are now being held and those responsible are being prosecuted.

[21] Development minister addresses energy conference

Referring to the market of petroleum products, the minister said that the target is the continuous modernisation of the functioning of the market, the strengthening of competition and the extension and intensification of checks.

Folias further said that the ministry's concern is to have the prices of oil and its derivatives contained at the lowest possible levels all over the country.

According to the minister, the ministry's strategic target is the policy of energy links with the international networks for the transportation of electricity, oil and natural gas.

In this framework, inter-state agreements are being implemented that have been signed over the past two years for the construction of big international energy pipelines.

[22] Circular sent for issuing temporary pensions in 15 days

Magginas instructed the funds' administration to set up spcial offices for the submission of such applications, to be staffed by personnel with experience in the pension procedures.

[23] Foreign investors express confidence over National Bank's course

Speaking to reporters, after the first meetings with foreign institutional investors in New York, as part of a series of presentations by Greece's largest financial institution in New York and Boston, Arapoglou said foreign investors strongly emphasized on strict adherence to the goals included in the bank's three-year business plan 2007-2009. The Greek banker said the business plan was implemented without any deviation.

Commenting on talk over mergers and acquisitions, Arapoglou said they served their goal only when they added value to shareholders. He stressed that interesting markets nowdays were those with European direction, strong growth rates and a good supervisory system.

Arapoglou said National Bank did not need to move with a share capital increase plan to implement its strategy. "Our three-year business plan is self-funded and our capital is more than enough," Arapoglou said.

The Greek banker noted that foreign institutional investors were strongly emphasizing on National Bank's strong regional presence in the wider Southeast European market and its sustainable profitability in the region. National Bank said 40 percent of its revenues came from its international activities.

[24] Gov't on Olympic Airlines

Roussopoulos also commented that the state-run carrier is at a sensitive phase, the reason why the posts of OA president and CEO are held by the same individual -- amid ongoing negotiations with the European Commission for a viable solution to keep OA in business.

[25] Tourism minister addresses Hotel Chamber of Greece annual awards ceremony

In his speech, the minister underlined the quality which the Greek tourism product must have, stressing that in 2007 the increase in tourist arrivals touched 6%, while the corresponding increase of tourism revenue is just 3%.

"This means that the quality in tourism must constitute and constitutes our basic priority. And in this section, of quality, the world of hotels already gives a lot, but it has even more to give," Spiliotopoulos said.

Directing himself to the hoteliers, with the objective of expanding the tourism period, the strengthening of city breaks and the other forms of alternative tourism, he noted that emphasis is given on the further opening of the market to low cost airline companies (LCCs).

[26] FG Europe to issue 65-mln-euro bond loan

[27] MIG Shipping submits public offers for remaining stakes in Attica Group, Blue Star Shipping

A MIG Shipping statement said it planned to maintain the two companies' listing on the Athens Stock Exchange.

MIG Shipping seeks to purchase the remaining 47.74 pct equity stake in Attica Group and the remaining 51.15 percent equity stake in Blue Star Shipping.

[28] Cosmote announces resignation of operations manager

[29] 2008 road tax stickers pending

The owners of private automobiles and motorcycles will be able to obtain the stickers from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2007.

Failing to obtain the stickers within the prescribed time period will entail a 30-euro fine for owners of automobiles, motorcycles and jeeps with an engine size of up to 785cc, while owners of larger vehicles will pay fines equal to the corresponding road tax fee.

Owners of automobiles with an engine size of up to 300cc will pay a 15-euro road tax fee; 38 euros for 301-785cc; 93 euros for 786-1357cc; 168 euros for 1,358-1,928cc, and 372 euros for 1,929-2,357cc , while the road tax fee for automobiles with a larger engine size is 483 euros.

[30] Greek stocks end 0.11 pct higher

Most sectors moved higher with the Healthcare (2.79 pct), Financial Services (1.70 pct) and Utilities (1.50 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while the Telecommunications (1.57 pct), Industrial Products (0.25 pct) and Technology (0.18 pct) suffered losses.

