Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 08-02-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM reaffirms determination to implement pension reforms; sharp opposition reaction

[02] 'Name issue', Kosovo reportedly discussed during Bakoyannis-Rice meeting

[03] KKE calls for parliament's briefing on Kosovo developments by FM

[04] OA denies claim by leftist leader

[05] Case involving TV journalist's allegations reopens

[06] Greek FinMin to address investment conference in London

[07] Consumer Protection Commissioner Kouneva gives press conference

[08] National Bank presents new operational structure plan

[09] Greece remains among top tourism destinations for Austrians

[10] PASEGES farmers union discusses financial issues with agriculture minister

[11] Common Samos-Bodrum stand at int'l tourism exhibition

[12] Greek farm import prices up 13.5 pct in December 2007

[13] AB Vasilopoulos to build new logistics center

[14] Greek trade deficit at 35 bln euros in Jan-Nov 2007

[15] Greek stocks end 2.35% down

[16] ADEX closing report

[17] Greek bond market closing report

[18] Foreign Exchange Rates - Saturday/Monday

[19] Transport ministry meeting ahead of inclement weather

[20] Athens participates in symbolic energy conservation initiative

[21] Dolly Goulandri passes away

[22] Culture minister extends condolences

[23] Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria visits Madagascar

[24] Monastery theft in Ioannina

[25] Child porn trafficking charges

[26] Cloud, sleet on Saturday

[27] The Friday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

[28] Everything ready for Sunday's presidential elections Politics

[01] PM reaffirms determination to implement pension reforms; sharp opposition reaction

At the same time, he announced that funding of a newly instituted "social security solidarity account" would come from 10 percent of the total annual revenues from the privatisation of public utilities and various state-owned enterprises and organisations (known by the Greek acronym "DEKO"), 4 percent of the annual VAT revenues, as well as 10 percent of monies collected by social security agencies from social resources.

Stressing that the above funding would be forthcoming from social resources and not social security funds' reserves, Karamanlis said "it is the minimum contribution to the weaker members of the (social security) system and the young generation", and "a fundamental expression of social solidarity".

Outlining the government's proposals for resolving problems faced by Greece's social security system, Karamanlis said relevant decisions "exceed the boundaries of the governmental term in office", and that the goal of the bill on reforming the system that will be tabled in parliament is to set immediately into motion the necessary and urgent changes.

"It is our obligation to not allow the conservatism of the few to become a dam to the interests of the many," Karamanlis said, adding that his government's choice was to build an increasingly just system that will not be at risk of collapse, that will not impose on some others in the near future to cut back benefits from the many, nor to detract services from the young generation.

"The strategy of reforms cannot be disrupted, suspended or stopped," he said.

Karamanlis said the reform strategy, for his government, was non-negotiable, and that he would not compromise with the reactionary behaviour of the few and "accommodated", nor would he allow the interest of the many to be sacrificed to petty-partisan or guild-mentality expediencies.

"We will not overlook the risks that young people will be called on to face in a few years' time, if we do not take measures immediately," he stressed.

Criticising the opposition and certain social partners, Karamanlis said the deliberate downgrading of existing problems was a "hypocritical attitude", that inertia was, in essence, shirking one's responsibility and that reaction to necessary reforms was a choice of social indifference; "we will not become party to that".

He further stressed that no transient political cost could take precedence over, or outweigh, the cost that society will pay if weaknesses of the social security system are not tackled immediately.

"I am determined to carry on, at any cost necessary, on the road that guarantees security and certainty for the many; on the road that leads to a more cohesive and more just society, the road that the youth deserve, the road that we agreed on with the citizens," Karamanlis said, adding that reform was an imperative obligation and need arising from the reality of the past and the forecasts on the demographic challenges.

The prime minister further said a fundamental priority of his government was the responsible confrontation of the multi-fragmented state of the social security system, with its 155 social security funds, overseen by five different ministries. "In a healthy, redistributed system, the ratio of working people and pensioners will be 4:1, against the current ratio of 1.75:1," he explained.

Karamanlis also assured that the basic parameters of the social security system would not change.

