Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 08-02-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis holds talks with Slovenian counterpart

[02] PM Karamanlis departs for Romania on Wednesday

[03] NSRF for 2007-2013 to be unveiled Wednesday in Nafplio, new Navy General Staff chief named

[04] Government regarding aid for August fire victims

[05] Gov't on Siemens, Zachopoulos cases

[06] Prosecutors in Siemens probe to Germany, Switzerland

[07] Papandreou from Chios on scandals, political situation

[08] Government responds to PASOK leader

[09] PASOK leader addresses Chios party supporters

[10] PASOK to boycott Parliamentary inquiry into culture ministry

[11] Papandreou, Alavanos table Parliament questions

[12] Four PASOK MPs call for Parliament hearing on PPC

[13] Valinakis and U.S. official discuss visa waiver program

[14] U.S. Ambassador Speckhard outlines his country's foreign policy

[15] Deputy FM Doukas visiting Syria

[16] Justice minister tables bill for 'ratification of UN Convention against Corrruption'

[17] New bill on upgrading National Intelligence Service

[18] Memorial service for the late Archbishop Christodoulos

[19] ESIEA backs int'l efforts to free journalism student in Afghanistan

[20] Kiltidis meets French envoy

[21] Criticism of Turkish draft law affecting religious minorities

[22] Greek FinMin unveils strategic goals for 2007-2013

[23] Govt unveils strategy on e-communications, new technologies

[24] Gov't on social security reform process

[25] Development Minister Folias meets EU Commissioners Dimas, Piebalgs, McCreevy

[26] Merchant marine minister addresses shipping conference in New York

[27] Athens Bar Association calls two 24-hour strikes

[28] Government on environmental impact of coal-fired power stations

[29] Greek-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry event

[30] Emporiki Bank promotes business center units

[31] Marfin Investment Group to invest in luxury aircraft services

[32] Greek mutual funds' assets down 7.75% in Jan.

[33] Jumbo Group reports 17.4% rise in 6-month turnover

[34] Car registrations up 2.7% in Jan.

[35] Greek stocks end 2.26 pct lower

[36] ADEX closing prices

[37] Greek bond market closing report

[38] Foreign Exchange Rates - Wednesday

[39] Twin earthquakes, 5.4 and 5.5 R, jolt Patras, no damage reported

[40] Greek excavations on Kuwait's Failaka isle reveal Hellenistic period findings

[41] Eastern Macedonia-Thrace secretary general Stamatis on Regional Operational Programme

[42] City of Athens unveils 'greenery charter'

[43] Honorary distinction awarded to Italy at Greek Jewish Martyrs Memory event

[44] "Greek Traditional Costumes and Greek Painters" exhibition inaugurated

[45] Celebrity photographer Dinos Diamantopoulos dies

[46] Gun stash discovered in Thessaloniki

[47] PAO FC Fan Club offices damaged by arsonists

[48] Scattered showers on Wednesday

[49] Remains of Greek military in Cyprus returned to families Politics

[01] PM Karamanlis holds talks with Slovenian counterpart

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis held talks with his Slovenian counterpart Janez Jansa here on Tuesday, stressing afterwards that a mutually acceptable solution to the issue of the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) is a precondition for the continuation of its course towards Euro-Atlantic institutions.

Karamanlis said that Greece wants a mutually acceptable solution that will not leave behind winners and vanquished, adding that Greece has taken great steps and it is now up to FYROM to cover the distance attributed to it.

The Slovenian prime minister said on his part that his country wants the issue of the name to be resolved and stressed that the path to a solution is a compromise.

He said Greece was ready to make the compromise and FYROM should on its part make important steps on the name issue. He added that FYROM lost opportunities towards a solution because it did not show enough flexibility.

The two leaders also discussed the European prospects of the Western Balkans, which is a priority for the Slovenian European Union presidency. The Slovenian prime minister said that Greece and Slovenia support the European prospects of the Western Balkans, provided that the preconditions set by the EU are met.

Both also expressed support for the signing of the Interim Agreement between Serbia and the EU, that will facilitate Serbia's European course, while also helping stability in the wider region.

Karamanlis said that the countries in the region must have a strong and coordinated voice and reiterated that on the issue of Kosovo unilateral and hasty actions must be avoided and the unity of the EU must be maintained. The Greek prime minister added that the region's future belongs to the EU.

The two leaders also discussed the issue of the EU's Reform Treaty, energy, climatic changes and the environment. The Greek prime minister said that Greece hails better and closer cooperation between the Mediterranean countries, as is anticipated by the proposal made by France.

The Greek delegation attended a dinner hosted by the Slovenian prime minister after the meeting.

Karamanlis, who is accompanied by Minister of State and government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valynakis and the director of the press office Yiannis Andrianos, will return to Greece on Wednesday morning.

[02] PM Karamanlis departs for Romania on Wednesday

The following day, he will have successive meetings with Romanian Patriach Daniel and Prime Minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu.

During Karamanlis' visit to Romania, a "Cooperation Agreement in the Energy Sector" will be signed.

In the afternoon, the Greek prime minister will be received by President Traian Basescu at the Cotroceni Presidential Mansion and in the evening he will attend a reception given by Greek entrepreneurs who are active in Romania.

