Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-10-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis confers with FM, UN rep, ahead of FYROM 'name issue' talks

[02] KKE leader on FYROM 'name issue'

[03] Australia's stance on the FYROM 'name issue' unchanged

[04] Papandreou chairs SI meetings in Tel Aviv, Ramallah on Mideast problem

[05] 1st day of Palestinian-Israeli meeting at SI conference concluded

[06] PASOK leadership candidate Venizelos addresses Athens rally

[07] Skandalidis outlines his vision for 'ruling Left'

[08] Gov't on election law issue

[09] Israeli committee supports recognition of Patriarch Theophilos III

[10] Alexandria Patriarch Theodoros in Athens

[11] Oversees voting for Russian elections

[12] PM and interior minister discuss EU funds' absorption

[13] FinMin addresses Informatics & Digital Communications conference

[14] FinMin meets with Council of Monetary Policy

[15] Sioufas meets with outgoing Turkish ambassador

[16] MIG dynamically expands in Serbia's commercial real estate market

[17] Vivartia's CEO raises its stake to 6.11 pct in the group

[18] Hellenic Exchanges says net profits up 55 pct in Jan-Sept, yr/yr

[19] Greek PPI up 4.0 pct in September, yr/yr

[20] Greek-Romanian business forum in Bucarest

[21] SETE conference held on 'Tourism & Growth'

[22] Eurobank appoints new risk management officer

[23] OA schedules more flights to SE Europe destinations, Dubai

[24] Florina picked as "European Destination of Excellence"

[25] Greek stocks end 0.30 pct higher

[26] ADEX closing report

[27] Greek bond closing report

[28] Foreign Exchange Rates - Tuesday

[29] Scores of illegals detained in eastern Aegean; Inner cabinet to focus on problem

[30] Inner Cabinet meeting

[31] Justice minister proposes transfer of prisoners to country of origin

[32] SAE president Tamvakis tours the U.S.

[33] Archbishop Demetrios awarded 'Athinagorio Human Rights Award'

[34] Chinese press on Greece

[35] Two-volume publication on "Sports, society and the mass media"

[36] Book on Ilias Venezis' life in Asia Minor republished

[37] Athens Academy to honour AHI's Eugene Rossides

[38] Greeks read less than average EU citizens, survey shows

[39] Greek Film Festival to be held in New York

[40] Navy petty officer charged as hit man; protection racket exposed

[41] Teachers to rally on Thursday

[42] PM congratulates Volos-Larissa organising com't for assumption of 2013 Med Games

[43] Partly cloudy on Tuesday

[44] Cyprus Government detects intentions to upgrade illegal regime

[45] Commonwealth chief says Cyprus and Britain can solve differences

[46] British Minister: no recognition of separate entity in Cyprus Politics

[01] PM Karamanlis confers with FM, UN rep, ahead of FYROM 'name issue' talks

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Bakoyannis said the focus was on the best possible preparation for negotiations.

Asked to comment on statements by FYROM Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki in the Athens daily "Eleftheros Typos", which more-or-less indicate that the neighbouring land-locked country was following a "tough line" on the issue, Bakoyannis said Greece has no need whatsoever to raise its voice nor proceed with provocative statements.

For FYROM leadership, however, Bakoyannis continued, "there was a very specific gamble: either, on the one hand, a positive approach, acceptance of a positive message from Greece, FYROM's Euro-Atlantic aspirations along with economic and regional stability, or, on the other hand, they can persist with their intransigence."

Asked whether the timetables were narrow, Bakoyannis said "there is a specific time, a specific timetable ... At this moment, it appears that NATO, on its part, wishes to proceed with prospective invitations to three countries -- which in itself is not absolute, because Croatia has precedence -- at its next conference. Consequently, the timetable is a given fact," Bakoyannis said.

Amb. Vassilakis, replying to questions, said he enjoys the confidence of the prime minister and the foreign minister.

Questioned whether he had any personal relationship with the FYROM negotiator, Vassilakis replied: "We discussed (the issue), but we did not find solutions..."

[02] KKE leader on FYROM 'name issue'

"Even if the name issue is closed, and of course, the manner in which it will close matters a great deal, in reality many wounds will open," Papariga said in an interview with the state-run NET network.

"The name issue is not the main issue at this moment. Skopje, as we know, is an American protectorate, it falls within (the sphere) of US games in the region. It is linked to Kosovo's independence drive - one should not forget that NATO does not allow the delimitation of borders between Kosovo and FYROM - therefore, Kosovo, as a new state, will have vague borders. We also know the proximity of (the Albanian) populations (in Kosovo and FYROM) ... and from this point of view serious developments will follow," the communist leader noted.

Specifically on the FYROM "name issue", Papariga said: "I believe that if a name comprising the term 'Macedonia' (and in which) neither the Slav nor the Albanian element is included, this may constitute an element of unity in Skopje, but at the same time we are all becoming hostages, not so much of the Skopje leadership, but of US plans in the region and of existing antagonisms."