The Big Cap index rose 0.15 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 0.54 pct higher and the Small Cap index jumped 1.26 pct. Epilektos (9.68 pct), Alpha Grissin (8.71 pct) and Viosol (7.69 pct) were top gainers, while Ippotour (8.86 pct), Marak (7.84 pct) and Hatzikraniotis (5.79 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 130 to 119 with another 51 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +0.47%

Industrials: -0.25%

Commercial: +0.13%

Construction: +0.49%

Media: -0.14%

Oil & Gas: -0.05%

Personal & Household: +0.32%

Raw Materials: -0.08%

Travel & Leisure: -0.09%

Technology: -0.18%

Telecoms: -1.57%

Banks: +0.45%

Food & Beverages: +0.03%

Health: +2.79%

Utilities: +1.50%

Chemicals: +0.35%

Financial Services: +1.70%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 24.96

ATEbank: 3.98

Public Power Corp (PPC): 28.00

HBC Coca Cola: 42.00

Hellenic Petroleum: 10.98

Emporiki Bank: 20.40

National Bank of Greece: 44.90

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 25.98

Intralot: 28.98

Cosmote: 24.26

OPAP: 27.90

OTE: 25.40

Titan Cement Company: 34.76

[31] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totaled 6,046 contracts worth 82.439 million euros, with 34,279 open positions in the market, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 534 contracts worth 17.954 million euros, with 1,010 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 6,926 contracts worth 11.879 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Marfin Investment Group's contracts (1,432), followed by Marfin Popular Bank (579), OTE (414), PPC (346), OPAP (391), Piraeus Bank (388), National Bank (839), Intracom (435) and ATEbank (396).

[32] 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 4.15 pct, the one-month rate 4.15 pct, the three-month rate 4.62 pct, the six-month rate 4.60 pct and the 12-month rate 4.60 pct.

[33] Foreign Exchange Rates - Thursday

U.S. dollar 1.434

Pound sterling 0.701

Danish kroner 7.513

Swedish kroner 9.286

Japanese yen 163.97

Swiss franc 1.684

Norwegian kroner 7.807

Cyprus pound 0.588

Canadian dollar 1.390

Australian dollar 1.596

General News

[34] Archbishop Christodoulos to return to Greece on Friday

The ailing Archbishop is expected to arrive at Athens' "Eleftherios Venizelos" International Airport at 1:30pm Friday.

According to a statement issued by the Church of Greece Holy Synod, treatment will continue in Athens, where the Archbishop is returning following suggestions by his attending doctors.

Archbishop Christodoulos, 68, was diagnosed with cancer in June and flew to Miami in August to wait for a compatible liver. He went into surgery for liver transplant operation that was finally aborted after doctors found his cancer had spread to the abdominal region.

According to an announcement issued by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul, meanwhile, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I contacted Archbishop Christodoulos on the phone while in Naples in order to convey his best wishes for the archbishop's name day, as well as those of Pope Benedict XVI and the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Rowan Williams. The Patriarch had earlier met the two Church leaders in the Italian city, the announcement said.

[35] Vartholomeos addresses Inter-religious Conference in Naples

Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos on Wednesday addressed in fluent Italian the 21st Inter-religious Conference in Naples, Italy.

"The Orthodox Church is not anxious for a geographical and quantitative expansion of its work. It starts from within towards outwards. It preaches internal spiritual culture," the Patriarch said.

The Conference was held in the presence of Italian President Giorgio Napolitano.

In another point of his speech, Vartholomeos said that "Orthodox culture is against violence because the kingdom of God is not created through external violence but through internal freedom."

Referring to the international meeting, he said "such types of conferences contribute to the cooperation between the peoples and the growth of relations of mutual understanding and cooperation which the world needs today."

Naples University proclaimed the Patriarch honorary professor during a special ceremony.

[36] President Papoulias to visit pollution-plagued Lake Koroneia

Papoulias will visit the lake, which has recently suffered from acute environmental problems caused by pollution, at around 13:30 in the afternoon and will be briefed on the situation by the president of the body supervising the lake, Savvas Anastasiades.

[37] "Cafavia 2007" congress dedicated to philosopher Castoriadis

The congress, which will be held in Athens on November 2-4, is organised by the "Modern Delphic Amphictionia" and the National Federation of Journalists Union (POESY).

Known as the philosopher of the social imagination, the co-founder of the legendary group and journal Socialisme ou Barbarie, important social and political thinker credited with inspiring the May 1968 events in France, professional economist at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, practicing psychoanalyst, distinguished Sovietologist, and critical conscience of the international Left, Cornelius Castoriadis died on December 26, 1997, in Paris at the age of 75 from complications following a heart surgery.

