Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 08-01-31

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

CONTENTS

[01] Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos arrives in Athens for Archbishop's funeral

[02] Pope, Queen Elizabeth send condolences for Christodoulos

[03] Queen Elizabeth

[04] AHI, New York Mayor express sorrow over death of Archbishop Christodoulos

[05] FM to meet in US with Sec. of State on Feb. 13

[06] Gov't on 'name issue': Best CBM would be a mutually acceptable solution

[07] Foreign ministry on Kosovo; calls for unified EU stance

[08] Foreign ministry on Greek-Turkish issues

[09] PM confers with ND secretary

[10] Nikos Hatzinikolaou testifies in Zachopoulos case

[11] Prosecutors to seek more evidence in Siemens probe

[12] PASOK spokesman Ragoussis on crackdown on corruption

[13] US Embassy closing ,but Consular section open on Thursday Jan.31

[14] Exclusive interview with SELPE President Theodoros Vardas

[15] Australia imports Greek wine grape varieties

[16] Greek retail sales turnover index up 5.2 pct in November

[17] Selonda SA buys two fish farming companies for 1.25 million euros

[18] 22nd Agrotica attracts increased number of participants

[19] Conference on water resource management by farmers

[20] First companies listed on Alternative Market announced

[21] Trade unions, employers begin collective bargaining talks

[22] Credit expansion slows in Nov.

[23] Greek stocks end 0.69 pct lower

[24] ADEX closing report

[25] Greek bond market closing report

[26] Foreign Exchange Rates - Thursday

[27] Dissatisfaction high among Greeks, Eurobarometer finds

[28] WWF-local authorities alliance against coal-fired power plants

[29] Two EU cases against Greece on environment issues

[30] Migrant policy institute head briefs Parliament on illegal immigration problem

[31] Man's death on 'Ariadne' due to fall, coroner finds

[32] Rhodes bank robbery lasts record 20 seconds

[33] Dozens of illegal immigrants intercepted in Epirus

[34] Drug arrests in Astros

[35] Cloudy on Thursday

[36] The Wednesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

[37] President signs book of condolences for Greek Archbishop

[38] President: G/Cs in a more powerful position with EU - Turkey decision

[39] Cypriot FM in Finland and Estonia for talks Politics

[01] Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos arrives in Athens for Archbishop's funeral

Vartholomeos said on arrival in Athens that his death is a great loss for both the Greek Church and for Orthodoxy in its entirety, adding that he passed away at an age when he could still offer a great deal to the Church and the people of God.

The Patriarch further said that on Thursday all will be praying for his soul to rest and stressed that he hopes that God will enlighten the electing delegates to enable them to elect the most worthy and the most capable person to succeed Archbishop Christodoulos.

Shortly after 7 in the evening, the Patriarch officiated at a religious service held in memory of Archbishop Christodoulos at the chappel of Saint Eleftherios, next to the Athens Cathedral, where his body had been taken early in the afternoon.

The Patriarch was accompanied by the Archbishop of America Demetrius, the Archbishop of Crete Irineos, the Metropolitan of Pergamos Ioannis, the Metropolitan of Myron Chrysostomos and by clergymen of the Church of Greece.

[02] Pope, Queen Elizabeth send condolences for Christodoulos

In his telegram, whose arrival was announced on Wednesday, Pope Benedict stressed that he is spiritually close to all those mourning the death "of this distinguished pastor of the Church of Greece" and expressed his gratitude for the Orthodox leader's efforts to achieve friendlier ties between the churches of East and West.

"The fraternal greeting which His Beatitude gave my predecessor, Pope John Paul II, on the occasion of the latter's visit to Athens in May 2001, and the return visit of Archbishop Christodoulos to Rome in December 2006, opened a new era of cordial co-operation between us, leading to increased contacts and improved friendship in the search for closer communion ..." Pope Benedict wrote.

The Pope also offered his prayers and those of "Catholics around the world" "that the Orthodox Church of Greece will be sustained by the grace of God in continuing to build on the pastoral achievements of the late archbishop, and that in commending the noble soul of His Beatitude to our heavenly Father's loving mercy you will be comforted by the Lord's promise to reward His faithful servants".

The Archbishop's funeral this Thursday will be attended by a Vatican delegation headed by Cardinal Walter Kasper, the president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

[03] Queen Elizabeth

"I am saddened to hear of the death of His Beatitude Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece. I send my sincere condolences to you and to the Greek people."