Responding to a relevant question, Papariga attributed the Skopje government's intransigence to "US support".

Regarding the existence of a specific timetable for a solution to the problem, the KKE SG said she believed that "there may not even be a solution. A mutual compromise might be found with the problem being reproduced (in the future)."

"I believe that the Greek government knows that behind Skopje's intransigence and (UN special mediator on the issue Matthew) Mr. Nimetz, other interests are hiding. The conflict on (energy) pipelines is an enormous issue with many implications. Even Greek internal matters become the recipient of influences from leading powers' antagonisms, such as the EU's with the United States, Russia etc." Papariga added.

[03] Australia's stance on the FYROM 'name issue' unchanged

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has dismissed speculation that Canberra intends to proceed with the formal recognition of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia under the name "Republic of Macedonia", according to Australia's AAP news agency.

"The Australian federal government has no such plans", Downer stressed, adding that he is aware of the rumors, according to which, the country's federal government is considering changing its policy on the FYROM "name issue".

"These rumors are untrue", he said, adding that "countries like Canada have recently decided to use the term 'Republic of Macedonia' in bilateral relations. The Australian government has no such plans. We are firm in our policy on the use of the term FYROM".

Downer said Australia continues to use the term FYROM on a temporary basis, in compliance with the UN guidelines, until an agreement is reached on the issue between Athens and Skopje.

We call on the governments of Greece and FYROM to work together to solve their differences in cooperation with UN mediators, he reiterated.

Australia recognised FYROM in 1994 and established diplomatic relations in 1995. The use of the name FYROM is in line with the UN practice.

Labor Party leader Kevin Rudd has stressed that his party, if it is elected to power, will not recognise FYROM as "Macedonia", in letters addressed to Greek ambassador George Zois and the Federation of Pan-Macedonian Associations President Dimitrios Minas, as well as in comments made to the Greek-Australian newspaper "Neos Kosmos".

[04] Papandreou chairs SI meetings in Tel Aviv, Ramallah on Mideast problem

Greece's main opposition PASOK leader and Socialist International (SI) president George Papandreou chaired a two-day SI meeting on developments in the Middle East in Tel Aviv on Monday and in Ramallah on Tuesday, respectively.

Taking part in the meeting on behalf of Israel are defence minister and Labor party leader Ehud Barak and Israel's Jewish-Arab social-democratic Meretz party chairman Yossi Beilin, while from the Palestinian Authority, delegations of the Fatah and the PLO are also taking part.

Political analysts described as "important" the fact that the Fatah and PLO delegations are taking part in the SI conference in Israel, while delegations of the Israeli Labor Party and Meretz will be taking part in Tuesday's SI conference in the Palestinian territories.

Opening the meeting in Tel Aviv, Papandreou stressed that developments in the Middle East issue were "more critical than at any other time", and consequently he felt that it was his duty to be there at this time, despite the fact that his obligations were focused on the run-up to a crucial Nov. 11 election for the PASOK leadership.

Labor party deputy leader Efraim Sneh said Papandreou's sensitivity and devotion to the Middle East issue, as the SI president, was greatly appreciated, particularly given that he had chosen to visit the region himself and support efforts of the Palestinians and Israelis amidst the PASOK leadership campaign.

Papandreou arrived in Tel Aviv on Sunday evening.

According to a PASOK announcement ahead of the meeting, the SI conference was taking place at this specific time so that the SI could contribute to the workings taking place in view of a critical international peace conference in the Middle East -- to take place in Annapolis next month (Nov. 26) -- with the participation of Israelis and Palestinians, international organisations, a number of countries from Europe and the Arab world as well as other regions, all of whom are playing a role in efforts to resolve the Middle East problem.

The announcement said the purpose of the SI conference is to encourage all sides involved in taking steps necessary towards a comprehensive solution to the problem.

SI president Papandreou lays wreath at grave of Arafat

Main opposition PASOK leader and Socialist International (SI) president George Papandreou, who is presiding over the SI's Committee on the Middle East, which is convening in Israel (Tel Aviv) and the Palestinian Territories (Ramalla), on Monday laid a wreath at the grave of Yasser Arafat.

"In this pained place of Palestine and of the Middle East, a new window of opportunity is being opened, with the scheduled meeting at Annapolis,, at the summit in the United States," Papandreou said, according to a PASOK press release.

"This is why I took the initiative for the two sides to meet, of the Palestinians and of the Israelis, at the same table, along with Socialist International, in order for us to discuss to future of this process, to examine how we can submit our own proposals, our own thoughts, to promote and support this (peace) initiative. And of course, these two sides, the progressive and socialist forces, and of the Israelis, and of the Palestinians, is the pillar of the forces which support a peaceful solution to the Palestinian problem. An independent state of Palestine which will live peacefully next to Israel," Papandreou added.