"The general retirement ages are not being increased. Contributions will not increase. Pensions will not be reduced. Matured pension rights will not be touched in any instance. Most of the changes will commence after long transition periods, to be completed gradually over a lengthy period of time".

"It is our duty to dare, to agree, to carry out reforms in a moderate and just manner, for the interests of the many," the prime minister said, stressing that the social security reforms were society's demand but also the obligation of all the political forces and agencies, "a duty to the many, to the financially weaker, to the youth and, in the bottom line, to the country".

Papandreou sharply criticises gov't; promises coverage for housewives

On his part, main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou again accused the government of "having sunk the country into an impasse, grief and collective depression", speaking in Parliament during the same off-the-agenda debate, adding that "it is futile for the Greek people to expect work or improvement, much less reforms or vision for the country" from this government.

Papandreou also presented proposals for what he called a "redistribution of the income ... similar to that made by (his late father, PASOK founder and former prime minister) Andreas Papandreou in 1981, but adapted to present-day conditions," while also proposing social security coverage for housewives, announcing that his party will have drafted by June a "government platform" on the social security system, "which will become a law of the state when PASOK assumes governance".

He also criticised Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis of "discovering the social security problem four years later", charging that the government was not seeking solutions but, rather, agonizingly attempting to change the political agenda, "to sweep under the rug the corruption scandals it produces itself and which are rocking the public opinion".

Papandreou said that the government's credibility was at a nadir, following the structured bonds affair, and as such was unable to formulate a proposal on the social security system that would meet with consensus on the part of the social partners.

The government's main aspiration is to create and consolidate a "picture of collapse of the social security system" so that it could "act arbitrarily and unhindered, as it did with the Public Power Corp. (PPC) and Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (OTE)".

In reality, however, "as ascertained by the International Labour Organisation (ILO)", and existing legislation, "if enforced, suffices to support the system up until 2030".

"The elimination of tax-evasion and contribution-evasion is capable of also financing measures that reflect PASOK's philosophy on the need for a new redistribution of income," Papandreou added.

He said past PASOK governments were accused of "giving too much to the working people and burdening the system".

"We did not give too much, but what the social security system could stand, with seriousness and credibility," Papandreou said.

"Since 1981, we converted, into substantial pensions, the benefits that your (New Democracy) governments gave as assistance We applied, for the first time, the three-part funding (of the social security system) We gave a pension to the uninsured, the woman farmer, to individuals with a disability. We converted the OGA (farmers' pension fund) into a primary social security fund with state financing. We did not reduce the supplementary pension, as your laws provide," Papandreou said.

Criticising the prime minister's statements earlier in the debate, Papandreou called them "small repairs, with the (next) elections as the cut-off date", and calculated that the "dramatic decrease in the pensions for thousands of workers" will benefit the Social Security Foundation (IKA), after 10-15 years from now, "only 80 million euros annually much less than what should be rebated to IKA every year by the pharmaceutical companies, much less than the contribution-evasion at IKA's expense by 2-3 large enterprises, much less than the losses from the structured bonds".

Today, he said, it was both feasible and necessary to establish a single agency responsible for certifying and collecting social security contributions, to develop a permanent system of payment of obligations to the social security funds, and to institute initiatives to companies to be up-to-date and on time with their payment of taxes, so as to enable the pensioning of farmers with 37 years of work, regardless of age, and early retirement at 60, raising the farmers' pension to 550 euros per month (950 euros for the couple), and other such measures, including a pension for the housewife, under the same economic criteria.

Papariga criticises gov't, PASOK

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga called on the Greek people to "demolish" the policies that "put them in the margins" before they are led to worse situations, and criticised the ND government and main opposition PASOK on their performances, particularly regarding the social security sector, pensions and welfare, during her address in Parliament.

She called the government's planned reforms "reactionary", and spoke of "looting of many years of workers' conquests", adding that this policy was based on the philosophy of "divide and conquer" so as to present the development of class unity and because "it suits the capitalist system".

KKE does not negotiate with those who are to blame for this situation and who today speak "with nice words" about motherhood and youth, "but do not have the strength to obstruct what is taking place at work sites -- racism at work and unemployment; discouraging farmers from new cultivations and displacing them from their land", Papariga said.