[04] AHI, New York Mayor express sorrow over death of Archbishop Christodoulos

The institute stresses in a statement that Christodoulos was a hierarch of great spiritual ethos and brought a new spirit and enthusiasm to the teaching of Orthodoxy to the Greek people.

Under his leadership the Church made a special effort to get closer to the young and apply the Orthodox teaching on contemporary issues, points out the statement, adding that the Archbishop's contribution to Orthodoxy and Greece will always mark the enormous legacy he has left us with, the AHI statement said.

Meanwhile, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg had a telephone communication with Archbishop Demetrios of America to whom he expressed his deep sorrow over the death of Archbishop Christodoulos and requested him to convey his condolences to the family of the deceased and the members of the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece.

[05] FM to meet in US with Sec. of State on Feb. 13

Koumoutsakos, speaking to reporters during a regular press briefing, said that although Bakoyannis' itinerary was still being planned, meetings in Washington with Rice on February 14 and with US National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley on February 13 have already been finalised, as well as an address on the 14th at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), during of an event being organised in her honor.

Regarding the items on the agenda for the Bakoyannis-Rice meeting, Koumoutsakos was reserved, saying it was too early to elaborate, but noted that it was customary that the entire spectrum of bilateral matters as well as issues of wider regional and international interest are discussed.

Koumoutsakos opined that there would be particular reference to the Western Balkans, the future status of Kosovo, and the ongoing process for finding a mutually acceptable solution to the FYROM name issue.

Replying to a question, Koumoutsakos said that the meeting with Rice had been requested by the Greek side.

Bakoyannis will fly to the US directly from Valletta, where she will be attending the EU ministerial meeting with the Arab League on February 11.

[06] Gov't on 'name issue': Best CBM would be a mutually acceptable solution

Foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos made the statement in response to press questions during his regular weekly briefing in Athens, where he added that any potential solution will "apply" over all others.

Koumoutsakos also flatly refuted press reports of a "parallel" negotiations process being held between Athens and Skopje.

"I would like to categorically state that there are no parallel negotiations or any replacement of the one and only process being held under the United Nations (auspices) for the finding of a mutually acceptable solution (to the name issue)," he added.

Regarding recent proposals by the FYROM side on confidence-building measures (CBMs) between Athens and Skopje, the spokesman said the negotiations process has a specific goal, as defined by UNSC resolutions and the 1995 "Interim Agreement", namely, to find a mutually acceptable solution.

"Achievement of such a solution will be the best possible confidence-building measure," he stressed.

[07] Foreign ministry on Kosovo; calls for unified EU stance

At the same time, the spokesman stressed the need for a unified EU stance on what he called this "European issue par excellence".

He clarified, however, that a unified stance did not mean imposing one point of view on other EU member-states but taking into account the concerns and misgivings of the other member-states.

Koumoutsakos additionally stressed that it was important to take action to ensure regional stability and that this was Greece's unswerving position.

Commenting on the upcoming presidential elections in Serbia next Sunday, the spokesman said that Serbia needed to make tangible progress in its course toward the EU and said the last decision of the EU General Affairs Council indicating the desire of European leaders for Serbia to join the 'European family' was a "positive message for the Serb people".

[08] Foreign ministry on Greek-Turkish issues

Foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos also noted that Greece is deepening a policy of equality before the law and equality of rights in compliance with the provisions contained in the Lausanne Treaty, when asked about the Muslim minority's status.

He added that the decisions of the European Courts that refer to human rights issues have great importance and are taken into serious consideration by a "European and democratic Greece".

Referring to the outcome of a visit to Turkey by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis last week, Koumoutsakos said the "crystal-clear political will of the two countries to intensify their efforts for a further improvement of bilateral relations has been recorded undoubtedly."

On the question of Cyprus, he said Greece stressed, on the one hand, the need for a normalisation of Turkey's relations with the Republic of Cyprus, which is a very important element in the neighbouring country's accession course and, on the other hand, as regards a solution, the Greek prime minister insisted that the agreement reached on July 8 is "the sole tangible basis with which a well-prepared process can begin to find a viable and workable solution."

[09] PM confers with ND secretary

Replying to press questions after the meeting, Zagoritis referred to the Costas Koukodimos case, merely noting that the Parliament group secretary (Antonis Tragakis) is responsible for the issue. "The government's position is known and specific."