[05] 1st day of Palestinian-Israeli meeting at SI conference concluded

The first day of the meeting between Palestinians and Israelis at the Socialist International (SI) conference was concluded on Monday with both sides approaching each other even closer, in a period where the pressures by the international community are intensifying within the framework of the creation of a climate of trust and the elaboration a text of positions and principles which will lead one step closer to the scheduled international peace conference in November at Annapolis of the United States.

Papandreou, in his capacity as Socialist International president, stressed that Annapolis constitutes a window of optimism which both involved sides should exploit.

On the sidelines of SI's sessions, Papandreou visited Patriarch of Jerusalem Theofilos, whom he congratulated for Sunday's development which opens the road for his recognition by Israel as well. In his reply, the Patriarch of Jerusalem wished Papandreou good luck in the elections for PASOK's leadership on November 11.

Immediately afterwards, Papandreou met Israeli President Shimon Peres with whom he exchanged views and examined the possibility of the summit's success at Annapolis, while they also discussed all the developments which concern the Israeli-Palestinian dispute.

[06] PASOK leadership candidate Venizelos addresses Athens rally

The main opposition party is holding a nationwide vote on November 11 for the election of a new leader following defeat in last months general elections in the country. PASOK members and registered supporters and friends are set to vote in this much expected election.

"Unity is not at danger, and all those who tried to split the party while (party founder and late prime minister) Andreas Papandreou was alive, they returned back to the Movement's ranks and fortunately they are not supporting my candidacy," Venizelos told his audience.

Venizelos said he was a guarantor, "just as the other two candidates are" of the party's unity, adding that he had proposed to the other two contenders the holding of a joint press conference as well as their mutual "committment by signature to respect the decisions of the party's National Council, the election procedures, the outcome of the election and the acceptance of the result."

Incumbent party leader George Papandreou and prominent party official and deputy Costas Skandalidis are the other two leadership contenders.

Responding to a slogan from the audience calling for the "end of the right wing party rule", Venizelos answered that "PASOK can put an end to the right wing (governance) under the condition that you elect me" as party president.

He said that the "party's humiliating percentage" in last month's general elections constituted "a crisis" and defending current party election procedures he stressed that "we are now marching towards the exit from the crisis."

"Unity with defeatism is not enough, we need unity with a perspective," he noted.

"All those who want to bring PASOK to their own standards they are poisoning the party with defeatism," adding: "It is not reasonable to say that it is always the others' fault. It may also be that the fault falls upon our own shoulders."

[07] Skandalidis outlines his vision for 'ruling Left'

Noting that the political cycle that begun with the restoration of democracy in 1974 had come full circle, Skandalidis said that the Greece's democracy was currently "oligarchic and melancholy" and made citizens feel increasingly alone and isolated, while he called for a "new contract of trust to the right to prosperity".

The body to carry out this attempt would be a "ruling Left" in which a regenerated PASOK would be the main but not exclusive or leading element, he said.

According to Skandalidis, the way forward was one of a democratic overturning of the current oligarchic status, which denied and cancelled the right of citizens to prosperity, especially the younger and weaker members of society.

Among his suggestions for achieving this were changes to the election system, with a shift to more constituencies with a single or a few seats among others, in order to ensure the highest degree of proportional representation combined with government stability.

Skandalidis denied rumours that he would pull out of the race for the main opposition's leadership and appeared confident that he would do well in the party elections of November 11, enough to enter a second round.

He also ruled out any risk of fragmentation within PASOK, saying that no one would "have the guts" and that any departures would be solitary ones.

Skandalidis is due to address a gathering at Warehouse 1 in Thessaloniki port on Monday evening at 20:00, and will earlier have meetings with local PASOK party organs and officials.

[08] Gov't on election law issue

Referring to the presentation of a new election law to Parliament, he said the process will not be accelerated.

Roussopoulos stated that according to comments he had made earlier, the new election law will be submitted during the first Parliament session but not in the first couple of months, adding that it will take a few weeks or months at the latest.

[09] Israeli committee supports recognition of Patriarch Theophilos III

A special committee established by Israel to advice on the recognition of Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III has issued a favourable recommendation.

According to the committee, which convened on Sunday, there is no reason against the Patriarch's recognition by the government of Israel.

The Israeli government was notified of the committee's proposal and a reaction, mostly likely in line with the committee's recommendations, is expected within the coming days or weeks.

[10] Alexandria Patriarch Theodoros in Athens

[11] Oversees voting for Russian elections

The elections are scheduled to take place on December 2, and voters may cast their vote on that day at the Russian consulate in Athens on 5 Tzavella street in Halandri, and in Thessaloniki at 5 Dimosthenous street, between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Financial News

[12] PM and interior minister discuss EU funds' absorption

In statements after the meeting, Pavlopoulos noted that the 20th congress of the general secretaries of regional authorities will be held in Thessaloniki at the end of the week and that this coincided with the start of implementing government planning for the use of 4th Community Support Framework (CSF) funds, with 80 percent earmarked for regional areas.