"In listening to the two leaders of the mainstream parties (ND and PASOK), I retained the hypocrisy, the lies, the amnesia and the terrorism," Papariga said, adding that "we will fight against this underhanded policy, because it is one of demolition downwards Their goal is to reach the individualisation of insurance, creating a market for insurance companies, with working people are called on to become investors".

"This is a model attempted in Pinochet's Chile," the communist party leader charged.

She endorsed a system of three social security funds (one for employees and workers, one for self-employed, and one for farmers), and objected to the unification of the existing funds, stressing that separation of professions was anachronistic.

Alavanos

The head the Radical Left Coalition's (SYRIZA) Parliamentary group, Alekos Alavanos, on Friday called on the government to consider the results of opinion polls and people's reactions to the proposed social security reforms. He called on the government to withdraw the proposed measures, adding that this is the "swan song" of the two-party system.

Alavanos said PM Karamanlis is "no reformist" but a "scared prime minister" who does not dare to refer to issues such as the equalisation of pensions for men and women, fearing that the opposition outcry may overturn government plans.

He also claimed that the spectre of the country's "ageing population" is a lie, because this is overcompensated by productivity increase, while he stressed that the lack of social security resources is also a lie because the "rich are taxed less in Greece compared to the rest of Europe."

Finally, Alavanos said the exploitation of robust funds' assets is merely a pretence when there are no effective measures to curb tax and contributions evasion.

LA.OS' Karatzaferis

Popular Orthodox Rally (LA.OS) founder and president George Karatzaferis called for radical measures to solve the social security problem, blaming the government for the adoption of a "policy of half-measures" and accusing main opposition PASOK of playing a significant role in the dissolution of previously robust pension funds.

Addressing Parliament, Karatzaferis proposed that work time not be associated with the right to healthcare, saying that pensions should increase to reach the average EU level.

Karatzaferis stressed that the work-stamps regime should be abolished and a social security account be funded with an annual 2 percent of GDP, while he also suggested the establishment of a healthcare fund and a "workers' bank" to vie for a 2.5-billion-euro annual share of the domestic banking market.

FinMin

"The pension system's operating deficits are rising every year, but they are over-covered by the budget's subsidy. The operating deficit for the period 2000-2008 has doubled as a percentage of the GDP, reaching 5.1 pct. This problem cannot be hidden," Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said on Friday.

Speaking in Parliament, the minister stressed that the social insurance system remained ineffective and noted that the government was totally consistent with its obligation to fund the system. "But the problem cannot be resolved with subsidies. A social dialogue was held for long time. It is time to proceed with reforms that will make the pension system more viable and more socially fair," Alogoskoufis said.

Employment minister

"The government has opened the social security reform debate not simply to describe the problem but to build a basis for a fair and viable solution for all," Employment & Social Insurances Minister Fani Pali-Petralia said from Parliament's podium.

"The key point of the government proposal is the merger of funds of similar sectors, without putting a burden on robust pension funds and without making any exemptions. In merged funds, joining parties will get to keep their assets and property under a central management, while joint control mechanisms will undertake to monitor revenues and healthcare spending," she said.

Protest outside Parliament

Unions protested on Friday outside the Parliament against the government's proposed social security reforms, as debate within the building during an off-the-agenda session focused directly on the subject.

Protesters primarily voiced their opposition to any mergers amongst Greece's scores of state-run pension funds, as well as any prospective cuts in pension benefits and the prospect of eliminating early retirement for women employed in the public sector that have one minor.

PM responds to main opposition

"If you ever governed, you would leader the country to a complete impasse within a matter of months; not only would there be no (wage, pension) increases, but an inability to even pay wages and pension," Karamanlis said during his second appearance from Parliament's podium and in answer to earlier statements by PASOK's Papandreou.

Moreover, Karamanlis charged that PASOK was "in a complete and continuous state of rejection", underlining that reforms will proceed because the Greek people voted for such reforms, "knowing very well that against us we have the forces of conservatism".

"It would be very easy for me to say that I don't care who will be prime minister in 15 years when the pension funds will collapse. Let him (a future premier) take care of it. The easiest thing for me would be to panic and retreat, just as your government did, which tried to solve the social security problem and then retreated when it faced obstacles," he said in aiming his criticism at the main opposition.