Asked if New Democracy was in a state of 'electoral readiness', Zagoritis said, adding: "The new election law passed yesterday, don't confuse it with readiness."

[10] Nikos Hatzinikolaou testifies in Zachopoulos case

According to Triantafyllopoulos, Hatzinikolaou was a witness and had listened in on his conversation with the MP.

Hatzinikolaou himself chose not to make any statements after leaving the magistrate's office.

Earlier, the magistrate had also heard evidence from the chief editor of Triantafyllopoulos' TV shows, Socrates Giolias, who stressed that he stood by everything he had said so far in connection with the case.

[11] Prosecutors to seek more evidence in Siemens probe

First-instance court prosecutors Panagiotis Athanassiou and Eleni Raikou, who are in charge of the case, earlier had a three-hour meeting with the head of the first-instance court prosecutors' Panagiotis Poulios and Supreme Court Prosecutor George Sanidas to discuss the affair.

[12] PASOK spokesman Ragoussis on crackdown on corruption

"Cracking down on corruption is a top priority for PASOK. PASOK, on the Siemens issue as well, demands that all evidence should come to light. Signatures of deputies are being collected for this reason to enable a proposal on the creation of a factfinding committee for Siemens to be tabled in Parliament. PASOK, in contrast with the government, has nothing to hide and fears nothing and nobody," he said.

However, the spokesman said that he considers a positive response by parties to the proposal on the factfinding committee for Siemens, as well as the proposals on the creation of factfinding committees on other issues proposed by PASOK self-evident.

Ragoussis referred to previous assessments made by PASOK on latest opinion surveys when asked about the results of the latest survey according to which PASOK is lagging 3.3 points behind the ruling New Democracy (ND) party and last regarding positive opinions among citizens. He added that the situation prevailing lately in PASOK must be taken into consideration.

Lastly, asked whether following the announcement made by Evangelos Venizelos on Tuesday there will be a reply by PASOK leader George Papandreou, accompanied by a "goodwill gesture" and a possible meeting between them, Ragoussis said "the development is positive, what we have said stands, the rest will be announced when the time comes."

[13] US Embassy closing ,but Consular section open on Thursday Jan.31

Because of public demand, however, the US Embassy consular section will be open for visa, passport, citizen services and federal benefits functions during its regular hours. The Consular section is doing everything possible to assist American citizens and visa applicants.

Financial News

[14] Exclusive interview with SELPE President Theodoros Vardas

In an exclusive interview with ANA-MPA on Wednesday, SELPE's president called on the government to support private consumption and be bold in the implementation of reforms. He also pointed out that small businesses should become more professional, was in favor of the privatization of the country's ports, and suggested that retail stores should be open five or six Sundays a year.

He maintained that the Greek economy will be in a very difficult state in 2008 and 2009 and affected by the crisis observed in the global economy due to miscalculated moves. SELPE's president stated that the government has not taken specific measures for the improvement of the economic environment, stressing that reform attempts were interrupted in view of the general elections. The government should move fast and complete certain of the reforms before Euro-election time, he said.

He added that in view of structural changes and reforms the government must take immediate measures to keep private consumption strong in order to preserve a high growth rate.

The problems faced by small and medium-size businesses stem from their business policy and not from the large chain stores, he added, stressing that they will have to be more professional in utilizing the comparative advantage they have - namely, the personal relationship between a small business owner and the customer.

Referring to social security system reform, he stated that the government should proceed with radical reforms for those who will join the workforce after January 1, 2009 and try to solve the problems of workers who entered the job market before that date.

On the strike mobilizations in the country's major ports, he pointed out that Greek ports handle roughly 1.6 million containers a year with the prospect of their number being quadrupled. He stressed that ports will have to be privatized if Greece does not want to miss this major opportunity. Privatization should be well-planned, following negotiations with employees that will guarantee their working rights. He said that negotiations should not last longer than a month before a relative bill is presented to parliament for approval.

On the four-week winter sales period launched on January 15, he said that it is too soon to tell if consumers responded in a satisfactory manner, urging them to make well-thought and rational purchases.

On the retail store business hours, the SELPE president stated characteristically that the market is made for consumers and they need time to engage in market research before buying. He stressed that if retail stores were open on Sunday's consumers would be given the time for such a research, adding that retail stores could be open five or six Sundays a year.

[15] Australia imports Greek wine grape varieties

Australia is facing an "invasion" of Greek wine grape varieties even though it is among the leading wine producers dominating in international markets.