He stressed that the government was determined not to repeat the mistakes made in the past under PASOK governments, who had handed over power in 2004 with absorption rates for the 3rd CSF standing at just 15.6 percent over four years.

Stressing that it was important to get off to a good start, Pavlopoulos noted that all regional authorities and local government were being organised so that the opportunity for the country's development and to ensure social cohesion unfolded smoothly.

The second issue discussed with the prime minister and which would also be discussed by the inner cabinet on Tuesday was the new structure of civil protection services following the merger between the interior and public order ministries, the minister reported.

He said the aim was cooperation between all the various types of authorities involved, whether these were local government, security forces or other state services, so that there was initial planning and coordination that would come into play in dealing with any kind of crisis.

Responding to questions, meanwhile, he said that changing the leadership of the fire brigade or police had not been raised as an issue and dismissed speculation to this effect as just rumours.

Replying to questions on planned changes in election system laws, the interior minister said that this would happen at the start of the government's term or before the end of Parliament's first session but stressed that this was not among the issues to be discussed on Tuesday.

[13] FinMin addresses Informatics & Digital Communications conference

He expressed certainty on the achievement of the target of the braodband convergence of Greece with the European Union of the "25" by the end of 2009.

The minister noted that Greece was the fastest developing country worldwide in the fast Internet in 2006, according to reports by reliable international organizations.

Furthermore, while Greece was the most expensive in the broadbank link until March 2004, it has since March 2007 price links which are closer to the average of the European Union of the "25" and during the past three years the prices were reduced by more than 85%.

"In the past we lost valuable ground with regard the implementation of digital technology. And this had a cost in growth, competitiveness, productivity and the quality of life of all of us. Until 2004, the spreading of the new technologies was obstructed by the lack of necessary infrastructures as well as the high cost of use. Over the past three-and-a-half years we made a great and systematic effort and we are confronting these problems. We henceforth have better infrastructures and lower cost of use. Through our actions and initiatives for the 'Digital Greece', we managed to overturn the negative course. We placed strong bases for the implementation of the new technologies," Alogoskoufis said.

The Digital Strategy 2006-2013 programme aims, among others, at intensifying the capitalisation on new technologies by citizens, broadening the use of informatics by businesses, developing digital services in the service of businesses, eliminating beraucracy and the broadband covering of at least 90 percent of the population until 2008, the minister added.

[14] FinMin meets with Council of Monetary Policy

The meeting focused on issues of economic policy.

[15] Sioufas meets with outgoing Turkish ambassador

On his part, Sioufas, until recently the development minister in the previous Karamanlis government, underlined the importance of a bilateral power exchange deal.

The end of the Turkish ambassador's term coincides with the increase in bilateral economic and energy relations between the two countries, launched in 2004, ties that transformed both countries into an international energy hub, Sioufas stressed.

The Parliament president also referred to the electrical power exchange cooperation between the two countries, launched last summer, adding that completion of a power grid link-up in January 2008 is a noteworthy development.

He also pointed out that Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and Turkish Premier Tayyip Recep Erdogan will attend the inauguration of natgas pipeline works in the southern European corridor, within the framework of a trilateral agreement between Turkey, Greece and Italy.

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis also held a customary meeting with the outgoing Turkish envoy.

[16] MIG dynamically expands in Serbia's commercial real estate market

The signing of the purchase agreement will be made on Monday 5, November in Belgrade, while completion of the transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the year after approval by competition authorities.

Commenting on the deal, MIG's vice-chairman Andreas Vgenopoulos said "MIG is establishing itself as the largest commercial real estate owner in Serbia and the possibility to create exceptional synergies in the country".

RKB was the largest shopping mall group in the former Yugoslavia and one of the largest in Europe. Its portfolio includes 32 commercial real estate properties in Serbia's largest cities (nine in Belgrade), four in Montenegro and logictics center and main offices building in Belgrade.

[17] Vivartia's CEO raises its stake to 6.11 pct in the group

Spyros Theodoropoulos, Vivartia's chief executive, also expressed interest in buying 4 million shares at a price of 26 euros per share, or 4.90 pct of Vivartia's equity capital, raising its stake in the Group to 6.11 percent.

Marfin Investment Group also announced that a private placement of Vivartia's shares, due to be completed in the next few days, will take place at a price of 26 euros per share.

[18] Hellenic Exchanges says net profits up 55 pct in Jan-Sept, yr/yr

The company attributed its improved results to a 35 percent rise in revenues from clearing and settlement operations (42.2 million from 31.2 million euros) and a doubling of revenues from listed companies (24.4 million euros from 12.2 million euros in the nine-month period).

Hellenic Exchanges, the operator of Athens Stock Exchange, Athens Derivatives Exchange and the New Stock Market, said trading revenues fell by 14 percent in the nine-month period, reflecting the introduction of a new pricing policy by the group, despite a 35 percent increase in the value of trading in the market (461 million euros daily.

