Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-10-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM Bakoyannis holds talks with Turkish, Romanian, Serb counterparts

[02] FM Bakoyannis underlines Greece's presence in crucial geostrategic Black Sea region

[03] FM meets with Turkish president on sidelines of BSEC ministerial meeting

[04] Greece lodges strong demarche over UK-Turkey document

[05] PM Karamanlis confers with merchant marine and island policy minister

[06] Meimarakis represents Greece at EU-NATO informal ministers' meeting

[07] Three-day celebrations begin for October 28 national holiday

[08] Nat'l anniversary days strengthen historical memory, President says

[09] Parliament president's message on October 28 national anniversary

[10] Messages on 'OHI' Day national anniversary

[11] SAE president issues message on occasion of Oct. 28 anniversary

[12] Gov't queried over OPAP-Intralot contract

[13] PASOK leader tours fire-ravaged Ileia prefecture

[14] PASOK leader George Papandreou addresses rally in Kalamata

[15] PASOK's Venizelos addresses supporters in Kavala

[16] European Parliament ratifies decision on penal decision recognition

[17] European Ombudsman's 2006 report endorsed

[18] New Greek Ambassador to Switzerland presents credentials

[19] Parliamentary debate on tax evasion

[20] FinMin on draft bill of 2008 budget

[21] Government comments on measure for 'provisional' pension

[22] National Bank's report on Greek labour market

[23] Vivartia unveils new five-year business plan

[24] Cyprus-funded reconstruction of Artemida to begin in December

[25] Australians give financial support to wildfire-affected inhabitants

[26] Arab-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce acquires new board

[27] Ionian Hotels reports improved nine-month results

[28] ITEP cites gap between tourist arrivals, FX revenue growth rates

[29] PPC employees to strike on November 5

[30] Greek stocks end 0.74 pct higher

[31] ADEX closing report

[32] Greek bond market closing report

[33] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

[34] Olympia will be ready for Olympic Torch lighting, minister says

[35] Minister Stylianidis to welcome back Archbishop Christodoulos

[36] Gov't mulling conversion of refugee apartments into cancer patient hostels

[37] Metropolitan Park to be the largest park in the world

[38] Modern Greek literature translations in 20 European languages

[39] EU court finds against Greece on bird protection, wastewater treatment

[40] Historic flag to fly over Thessaloniki on Friday during 95th anniversary of city's liberation

[41] Speeding a common traffic violation

[42] Bank robbers get away with 73,830 euros

[43] US Embassy consular section to remain closed on last Wednesday each month

[44] Arrest for counterfeit money possession

[45] Cocaine arrests in Thessaloniki

[46] Partly cloudy on Friday

[47] The Thursday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

[48] European Commission: EU members do not recognize puppet regime

[49] Cyprus House President calls on MPs to avert upgrading of pseudostate

[50] Famagusta delegation on a visit to USA Politics

[01] FM Bakoyannis holds talks with Turkish, Romanian, Serb counterparts

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and her Turkish counterpart Ali Babacan held hour-long talks on the sidelines of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organisation (BSEC) ministerial session on Thursday and agreed that 2008 will be a window to an opportunity for substantive talks between Greece and Turkey.

Earlier, Bakoyannis had bilateral contacts with her counterparts from Romania Adrian Cioroianu, and Serbia Vuk Jeremic, with whom she mainly discussed developments in the Balkans, focusing on Kosovo and the issue of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

Speaking after her meetings, Bakoyannis said that "we are here for the session of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organisation. We had the opportunity of ascertaining and declaring the will of the member-states to promote their economic cooperation and on very specific issues that they plan to implement next year.

"During the day, I had the opportunity of meeting three counterparts of mine. The first was the Romanian, with whom I had a long discussion on the Balkans, particularly on the issue of Kosovo, and I briefed him on Greece's position on Skopje."

Bakoyannis added that the second was the Serb foreign minister, with whom she also had a long discussion. They discussed Serbia's European prospects, while noting that Greece is among the countries that maintain that Serbia's association with the European Union must move ahead immediately. She further said that she also discussed the question of Kosovo which is the main issue currently preoccupying Serbia.

The foreign minister went on to say that "lastly, I met with Mr. Babacan. We had an hour-long meeting. We had the opportunity of discussing the problems of this region analytically, meaning the problems facing Turkey and the terrorist acts taking place on its territory, as well as its relations with Iraq and the entire region. As you know, a special meeting will be taking place in Istanbul, between the sides involved, on Iraq, and which the Turkish government is waiting for. We once again encouraged the Turkish government in its diplomatic effort, condemning every terrorist act taking place on its territory, something that constitutes a steadfast position of Greece.

"With Mr. Babacan, we discussed his possible arrival dates in Athens and of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' visit to Ankara. We agreed on and confirmed the will of the two countries and governments for us to proceed with new zeal in 2008 with the talks the two countries are having and we agreed that the two new governments have a window to opportunity in 2008 to move on to substantive talks on their bilateral issues, as well as on the European prospects of Turkey."

[02] FM Bakoyannis underlines Greece's presence in crucial geostrategic Black Sea region

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis on Thursday addressed the Black Sea Economic Cooperation's (BSEC) 17th ministerial session here, with which the Turkish presidency was concluded, underlining Greece's dynamic presence in the geostrategically and economically crucial Black Sea region.

The foreign minister referred to Greece's contribution to the strengthening of the Organisation's relations with the European Union, as well as to new initiatives aimed at promoting this relation in order to lift trade obstacles and to facilitate processes for providing visas for business and tourist reasons.