Karamanlis will return to Athens on Friday morning.

[03] NSRF for 2007-2013 to be unveiled Wednesday in Nafplio, new Navy General Staff chief named

After the meeting, economy and finance minister George Alogoskoufis told reporters that he briefed the Inner Cabinet on progress in the materialization of the Third Community Support Framework (CSF), which covers up until the end of the current year, and on planning for the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) covering the period 2007-2013.

Alogoskoufis called the NSRF a "major developmental opportunity" for the country, noting that the related Operational Programmes have already been approved by the European Union.

Materialization of the program will commence by the end of February, following the decisions of the recent inter-ministerial committee and Tuesday's Inner Cabinet, the minister explained.

Alogoskoufis announced that the integrated NSRF program would be unveiled on Wednesday in Nafplio, adding that it was a program that concerned the Greek periphery, new technologies, training and orientation, and infrastructures, and consequently it was fitting that it should be presented first in the Greek periphery.

Earlier, Karamanlis chaired a meeting of the Government Council on Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA), which appointed up-to-now naval training commander Vice-Admiral George Karamalikis as the new Chief of the Navy General Staff (GEN), to replace outgoing chief Dimitris Gousis.

[04] Government regarding aid for August fire victims

He noted that the number of applications for compensation was very small relative to the amount of damage reported during the summer and that this might be due to problems with ownership documents.

"It has already been decided to proceed with an even greater simplification of procedures so that, if there is a question of land deeds, there is a simpler procedure where ownership is certified using witnesses - possibly the heads of communities, mayors and residents - so that all those who have suffered damage will be able to restore their homes," he added.

[05] Gov't on Siemens, Zachopoulos cases

Referring to Siemens and alleged kickbacks paid in Greece roughly between 2000 and 2005, he said the New Democracy government had re-negotiated terms of various contracts signed by the preceding PASOK governments.

Asked to comment on results of yet another opinion poll, this time involving the Zachopoulos case, Roussopoulos said the government is waiting for the independent judiciary to uncover why an individual was led to attempt suicide.

[06] Prosecutors in Siemens probe to Germany, Switzerland

They are Panagiotis Athanassiou, who has been handling the case since 2006, who will be accompanied by public prosecutors Eleni Vassiliadou and Panagiotis Meidanis.

The three prosecutors will visit Berne and Munich in order to receive evidence collected by judicial authorities there that are also investigating Siemens for bribery.

On Tuesday, meanwhile, Athanassiou took evidence from two journalists that have conducted their own inquiries and reported on the case, Tassos Teloglou at the newspaper "Kathimerini" and the Greek TV station "Skai" and Yiannis Papagiannis at the Greek TV station 'Extra'.

[07] Papandreou from Chios on scandals, political situation

He stressed that PASOK had asked for Parliamentary inquiries into affairs like the Vodafone phone-tapping scandal, the Siemens bribery case and the earlier issue of pension fund-issued structured bonds in order to "clear the air" and not in a spirit of revenge, so that the public's trust in politics and the political system might be restored.

Papandreou added that politics was currently in a confused state in which none were punished and accusations were traded by all, so that the truly guilty were concealed. "We will not accept this," he stressed, while accusing the government of acting to preserve this sordid climate.

PASOK's leader also criticised the government's refusal to respond to the party's proposed plan for fighting corruption, while he linked this phenomenon to a lack of development both at the centre but more especially in regional areas of the country.

During his speech, the former foreign minister in two Simitis governments additionally referred to Turkey and criticised the government's handling of bilateral issues with Greece's neighbour, saying that it had missed "at least two opportunities" to use a veto at the EU level for issues concerning the Aegean continental shelf, something he said would have strengthened Greece's position.

Concerning a recent visit by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis to Ankara, meanwhile, PASOK's president said this was "more for show" and said that a lack of strategy in foreign policy encouraged Turkey to be provocative.

In an earlier meeting held on the island, Papandreou had been briefed on the problems faced by Chios but also underlined his own close ties with the island, where his father and founder of PASOK Andreas Papandreou was born on Feb. 5, 1919.

With respect to the island's development, he noted a reference to support for island regions that had been included in the first European Union Constitutional Treaty and other EU documents, while adding that the present government had failed to ensure the inclusion of such as reference in the more recent Reform Treaty.

Papandreou also referred to a dearth of infrastructure works on the island, in spite of government pledges to the opposite, and outlined his party's model for 'green' development as a new national strategy that combined respect for the environment, use of new technologies and culture.

Concerning facilities on the island, he pointed to the need for a more modern road system and better health care and called for carefully regulated tenders granting the concession to ferry lines, with profitable lines subsidizing less profitable lines. He also voiced support for subsidized ferry tickets, but not for tourists.

[08] Government responds to PASOK leader

In a response to Papandreou's speech earlier in the eastern Aegean island of Chios, Roussopoulos said: "Mr. Papandreou, experiencing an obvious weakness to table realistic proposals regarding the country's problems, confines himself to petty politics as usual. However, one would wish for him to omit from this framework sensitive foreign policy issues, at least."

[09] PASOK leader addresses Chios party supporters

"They ask me if I am optimistic or pessimistic. I answer that I am determined, we are determined to make the great reversal, but this demands a struggle against vested interests which do not want us and do not like us, which are afraid of us and will be more and more afraid of us. We will be there, and we will be victors in the ballot boxes, whenever general elections take place," Papandreou said.