According to Australian media reports, Australian vine growers are importing resilient wine grape varieties from the Mediterranean to deal with the climatic change and the rising temperature phenomenon.

Australian producers have already imported varieties from Greece, Italy and Spain to be grafted into local grape varieties with the purpose of creating new more resilient ones.

[16] Greek retail sales turnover index up 5.2 pct in November

The statistics service, in a report, said the retail turnover index was up 10.7 pct in November 2006. NSS attributed the 5.2 pct increase in the index to an 8.0 percent increase in the food category index and a 3.0 pct rise in the other goods category index.

The retail sales volume index (turnover in fixed prices) rose 1.9 pct in November, after a 6.8 pct increase in November 2006. The November 2007 figures reflected a 3.8 pct rise in food category and a 0.7 pct increase in other category.

[17] Selonda SA buys two fish farming companies for 1.25 million euros

Selonda said it acquired Ehinades SA for 1.1 million euros and Koumaros Fish Farms SA for 144,950 euros, both in cash. The purchases were made using money from a new syndicated loan issued in December 2007.

[18] 22nd Agrotica attracts increased number of participants

Aristotelis Thomopoulos, Helexpo's president, speaking to reporters on Wednesday, said a total of 1,686 exhibitors will participate in this year's fair, up 36 percent from 2006, representing a total of 39 countries, including Greece. Thomopoulos said it has secured the participation of a significant number of commercial visitors.

Agrotica will present all the latest developments in machinery, equipment and supplies from around the world, along with all new technology applications and science data on agricultural production.

[19] Conference on water resource management by farmers

An estimated 86 percent of the available water reserves are consumed by the agricultural sector. A total of 13.2 million stremma of arable land is irrigated with roughly 7,500 million m3 of water coming from surface and underground reservoirs.

[20] First companies listed on Alternative Market announced

The three companies, Epsilon NET, Mediterra and Envitec, were given a 'green light' to list their shares on the Alternative Market following a decision by the Athens Stock Exchange's board on Jan. 24.

Epsilon NET is a software company offering accounting applications to enterprises. Mediterra SA is owned by the Association of Mastiha Producers on the eastern Aegean island of Hios and develops a mastihashop retail network. Attica Ventures and Tsakos Group also participate in its shareholding structure.

Envitec is an engineering firm specialising in the construction and operation of projects related to environmental protection.

[21] Trade unions, employers begin collective bargaining talks

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Yiannis Panagopoulos, the president of GSEE (Greece's largest trade union umbrella), stressed that "social forces" must set an example of maturity and efficiency at a time of turbulence in the political world and with the government presenting an austerity policy, "a confession of failure in economic policy".

GSSE's president, who is affiliated with main opposition PASOK, urged employers' unions to contribute in finding "a commonly accepted solution amid a climate of understanding."

Dimitris Daskalopoulos, president of the Federation of Greek Industries, expressed his optimism that labour forces will find a solution to all issues to be discussed in this round of negotiations, while he underlined the need for a modern labour market based on labour stability, growth and employment.

Panagopoulos said Greek wage-earners demand real and fundamental wage increases covering the inflation rate, boosting productivity and gradually achieving a convergence with average wages in the EU-15.

[22] Credit expansion slows in Nov.

The central bank, in its monthly report, said Greek businesses' debts to banks reached 105.6 billion euros in the same period, raising the total value of debt to 208 billion euros, up 21.4 pct from the same month in 2006.

Lending to the public and private sector grew steadily in November, with credit expansion growing by an annual rate of 13.5 percent in the 11-month period from January to November, up from 12.7 pct in the same period in 2006.

The central bank said Greek households' debt was comprised of mortgage loans (68 billion euros) as well as consumer loans and credit cards (34.3 billion euros). Mortgage loans' growth slowed in November to 22.6 percent, down from 23.4 pct in October 2007.

Consumer loans also slowed to 22.4 pct, down from 23.1 pct in October.

Greek banks securitized around 3.5 billion euros of their consumer credit portfolios.

[23] Greek stocks end 0.69 pct lower

Most sectors ended higher, with the Technology (2.34 pct), Chemicals (1.84 pct), Industrials (1.75 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while Telecommunications (3.05 pct), Food/Beverage (1.29 pct) and Oil (0.94 pct) suffered losses.