Bakoyannis also spoke of utilising a new financing tool in the framework of the European Neigbourhood Policy and repeatedly stressed the need for the Organisation to turn to the implementation of specific programmes and not to limit itself to the field of dialogue and consultations.

In this context, Greece supported the signing of memorandums concerning the construction of the perimetrical road network of the Black Sea and the linking of its ports with the ports in the eastern Mediterranean.

The foreign minister termed the promotion of these programmes an "intersection for strengthening our cooperation," adding that "my country steadfastly supports this process and will not begrudge efforts to achieve their success."

Bakoyannis congratulated the Turkish presidency, terming it "effective", and made special reference to the Istanbul summit last June, with which the Organisation's 15th anniversary was celebrated, as well as to the fact that during Ankara's presidency the EU acquired observer status in the Organisation.

In another development, Deputy Foreign Minister Petros Doukas held bilateral talks aimed at promoting Greece's economic relations with Black Sea Economic Cooperation countries.

Doukas met with his counterparts from Russia, Georgia, Azerbaidjan and Bulgaria, with whom he agreed that the mutual aim is increasing bilateral trade and investments to 30 percent, as the deputy foreign minister told the press.

Talks with the Russian and Bulgarian sides focused on processes of speeding up the implementation of the Burgas-Alexandroupoli pipeline, while with the Azeri delegation Doukas discussed the possibility of a business mission to Baku.

[03] FM meets with Turkish president on sidelines of BSEC ministerial meeting

Greek foreign minister Dora Bakoyannis had a brief discussion Thursday with Turkish President Abdullah Gul, on the sidelines of a Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organisation (BSEC) meeting of foreign ministers in Ankara.

The BSEC meeting opened with a message by Gul, who was Turkey's foreign minister (2003-2007) before his election to the Presidency in August this year, after which he held brief discussions with each of the attending foreign ministers.

Gul asked Bakoyannis to convey his regards to Greek President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias and prime minister Costas Karamanlis, and expressed the desire that the two sides remain in contact and continue their cooperation aimed at deepening Greek-Turkish relations.

Addressing the opening of the meeting, Gul stressed the importance of the spirit of cooperation that exists in the BSEC, the only regional organisation in the area, particularly at the present time given the unrest in Iraq, with repercussions on the neighbouring countries, he said.

"We respect the territorial integrity of the neighbouring country, but we will not tolerate the use of its territory by terrorists," Gul said with respect to Iraq.

Bakoyannis was scheduled to address the BSEC ministerial meeting shortly afterwards.

Earlier, she had separate sideline meetings with her Romanian and Serbian counterparts Adrian Cioroianu and Vuk Jeremic, respectively.

[04] Greece lodges strong demarche over UK-Turkey document

The Greek foreign ministry said that it had summoned British Ambassador Simon Gass to the foreign ministry for a meeting lasting 50 minutes, during which ministry general secretary Aristidis Agathoklis outlined Greece's positions and stressed the need to avoid actions of this kind at such a critical stage, when talks on solving the Cyprus issue were soon to resume.

According to ministry officials, the ambassador repeatedly assured Greece that London has not changed its stance on Cyprus and does not recognise any authority other than the legitimate Cyprus government on the island, while noting that the British side is in favour of getting talks for a solution underway as soon as possible.

Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, when Turkish troops occupied the northern third of the island and created a Turkish-Cypriot regime that is not recognised by any other country apart from Turkey.

[05] PM Karamanlis confers with merchant marine and island policy minister

Three major issues were put on the table concerning the newly established ministry, formed after the merger of the ministries of merchant marine, and of Aegean and island policy.

Voulgarakis told reporters that they discussed the settling of issues resulting from the merger as in the case of the newly established interior ministry (after merging with the ministry of public order). Voulgarakis said that this is a very important step because it will open the door for other mergers, likely to take place some time in the future.

They also discussed the government's overall harbor policy focusing on the utilization of the harbors' full potential seeking to elevate the country into a major player in international commerce, taking under consideration that the shipping sector continues to be on the rise.

Coastal shipping was another issue tackled in the meeting, said Voulgarakis, mentioning that it needs to be dealt with in a comprehensive manner to solve a number of tough sea transportation issues.

Other issues discussed were island economic development, the environment and town planning.

Voulgarakis commented that the meeting was held within the framework of the regular contacts the prime minister has with his government ministers.

Afterwards, Karamanlis met with his ruling New Democracy (ND) party's former leader Miltiades Evert. No statements were made after the meeting.

[06] Meimarakis represents Greece at EU-NATO informal ministers' meeting

Greek Defence Minister Evangelos Meimarakis represented Greece at an informal EU-NATO ministers' meeting here this week, where the issue of the Alliance's response force (NRF) dominated talks, along with the holding of a NATO-Russia council meeting.

Speaking during the meeting, Meimarakis stressed that the force is a significant initiative towards improving the Alliance's capabilities.

He also expressed the Greek government's solidarity towards fire-stricken Californians, during a brief encounter with his US counterpart Robert Gates and the US delegation.

Finally, Meimarakis said Athens attributes heightened importance to the upgrading of EU-NATO cooperation.

[07] Three-day celebrations begin for October 28 national holiday

Papoulias arrived at Thessaloniki's Macedonia Airport on Thursday afternoon, while prime minister Costas Karamanlis and main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou were also due in Thessaloniki on Friday morning, to attend the official doxology at the Aghios Demetrius cathedral in the city's centre, marking the patron saint's feast day.

Karamanlis was due to return to Athens immediately after the doxology, while Papandreou was due to leave for Xanthi.