In his second round of statements, Papandreou noted that "an all-inclusive criticism is easy. That's the type of job that any commentator in the various television slots can do, and it leads to despair, unless it is accompanied by proposals for those in power. We are proud of the changes we (PASOK) implemented, securing basic pension rights. PASOK did not come out of nowhere - it is a part of the popular (political) movement and it expressed visions and demands of numerous generations".

"We are not waiting for the Second Coming or the communist revolution. People want to overturn the government's neo-liberal policy," Papandreou added.

Papandreou's last statement was the cause for a sharp retort by KKE leader Aleka Papariga.

"We're not present on television screens, we're outside places of work to encourage wage-earners. We go on tours of the country and give our battles there, not with television spots ... You, of late, believe in another type of socialism that is trendy..."

[02] 'Name issue', Kosovo reportedly discussed during Bakoyannis-Rice meeting

Greek diplomatic sources here late Thursday said Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis' talks with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice touched on the Kosovo issue as well as energy-related matters, along with talks on the FYROM 'name issue'.

The same sources said the first 25 minutes of the 45-minute meeting were held solely between Rice and Bakoyannis, without the presence of aides.

According to reports, a "sincere" discussion took place between the two officials regarding NATO's upcoming expansion, which both sides desire, along whatever problems affect the alliance's designs.

[03] KKE calls for parliament's briefing on Kosovo developments by FM

The request was conveyed in a letter tabled in the House by the KKE's parliamentary spokesman Spyros Halvatzis.

[04] OA denies claim by leftist leader

According to an OA announcement, the company flatly dismisses Tsipras' claim, while clarifying that no such order was given and none is forthcoming.

Tsipras' charge came amid the most recent Euro-court decision ordering OA to repay upwards of 480 million euros back to state that it received between 1994 and 2004 as "illegal subsidies".

[05] Case involving TV journalist's allegations reopens

The case file will return to a first instance court prosecutor who initially recommended that the case be shelved.

The appeals court prosecutor ordered the examination of new and previous witnesses and a collection of any new evidence to substantiate the case if new suspects emerge.

The high-ranking prosecutor also called for an investigation on whether the Bank of Greece was timely informed of a substantial cash deposit made to a French bank by TV personality and publisher Themos Anastasiadis, and if it took necessary action.

Anastasiadis and Triantafyllos were co-publishers of the weekly "Proto Thema" before a falling out late last year in the wake of the Zachopoulos blackmailing affair.

Financial News

[06] Greek FinMin to address investment conference in London

The Greek minister is accompanied by Loucas Papazoglou, secretary-general of fiscal policy, Eleni Louri, financial consultant to the Prime Minister and Ploutarhos Sakellaris, president of the Council of Economic Experts.

Mr Alogoskoufis will address an official dinner organized by the Hellenic Bankers Association in London, while he will address an event at Oxford University on "Globalisation and European Social Model".

[07] Consumer Protection Commissioner Kouneva gives press conference

Kouneva is currently visiting Greece to deal with issues concerning her duties and had contacts with Greek officials on issues concerning European consumer protection policy.

In another development, Deputy Development Minister George Vlachos outlined the ministry's initiatives for tackling market problems for Kouneva, in the presence of Consumer General Secretary Yiannis Economou and the director of the European Commission's delegation in Greece Ierotheos Papadopoulos.

Vlachos said that the intention of the ministry's leadership is, among other things, to have strong consumer organisations that will function effectively, as the ministry's allies, in the effort to clean up the market, while also analysing the policy on carrying out cost checks.

The deputy minister also requested from Kouneva closer cooperation and an exchange of information on ways with which other European Union member-states face various problems arising in market-consumer relations.

On her part, Kouneva mentioned that a common practice on combatting the high cost of living in some EU member-states is the creation of a Price Watch and called for the ministry's assistance to facilitate the Watch's effective functioning.

She also referred to very good cooperation with the Greek government, expressing her satisfaction over the fact that Greece has incorporated the directive on illicit trade practices and requesting continuous information on developments in the market.