[38] IOM event on 'The Alphabet of the Mass Media and its teaching'

The event was held at the Press Centre of the Communications General Secretariat.

Roussopoulos stressed that it was necessary for the maintenance of the quality of programs and the critical confrontation of the mass media through modern training.

Also present at the event was National Education and Religious Affairs Minister Evripidis Stylianidis.

[39] 4.2R earthquake recorded off Crete

Seismologists were reassuring over the quake, which was recorded at 00:57 a.m.

[40] Car chase leads to big heroin bust

The unidentified man, who had the heroin hidden in his car, failed to stop his car and sped off when he was flagged down by a police patrol for a routine check.

During the police chase that followed the unidentified man crashed his car into two parked vehicles but managed to escape arrest fleeing on foot.

[41] Clocks in EU revert to standard time on Sunday, Oct. 28

Clocks on Sunday should be turned back one hour at 4:00 a.m. to show 3:00 a.m.

The measure, also known as "summer time", begins on the last Sunday of March and ends on the last Sunday of October.

Soccer

[42] Olympiakos loses 4-2 to Real Madrid away in Champions League match

Real Madrid went into the lead with Raul in the 2nd minute and Olympiakos equalised with Luciano Galletti in the 7th.

Olympiakos' defender Vassilis Torosidis was shown a straight red card for a professional foul in the the 13th.

Julio Cesar made it 2-1 for Olympiakos in the 47th and Real equalised 2-2 with Robinho in the 68th, with the same player scoring the Spanish club's third goal in the 83rd. Javier Balboa made it 4-2 for Real in the 90+3.

Weather Forecast

[43] Partly cloudy on Thursday

Cyprus Affairs

[44] Cyprus makes strong representations to Britain

The government of Cyprus has described as "a negative development" a strategic partnership agreement between the UK and Turkey and said it will act to protect its national interests.

Speaking after a Cabinet meeting Wednesday, Government Spokesman Vasilis Palmas said that the Foreign Minister has made strong representations to the British High Commissioner in Nicosia about the agreement, signed by the prime ministers of Britain and Turkey.

"The document of the partnership entertains a clearly partitionist logic, since the main subject of its provisions relating to Cyprus is the systematic promotion of separate relations of the Turkish Cypriot secessionist entity in the occupied areas with the rest of the world," Palmas pointed out.

Great Britain, said Palmas, is an EU partner, where the principle of sincere cooperation and solidarity should be respected. He noted that London had failed to inform Nicosia of its intention to co-sign with the Turkish government a political agreement, which partly concerns vital interests for Cyprus.

"It is the view of the government of Cyprus that this development is contrary to the Memorandum of Understanding, signed between the UK and Cyprus in 2005, to establish a Structured Dialogue between the two governments," he added.

In addition, Palmas said that as a permanent member of the Security Council, the UK has signed all relevant resolutions on Cyprus which bind the country. "Resolution 550 (1984), apart from the fact that it condemns the secessionist actions in the occupied areas and proclaims them illegal and invalid, calls on all states, not to recognise the purported state and "not to facilitate or in any way assist the aforesaid secessionist entity."

In signing this agreement, he pointed out, Great Britain appears to be in line with Turkey's policy on Cyprus, which as the Turkish President has stated is one promoting two separate entities on the island.

"With such actions, prospects for a solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of Security Council resolutions and the High Level Agreements become even grimmer. These moves also undermine efforts for the unconditional implementation of the July 8 process since they remove every motive from the Turkish side to change its intransigent attitude," Palmas stressed.

The government, its spokesman said, will act decisively and calmly to protect its national interests through all available diplomatic and legal means and, if necessary, it will review its long-standing policies.

"Once more we see Cyprus being sacrificed for the sake of foreign interests, which have nothing to do with either the country itself," he stressed.

Palmas also noted that Turkey and Great Britain are two of the four states which co-signed the Treaty of Guarantee of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960 with which Greece, Turkey and the UK guaranteed, the independence and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and had undertaken the responsibility to prohibit any action which would indirectly promote partition.

Palmas said Turkey invaded Cyprus and imposed, through violence, the division of the country and the UK did not meet its obligations, while it maintains military bases and facilities on the island, in accordance with the Treaty of Guarantee which is governed by the principle of reciprocity.