The events will conclude with Sunday's parade, commemorating the anniversary of Greece's resounding "Ochi" (no) to then Italian dictator Mussolini's demand for free passage to invade Greece during World War II, which brought Greece into the war on the Allied side.

On Oct. 28, 1940, fascist Italy presented Greece with the ultimatum, but Greek leader Ioannis Metaxas tersely refused, and the country not only denied Mussolini's forces free passage, it went on the offensive in mid-November and drove the opposing forces back through part of southern Albania.

Ochi Day will be celebrated throughout the country with church services and parades.

[08] Nat'l anniversary days strengthen historical memory, President says

President Papoulias was welcomed at the airport by Minister of Macedonia and Thrace Margaritis Tzimas, Deputy Development Minister Stavros Kalafatis, Thessaloniki Prefect Panayiotis Psomiadis, Thessaloniki Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos, Parliamentary deputies and the armed forces' leadership.

"These days strengthen our historical memory and turn our thought to the possibilities and to the challenges of the future. I visit Thessaloniki and Macedonia with respect on every liberation anniversary. I compare then with now. I consider the ordeals of the past and I feel pride as well as responsibility for the future," President Papoulias said.

[09] Parliament president's message on October 28 national anniversary

"We honor the Greek men and women who fell in battle fighting for the ideals of Freedom, Democracy and human dignity", said Sioufas. Comparing the Europe of the 1940s with the Europe of today, he underlined the importance of peace and international cooperation and stressed that the nation's principles and values should be protected.

The nation's unity should be constantly reinforced, said Sioufas, pointing out that it is "our duty to the History we honor, our duty to the present and to the future we claim, our duty to the country and to the Greeks worldwide".

[10] Messages on 'OHI' Day national anniversary

"Today, more than half a century after the heroic events, the celebration of the national anniversary should not remain at a level of romantic remembrance of an era of heroism, but operate as an opportunity for the deeper and more objective knowledge of our history," Stylianidis said.

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) in its message said "we honour the OHI (NO) of the Greek people against the fascist axis, we honour the struggles of the 1940's, of the Democratic Army of Greece. The struggle is continuing in contemporary conditions."

The Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) said "we honour with deep respect the anniversary of OHI to fascism and the war. The heroic struggle of Albania was accompanied by the great struggle of our national resistance."

[11] SAE president issues message on occasion of Oct. 28 anniversary

The president of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE), Stefanos Tamvakis, on Thursday issued a message on the occasion of Greece's national anniversary of "OHI" (NO) Day on October 28.

In his message, Tamvakis attributed honour to "the courage and strength of soul which Hellenism showed in the struggle for the defence of the national dignity, which started with the 'OHI'."

Tamvakis added that "October 28, one of the brilliant pages of the history of modern Greece, is a day of national pride for Hellenism everywhere in the world."

[12] Gov't queried over OPAP-Intralot contract

Asked about a same-day article in the Athens daily "Eleftherotypia", alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros echoed statements by the Minister of State a day earlier, noting that OPAP is a listed company (on the Athens bourse) and will provide answers to the press charges itself.

He also dismissed a question on whether government is backtracking on high-profile commitments to deal with collusion in public sector contracts and procurements.

The daily "Eleftherotypia" bannered a report on the contract two days in a row this week.

[13] PASOK leader tours fire-ravaged Ileia prefecture

Papandreou also said that the PASOK parliamentary group would table a bill in parliament containing its specific proposals for the region's reconstruction, and further proposed that farmers' minimum incomes be guaranteed for as many years as necessary until they were back on their feet from the damages suffered during the past summer's deadly wildfires, suggesting at least five years for viniculturists and seven years for olive growers.

The above were immediate measures needed to be taken, in addition to the necessary anti-flooding works and reconstruction of the infrastructures, he explained.

Papandreou was greeted on arrival at Koutsochera by Oleni mayor Ioannis Panagopoulos, who briefed the PASOK leader on the devastation left behind by the fires: 32 homes burned in the village, with the number climbing to 120 throughout the entire municipality of Oleni, another 100 farms burned, 5,000 heads of livestock dead, of which 1,200 in the village of Koutsochera alone, and 90 percent of the pine forest and 75 percent of the farmland destroyed.

Panagopoulos said that the municipal authority was "searching for hope in the ashes", stressing the need for reconstruction so that the local people would remain in the village and not bcome the "first ecological immigrants".

Papandreou said that he was "here once again, as I was during the fires, where we all experienced an ecological disaster and felt the weight and responsibility, given that the state was not able to protect the people and their properties".

The PASOK leader said it was the state's responsibility to be at the people's side, "and we had expected that the government would have come quickly to solve the problems, which do not concern a disaster such as earthquakes, but here we have complete destruction of the productive fabric" of the area.

He warned that if support was not immediately forthcoming, the people would not be able to stay in the village, adding "what purpose is there to receiving a home loan when there is no production?".

The tour will continue with a meeting with the PASOK prefectural commitee of Ileia, a meeting at the Prefectural authority headquarters with representatives of the local government and the prefecture's producer organisations, while on Thursday night Papandreou will address an open gathering in Kalamata.

[14] PASOK leader George Papandreou addresses rally in Kalamata

Papandreou added that "those who tried to manipulate PASOK so far appear not to be succeeding and it appears now that they are pinning their hopes on its dissolution as we can see at least in various television programmes."

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.

The PASOK leader criticised the government for its policy in its entirety and referred once again to national issues, placing responsibilities on the government for what he called "the loss of our negotiating capacity on the issue of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and for Wednesday's event of reference to occupied territory in Cyprus with the so-called name of the pseudostate in an official document that the British government signed with Turkey."