The Big Cap index fell 0.61 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 0.01 pct lower and the Small Cap index rose 0.54 pct. Viosol (20.0 pct) and Petzetakis (14.61 pct) were top gainers, while Xylemporia (8.33 pct), Altius (8.11 pct) were top losers. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 135 to 109 with another 51 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: -0.82%

Industrials: +1.75%

Commercial: +0.08%

Construction: +0.11%

Media: +0.84%

Oil & Gas: -0.94%

Personal & Household: +1.30%

Raw Materials: +0.49%

Travel & Leisure: -0.44%

Technology: +2.34%

Telecoms: -3.05%

Banks: -0.61%

Food & Beverages: -1.29%

Health: -0.93%

Utilities: +0.17%

Chemicals: +1.84%

Financial Services: +1.49%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 23.00

ATEbank: 3.64

Public Power Corp (PPC): 31.04

HBC Coca Cola: 29.48

Hellenic Petroleum: 10.00

National Bank of Greece: 41.22

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 19.24

Intralot: 11.50

OPAP: 23.82

OTE: 21.32

Titan Cement Company: 31.30

[24] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on the Big Cap index totaled 10,646 contracts worth 126.9 million euros, with 26,265 open positions in the market, while on the Mid Cap index volume was 254 contracts worth 6.850 million euros, with 502 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 6,703 contracts, worth 6.203 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Marfin Investment Group's contracts (1,452), followed by National Bank (221), Alpha Bank (451), Intracom (550), Marfin Popular bank (1,055) and ATEbank (451).

[25] Greek bond market closing report

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates moved higher. National Bank's overnight rate rose to 4.15 pct from 4.09 pct on Tuesday, the two-day rate rose to 4.20 pct from 4.08 pct, the one-month rate was 4.21 pct and the 12-month rate eased to 4.37 pct from 4.38 pct.

[26] Foreign Exchange Rates - Thursday

U.S. dollar 1.492

Pound sterling 0.749

Danish kroner 7.512

Swedish kroner 9.515

Japanese yen 159.6

Swiss franc 1.626

Norwegian kroner 8.109

Canadian dollar 1.484

Australian dollar 1.678

General News

[27] Dissatisfaction high among Greeks, Eurobarometer finds

A majority or 59 percent also believe that decisions regarding the pensions received by European citizens should be taken by the governments of individual EU countries, compared with 41 percent that believe decisions on pensions should be made jointly with the EU. The average for the 27 EU member-states, by contrast, is 70 percent in favour of pensions being decided by national governments and just 26 percent wanting a joint decision with the EU.

On other issues, 76 percent of Greeks are dissatisfied with the state of their country's economy, recording one of the highest levels of dissatisfaction in Europe where the average among the 27 EU member-states was 49 percent. An overwhelming 72 percent of Greeks also judge the state of the country's environment to be poor, recording the second-highest negative score in the survey after Hungary (73 percent).

In terms of social welfare in the country, 79 percent of Greeks consider this to be in poor shape compared with a European Union average of 49 percent.

Nevertheless, the percentage of Greeks who expect their financial or work situation to get worse in the next year has actually fallen compared to the last Eurobarometer survey in May 2007. About 42 percent of Greeks asked said that their financial or work situation will get worse, down from 52 percent in May last year.

Unemployment was seen as the most important problem facing their country by 42 percent of Greeks (EU average 27 percent), while rising prices and inflation were seen as a major problem by 34 percent (EU average 26 percent).

Levels of distrust of television are higher among Greeks than any other European citizen at 64 percent, with the EU average on this question being 43 percent. About 62 percent of Greeks and 49 percent of Europeans also tend not to trust the Press, while 62 percent of Greeks and 35 percent of Europeans on average tend not to trust the Internet.

While most Greeks trust their Parliament (52 percent), about 56 percent of Greeks do not trust trade unions and about eight in 10 do not trust political parties (79 percent). Distrust of political parties is almost equally high throughout Europe, with 75 percent of Europeans on average expressing negative attitudes toward them.

Around 80 percent of Greeks, by contrast, believe their country has benefited from being part of the European Union, compared with a European average of 58 percent.

The latest Eurobarometer survey was carried out between September 22 and November 3, 2007. The sample in Greece consisted of 1,000 people from representative regions of the country. Its results were presented in Athens on Wednesday.