The partnership agreement commits Britain and Turkey to take forward work on ending what the Turkish Cypriots call "isolation" and to encourage others in the international community to join them in their efforts.

In the document, London and Ankara say they will work within the UN, the EU and bilaterally to promote direct commercial, economic, political and cultural contacts between the UK, the EU and the Turkish Cypriots.

They will also provide "continued help for "TRNC" authorities/universities in their attempts to engage with the Bologna process" and will uphold "the right of representation of the Turkish Cypriots in the European Parliament."

Britain: no change in policy on Cyprus

Britain has said that there is no change in its policy on Cyprus and it will not recognize a separate entity in the island's northern Turkish occupied areas.

In a written statement issued here by British High Commissioner in Cyprus Peter Millett, Britain reiterates its commitment to the reunification of the island and expresses support for UN efforts to implement an agreement reached in July last year, between the leaders of the island's two communities, aiming at preparing the ground for substantive negotiations leading to a political settlement.

The statement was issued after representations were made by Cyprus Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou Marcoullis to Millett with regard to a strategic partnership signed in London on Wedneday by the British and the Turkish prime ministers.

''There is nothing new in the Cyprus related elements of the UK/Turkey Strategic Partnership that was signed yesterday (Wednesday) in London.

Our policy on the non-recognition of the so-called "TRNC" is unchanged. We do not and will not recognise a separate entity in the northern part of Cyprus. Nor does anything in the document reflect an attempt to upgrade the status of the north or promote partition", Millett said in his statement.

"We are fully committed to the reunification of the island and support the UN's efforts to implement the 8 July process. At the press conference following the meeting, the Prime Minister Gordon Brown made clear the importance of seizing the opportunity for progress towards a settlement in 2008. It is only by engaging with Turkey in a constructive and strategic way that this goal can be realized,'' he adds.

[45] UN top envoy: July agreement can help reunify Cyprus

The UN Secretary General's Special Representative in Cyprus Michael Moller said on Wednesday that the process, provided by a UN-brokered agreement in July last year, is flexible and viable enough to accommodate the concerns and needs of the two communities in Cyprus, while enabling the reunification of the island.

He appealed to all Cypriots to look to the future and think constructively and imaginatively about the shape of things to come, adding that the time was more than ripe for a settlement and that the UN and the international community were steadfast in their determination to help Cyprus move forward.

Speaking during a reception in Nicosia to mark the 62nd birthday of the UN, Moller said the UN Secretary General has urged the leaders of both communities on the island to show "the political will and strength to move this vital process of reconciliation ahead.''

''It is our firm conviction that the 8 July process is flexible and viable enough to accommodate the respective concerns and needs while enabling the long awaited, long elusive goal of reuniting this beautiful island. I appeal to all Cypriots to look to the future and think constructively and imaginatively about the shape of things to come. An active and involved civil society is crucial to how that future is shaped,'' Moller added.

He furthermore said that ''understanding and peace is best achieved by those who already know each other, it is seldom sustainable if imposed by outsiders.''

''It is for the people of Cyprus to find a Cypriot solution to what is a Cypriot problem. The time is more than ripe for that to happen. We, the United Nations and the international community, are steadfast in our determination to help Cyprus more forward. Let us do so together, expeditiously and with determination,'' he added.

The top UN envoy in Cyprus also referred to the message of Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon for UN Day, in which he pointed out, inter alia, that more people and governments understand that multilateralism is the only path in an interdependent and globalising world, and that going it alone is not a viable option.

''The UNFICYP inter-communal survey conducted earlier this year showed some disillusionment about prospects for an early Cyprus settlement, underscoring the vital need to promote and encourage dialogue, debate and discussion between and among the island's communities on all the issues pertinent to the island's future,'' Moller said.

He added that the survey showed that ''a large majority in each community is willing to accept a federal settlement but it also showed that misperceptions and misgivings exist within each community about the other's real intentions and/or preferences,'' noting that ''any attempt to reach an agreed federal settlement has to overcome this lack of trust and skepticism about prospects for a settlement.''

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

President of the Republic 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.