In the derivatives market, revenues grew 12 percent to 7.3 million euros in the January-September period, reflecting a higher number of contract trading (average number of contracts 33,600 this year from 31,100 last year).

Repeated operating expenses totaled 20 million euros in the nine-month period, from 19.6 million euros in 2006, an increase of 2.0 percent. Operating earnings (EBIT) jumped 44.0 percent to 86.9 million euros this year from 60.2 million euros in 2006.

[19] Greek PPI up 4.0 pct in September, yr/yr

NSS, in a report, said the producers price index was up 1.1 percent in September from August. The statistics service attributed the 4.0 pct increase in the September index to a 4.4 pct rise in the domestic market index and a 2.9 pct increase in the foreign market index. The report also noted that the energy goods price index jumped 8.2 pct in September, the intermediate goods price index was up 6.6 pct, the capital goods index rose 4.9 pct and the durable goods price index rose 3.9 pct.

[20] Greek-Romanian business forum in Bucarest

Ioannis Pashalis, consultant general of Economic and Trade Affairs at Greece's embassy in Bucarest, told ANA-MPA that around 500 Greek enterprises began activities in Romania so far this year. He made his comments on the sidelines of a Greek-Romanian business forum in Bucarest. The forum brought together 15 Greek enterprises from the electronic equipment, clothing and footwear, metal constructions and food sectors seeking to begin business activities in Romania.

A Romanian government official, addressing the forum said her country could learn from Greek experience in attracting and managing European funds, while she presented Romania's economic advantages such a steady growth rate, low inflation and unemployment and a single tax rate (16 pct).

Foreign investments to Romania totaled 9.1 billion euros in 2006. Greek-Romanian trade volume totaled 1.0 billion euros in the same year.

[21] SETE conference held on 'Tourism & Growth'

Official speaker Carlos Vogeler, president of the affiliated members of the World Tourism Organisation, having stressed the need for the development of cooperation through a stable economic and social environment, proposed the redefining of the role of the public sector in the direction of a co-shaper of the strategy for tourism growth.

Vogeler noted that tourism's contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the world economy reaches 10.3% and that international arrivals reached 850 million worldwide, creating revenue of 735 billion dollars.

China will be the top destination in the world, with arrivals reaching 130 million, while France, the U.S. and Spain will follow.

[22] Eurobank appoints new risk management officer

Kolakidis worked at the Bank of Piraeus for a period of seven years. He is graduate of the London School of Economics and holder of a MBA from the London Business School.

[23] OA schedules more flights to SE Europe destinations, Dubai

OA added five more weekly flights to its winter schedule, effective until March 29, raising the number to 46 from 41.

The weekly flights to Bucharest increase from 12 to 14; from 12 to 13 to Sofia; and from seven to nine for Belgrade. The Athens-Tirana route will be serviced with 10 weekly flights.

Beginning on Dec. 15, 2007, weekly flights from Athens to Dubai will be increased to six, with the addition of two direct flights to Dubai on Thursdays and Saturdays.

All flights will use B737-400 aircraft.

[24] Florina picked as "European Destination of Excellence"

The northern Greek prefecture of Florina has been picked by the European Commission as one of the 10 best European destinations for agro-tourism, according to an announcement on Monday. Florina was among 10 European regions awarded a "European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) 2007" during the annual European Tourism Exhibition that took place in Portugal.

Florina was particularly praised for the ski resort Vitsi and the mountaineering paths on Mounts Varnous, Vernon and Voras leading to the Prespes Lakes.

[25] Greek stocks end 0.30 pct higher

The Big Cap index rose 0.39 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 0.14 pct lower and the Small Cap index rose 0.32 percent. General Trade (14.56 pct), Profile (6.0 pct) and Viosol (5.71 pct) were top gainers, while Tria Alpha (10.0 pct), ANEK (9.94 pct) and Boutaris (9.09 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 134 to 110 with another 61 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: -0.98%

Industrials: +0.17%

Commercial: -0.06%

Construction: -0.28%

Media: -0.56%

Oil & Gas: +1.70%

Personal & Household: +0.50%

Raw Materials: -1.31%

Travel & Leisure: +0.52%

Technology: -0.33%

Telecoms: -0.48%

Banks: +0.42%

Food & Beverages: +0.96%

Health: +0.28%

Utilities: +1.05%

Chemicals: +0.06%

Financial Services: +0.77%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, OTE, Alpha Bank and Mytilineos.

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

Alpha Bank: 25.10

ATEbank: 3.98

Public Power Corp (PPC): 28.00

HBC Coca Cola: 43.34

Hellenic Petroleum: 11.00

Emporiki Bank: 20.88

National Bank of Greece: 47.00

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 26.32

Intralot: 28.94

Cosmote: 23.72

OPAP: 28.50

OTE: 25.34

Titan Cement Company: 35.00

[26] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totaled 5,233 contracts, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 338 contracts. Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 8,499 contracts with investment interest focusing on Marfin Investment Group's contracts (2,341), followed by Marfin Popular Bank (945), PPC (1,069), National Bank (365), Alpha Bank (547), Intracom (321), Mytilineos (327) and ATEbank (405).