The socialist leader said that for PASOK, corruption remained the main reason for "the crisis experienced by the political system" of the country and the "number one enemy of social cohesion and development."

Papadreou also accused the government of "not undertaking any public works" in the prefecture and of "covering up scandals".

He also accused the government of "following policies of a continuous concessions vis-à-vis Turkey, policies which are covered up by personal friendships."

The PASOK leader said that Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis "wholly bares the responsibility of his choices", underlining that his party had positions and a program. He called on citizens "not to believe in propaganda currently circulating which says that PASOK has no positions, as this serves to cover up others' weaknesses."

[10] PASOK to boycott Parliamentary inquiry into culture ministry

PASOK had originally requested that recent culture ministers be called to testify before the committee after the attempted suicide of former culture ministry general secretary Christos Zachopoulos hit the headlines, leading to suspicions that he may have been blackmailed over financial or other irregularities at the ministry.

PASOK MPs Anna Diamantopoulou and Tilemachos Hytiris, along with the party's spokesman Yiannis Ragoussis, dismissed the procedure as a "farce" and said the presence of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis at the hearings was paramount because he had been the government's first and top-ranking culture minister. They said his refusal to attend betrayed either arrogance or fear.

They urged the opposition parties in Parliament to state their position on this issue, adding that PASOK would determine its final stance after the other opposition parties had unveiled theirs.

Outlining PASOK's decision, Diamantopoulou stressed three points: that Karamanlis had himself declared his presence at the culture ministry to more than just symbolic in 2004; that the protagonists of the Zachopoulos scandal all belonged to the prime minister's inner circle of associates and were hand-picked and appointed by him; and Karamanlis' own insistence on issues of transparency and on giving Parliament a more prominent role before the elections of 2004.

Hytiris, on his part, noted that current Culture Minister Mihalis Liapis had removed from all the extra powers enjoyed by Zachopoulos as general secretary from his successor, such as the ability to sign ministry orders with no counter-signature or a double vote on the Central Archaeological Council.

According to Hytiris, this meant that Liapis considered these rights illegal and that Zachopoulos had abused the power given to him.

Ragoussis accused the government of trying to obscure, cover up, lie and disorientate public opinion with regard to the case.

The three MPs also referred to the emerging scandal involving contracts given to Siemens and said that PASOK's response had been to seek the truth by asking for a Parliamentary probe into the affair, which the government had refused.

They rejected the government's argument that a Parliamentary inquiry into the Siemens affair would mean stopping the judicial investigation into the same case, saying that this was not necessarily so. Ragoussis repeated, meanwhile, that PASOK was not involved in the Siemens affair.

[11] Papandreou, Alavanos table Parliament questions

Papandreou called on PM Costas Karamanlis to appear regarding the government's policy vis-à-vis the state-run Public Power Corp. SA (PPC), while accusing the government of "behind-the-scenes and arbitrary choices" envisioning the utility's privatization and "surrender" to foreign investors.

Alavanos referred to privatizations and layoffs in state-run companies, such as the hugely loss-making Hellenic Railways (OSE) and Olympic Airlines, as well as the Port Authority organizations and PPC, while he underlined what he called "overwhelming revelations" -- Siemens kickbacks, culture ministry finances -- and the extent of corruption in the country, as he said.

[12] Four PASOK MPs call for Parliament hearing on PPC

In a letter addressed to Parliament President Dimitris Sioufas, who is also president of the utilities and enterprises committee, the four MPs cited what they called an "ensuing rift" between PPC's unions and management.

[13] Valinakis and U.S. official discuss visa waiver program

This is the second delegation from the U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security to visit Athens and will hold further talks with officials at the foreign, interior and justice ministries on February 4-5.

"Our consular and immigration experts reported back very favourably on their visit to Greece last November, so I'm delighted to be in Athens to talk about next steps toward the VWP for our two countries," Barth is quoted by saying in a U.S. Embassy announcement issued on Tuesday regarding the visit.

"We look forward to continuing these discussions with our Greek counterparts," he added. "If our bilateral contacts continue to go well, I hope we can implement the VWP in Greece sometime in 2008."

The announcement also noted that Greece was the first and is so far the only country to have received a formal nomination to the modernized VWP since the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 became U.S. law last August 3.

The U.S. has now also begun discussions with all current participants regarding the modernized VWP, as well as with several other countries that wish to be considered for it in the future.

[14] U.S. Ambassador Speckhard outlines his country's foreign policy

The American ambassador said that Greece has a very important role in the Balkans, adding that the United States looks forward to closer cooperation with Athens in this region.

Referring to the possibility of Greece exercising a veto for the accession of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) to NATO, he said that "NATO is an organization that operates on consensus, and the decisions on enlargement will be based on consensus. So, the need for accepting new members is that all existing members agree on that, so I think that's a principle that's accepted by everyone and has never come into question."

The ambassador added, however, that his country is encouraging both sides to find a mutually acceptable solution to FYROM's name issue.