[28] WWF-local authorities alliance against coal-fired power plants

Kavala, Distomo, Antikira and Kyriakio in Viotia, Almiros in Magnesia, Astakos in Aitoloakarnania and Kireas in Evia are the seven municipalities and communities picked as likely candidates for the construction of coal-fired power plants.

A WWF-Hellas statement points out that coal is a solid fuel of equally bad quality with lignite, which is being imported from third countries such as China, South Africa and Ukraine, warning of grave consequences in local and national level.

The organization warns that locally the use of coal in energy production will result in high levels of flying particles released into the atmosphere, as well as increased emissions of sulfur and nitrogen oxides. In addition, the amounts of carbon dioxide released will be extremely high, in violation of Greece's commitment to reduce greenhouse gases.

[29] Two EU cases against Greece on environment issues

The European Commission on Wednesday decided that it would refer Greece to the European Court of Justice for failure to protect wild birds and failure to properly manage solid wastes.

At the same time, the Commission decided to shelve action against Greece related to the sewage-processing facilities at Psyttalia after finding that the units constructed on the island were operating in a satisfactory way.

The action against Greece over solid waste management relates to the obligation of EU member-states to take measures ensuring that solid wastes would be disposed in ways that do not endanger human health and do not harm the environment.

Regarding wild birds, the Commission found that Greece had not fully incorporated a directive calling for protection zones to be established in bird sanctuaries into its national legislation.

[30] Migrant policy institute head briefs Parliament on illegal immigration problem

Invited by Parliament's equality and human rights committee to speak on the issue of human trafficking and the forced prostitution of foreign women, Zavos initially touched on criticism by Popular Orthodox Rally (LA.OS) deputy Dimitra Arapoglou, who proposed that a study be commissioned on the number of non-EU foreign workers needed in the east Mediterranean country. She also proposed that excess numbers of would-be immigrants be prevented from entering the country.

"There are no studies in Greece on how many migrants we need, or (are such studies available) in any other country. However, even of there were, the majority of immigrants do not enter Greece legally," Zavos said.

"...Even if this were to take place, most immigrants declare that they come from countries as such Somalia and the Palestinian areas, while they have destroyed their papers.

"In order to repatriate an immigrant we must prove his country of origin and communicate with authorities there so they will accept him. Moreover, the cost of repatriating people who have expressed a desire to be repatriated has been estimated to exceed 1,000 euros per head. Imagine what the cost will be if you send 100,000 people back," he added.

Meanwhile, Zavos said cooperation with Turkish authorities, within a standing bilateral treaty signed for the repatriation of illegal immigrants, has proven, in practice, to be extremely difficult to enforce.

"For the Turks to accept the re-entry on their soil of illegal immigrants it must be proven that illegals' arrests were been made within 100 metres from the borders, something which is difficult to prove. When again entry occurs by sea, Turkish migrant-smugglers sink their vessels in order to prevent us from repatriating them. We, therefore, have two solutions, either to collect the illegal migrants or let them drown. I believe we act properly in rescuing them," he said.

[31] Man's death on 'Ariadne' due to fall, coroner finds

The unidentified man was found on board the ship sailing from Venice to Patras via Igoumenitsa on Tuesday night, when it docked at Igoumenitsa port.

A full autopsy and investigation on the scene revealed that the unknown man was aged 40-45 and possibly of Kurdish origin. He is believed to have fallen from a height of eight metres between the ship's garage and the engine room, possibly in an attempt to evade detection by the crew.

His death is estimated to have occurred three days ago on Sunday, when the Ariadne sailed from Patras headed for Venice. No clues as to the man's identity have been found on him and an investigation has been lauched by the Igoumenitsa Coast Guard.

[32] Rhodes bank robbery lasts record 20 seconds

He then left the bank on foot without being seen.

Police have launched a manhunt to locate and arrest him.

[33] Dozens of illegal immigrants intercepted in Epirus

They also reported the arrest of two Albanian nationals caught as they were driving 11 illegal immigrants to Lamia in two private cars and of one more illegal immigrant and an Albanian acting as a lookout that were caught when police intercepted a van stolen from Maroussi in Attica in the region of Thesprotia, in which an unknown driver that got away was transporting another five illegal immigrants.

[34] Drug arrests in Astros

Police found in their possession and subsequently seized 9.45 grams of heroin. A small amount of the seized heroin had been hidden in a plastic packet swallowed by one of the culprits.