"Unfortunately, this development on the Cyprus issue as well is the result of inadequate strategy on our national issues by the government of New Democracy, the government of Mr. Karamanlis," Papandreou said.

Lastly, Papandreou invited citizens to what he termed the unprecedented democratic process on November 11 so that "we can have a very strong popular mandate for a PASOK that will be free of every centre lying outside institutions and for November 11 to become the starting point for victory, change and the new hope for Greece and Hellenism."

[15] PASOK's Venizelos addresses supporters in Kavala

During his speech, Venizelos strongly criticised Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis saying that "Mr. Karamanlis has the illusion that the pitch is empty and is playing by himself because PASOK is in front of this high democratic moment of the election of a new president."

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

Venizelos said "the marginal majority of Costas Karamanlis is fabricated, adding, "until today he has shown that he is a classic, conservative, right-wing politician who is unable to manage the country's serious matters. He has no strategy, he has no view on Europe, he has not undertaken any substantial initiative on the issue of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). And all these have a cost for the country and the citizens."

On the Nov. 11 election, he said that it is "a way out from PASOK's crisis".

[16] European Parliament ratifies decision on penal decision recognition

The European Parliament on Thursday ratified the decision on the implementation of the "principle of mutual recognition of penal decisions."

The relevant report on behalf of the Committee of Political Freedoms, Justice and Internal Affairs was proposed by Greek New Democracy party Eurodeputy Ioannis Varvitsiotis.

According to the report provided by Varvitsiotis, the decision "respects fundamental rights and observes the principles that are recognised by article 6 of the Treaty and are reflected in the European Union's Charter of Fundamental Rights."

The mutual recognition principle was ratified by the European Council in Tampere, in October 1999, with the aim of it becoming "the cornerstone of judicial cooperation both in civil and penal cases in the EU."

Varvitsiotis said in his address that "the mutual recognition of penal decisions between the member-states of the European Union is very important, and must take place with respect for fundamental rights."

[17] European Ombudsman's 2006 report endorsed

The Plenum of the European Parliament approved on Thursday the European Ombudsman Nikiforos Diamantouros's annual report for 2006, by endorsing a relevant proposal by the References Commission "for the European Ombudsman's actions in 2006."

The References Commission made a positive review of Diamantouros's work, through a report submitted by Italian Eurodeputy Luciana Sbarbati, which notes that the Ombudsman "continued to exercise his powers in a balanced and active way both in examining complaints and completing inquiries and in encouraging citizens to exercise their rights."

[18] New Greek Ambassador to Switzerland presents credentials

New Greek Ambassador to Switzerland Constantine D. Tritaris presented his credentials to the President of the Swiss Confederation Micheline Calmy-Rey on Thursday.

During a 15-minute private audience at the Federal Palace of Bern, Tritaris and the Swiss president discussed issues of general interest and views were exhenged on the further development of relations between the two countries.

The new Greek envoy also conveyed Greek President Karolos Papoulias' warm greetings to Calmy-Rey, reiterating at the same time Greece's thanks for the help Switzerland provided during last summer's catastrophic wildfires.

Financial News

[19] Parliamentary debate on tax evasion

Finance and Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis attributed the great increase in the issuing and use of fake and bogus invoices over the 2005-2006 period, amounting to 505 million euros, to the intensive and targeted checks now being carried out by the ministry.

The issue was raised earlier by Parliament's first vice president and ruling New Democracy (ND) party deputy George Sourlas, who called on the government "to take draconian and exhaustive measures because only in this way will 'frauds' be eliminated, regardless of whether they are magnates of wealth or owners of the mass media and an end will be put to this state of affairs."

Sourlas stressed that a considerable effort is being made by the government, but noted that evidence shows that the "apparatuses" are active and are spreading to the issuing and use of fake and bogus invoices.

He further said that over the past 10 years about 24,000 businesses have issued fake invoices that exceed 3,000 euros.

[20] FinMin on draft bill of 2008 budget

During Thursday's first day of the debate at Parliament's Economic Affairs Committee of the draft bill of the 2008 budget, Alogoskoufis termed this year's budget as a "crucial step" for the achievement of zero deficit from 2010, along with the other countries of the eurozone, with which the country will achieve the speedy easing of the public debt as a percentage of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which drains 10 billion euros a year for the payment of interest rates alone.

He underlined that in this year's budget the government's policy is imprinted for the fiscal cleansing and reforms, which safeguard conditions of growth.

Referring to the reforms, the finance minister noted that the government's policy gives emphasis in the reduction of direct taxation, to the strengthening of initiatives for private investments and to the promotion of exports.

Alogoskoufis stated that the second phase of the fiscal cleansing and of the reform programme aims at, beyond the achievement of the balanced budgets up to 2010, also to the reform of the process of preparing and presenting the state budget, to the completion of the taxation reform and to the strengthening of the state's social role, to the development of the Greek regions, to the reform of the social insurance system, after a broad dialogue, and to the further strengthening of the new growth model.

Regarding the forecast on the reduction of the deficit from 2.5% of the GDP this year to 1.7% in 2008, Alogoskoufis said that it is being achieved with the simultaneous restriction of expenditures (from 30.4% to 30.1%), an increase of revenue but also the maintenance of the high rate of development.

He underlined that tax revenues will reach 24.4% of the GDP from 23.2%, while the rate of growth in 2008 is expected to be 4%.