Replying to a question whether Greece's energy rapprochement with Russia can have repercussions on Greek-American relations, Speckhard said: "No. I see the energy issue as just that, an energy issue related to a business approach, where the United States has been talking about the importance of ensuring that countries, for their energy security and the energy security of the broader European Union, have multiple supplies, or sources, multiple suppliers, and multiple routes. That's just good practice for your energy security. That's good business practice, and as I understand it, it's actually the general energy policy that Greece is following. The United States is pleased that Greece wants good relations with Russia. The United States wants good relations with Russia. We're pleased that you're pursuing those, and I can assure you that we're doing likewise. So this is not an issue where Greece has to choose between Russia and the United States. It's more one that we're trying to make sure that Greece is focusing on in the context of how you will ensure your energy security for future generations, and that aspect - you shouldn't be surprised if there's a natural tendency for some in the business world to want to be monopolists. It's a real advantage to be a monopolist, and what we're saying is that that's not a good thing for Greece, for the interests of your people, or for the interests of the broader European continent. And we're encouraging a policy which, again, I understand that Greece is following, of ensuring that they look for multiple sources, supplies and routes for their energy."

Responding to a question on who will guarantee that the independence of Kosovo will constitute a unique case, he said: "I think this issue of supervised independence is not something that the United States came up with. It came out of the Ahtisaari Plan which was a unified effort, sponsored by the international effort that had the UN blessing, and it was out of that process that they came up with the notion of supervised independence. I think if you look at the number of years that this has gone on, the way it has been done through an international process, it's not a unilateral process but a multilateral process that led us to this point. I think that's what gives you at least some greater assurances that it is not a precedent breaking case and, in that sense, Kosovo is unique."

Speckhard praised Greece's cooperation with the United States on issues of international terrorism and made favourable reference to the presence of the Greek delegation, under Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, in Annapolis on the Middle East issue.

Referring, lastly, to the issue of the visa required of Greek citizens on their entry to the United States, he said that considerable steps have been taken by Greece and that the process for its abolition will be promoted in 2008.

Valinakis mentioned that respect for the principles of international law constitutes the main criterion of Greek foreign policy, which was confirmed with the visit to Ankara by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, with Greece's five-point proposal on the accession prospects of the countries of the Western Balkans and Greece's constructive participation in the negotiations regarding the name of FYROM, under the auspices of the UN secretary general.

Focusing on Greek-American relations, he expressed confidence that they will continue to develop and deepen on the firm basis of common values and for mutual benefit.

Foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos, who inaugurated the forum, said that such events "encourage public discussion in Greece on foreign policy issues."

Commenting, lastly, on relations between Greece and the United States in particular, he said that even though they did not always have an aligned upward trend, the general course of the index of Greek-American relations remains and is continuing to have an upward course.

[15] Deputy FM Doukas visiting Syria

Deputy Foreign Minister in charge of economic diplomacy affairs Petros Doukas is carrying out a three-day visit to Syria as of Tuesday for talks with senior Syrian government officials.

Accompanied by 70 Greek businessmen who are active in various sectors of the economy, Doukas arrived in the Syrian capital in the afternoon, where he was warmly received by the Syrian Vice-Foreign Minister Faisal Megdad.

Bilateral issues between the two countries, as well as matters of international concern will be on the agenda of talks Doukas will be having on Wednesday with the country's Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah al-Dardari, who is responsible for economic affairs, and the foreign affairs, industry, transport, telecommunications, information, tourism, oil and mineral wealth ministers.

Doukas' visit will come to an end on Thursday afternoon with a meeting he will be having with the Patriarch of Antioch and All the East Ignatios at the Patriarchate of Antioch.

[16] Justice minister tables bill for 'ratification of UN Convention against Corrruption'

The bill changes "to a crime the offences of active and passive bribery of all the public functionaries, of deputies, as well as of elected representatives in Local Government (Prefectural and Municipal)."

[17] New bill on upgrading National Intelligence Service

The deputies of the ruling New Democracy (ND) party expressed support for the bill, while the opposition parties, with the exception of the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) party, which reserved judgement, stated that they will vote against it.

Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos defended the bill, stressing that the government is proceeding with the reforming of EYP, upgrading it and making it a modern intelligence service that will exclusively serve the country's security and national interests.

Pavlopoulos also termed "a very important innovation in the direction of shielding the rights of man and respect for the state of law" the appointment of a prosecuting service functionary who will check the legality of EYP's actions, operating as their guarantor.

[18] Memorial service for the late Archbishop Christodoulos

A trisagion was also held in the Archbishop's memory at Athens' A' Cemetery where he was laid to rest.

[19] ESIEA backs int'l efforts to free journalism student in Afghanistan

A three-member tribunal handed down the death sentence in late January against Parwiz Kambakhsh after he distributed a report printed off the Internet to fellow journalism students at Balkh University.

The article, written in Farsi, the official language of Iran, asks why men can have four wives but women can't have multiple husbands. The judges said the article "humiliated Islam".

[20] Kiltidis meets French envoy

According to a ministry press release, talks focused on cooperation for the restoration of areas ravaged by wildfires in Greece last summer.

The cooperation between the two sides concerns the exchange of technical information and expertise, protection against floods and technical and material support.