Kouneva, accompanied by Economou, then met with consumer union representatives and had the opportunity of holding talks with consumers on the Commission's priorities and planning, replying to questions put to her and listening to their views on the way that the market functions in Greece.

[08] National Bank presents new operational structure plan

The new operational structure of the Group envisages the full centralization in Athens of all financial services, liquidity management, information infrastructure and internal control. Athens will also control supervision framework on risk management, human resources management, legal services and back-office services.

Mr. A.Thomopoulos, member of the Group's executive commission, will have the responsibility of functional integration, while Mr O.Aras will head all National Bank's subsidiaries in Southeastern Europe and Turkey, helped by Mr. A.Leopoulos, managing director of International Activities.

National Bank also plans to create two new central supporting units in Athens: an International Retain Banking unit and an International Corporate Banking unit.

The two-day meeting was attended by Mr. Maragoudakis, head of National Bank's subsidiary in Romania, Mr. Vatev (Bulgaria), Mr. Stratopoulos (Serbia), Mr. Bishev (FYROM), Mr. Livaditis (Albania) and O.Aras and S.Sahinbas (Turkey).

[09] Greece remains among top tourism destinations for Austrians

As was the case last year, Greece this year again is among the top three most popular holiday destinations for Austrians, according to a poll conducted by the Tourism Research Institute, the results of which were published on Friday.

The countries ahead of Greece are Italy and Croatia.

In 2007, one in five Austrians spent their holidays in Greece. In 2007, 600,000 Austrian tourists visited Greece and the same level is expected this year, with the prospect of an increase of 2-3%.

[10] PASEGES farmers union discusses financial issues with agriculture minister

The priorities of PASEGES include the management policy for water resources, the policy on the use of arable land for its protection from continuously expanding urbanisation and restructuring farmers institutions.

PASEGES will be outlining its positions at the beginning of next week and will be presenting them for a wider discussion, both with the agriculture ministry's leadership and with the farming sector in general.

[11] Common Samos-Bodrum stand at int'l tourism exhibition

A joint tourist package includes a four-day stay on Samos and another four days in Bodrum.

[12] Greek farm import prices up 13.5 pct in December 2007

The statistics service also said that the inflow price composite index rose by 13.5 percent over the same period.

[13] AB Vasilopoulos to build new logistics center

[14] Greek trade deficit at 35 bln euros in Jan-Nov 2007

Greece's trade deficit totaled 35 billion euros in the 11-month period from January to November 2007, up 3.5 billion euros compared with the same period in 2006, Eurostat announced on Friday.

The EU executive's statistics agency, in a report, said Greek exports totaled 15.9 billion euros, while imports totaled 50.9 billion euros in the 11-month period, with exports rising 5.0 percent and imports rising 9.0 percent over the corresponding period in 2006.

Eurostat said Germany (184.8 billion euros), the Netherlands (39.8 bln), Ireland (27.2 bln), Belgium (13 bln) and Sweden (12.3 bln) recorded the biggest trade surplus in the January-November period, while the UK (124.4 bln euros), Spain (86.6 bln), France (40.3 bln) and Greece (35 bln) recorded the biggest trade deficits.

The Eurozone recorded a trade surplus of 28.3 bln euros, while the EU-27 posted a trade deficit of 185.7 billion euros.

[15] Greek stocks end 2.35% down

All sectors moved lower with the exception of the Media sector which ended 0.23 percent higher. Raw Materials (3.92 pct), Financial Services (3.33 pct), Oil (3.27 pct) and Telecommunications (2.89 pct) suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day.

The Big Cap index fell 2.46 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 1.80 pct lower and the Small Cap index ended 0.74 pct down. Diekat (20.0 pct), Elton (18.09 pct) and Proodeftiki (8.82 pct) were top gainers, while ANEK (24.64 pct), Elviemek (9.52 pct) and Kyriakoulis (9.21 pct) were top losers. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 198 to 51 with another 48 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: -0.04%

Industrials: -2.35%

Commercial: -0.85%

Construction: -1.01%

Media: +0.23%

Oil & Gas: -3.27%

Personal & Household: -0.85%

Raw Materials: -3.92%

Travel & Leisure: -1.57%

Technology: -1.55%

Telecoms: -2.89%

Banks: -2.77%

Food & Beverages: -0.98%

Health: -1.08%

Utilities: -2.85%

Chemicals: -0.40%

Financial Services: -3.33%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, Marfin Popular Bank, Piraeus Bank and OPAP.