[27] Greek bond closing report

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were mixed. National Bank's overnight rate was 4.05 pct, the two-day rate was 4.05 pct, the one-month rate 4.15 pct and the 12-month rate 4.60 pct.

[28] Foreign Exchange Rates - Tuesday

U.S. dollar 1.450

Pound sterling 0.704

Danish kroner 7.514

Swedish kroner 9.265

Japanese yen 166.49

Swiss franc 1.691

Norwegian kroner 7.783

Cyprus pound 0.588

Canadian dollar 1.393

Australian dollar 1.577

General News

[29] Scores of illegals detained in eastern Aegean; Inner cabinet to focus on problem

According to reports, the pair also tossed four out of the 20 illegals they were transporting into the water near the small isle of Farmakonissi in a futile attempt to evade a coast guard patrol boat.

The incident is only the latest in a distressing increase in the number of illegal immigrants attempting to reach Greek and European Union territory via neighboring Turkey, as 120 illegal migrants alone were arrested over the last three days on the border islands of Lesvos and Samos.

[30] Inner Cabinet meeting

He underlined that an enormous effort is underway by competent authorities and commented that "we are looking forward to better cooperation with the EU towards the adoption of a (EU-wide) coast guard proposal made years ago by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis".

[31] Justice minister proposes transfer of prisoners to country of origin

Outlining the minister's proposal, it also pointed out that foreign inmates now accounted for 48 percent of Greece's prison population.

The justice ministry said the campaign began at the 28th Council of Europe (CoE) justice ministers' meeting held in Spain on October 25-26. Here, Hatzigakis proposed that the ministerial adopt a second additional protocol in the Convention for the Transfer of Sentenced Persons and asked his counterparts to support the initiative within the CoE.

The ministry also indicated that Hatzigakis intended to step up efforts to raise the issue at European bodies and would initiate a series of bilateral meetings with his European counterparts in order to promote the idea.

The announcement said that the minister had already agreed joint initiatives at the European Union and the CoE with his Cypriot counterpart Sophoclis Sophocleous so that "foreign prisoners (who constitute a major problem for prisons in both countries) will serve their sentences in their country of origin".

Also signed during the CoE justice ministers' meeting was a convention for the protection of minors from sexual exploitation and ill treatment, which introduced new and severe penalties. In his address on this issue, Hatzigakis stressed that ensuring the access of vulnerable groups to justice ranked high in Greece's priorities.

[32] SAE president Tamvakis tours the U.S.

World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) president Stefanos Tamvakis, in contacts he is currently having in the United States, discussed matters which concern the further strengthening of the role of SAE, the preservation of the Greek element of the diaspora and the strengthening of its ties with Greece.

During a press conference at New York's Press and Communications Offiice on Monday, Tamvakis analytically presented his positions for the upgrading of SAE, giving particular emphasis to Education and cultural issues.

He stressed "the very good cooperation" which SAE has with the Greek government and Church.

Tamvakis on Monday met with Archbishop of America Demetrius, with whom he discussed issues related to the efforts for the preservation of the Greek language and heritage in the young generations of the diaspora. Tamvakis said the meeting was "useful and constructive and the Archbishop showed particular interest on all the issues."

Tamvakis concluded his visit of New York and is continuing his tour of the United States with contacts he will have in Boston and Washington.

[33] Archbishop Demetrios awarded 'Athinagorio Human Rights Award'

Archbishop Demetrios of America was awarded the "Athinagorio Human Rights Award" at an event in New York on Monday.

The main speaker at the event was Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte who described the Archbishop as "a polite and generous man whose integrity of character allowed him offer inspirational leadership to the Greek Orthodox community of America."

[34] Chinese press on Greece

According to China Daily, a great opportunity is being given to the Chinese people to get acquainted with Greek culture in view of the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

In parallel, Chinese specialised reviews are currently hosting in their pages Greece as a top tourist, cultural and gastronomic destination. The women's magazine "Modern Bride" in 6-page report of its November issue lauds the Ionian island of Zakynthos as one the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean and as one of the most suitable honeymoon destinations.

The Cycladic island of Mykonos and other Aegean islands are being hosted in a 5-page report of the "China Yachting" in its October issue, while the "Business Travel", October issue, examines tourism's contribution to the Greek economy's growth.

[35] Two-volume publication on "Sports, society and the mass media"

The book, titled "Sports, society and the mass media: The Athens 2004 Olympic Games Case" was edited by Aristotle

University of Thessaloniki professor of journalism Tessa Doulkeri.

The first volume contains texts written by historians, international affairs and semiology specialists, as well as texts signed by communication, tourism and new technology experts, while distinguished figures in politics and journalism also offer their own comments.