The finance minister predicted a new increase in jobs by 1.9%, which will lead to the further reduction of unemployment to 7.4% from 8.3%, while for inflation, he assessed that it will slightly be reduced in 2008, to 2.6% from 2.7% in 2007, despite the very high prices of petrol.

[21] Government comments on measure for 'provisional' pension

He clarified that social insurance funds will be obliged to give these provisional pension, which will amount to 80 percent of the final estimated pension, within 15 days of receiving an application for a pension accompanied by an official signed statement.

Antonaros said that Employment Minister Vassilis Magginas had sent a letter instructing the heads of social insurance fund under the ministry's supervision on the measure, after a Parliamentary debate on the individual articles of the draft legislation was completed.

The spokesman underlined that the measure comes to meet a long-standing demand of the electorate for a smooth transition from working life to retirement without periods when they do not enjoy a steady income, as when they were working.

He also pointed out that the current delays until pensions were calculated and paid out often ran into several months or even years, with unpleasant consequences for those entering retirement since they were forced to live off their savings or borrow money to cover their day-to-day living expenses.

Antonaros said that the measures were designed to deal with a mesh of bureaucratic inflexibility that had been observed and stressed that "Greek citizens are responsible citizens. The State should trust them".

He clarified that the staff issuing these provisional pensions would not be liable and that those attempting to take advantage of the system would suffer the consequences, while underlining that the system would not be abandoned even if such problems were observed.

The spokesman urged pension fund staff to do their best to quickly process pension applications and stressed that the state was "doing the self-evident" by speeding up the process. "Citizens who have worked their entire lives have the right to get their pension quickly without bureaucratic procedures," he added.

[22] National Bank's report on Greek labour market

A bank's report said that strong economic growth during the last decade was accompanied by a significant improvement in labour market's performance, with employment rising by 1.6 pct annually, 20 percent higher compared with the EU average growth rate, and to a significant decline in the unemployment rate to 8.1 pct, almost four percentage points lower compared with 1999.

National Bank's analysts stressed that the Greek economy managed to easily absorb around 700,000 unskilled and low education level immigrants. Most of them were absorbed in the construction, retail and household services sectors, while immigrants helped improve the Greek labour market's flexibility. This trend is expectesd to slow in the coming years, the report noted.

The farm and manufacturing sectors of the country shrank significantly in the last decade, with employment rates shrinking by 29 percent in the period from 1998 to 2006, while on the other hand the services and construction sectors created a total of 510,000 new jobs in the last decade.

Real wage increases surpassed the productivity growth rates in Greece, in constrast with the rest of the EU, where wage increases were one percentage point lower from average productivity rates. Labour cost as a percentage of GDP was steady at 57 pct of GDP in Greece, surpassing a 55.8 pct level in the EU in 2006.

The report noted that a low level of part-time jobs in Greece mainly reflected workers' unwillingness to work under limited conditions. The report also expressed its concern over developments in employment rates among younger people.

[23] Vivartia unveils new five-year business plan

According to the business plan guidance, Vivartia Group expects its turnover to rise by an annual average rate of 20.8 percent in the 2008-2012 period, its EBITDA to rise by 23.8 percent and earnings per share to rise by 24.9 percent, while return on equity is projected to gradually rise to 19.6 percent in 2012.

The dairy and beverage sector is projected to strengthen its presence in the markets of Cyprus and Bulgaria, where acquisitions have already been made while a further expansion in Southeastern Europe is expected through new acquisitions.

The bakery sector is projected to expand to new geographical regions, while presenting new products.

Vivartia said that following presentation of its new business plan it expected the Athens Stock Exchange to lift a suspension of trading of its shares in the market, paving the way for a share placement by the company.

[24] Cyprus-funded reconstruction of Artemida to begin in December

The rebuilding of the Artemida township in the western Peloponnese, almost totally destroyed during the devastating wildfires in the region last August, will be completed in December 2008.

The Cypriot government has contributed 12 million euros to the reconstruction project, while an additional 2.5 million will be donated towards fire-ravaged local farms.

The course of the project was assessed Thursday in a ministerial meeting chaired by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos.

Cypriot Interior Minister Christos Patsalides said the rebuilding effort will get underway by mid December.

[25] Australians give financial support to wildfire-affected inhabitants

Greece's Ambassador to Australia, George Zois, in the presence of Greece's Consul General, Christos Salamanis, during a ceremony on Thursday received a cheque of 973,000 AUS$ for the wildfire-affected inhabitants in Greece.

The money was gathered through a "radio charity" which was conducted by Melbourne's radio station 3XY, for the support of the wildfire-affected inhabitants and was deposited in special accounts of the Popular Bank and the Bank of Cyprus.

[26] Arab-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce acquires new board

George Karabatos is the new president of the board, while Farouk Joud was appointed as first vice-president and Mohamed E.T. Elkhazmi as secretary general.

[27] Ionian Hotels reports improved nine-month results

[28] ITEP cites gap between tourist arrivals, FX revenue growth rates

The Institute, in a report, said tourism foreign exchange revenues growth rate was almost equal to the tourist arrivals growth rate in the corresponding period last year, and expressed its concern over the cause of this year's figures. ITEP recommended the start of a seasonal survey by a group of experts to look into the issue.

[29] PPC employees to strike on November 5

Fotopoulos said that the decision was taken at directorate level and final approval by the Executive Committee is expected. GENOP does not rule out the possibility of ensuing escalating 48-hour strikes and a rally.