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

Alpha Bank: 20.30

ATEbank: 3.50

Public Power Corp (PPC): 28.92

HBC Coca Cola: 28.70

Hellenic Petroleum: 9.98

National Bank of Greece: 38.30

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 18.60

Intralot: 13.10

OPAP: 24.00

OTE: 20.68

Titan Cement Company: 31.00

[16] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on the Big Cap index totaled 14,373 contracts worth 162.923 million euros, with 26,666 open positions in the market, while on the Mid Cap index volume was 171 contracts worth 4.541 million euros with 489 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 12,484 contracts worth 15.357 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Marfin Popular Bank's contracts (3,529), followed by Eurobank (610), Marfin Investment Group (781), Piraeus Bank (514), National Bank (1,277), Alpha Bank (946), Intracom (1,437), Mytilineos (559) and GEK (1,068).

[17] Greek bond market closing report

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were mixed. National Bank's overnight rate was 4.07 pct, the two-day rate was 4.07 pct, the one-month rate 4.14 pct and the 12-month rate 4.32 percent.

[18] Foreign Exchange Rates - Saturday/Monday

U.S. dollar 1.479

Pound sterling 0.753

Danish kroner 7.514

Swedish kroner 9.388

Japanese yen 159.04

Swiss franc 1.615

Norwegian kroner 7.988

Canadian dollar 1.475

Australian dollar 1.631

General News

[19] Transport ministry meeting ahead of inclement weather

The minister gave orders for the ministry's agencies to be on the alert and take all the necessary measures for the safe movement of traffic and of public transport.

[20] Athens participates in symbolic energy conservation initiative

The city of Athens is participating in an initiative of Italian radio broadcaster RAI Radio 2, known as "Lower the Lights", and introduced by the station's "Caterpillar programme".

The aim of the initiative is to conserve energy on Feb. 15, on the eve of the date the Kyoto Protocol came into effect, as well as to raise environmental awareness.

Athens joins other European cities participating in the campaign, which is being held under the auspices of the European Parliament. Lights at the Colosseum, Fontana di Trevi, the Pantheon, the façade of the Italian parliament as well as the senate buildings, London's foreign office, the Edinburgh Castle and the Eiffel Towel will also be switched off in a symbolic gesture.

[21] Dolly Goulandri passes away

Her funeral will take place on Tuesday at Aghios Dionysios Areopagitis church at Athens' Skoufa Street.

[22] Culture minister extends condolences

"Greek culture lost an important personality. Dolly Goulandri created one of the most modern and important museums of Greece. She contributed a great deal in the protection and projection of our cultural heritage. She leaves a legacy to the younger generations who will remember her for ever. I express my sincere condolences to her family for her loss," Liapis said.

[23] Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria visits Madagascar

In the following days, the Patriarch will visit regions where the Holy Diocese of Madagascar has built Orthodox churches, as well as affiliated hospitals and schools.

The Patriarch will formally open proceedings of a theological seminar in Alasora and will inaugurate a school in Tulear, two churches in Alasora and Ambatolampy and four hospitals.

He is also scheduled to meet with the country's president.

[24] Monastery theft in Ioannina

The almost four-square-metre part of the iconostasis or templon and the icons painted on it, as well as a wooden crucifix at the top of the iconostasis that was also stolen, date to 1683.

The monastery, dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, has no monks and the theft was discovered Thursday afternoon by a caretaker.

[25] Child porn trafficking charges

According to authorities, an initial incident was detected on Jan. 16, 2008, leading to police raids in Athens, Larissa, Ioannina, Egio, Oropos and Loutraki over the past two days. A total of 14 hard drives and various CD-Rom and DVDs were confiscated.

Weather Forecast

[26] Cloud, sleet on Saturday

[27] The Friday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Richter of terror -In a two hour period on Thursday, two earthquakes spread fear throughout the country".