Weather Forecast

[35] Cloudy on Thursday

[36] The Wednesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Wrong handlings in Koukodimos case (New Democracy MP allegedly involved in the PROTO THEMA newspaper affair) widens the problems - Apt remark by Defence Minister Vangelis Meimarakis".

APOGEVMATINI: "9,400 job opportunities (in wider public sector)".

AVGHI: "Government gives bait to workers in order to sell out the ports".

AVRIANI: "Karamanlis keeps PASOK hostage with the Siemens scandal and proceeds to (early) general elections".

CHORA: "A journalist overheard Koukodimos' conversation with Makis Triantafyllopoulos (Proto Thema co-publisher) and testified everything before the examining magistrate - Major TV channels' contradictions over which and who saw the content of the Zachopoulos DVD".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "The Alexis Tsipras (candidate for Synaspismos party leadership) model is good for the party but not for the Church - We need an Archbishop who gives off the scent of incense, and not 'nouvelle vogue' experiments".

ELEFTHEROS: "Defence Minister Vangelis Meimarakis shakes Karamanlis - He indicated to the PM what he should have done with Koukodimos, Zachopoulos case".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Koukodimos at the razor's edge - Will he decide declare himself an Independent MP, leaving New Democracy with 151 deputies in parliament? - Critical meeting between Karamanlis and ruling party ND secretary Lefteris Zagoritis".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Koukodimos comedy- He will give an additional testimony to the examining magistrate".

ESTIA: "Politicians give wrong messages - They fail to inspire the young people".

ETHNOS: "Candidates for Archbishop's succession counting their strength - Corellations in the hierachy over the succession".

KATHIMERINI: "Hazardous toxic waste in Greece - Greece referred to European Court".

LOGOS: "Government denies involvement of a second MP - Meimarakis disagrees with government's handlings".

NIKI: "Koukodimos puts government in awkward position".

RIZOSPASTIS: "The schools' cleaning women must work until the age of 70 in order to get their pension".

TA NEA: "Expel Koukodimos right now - Meimarakis 'rocket' to Karamanlis".

TO VIMA: "Peace in PASOK - War in New Democracy - Sudden reversal of the political scene".

VRADYNI: "Massive people's turnout for final farewell to the Archbishop - People waited on line for more than three hours people at the Athens Cathedral to pay their last respects".

Cyprus Affairs

[37] President signs book of condolences for Greek Archbishop

Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos expressed deep sorrow over the death of Archbishop of Athens and All of Greece Christodoulos, noting "we will always remember him".

"It is our wordless grief for the early grave of the Archbishop, who brought the Church closer to the people, who stood by our side from the beginning, who was so much loved by the Cyprus people and who loved our island so", President Papadopoulos told reporters, after signing the book of condolences opened at the Embassy of Greece on Wednesday.

The Cypriot President will be represented at Thursday's funeral in Athens by Minister of Defence Christodoulos Pashiardes.

The House President will be represented by MP Kypros Chrysostomides.

The Church of Cyprus will be represented at the funeral by Archbishop Chrysostomos II who was due to depart on Wednesday afternoon for Athens.

[38] President: G/Cs in a more powerful position with EU - Turkey decision

With the initiatives and methodical efforts, the Government has achieved the recent decision of the EU General Affairs Council for the reviewed EU-Turkey partnership text, and today the Greek Cypriot side is in a more powerful position to succeed in the Cyprus efforts for political settlement, Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos said.

"We are in a more powerful position today and we are allowed to be optimistic", the President said, responding to questions on Wednesday.

Asked on the illegal visit to the Turkish occupied north of Cyprus of the former Chancellor of Germany Gerhard Schroeder, Papadopoulos said it is a sad development, noting that Schroeder is an ordinary citizen.

"As an ordinary citizen he continues to have the same feelings for Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots as he had before", he said.

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

[39] Cypriot FM in Finland and Estonia for talks

Cypriot Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis pays a working visit to Finland, during which she will hold a meeting with her Finnish counterpart Ilkka Kanerva to discuss various issues such as the Cyprus problem and bilateral relations.

During her visit in Helsinki, Marcoullis will meet with Minister of Europe and Migration Astrid Thors and Chairman of the House External Affairs Committee Pertti Salolainen.

After concluding her contacts there, the Cypriot Foreign Minister and her entourage will head for Estonia.

Marcoullis will be received by President of Estonia Toomas Henrik Ilves, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip and hold a meeting with her Estonian counterpart Urmas Paet.

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