[21] Criticism of Turkish draft law affecting religious minorities

A draft law on foundationsÔÝëïòöüñìáòÁñ÷Þöüñìáò before Turkey's national assembly, despite some improvements for Turkey's religious minorities vis-à-vis property rights, still entails "risks exacerbating the problems of non-Muslim minority foundations," according to a press release issued here on Monday b the Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV).

According to the 0stanbul-based think tank, it recalled that an earlier report it prepared in December last year whereby it had already voiced this opinion.

Although the draft law enables minority foundations to reclaim confiscated property from the state, TESEV's report, signed by the group's democratisation programme director Dilek Kurban, says it fails to address a number of problems, including the issue of restitution, especially for a number of properties that have been re-sold to a third party following government expropriation.

"The present text of the draft is not acceptable because it violates the fundamental rights and liberties of non-Muslim citizens which are guaranteed under the Turkish constitution, the European Convention on Human Rights and the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne," TESEV stated.

Financial News

[22] Greek FinMin unveils strategic goals for 2007-2013

Addressing the inner cabinet meeting -chaired by Prime Minister Costantinos Karamanlis- the Greek minister said 80 percent of the program will be earmarked in programs to boost regional economic growth and noted that special management agencies for each operational program were expected to be ready by the end of February.

Alogoskoufis said priorities of strategic goals for the period 2007-2013 included: investing in the production sector of the economy, boosting knowledge society and innovation, employment and social cohesion, regulatory environment and making Greece more attractive for investments, employment and improving living standards.

"Our goals," Alogoskoufis said "is to make a leap forward to ensure sustainable growth dynamism and a society of cohesion and fraternity".

Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said the national strategic plan for 2007-2013 was an axis of growth and the country's last chance to exploit community funds of this size. "Greece managed to raise its share of community funds, despite an EU effort to limit cohesion funds in general," Roussopoulos said.

[23] Govt unveils strategy on e-communications, new technologies

Speaking to reporters during a news conference to present the plan, Hatzidakis said the ministry has already selected a consultant for the project (AT Kearny) and noted that it would be presented during the summer.

The cost of the plan is estimated at around three billion euros, with funding coming from national and Community funds, along with private capital. The Greek minister stressed that no specific participation rates have been set yet.

"The plan is both ambitious and realistic," Hatzidakis said, adding that the strategy on electronic communications and new technologies for the period 2008-2013 is based on legislative initiatives to create the necessary framework to deal with future challenges.

He also presented the three axes of a strategy to develop broadband infrastructure in the country, the introduction-development of new technologies and pilot actions for citizens.

Hatzidakis said the ministry was coordinating and supporting the development of new generation internet access networks to ensure the viability of investments, to create modern infrastructure and to achieve maximum coverage. Implementation of the programme will result to cheap and fast services on information, entertainment and communications, while it will also help in developing new partnerships, ideas, business plans and boost the country's competitiveness.

Hatzidakis said the ministry was planning information campaigns, while it was continuing dialogue and exchanging of ideas with citizens' groups related with new technologies.

[24] Gov't on social security reform process

Roussopoulos added that an off-the-agenda debate will be held in Parliament at the government's initiative, in order to have all views heard, while he added that positions expressed by labour unions are being seriously considered.

The government spokesman stressed that a reformed social security system that will benefit the future generations will be adopted following a debate.

[25] Development Minister Folias meets EU Commissioners Dimas, Piebalgs, McCreevy

Development Minister Christos Folias met here on Tuesday with EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas, Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs and Internal Market and Services Commissioner Charlie McCreevy.

Folias said he discussed with the Greek Commissioner "issues related to energy and the environment, as well as Greece's targets regarding alternative sources of energy and emissions."

Regarding his meeting with Commisioner McCreevy, Folias said "We discussed and exchanged views and briefing on issues of mutual interest. We had some discussions, questions, answers and clarifications on certain matters. It was a very good meeting. It was a meeting with open cards and we also invited him to officially visit Greece, which is one of the few countries which he has not visited yet as Commissioner. He accepted the invitation and I believe by the summer we will have the joy to welcome and host him in our country."

Folias said that in his meeting with Commissioner Piebalgs, he had the opportunity to brief him "on our country's growth as an energy hub in southeast Europe, on the inauguration of the Greek-Turkish natural gas pipeline, which took place last November by the prime ministers of Greece and Turkey and on the joy we had on the signing of the agreement in Sofia on January 18 by the relevant partners for the establishment of the company which will undertake the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline project."

[26] Merchant marine minister addresses shipping conference in New York

Merchant Marine, Aegean and Island Policy Minister George Voulgarakis, addressing a conference on shipping organized here by the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, outlined prospects existing for shipping in an extremely competitive environment.

"In light of dramatic developments in a new and extremely competitive environment for ports, in an era of great visions, as well as of a realistic handling of affairs, the Greek Merchant Marine Ministry is promoting port services of a high level, the maintenance and boosting of the ports of our country and the maximization of their productivity and competitiveness in a safe environment," he said.

"To enable these goals to be achieved, the Ministry is planning the upgrading and development of infrastructures (jetties, dredging work, etc), as well as of welcoming spaces for passengers, storage spaces and equipment, as well as the improvement of internal connections," he added.

The minister further said that "additional specific actions have been prepared that will strengthen the security of ports, as well as an investments plan concerning the improvement of the security of the 12 main Greek ports."