APOGEVMATINI: "Former Prime Minister Costas Simitis attacks PASOK leader George Papandreou - New outburst in PASOK and discontent at PASOK's headquarters".

AVGHI: "Workers gave a strong warning to frail government during Wednesday's general labour strike".

AVRIANI: "Karamanlis: Veto (at upcoming NATO summit, over membership invitation) to FYROM and recourse to (early general) elections - Americans employing legal ruses to block Greek government initiative".

TO VIMA: "Karamanlis opts for clash over social security reform. - He will unveil plans on Friday in parliament".

VRADYNI: "The sea 'drowned' the Richter (magnitude) - Earthquakes measuring 6.5 and 6.4 Richter rattled southwestern Greece".

ETHNOS: "Alert over the double earthquake strikes - 'Richter of agony' in southern Greece".

ELEFTHEROS: "Working mothers and 45 year-olds will be the first victims of the social security reforms".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: Noted Greek seismologist said to newspaper: 'The 6.5 Richter energy is equal with a concurrent explosion of 10 atomic bombs - The fact that the epicentre was at sea saved us'.

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Profiteering in heating oil prices will make people freeze - Introduction and testing of new heating oil distribution system".

ESTIA: «Clash over social security reforms - Deep-rooted measures mandatory".

KATHIMERINI: "New heating oil distribution system begins on Friday - Only 66 percent of petrol stations ready".

LOGOS: "Prime Minister pre-announces generous reform - Karamanlis will present main aspects of social security reforms".

TA NEA: "Consumers will be stricken by an 'oil winter' - Illicit surcharges and shortage in heating oil".

NIKI: " The Greek (seismic) arc awakes - Agony and fear over the 'Richter's dance' ".

RIZOSPASTIS: Communist Party of Greece secretary general Aleka Papariga presents 10 proposals in support of workers".

CHORA: "We are heading towards a veto on FYROM - Tough negotiations between Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice".

Cyprus Affairs

[28] Everything ready for Sunday's presidential elections

Cypriot Minister of the Interior Christos Patsalides expressed certainty on Friday that his ministry, as the one in charge of elections in Cyprus, would successfully carry out Sunday's presidential elections, as well as the most probable second round on February 24, since no candidate is expected to secure 50% plus one vote in the first round of the elections.

Speaking at a press conference regarding the presidential elections, Patsalides said he expected ''the good atmosphere we have had so far to continue until the end.''

Chief Returning Officer Lazaros Savvides said that, ''as along as all runs smoothly and there are no unforeseen difficulties and problems, we should have the first results before 1800 from the small polling stations, and around 2030 the final result.''

He added that if no candidate secures more than 50% of the valid votes on February 17, which was most probable, then a second round would be held a week later between the two candidates that secured the most votes.

The new president will be declared elected on February 24 and will be sworn in before the House of Representatives on February 28.

Both Patsalides and Savvides said there were 515,994 registered voters, including 390 Turkish Cypriots who are citizens of the Republic of Cyprus, plus 361 persons enclaved in the Turkish occupied areas of the Republic, who will be crossing to the government-controlled areas to vote.

Savvides explained that the Turkish Cypriots would be voting in polling stations along with the Greek Cypriots, according to the area they are registered in, and will be using the same ballots in order to secure secrecy.

A total of 1,159 polling stations will be open on Sunday across the government-controlled areas of the island.

Patsalides and Savvides also referred to the provisions of the law, which forbids any actions on the day of the elections that might influence the voters. All meetings, political activities, advertisements, news reports or announcements relating to the elections end on Friday at midnight.

Referring to the cost of the elections, Patsalides said a budget of about 6,840,000 euros is available, adding that in the event that a second round will be necessary, the services of his Ministry were ready to make all the necessary preparations in time.

Furthermore, about 8,000 staff and police officers will be on duty on the day of the elections.

Polling stations will open at 0700 local time and will close at 1700, with a one-hour break from 1200 to 1300. If there are long queues of voters waiting outside the polling stations, the head of the station could prolong voting until 2100.

The counting of votes will be done at the polling stations as soon as voting is concluded.

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