[46] European Parliament regrets no progress made in Cyprus problem

The European Parliament plenary session adopted a resolution on Wednesday concerning EU-Turkey relations, in which it expresses regret that ''no substantial progress has been made in reaching a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus question.''

The Parliament ''reiterates its call on both parties to adopt a constructive attitude for a comprehensive settlement within the UN framework, based on the principles upon which the EU is founded, and in this regard recalls its previous resolutions stating that the withdrawal of Turkish forces would facilitate the negotiation of a settlement.

It furthermore ''welcomes the establishment of an instrument of financial support to encourage the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community'' and ''calls on the Commission to report specifically on the implementation and effectiveness of this instrument.''

The Parliament calls on the Commission to identify in its regular report those subjects which have to be addressed by Turkey as a matter of priority, focusing on the achievement of the short-term and medium-term priorities set out in the Accession Partnership, and expects the Commission to fully utilise all appropriate means to efficiently support the reform process, reminding Turkey that honouring its commitments within the timetable set by the Accession Partnership is of paramount importance to its credibility.

It congratulates Turkey on having held free and fair elections and expects the new Turkish Government to accelerate the process of reforms in order to fulfill the commitments defined in the Accession Partnership.

The resolution also welcomes efforts made by the Turkish Government to align itself with the EU energy acquis and supports the opening of negotiations on the energy chapter as soon as technical preparations are completed, and encourages Turkey to join, as a full member, the European Energy Community.

Furthermore, it notes that Turkey's geo-strategic position in the region and its role in transportation and logistics will become more important in the coming years.

The Parliament expresses concern about the repeated interference of the Turkish armed forces in the political process and stresses that further efforts are needed to ensure full and effective civilian control over the military.

It welcomes the EU-Turkey Civil Society Dialogue and underlines the importance of increased contacts between the civil societies in Turkey and the EU, and furthermore points out the reforms needed to improve the functioning of the judiciary and the combating of corruption, respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms, protection of women's rights, implementation of the zero-tolerance-to-torture policy as well as protection of minority, religious and cultural rights.

The resolution urges the new Turkish Government to fully implement the provisions stemming from the Association Agreement and its Additional Protocol, and recalls that the non-fulfillment of Turkey's commitments referred to in the Accession Partnership will continue to affect seriously the process of negotiations.

The European Parliament deplores the fact that a number of people are still being prosecuted under Article 301 of the Penal Code, and urges the government and the newly elected parliament to make sure that all provisions of the Penal Code allowing for arbitrary restrictions on the expression of non-violent opinions are removed and that freedom of expression and freedom of press are guaranteed; regards this as a number-one priority for the new government.

It stresses the need to adopt a Law on Foundations without delay that addresses the current legal uncertainty of religious minorities and strongly condemns the murder of Hrant Dink, the murder of the Christian priest Andrea Santoro, the murder of three Christians in Malatya, the terrorist attack in Ankara and all other acts of politically or religiously motivated violence.

The Parliament calls on the new government to take concrete measures to ensure that full trade union rights are respected, welcomes the fact that a considerable number of women in Turkey hold strong positions in the economy and in the academic world, and that more women have been elected in parliament, and points to the need for a comprehensive strategy for the socioeconomic development of the south-east of Turkey.

Furthermore, it expresses concern about the consequences of the social, ecological, cultural and geopolitical problems of the Turkish South Anatolia Project, in which water barrage projects have a direct impact on the water supply of the neighbouring countries.

It urges the new government to launch a political initiative favouring a lasting settlement of the Kurdish issue, strongly condemns the violence perpetrated by the PKK and other terrorist groups on Turkish soil, attaches great importance to Turkey's commitment to good neighbourly relations, in line with the requirements set out in the Negotiating Framework, and reiterates its call upon the Turkish and Armenian Governments to start a process of reconciliation for the present and the past.

In conclusion, it stresses the importance of Turkey's potential with regard to the Black Sea region, the South Caucasus and the Central Asian region in bringing stability, democratic governance, mutual confidence and prosperity to these regions, in particular through regional cooperation projects, and also stresses Turkey's role in the Middle East.

36, TSOCHA ST. ATHENS 115 21 GREECE * TEL: 64.00.560-63 * FAX: 64.00.581-2 INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.ana-mpa.gr * e-mail: anabul@ana gr * GENERAL DIRECTOR: GEORGE TAMBAKOPOULOS

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