Empirical research conducted by Aristotle University and Athens' Panteion University on the role of the mass media and the public's stance as well as articles signed by foreign scientists are contained in the second volume of the publication.

[36] Book on Ilias Venezis' life in Asia Minor republished

The republished Chronicle and the historical documentary "Letters with No Addressee", were presented at Athens' Megaron Concert Hall within the framework of events commemorating the 85th anniversary of the Asia Minor catastrophe.

Venezi-Molyviatis, the mother of former foreign minister Petros Molyviatis, chronicles the odyssey of her brother, then 16-year-old writer Ilias Venezis, in her book, which is based on true events.

[37] Athens Academy to honour AHI's Eugene Rossides

Panayiotis Vokotopoulos, President of the Athens Academy, will address Rossides, while the latter's work will be presented by Academician Epaminondas Spiliotopoulos. Rossides will then deliver a speech on "The United States and Cyprus and the Role of the Greek American Community".

Eugene Rossides, a lawyer by profession, is the founder of the AHI based in Washington and has served as assistant secretary in Richard Nixon's administration.

[38] Greeks read less than average EU citizens, survey shows

Greeks tend to read less than the average European according to the results of a survey released on Monday by Eurostat.

Specifically, 59 percent of Greeks read at least one book in the last year, compared with the EU average of 71 percent. Greeks shared the same ranking with the Spanish, while reading rates were even lower in Cyprus (56 percent), Romania (58 percent), Portugal (50 percent) and Malta (45 percent).

Most avid readers were Danes (83 percent), Czechs and Britons (82 percent) and Germans (81 percent).

Greeks also make fewer visits to museums and galleries than the European average, with only 25 percent saying that they had visited a museum or gallery in the past year compared with 41 percent of Europeans on average.

Another 46 percent of Greeks state that they had been to the cinema at least once in the past year, while 30 percent have visited the theatre in that time, compared an average of 51 percent and 32 percent in the 27 EU member-states.

Finally, 2.1 per cent of the Greek workforce is employed in the cultural sector compared with 2.7 percent of the EU workforce.

[39] Greek Film Festival to be held in New York

After many years, a Greek Film Festival will be held in New York from November 2-8 and from November 9-15.

The Festival is organised under the auspices of the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce and the revenue will be allotted for the inhabitants of the regions affected by catastrophic wildfires which swept Greece last August.

The screenings will be held from November 2-8 at the Village Cinema, in Manhattan, and from November 9-15 at the Cine Mart Cinema, at Forest Hills.

[40] Navy petty officer charged as hit man; protection racket exposed

The petty officer was placed under arrested on Sunday after he was caught and forced to make a confession by his alleged prospective victim, the owner of a night club on the Athens coast.

The suspect was apprehended on Sunday morning outside the club Karamela on Synggrou Avenue by the nightclub owner and his brother, along with other of their associates, because they considered him suspicious. Handing the arrested man over to the Nea Smyrni police station, they claimed that he went to the club in order to carry out a contract to kill the owner and that they had forced a confession out of him.

The suspect admitted to making an agreement to kill the owner of Karamela with one of his competitors and was carrying a gun containing eight rounds at the time of his arrest. He said that the arranged price for the murder had been 30,000 euros, with 15,000 paid in advance and the rest after the execution.

Under interrogation by officers in the police crimes of extortion department, he also admitted to demanding protection money from a series of Athens retailers and artists, assisted by a group of thugs working for the same man that had ordered the attempted contract killing.

Charges have been drawn up against ten people that include the arrested petty officer, the business man that allegedly paid him to kill his competitor and another seven people alleged to be part of the gang involved in an extortion racket and other crimes. Also under investigation is a police officer, whose role in the affair has not yet been clarified.

The public prosecutor's charges against them include forming a criminal organisation, attempted murder, misdemeanour counts of arson, repeated counts of extortion as a means of livelihood, violations of weapons law, illegally carrying weapons, moral instigation and reckless shooting.

Based on the evidence, two of the 10 currently accused are considered involved in the contract killing against the owner of Karamela, while the rest are implicated in the extortion racket.

The case file has now been sent on to an examining magistrate.

[41] Teachers to rally on Thursday

Mediterranean Games

[42] PM congratulates Volos-Larissa organising com't for assumption of 2013 Med Games

Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said the successful bid was due to the comprehensive candidacy file and Greece's 2004 Olympic legacy and know-how.

"For Larissa and Volos, as well as the entire Thessaly province, the hosting of the 2013 Mediterranean is a challenge," he noted.

Weather Forecast

[43] Partly cloudy on Tuesday

Cyprus Affairs

[44] Cyprus Government detects intentions to upgrade illegal regime

The Cyprus Government detects an intention by certain countries to upgrade the illegal state in the Turkish occupied north of Cyprus, Government Spokesman Vassilis Palmas said here Monday.