Voulgarakis said at the beginning of his address that "it is with great pleasure that I am here today and I congratulate the Hellenic American and the American-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce for the holding of this conference that is important for Shipping. First of all, I would like to stress the importance and the global character of Greek shipping, that undoubtedly constitutes the foundation of our economy. According to data provided by the Shipping and Logistics Institute, the Greek-owned merchant fleet is first in the world. The number of Greek-owned ships being ordered is equally impressive: 700 ships that correspond to about 30 million koch. Greek shipowners handle 17 percent of the world's fleet of ships, 20 percent of the world's fleet for the transportation of dry cargo and 23 percent of the world's fleet of tankers. Allow me to mention at this point that in February 2007, the merchant fleet controlled by Greeks, meaning ships of a capacity of 1000 koch or more, corresponded to 129.8 million koch, compared to 2003, when the total capacity amounted to 103.8 million DWT. 25 percent of the exports of the United States is carried out by Greek-owned ships. At the end of 2007, ships registered in the Greek shipping register totalled about 36.2 million koch. Greek shipping remains first in the European Union and third in world ranking."

Outlining government policy, Voulgarakis said that "the Merchant Marine, Aegean and Port Policy Ministry is taking all the necessary measures for the creation of an attractive and safe environment for shipping companies. One of our main targets is the creation of a maritime cluster that constitutes a basic axis of our policy, not only taking into consideration international models, but Greek factors as well. Our goal is innovation, the improvement of productivity, the creation of new businesses and the improvement of services and information for suppliers."

[27] Athens Bar Association calls two 24-hour strikes

The next General Assembly meeting is scheduled to take place on February 14.

[28] Government on environmental impact of coal-fired power stations

"Natural gas, for example, is much safer for the environment but much more expensive," he pointed out, adding that a lengthy discussion had begun that had also involved Parliament and referred reporters to address questions to the environment ministry.

[29] Greek-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry event

"Businesses in the Greek entrepreneurial arena can, in the coming period, contribute decisively so as to further speed up the rate of growth," Mihalos said.

He stressed that the Greek-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry for more than 120 years "contributes decisively in the strengthening of business and cultural bonds between the two countries."

[30] Emporiki Bank promotes business center units

The bank said the business centers network was part of a wider program of commercial transformation -in the framework of a five-year business plan. Small- and medium-sized enterprises will gain immediate access to Credit Agricole Group's network in 70 countries aroud the world.

[31] Marfin Investment Group to invest in luxury aircraft services

[32] Greek mutual funds' assets down 7.75% in Jan.

The Alpha ETF FTSE/Athex 20 domestic equity fund was launched by Alpha Bank last month with an initial value of 142 million euros.

In other developments in January, Greek mutual funds' assets fell by 7.75 percent to 22.6 billion euros, following a decline in the composite index of the Athens Stock Exchange and a negative climate in other international markets during the same month. All fund categories recorded a decline with the exception of domestic fixed-income funds (up 0.8 percent).

The Greek mutual funds market recorded an outflow of 958 million euros in January, reflecting outflows of 288 million euros (foreign bond funds), 154 million euros (foreign capital markets) and 151 million euros (foreign money markets).

The domestic equity fund category recorded an average return of -13.46 percent in January, followed by foreign equity (-10.73 pct) and domestic combined (-6.22 pct). Forty-nine out of a total 58 domestic equity funds recorded better performance compared with the composite index of the Athens Stock Exchange.

[33] Jumbo Group reports 17.4% rise in 6-month turnover

A company statement said figures exceeded the management's initial targets, although it stressed that strike actions at the country's two largest ports could have a negative effect on its results.

Jumbo Group and its investment plan, worth 150 million euros, aimed at obtaining a 38-percent market share in community markets. It has recently launched two new mega-stores in Athens and Sofia (Bulgaria) raising its network to 41 outlets.

[34] Car registrations up 2.7% in Jan.

[35] Greek stocks end 2.26 pct lower

Most sectors moved lower, with the Utilities (5.04 pct), Food/Beverage (4.31 pct) and Banks (2.49 pct) suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day, while Healthcare (1.16 pct), Telecommunications (0.96 pct) and Media (0.89 pct) scored gains.

The Big Cap index fell 2.27 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 1.24 pct and the Small Cap index eased 0.41 pct. Euroconsultants (8.89 pct), Klonatex (8.0 pct) and ANEK (7.57 pct) were top gainers, while Praxitelio (10.0 pct), CPI (9.38 pct) and Viosol (9.30 pct) were top losers. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 197 to 67 with another 33 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: -1.47%

Industrials: -1.88%

Commercial: +0.34%

Construction: -0.66%

Media: +0.89%

Oil & Gas: -1.59%

Personal & Household: -2.23%

Raw Materials: -1.76%

Travel & Leisure: -1.59%

Technology: -1.94%

Telecoms: +0.96%

Banks: -2.49%

Food & Beverages: -4.31%

Health: +1.16%

Utilities: -5.04%

Chemicals: -0.18%

Financial Services: -2.40%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 21.32

ATEbank: 3.62

Public Power Corp (PPC): 29.12

HBC Coca Cola: 28.10

Hellenic Petroleum: 9.78

National Bank of Greece: 41.00

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 18.88

Intralot: 11.74

OPAP: 24.00

OTE: 22.00

Titan Cement Company: 31.66

[36] ADEX closing prices

Volume in futures contracts on the Big Cap index totaled 8,794 contracts worth 102.594 million euros, with 25,819 open positions in the market, while on the Mid Cap index volume was 243 contracts worth 6.498 million euros with 524 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 10,562 contracts worth 16.637 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Postal Saving Bank's contracts (2,163), followed by Eurobank (1,355), Marfin Investment Group (629), National Bank (1,313), Alpha Bank (732), Marfin Popular Bank (1,416) and ATEbank (258).