GENOP-DEH, as its president stated, "denounces the methods of the administration, and of president P. Athanasopoulos in particular, to proceed without dialogue with the implementation of the new development programme that anticipates, among other things, the "breaking up" of the corporation into subsidiaries, as well as an increase in its invoices."

[30] Greek stocks end 0.74 pct higher

Most sectors moved higher with the Food/Beverage (2.05 pct), Banks (1.33 pct) and Technology (1.18 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while the Insurance (0.87 pct), Telecommunications (0.52 pct) and Utilities (0.48 pct) suffered losses.

The Big cap index rose 0.95 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 0.62 pct higher and the Small Cap index rose 0.30 percent. Ippotour (8.33 pct), Kloukinas-Lappas (6.87 pct) and Thessaloniki Port Organisation (6.07 pct) were top gainers, while Ideal (9.42 pct), Boutaris (7.23 pct) and Motodynamic (5.90 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 120 to 119 with another 61 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: -0.87%

Industrials: +0.77%

Commercial: -0.27%

Construction: -0.22%

Media: +0.45%

Oil & Gas: -0.36%

Personal & Household: +1.09%

Raw Materials: +0.97%

Travel & Leisure: +0.79%

Technology: +1.18%

Telecoms: -0.52%

Banks: +1.33%

Food & Beverages: +2.05%

Health: +0.03%

Utilities: -0.48%

Chemicals: -0.03%

Financial Services: +0.04%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 24.90

ATEbank: 3.96

Public Power Corp (PPC): 27.80

HBC Coca Cola: 43.00

Hellenic Petroleum: 11.00

Emporiki Bank: 20.34

National Bank of Greece: 46.04

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 26.50

Intralot: 28.62

Cosmote: 24.04

OPAP: 28.32

OTE: 25.30

Titan Cement Company: 34.60

[31] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totaled 4,650 contracts worth 64.099 million euros, with 34,295 open positions in the market, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 541 contracts worth 18.417 million euros with 1,138 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 14,814 contracts worth 23.603 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Marfin Investment Group's contracts (5,895) followed by Marfin Popular Bank (652), PPC (997), Piraeus Bank (418), National Bank (1,692), Alpha Bank (712), Intracom (1,575), Post Savings Bank (472) and ATEbank (261).

[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 4.11 pct, the one-month rate 4.15 percent, the three-month rate 4.60 pct, the six-month rate 4.58 pct and the 12-month rate 4.54 pct.

[33] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

U.S. dollar 1.442

Pound sterling 0.703

Danish kroner 7.514

Swedish kroner 9.284

Japanese yen 164.95

Swiss franc 1.683

Norwegian kroner 7.791

Cyprus pound 0.588

Canadian dollar 1.389

Australian dollar 1.594

General News

[34] Olympia will be ready for Olympic Torch lighting, minister says

"Works for the restoration of Ancient Olympia are proceeding according to the schedule we made and I am personally extremely satisfied. In a little while, we will be able to deliver a restored ancient Olympia to the international community," Liapis underlined during his second visit to the world-renowned monument to inspect the works at close hand.

He said that the torch-lighting ceremony would be held "in the best possible circumstances".

In addition to the works to restore the landscape, the minister also referred to works now underway that were designed to better showcase Ancient Olympia, which he underlined was a symbol of and a monument to Greece's cultural heritage.

Liapis said these projects would be "long-term" and would protect the surrounding region from natural disasters in the best possible way and further highlight its archaeological wealth.

"The political will is there, the money exists and the monitoring of the projects will be direct and on-going, because there is no excuse for delays," the minister added.

While in Olympia, Liapis took part in a meeting attended by local officials and MPs, the head of the Civil Protection General Secretariat Margaritis Mouzas, ministry officials and the heads of state services for archaeological and agricultural issues. Immediately afterward, he visited the Kronios Hill where the bulk of the restoration work is being carried out and spoke with workers.

[35] Minister Stylianidis to welcome back Archbishop Christodoulos

The Archbishop returns to Greece after months of treatment at the Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, USA.

Also present at the airport will be members of the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece.

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.

[36] Gov't mulling conversion of refugee apartments into cancer patient hostels

Avramopoulos was replying to a question tabled by Communist Party of Greece (KKE) MP Liana Kanelli concerning shortages in equipment and personnel at the Pain Relief and Palliative Care Centres.

The health minister noted that there were objections by political parties regarding the end use of the refugee apartment buildings complex, but added that the government's position was to convert the apartments into accommodation hostels.

Avramopoulos explained, however, that he could not give a commitment with respect to time, given that the authority for the refugee complex belonged to the KED.

The minister also reiterated that a hostel infrastructure at the Aghion Anargyron Oncology Hospital would begin operation in early 2008 for last-stage cancer patients and their relatives.

Kanelli, in turn, said that Pain Relief Centres were not enough, explaining that in addition to the social workers, they Centres should also have specialised doctors and the appropriate equipment.

[37] Metropolitan Park to be the largest park in the world

Speaking in Parliament, the Greek minister said the Metropolitan Park in Helliniko could be the largest park in the world, covering an area of 5,900 stremmata (one stremma=1,000 sq.m.) and noted that the use of only 300 stremmata for real estate development could fund construction and maintainance works of the park. Souflias also announced that the government planned to set up a Green Fund to support other downgraded areas in Athens while he underlined that a study for the construction of the Metropolitan Park was the result of an international tender held by the PASOK government.

[38] Modern Greek literature translations in 20 European languages

Some of the book translations recorded are dating back to the 19th century and belong to private collections and libraries.

Already, 2,400 book titles are included in the e-catalogue of the www.greek-language.gr website. The catalogued Greek books have been translated into Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Dutch, German, Bulgarian, Turkish Romanian, Serb, Croat, and Slovenian.