He added that this attitude follows the rejection of the Annan Plan by the Greek Cypriots in 2004, noting however that the Government must make every effort to safeguard the interests of the Republic.

Responding to questions he said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed the British government that following the recent signing of a memorandum of Strategic Cooperation between Britain and Turkey the UK/Cyprus Forum as well as the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Erato Kozakou-Markoullis to London, are cancelled.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes that after this development between the UK and Turkey, the climate formed is such that makes the organization of this Forum impossible even for the discussion of issues other than the Cypriot problem", Palmas said, adding that it is a very delicate issue and the government deals with it with discretion.

The UK/Cyprus Forum was planned to take place in Paphos on November 3, to deal with regional and EU, issues, immigration, criminality as well as the Cyprus problem and bilateral issues.

Asked which steps the Cypriot government is willing to take in order to confront such negative developments, the spokesman said that decisions were taken in several levels, and will be known after their implementation.

"It is a fact that after the rejection of the Annan Plan in 2004 by the Cyprus people and by the Cypriot President, a negative climate has been formed by certain countries as regards our decision. And it is also a fact that there have been moves to reward the Turkish Cypriot stance during the referendum", he said.

He added that the "the road is not an easy one" but the government must make every effort to safeguard the interests of the Republic.

Referring to the British stance, Palmas said that "through the years, the stance, the attitude and the political approach of Britain towards Cyprus, especially regarding the Cyprus issue is registered in the negative direction".

"The difference in connection to the specific development with Turkey is that we have an unconcealed approach on British behalf as regards the unbalanced position between Cyprus and Turkey", he said.

Responding to a question as to which countries seem to have the intention to upgrade the illegal regime, he referred to specific political developments such as the resolution adopted by the German Federal Parliament and certain views of the Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt.

As regards the structured dialogue between Cyprus and Britain, he said that it was a policy decided on the basis to improve relations between the two countries but it seems that it is not respected by the British.

[45] Commonwealth chief says Cyprus and Britain can solve differences

Secretary General of the Commonwealth Donald McKinnon said on Monday that the bilateral issue between Cyprus and Britain, which emerged from the recent signing of a memorandum of Strategic Cooperation between Britain and Turkey, could be resolved.

Speaking after a meeting in Nicosia with Minister of Foreign Affairs Erato Kozakou-Markoullis, McKinnon referred to the position of the Commonwealth in support of the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Cyprus.

Markoullis said ''the Commonwealth has played a role all these years, along with other important international organisations, as an important forum, from which all these years of trial we have received support for Cyprus' case.''

McKinnon met earlier on with President of the Republic Tassos Papadopoulos and was briefed by the President and Markoullis on recent developments in the Cyprus problem and the positions of Cyprus regarding the memorandum of Strategic Cooperation between Britain and Turkey.

Markoullis said McKinnon is in Cyprus in view of the Commonwealth meeting, to take place in Uganda in November.

''We received all the information on preparations for the summit and I am grateful to the Secretary General of the Commonwealth for this briefing and also for the preparations that have been made so far for this important summit,'' she added.

McKinnon said ''the Commonwealth has always stood very firmly with the people of Cyprus, we have always stood very firmly for your sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and obviously for your unity and we know that this is an issue that does emerge from time to time in Commonwealth circles, but Commonwealth leaders have always reaffirmed those particular sentiments and I expect them to continue to do so.''

Referring to the upcoming Commonwealth meeting in Uganda, McKinnon said the leaders would be discussing inter alia economic cooperation within the Commonwealth, information technology, the countries wishing to join the organisation, respect and understanding and international trade.

He noted his meetings in Cyprus were useful, adding that ''having three Commonwealth members now in the EU, Cyprus, Malta and the United Kingdom, is very useful.''

Replying to questions regarding the Cyprus problem, McKinnon said ''I have certainly been very much aware of the situation since I arrived in the country and I still state that the very strong, longstanding position of the Commonwealth is that we remain very much supportive of your sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity.''

''I recognise that a statement that emerged from the meeting between the British Prime Minister and the Turkish Prime Minister is of concern to you,'' he said, adding that President Papadopoulos would be meeting with the British Prime Minister in Kampala for the Commonwealth meeting.

McKinnon said he was ''very confident this is a bilateral issue between the United Kingdom and Cyprus that can be resolved.''

[46] British Minister: no recognition of separate entity in Cyprus

British policy on the non-recognition of the so-called ''Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus'' is unchanged,

British Minister for Eupope Jim Murphy has stressed, underlining that ''we do not and will not recognise a separate entity in the Northern part of Cyprus.''

Murphy who was answering, during a webchat on the British Prime Minister's website, to a question about the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed between Turkey and Britain noted that nothing in the document reflects ''any attempt to upgrade the status of the North or promote partition.''

''Our policy on the non-recognition of the so-called 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' 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 any attempt to upgrade the status of the North or promote partition. I hope that reassures you,'' the British Minister said.

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