[37] Greek bond market closing report

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were mixed. National Bank's overnight rate fell to 4.05 pct from 4.08 pct on Monday, the two-day rate dropped to 4.07 pct from 4.12 pct, the one-month rate was 4.20 pct and the 12-month rate 4.38 pct.

[38] Foreign Exchange Rates - Wednesday

U.S. dollar 1.480

Pound sterling 0.752

Danish kroner 7.513

Swedish kroner 9.482

Japanese yen 159.05

Swiss franc 1.630

Norwegian kroner 8.073

Canadian dollar 1.478

Australian dollar 1.639

General News

[39] Twin earthquakes, 5.4 and 5.5 R, jolt Patras, no damage reported

The two earthquakes, measuring 5.4 and 5.5 on the Richter scale, were recorded at 10:20 p.m. Monday and at 00:15 a.m. Tuesday, at a distance of 155 kilometers southwest of Athens, with their epicenter Halandritsa, 15 kilometers south of Patras, the capital of Achaia prefecture, and were felt throughout the wider region as well as in Aetoloakarnania prefecture.

The director of the Athens Observatory's Geodynamic Institute, seismologist George Stavrakakis, said that the twin earthquakes, as he described them, were followed by a string of aftershocks throughout the night, the largest of which was recorded at 00:56 a.m., with a magnitude of 3.9 Richter.

Stavrakakis urged the local residents to remain calm, noting that seismologists were monitoring the event, explaining that an aftershock activity would be declining in magnitude.

He also clarified that the fact that the second quake was slightly larger in magnitude than the first posed no cause for concern.

The same epicenter had produced a light earthquake of 4.2 Richter magnitude at in the early morning hours of Sunday, at 2:03 a.m.

Meanwhile, Patras University seismology professor Akis Tselentis and seismologist/researcher Gerassimos Houliaras said on television late Monday night that the VAN team had predicted the earthquake in Halandritsa.

The VAN earthquake prediction method, named after the initials of the three seismologists, Professors Panayiotis Varotsos, Kessar Alexopoulos and Kostas Nomicos, who pioneered the technique, monitors geoelectric potential changes on the theory that some electric current would be generated in the earthquake source region just prior to earthquake. The method detects, records and interprets signals from the earth that precede earthquakes. The so-called seismic electromagnetic signals (SEMS) are apparently generated through piezoelectric processes induced by tectonic stress.

The VAN method, although disputed by some seismologists, is nevertheless considered a breakthrough in the short-term prediction (up to one year) of earthquakes.

"I spoke with Mr. Varotsos, who told me that this had been one of his most successful forecasts," Tselentis said.

Tselentis assured local residents that they should not be concerned, given that the VAN forecast had not been for a major quake, but rather a trembler of 5.8-6.0 Richter.

Houliaras confirmed Tselentis' statements, saying that he had read in articles appearing in scientific periodicals that the VAN prediction, made in November, had anticipated seismic activity of up to 6.0 Richter in the specific region.

Whether the actual event was somewhat smaller or larger in magnitude "cannot dispute Mr. Varotsos' international scientific presige".

Both seismologists were also reassuring over the seismic activity in the Halandritsa area.

[40] Greek excavations on Kuwait's Failaka isle reveal Hellenistic period findings

Remains of a fort, temple, shrine, and ancient Greek inscriptions have been unearthed, with the discoveries presented during a press conference at the culture ministry in Athens on Tuesday by Greek archaeologists working at the site in cooperation with the Kuwaiti government.

The head of the six-week-old mission, Angeliki Kottaridis, said Greek colonists in the region arrived with Alexander the Great, with their presence on the isle evident for at least two centuries. According to ancient sources, Alexander the Great himself had named the island Icarus, while his Seleucid successors continued to consider the island a strategic asset due to its position at the mouth of today's Shatt al-Arab, formed by the confluence of the Euphates adn Tigis Rivers in southern Mesopotamia.

The island was later named Failaka after the fort built on the island, with one possibility being that it was derived from the Greek word "filakio" for outpost.

The temple and the entire eastern section of the Hellenistic fort were discovered following earlier excavations by Danish, American and French archaeologists. The Greek mission proceeded with the systematic excavation of the western section of the complex, discovering a part of the western wall, a workshop processing stone offerings and a chamber that was part of a Hellenistic era building.

Greek archaeologists also helped in the preservation work done on the noted stele of Icarus ,bearing a large Greek inscription, on display at the Museum of Kuwait, which itself suffered serious damage during the Iraqi invasion.

The archaeological mission was the result of an agreement signed last summer between the Greek culture ministry and the responsible Kuwaiti agency. Interest to renew the bilateral cooperation agreement has been positively met by the Greek ministry.