Roughly 1,400 book publications have been translated into English, Russian, Albanian, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian and Finnish. The cataloguing of books, translated into Polish, Czech, Slovak, Hungarian and Hebrew, will soon get underway.

The most translated Greek writers and poets are Yannis Ritsos, Constantine Cavafy, Nikos Kazantzakis, George Seferis and Odysseas Elytis.

[39] EU court finds against Greece on bird protection, wastewater treatment

Specifically, the Court found that Greece had not created sufficient special protection areas (SPAs) for certain species of migratory birds, as well as species threatened with extinction.

In announcement, it said the number and overall size of SPAs in Greece fell clearly short of the territories fulfilling the preconditions for classification as SPAs. Based on the Inventory of Important Bird Areas (IBA 2000) published by the EU in 2000 and the relevant EU directive, 25.2 percent of Greece should be divided into 186 SPAs for birds. It found that the 151 SPAs created by Greece in collaboration with the Ornithological Society of Greece were clearer fewer and covered less area.

The court ruling said that 12 species were inadequately protected by the zones created in Greece, including types of cormorants, vultures, hawks, buzzards, eagles, the cinereous bunting and Kruper's nuthatch.

It called for an update of scientific data to determine the situation of the most endangered species and species constituting the common heritage of the Community in order to classify the most suitable areas as SPAs.

In an another environmental case, the EU court found that Greece was in violation of EU regulations in the case of 23 towns and cities (15,000-plus residents) that lacked collection systems for urban waste water or any means to treat urban wastewater but rejected the European Commission's petition for Preveza as unsubstantiated by the evidence.

[40] Historic flag to fly over Thessaloniki on Friday during 95th anniversary of city's liberation

The flag, an heirloom preserved by the city's Kalos family for nearly a century, was hoisted on the balcony of the home of Thessaloniki textile manufacturer Michail Kalos early on the morning of Oct. 26, 1912 to greet the first detachment of the Greek army racing for Thessaloniki from the southwest.

According to the family, the flag was sewn in secret by Kalos' daughter, Aggeliki, in the home's basement.

Kalos' grandson and namesake, Michail, presented the flag to ruling New Democracy Thessaloniki-area MP Costas Gioulekas, an avid collector of flags and insignia, who in turn announced that he will donate the flag to the municipality of Thessaloniki.

A flag-raising ceremony will be held on Friday morning atop the White Tower, while later in the day it will be presented to the city's War Museum as a permanent exhibit.

[41] Speeding a common traffic violation

In a period of just 48 hours, between October 22 and 23, Traffic Police recorded 388 violations, 87 of them for speeding, while 48 individuals were found behind the wheel without a driver's license.

A typical case was that of a 48-year-old man who crashed his car into a sanitation truck and fled the scene when police asked for his documents. Following a car chase, during which a police officer was injured, the 48-year-old was arrested only to be found driving under the influence of alcohol, without a driver's license or car insurance.

[42] Bank robbers get away with 73,830 euros

[43] US Embassy consular section to remain closed on last Wednesday each month

In that context, the US Embassy's Consular Section in Athens will remain closed to the public on Wednesday, Octobr31.

This includes the non-immigrant visa section, immigrant visa section, pension section, US passports and naturalisation services, and services for US citizens section. and US passports section

In the event of an emergency on that day, please call 210-7212951 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and 210-7202490/1 after 5:00 p.m.

[44] Arrest for counterfeit money possession

He had used four of them in transactions with local businesses while the remaining 12 were found hidden in his car speakers or on him.

[45] Cocaine arrests in Thessaloniki

The two are leading members of a drug trafficking ring and an investigation is underway to determine if more people are involved.

The woman was arrested in the process of selling 50.8 grams of cocaine to two men for the sum of 1,650 euro while a body search on the 35-year-old foreign national netted 116.6 grams of cocaine.

Weather Forecast

[46] Partly cloudy on Friday

[47] The Thursday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "78 percent of the petrol station owners looting us - Explosive study by Polytechnic on fuels", according to which 8 in 10 petrol stations deliver smaller quantities of fuel than that paid for, and also noting increased phenomena of adulteration in heating oil.

APOGEVMATINI: "PASOK led to the firing squad (by its own cadres) - Dramatic ascertainment by Anna Diamantopoulou (PASOK high profile MP and former EU Commissioner)".

AVGHI: "New financial means for social insurance - SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) proposes (establishment of) Social Insurance Solidarity Fund", which would in essence be a special reserve fund for social insurance that will be funded by new financial means in order to ensure funding of the country's social insurance system on a long-term basis.

AVRIANI: "Kaklamanis predicts splintering of the large parties, and governments of cooperation", noting that the PASOK MP dropped a mega-tons bomb in parliament when he charged 'methodisations' aimed at the break-up of the two main parties (PASOK and ND) into several smaller ones, also intimating at outside interference in that direction.

CHORA: "Pensions in 15 days from the 19 largest (social insurance) Funds - What the Magginas (employment minister) circular provides for", referring to a circular issued by the minister instructing primary social insurance organisations to expedite the issue of temporary pensions within 15 days of submission of the relevant applications.

ELEFTHERI ORA: "As the (PASOK leadership) candidates are doing everything they can to lower the tones, the rank and file see the PASOK sun (emblem of the main opposition party) flickering out".