[41] Eastern Macedonia-Thrace secretary general Stamatis on Regional Operational Programme

It is noteworthy that the rate of absorption of the Regional Operational Programme of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace exceeded 80 percent and the target of n+2 was surpassed by 22 million euros.

The objective of the meetings was the closure of the Third Programming Period.

Speaking after the meetings, Stamatis said that he considers it to be very important, following the success of the n+2 for 2007, that the current year closes with a similar success and for this reason he alerted the relevant Regional services at a very early stage.

The secretary general's aim is for not even one euro to be lost for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.

[42] City of Athens unveils 'greenery charter'

The city of Athens is the largest and most populous municipality within the greater Athens-Piraeus area, which hosts roughly half of the residents in the country of 11 million inhabitants and approximately two-thirds of the economic output.

"We are introducing regulations for the planting and protection of greenery," Kaklamanis said.

According to the former health minister, documented figures show that the rate of public green space per capita in the city of Athens is 6.84 square metres. He also provided details on each city district, seven in all, and stressed that the target is 7.25 square metres per capita, in line with the international average, for the entire municipality and each district separately.

[43] Honorary distinction awarded to Italy at Greek Jewish Martyrs Memory event

An Italian Embassy press release on Tuesday said that the honorary title of "Just of the Nations", was awarded in 1992 to General Consul Guelfo Zamboni, at the age of 95.

The honorary distinction for Consul Guelfo Zamboni was received, during Monday's event, by Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Famiano Crucianelli, who attended as representative of the Italian government.

During the ceremony, a similar honorary distinction was awarded to Spain, which was represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Bernardino Leon.

[44] "Greek Traditional Costumes and Greek Painters" exhibition inaugurated

The exhibition features Greek "Munich School" of painting works focusing on Greek traditional costumes as well as original local costumes and other objects belonging to the museum's collection.

The exhibition is free to the public.

[45] Celebrity photographer Dinos Diamantopoulos dies

Coming from a family of photographers, he got involved with the art of photography at a young age. He became famous for his portraits of Greek celebrities.

He used to say that even in an unattractive face he tried to find its beautiful angles and immortalize it using a photographic camera.

[46] Gun stash discovered in Thessaloniki

Police found in his house 85 grams of hashish and a loaded handgun. Following a search of his business premises they discovered a huge gun stash comprising a submachine gun, 6 handguns, a rifle, a double-barreled gun, 5 knives, 946 cartridges, 2 precision scales, two sets of handcuffs and handgun components and spare parts.

In the houses of his two accomplices police found a revolver and 70 bullets.

The 44-year-old told police that the guns belong to customers and he had undertaken their maintenance.

[47] PAO FC Fan Club offices damaged by arsonists

According to initial estimates, the fire was caused by unidentified arsonists who doused the front door of the 2nd floor offices with flammable liquid and set it ablaze.

The fire was quickly extinguished by firemen called to the scene.

Weather Forecast

[48] Scattered showers on Wednesday

Cyprus Affairs

[49] Remains of Greek military in Cyprus returned to families

The remains of ten Greek soldiers, killed during the 1974 Turkish invasion, were repatriated on Tuesday.

A solemn ceremony to mark the occasion took place Tuesday, at the National Guard headquarters in Nicosia, in the presence of President Tassos Papadopoulos, Defence Minister Christodoulos Pasiardes and the Greek Deputy Defence Minister Constantinos Tasoulas.

The remains, exhumed and identified through the DNA method, were returned to the next of kin.

Two of the people identified were listed as missing during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus and the remaining eight were killed during hostilities.

"If their relatives have the right to be proud of their Greek integrity, Greece and Cyprus have a duty to honor them and vindicate their sacrifice," the Cypriot President stressed in his speech noting, that justice for these heroes is the liberation of the island.

The president said that these ten officers and soldiers "died in a heroic battle against the Turkish invasion forces and today they return home as heroes, to the land they belong."

Referring to the Cyprus issue, President Papadopoulos said "we fight for a solution, but not any solution, we need wisdom and vision, responsibility and faith."

"We fight for true reunification of the people and the land and not for a fragile association of parts of our island, which are divided by force. We fight for a functional and viable solution, for a secure future, not for an insecure tomorrow," he said, noting that Greece has always stood by the side of the Republic.

This support and solidarity is afforded to Cyprus not as a contractual obligation but as the expression of Õ"a national debt", he added.

The Greek Deputy Defence Minister Constantinos Tasoulas said that "everything we have achieved to date, we owe to those people who, being Greeks at heart, were determined to fight and if need die for our nation, for liberty, for our way of life".

This, he added, is the value of the message of their sacrifice.

In their statements to the press, relatives of the deceased expressed deep grief, especially for the fact that most of the parents of the missing are no longer alive to witness at least this closure and receive their children's remains for a proper funeral.

Officials attending the ceremony and families concerned laid wreaths.

The remains have been exhumed and identified through scientific means, as part of an ongoing process the Cyprus government initiated in the late 1990s with the assistance of the non governmental US-based organisation Physicians for Human Rights.

The purpose of the process is to establish the fate of missing persons. The remains have been exhumed in the southern government controlled part of the country and were subsequently identified by the DNA method.

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