ELEFTHEROS: "Simitis (PASOK former prime minister) torpedo against the election procedures - He disputes the procedure for election of the new PASOK president".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Ai instead of petrol sold at 3 in four petrol stations - Shocking report by Polytechnic on adulteration of fuel - With 'doctored' pumps, many petrol stations steal some 50 million litres annually".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "OPAP - Eleftherotypia intervention on the omerta (mafia code of silence) on collusion", saying that the newspaper's 'revelation' of a mammoth 230 million euro contract 'cedingr' OPAP (state-run football and lottery pools organisation "full dependence on" businessman Socrates Kokkalis and his Intralot company (a global supplier of integrated gaming and transaction processing systems) has caused "agitation in the government".

ESTIA: "The political system being tested - The crisis in PASOK and the rebels in New Democracy".

ETHNOS: "Looting, through adulteration of petrol - Polytechnic study ignites fires in the fuel trade ring".

KATHIMERINI: "Clash in PASOK leading to break-up or shrinking - Papandreou (PASOK leader) against colluders - Venizelos (PASOK MP and former minister, Papandreou's main opponent in the party leadership race): Unity (of the party) is strong".

LOGOS: "8 in 10 petrol station owners cheating us - Shocking report by National Metsovion Polytechnic University", according to which 8 in 10 fuel station owners deceive the consumers during the delivery of fuel.

NIKI: "Simitis a 'foreign body' for PASOK".

PARASKEVI+13 (weekly): "I will not be coerced by anyone - Karamanlis confronting the 'mutineers' decisively".

RIZOSPASTIS: "Struggle by students and pupils for their right to education".

TA NEA: "We will recognise the private colleges - Explosive statement by the government".

TO VIMA: "The crisis in PASOK a 'tsunami' for ND - Fears of political instability".

VRADYNI: "They're aspiring to splintering of the large parties - Kaklamanis 'bomb' in parliament".

Cyprus Affairs

[48] European Commission: EU members do not recognize puppet regime

EU member states do not recognize the so-called "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" the European Commission has said.

The Commission was replying to a question submitted by Cypriot MEP Yiannakis Matsis (EPP) as regards the position outlined by Turkish President Abdullah Gul, while paying an illegal visit to Cyprus' occupied areas, that there are "two states" in Cyprus.

According to a press release issued by Matsi's office, the Commission said in its response that except from the Sovereign British Bases Area, all the other territories of the island belong to the Republic of Cyprus.

It added that the areas on which the Republic of Cyprus exercises effective control and those on which its does not are designated on the basis of Protocol 10 of the 2003 Accession Treaty.

Member states, the Commission stressed, do not recognize the so called "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus".

The Commission stressed the need and its commitment for the reiteration of talks under the UN for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus question the soonest possible.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. The Republic of Cyprus joined the EU on May 1, 2004.

[49] Cyprus House President calls on MPs to avert upgrading of pseudostate

Cyprus House President Demetris Christofias sent Thursday to British MPs a letter by which he calls on them to exert their pressure with a view to stop any actions by the British Government aiming to upgrade the puppet regime in Cyprus' Turkish occupied areas.

In his letter regarding the partnership agreement between the UK and Turkey which commits the two countries 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, Christofias called on the British MPs to exert their pressure with a view to stop any actions by the British Government aiming to upgrade the so called "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus", which is an illegal entity, according to UN relevant resolutions.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.

[50] Famagusta delegation on a visit to USA

Famagusta Municipality delegation, under Mayor Alexis Galanos, is on a five day visit to the United States in an effort to further promote the cause of the citizens of Famagusta for the return of their home town, which is under Turkish occupation since 1974.

During a meeting the delegation had in Washington with members of the US Congress, Galanos briefed them on the issue and made special reference to the 26.000 signatures gathered by Famagusta citizens on a declaration, expressing the determination of the people of Famagusta to struggle for the return to their town in the context of a campaign for Famagusta.

Galanos requested the help of the US Congress and Administration towards this goal.

The issue was extensively discussed during a business lunch the delegation had with a number of Congressmen, including Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Shelley Berkley, Carolyn Maloney, Nita Lowey, Donald Payne, Gus Bilirakis, John Sarbanes, Zack Space and Frank Pallone.

Galanos and the other members of the delegation briefed the members of Congress about the latest developments regarding Cyprus problem. During the gathering a short film of Famagusta was projected.

The delegation met with US State Department official Baxter Hunt.

Mayor Galanos gave a speech during an event organized by the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) titled "The Recent Campaign Undertaken by the Citizens of Famagusta for the Return of their Town and the Need for More Aggressive Diplomacy for the Implementation of the Rule of Law in Cyprus".

Galanos stressed that the citizens of Famagusta have signed a declaration which expresses their strong desire and determination to struggle for the return of their home town after 33 years of occupation. He also said that he considers of outmost importance the promotion of the signatures obtained during the campaign for the return of Famagusta to its lawful citizens.

He pointed out that Famagusta is a ghost town today and stands as a symbol of the struggle of Cyprus people for a solution to the long-standing problem.

Mayor of Famagusta also gave a speech at the International Law Society of Georgetown University.

The delegation was to conclude its meetings Thursday.

The Famagusta Municipality campaign took place between April 8 and 14, and some 26,000 signatures were obtained for a declaration expressing the determination of the people of Famagusta to struggle for their return to their town. The town's citizens were forced to flee their homes during the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island, which resulted in the occupation of the island's northern third.

We wish to inform the readers of the English Daily News Bulletin that on the occasion of celebrations marking the anniversary of Greece's national "OHI" Day on Sunday, October 28, the bulletin will not be published on Saturday, October 27. The next bulletin will appear on Monday, October 29.

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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