Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 08-02-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] Athens issues invitation to Skopje for both sides to ignore past and look to the future

[02] Nimetz tables latest proposal to end 'name issue' deadlock; Athens, Skopje to study details

[03] Gov't spokesman on FYROM

[04] PASOK on UN-brokered Greece-FYROM talks

[05] PASOK official on Kosovo

[06] Greek Communist party on Kosovo independence, FYROM

[07] FM spokesman on incident outside Greek Liaison Office in Skopje

[08] PM Karamanlis confers with Bakoyannis

[09] PM briefed on upcoming justice ministry legislation

[10] Inner cabinet to convene on Wednesday

[11] Gov't on social security reform bill

[12] Prosecutors head to Germany for Siemens case

[13] Zachopoulos affair suspect's questioning postponed until Mon.

[14] FinMin speaks on "Globalisation and the European Social Model" at Oxford Univ.

[15] FinMin addresses seminar in London

[16] European Commission report on Greek economy

[17] Greek current accounts deficit jumped to 14.1 pct of GDP in 2007

[18] PASOK officials on current accounts deficit, fuel prices

[19] Greek-Russian business forum aims to promote bilateral relations

[20] Agricultural development minister holds talks with Russian agricultural economy counterpart

[21] Greek-Israeli clean air and sustainable development con'f in March

[22] EU official on Structural Funds

[23] Wind Group reports higher results from activities in Greece

[24] Epsilon Net says IPO to raise around 17 million euros

[25] Greek stock end 0.84 pct higher

[26] ADEX closing report

[27] Greek bond market closing report

[28] Foreign Exchange Rates - Wednesday

[29] Papoulias to attend liberation anniversary in Ioannina

[30] Russian thanks for assistance to naval vessel

[31] Inquiry into weather-related problems at Athens airport

[32] Financial crimes squad busts contraband cigarette racket

[33] Austrian "Golden Book of the Year" award goes to book on Mount Athos

[34] Retrospective of modern Japanese cinema

[35] Doctors Without Frontiers campaign

[36] Light earthquake in Athens

[37] Two Greeks in 'Olympia to Beijing' bike ride

[38] New stadium agreement between Athens, Panathinaikos announced

[39] Olympiakos draws 0-0 with Chelsea in Champions League match

[40] Mostly fair on Wednesday

[41] Papadopoulos: no involvement in Sunday's poll Politics

[01] Athens issues invitation to Skopje for both sides to ignore past and look to the future

Speaking to local and international reporters after an UN-brokered meeting of each country's representatives at the Greek foreign ministry in Athens, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis said:

"As you know, since the 1990s, we have engaged in a negotiation, under the auspices of the United Nations, with the explicit goal: reaching a mutually acceptable solution to the name issue. The time has come to solve this issue once and for all. Today the negotiation process is at a crossroads. Both Athens and Skopje have a choice to make: a choice between the past and the future," the Greek foreign minister said, adding:

"I requested Amb. (Nikola) Dimitrov to convey a message to your government and your people: A message of optimism. A message of hope. The people of Greece are an honorable people who have known suffering and been acquainted with grief and yet have managed to persevere and forge their way to prosperity.

Greece is a stable and mature democracy, an old member of NATO and the European Union. We have a strong and dynamic economy. And we look at the future with optimism and self-confidence.

"And in this future we want to walk hand-in-hand with you - our neighbours. We see on our borders a proud and dignified people; a strong community with a vibrant economy and an energetic society. We see on our borders a state with much to offer to our neighbourhood. We want to see in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia a good friend, a potentially strong ally and a future solid partner," Bakoyannis said.

"Let us leave the past behind us. Let us reach a solution. Let us make our way inside the Euro-Atlantic and European families together."

Addressing Greek reporters, the foreign minister said the government has been promoting the Greek positions on the FYROM issue on an international level, adding that she had reiterated the country's position to UN mediator Matthew Nimetz.

"You know the Mr. Nimetz has tabled a more elaborate proposal which we are studying."

"I requested a meeting with the President of the Republic and party leaders to brief them on current developments. We are facing a difficult negotiation to which Greece comes with clear positions."

Prior to the one-hour talks, Bakoyannis made a brief introductory address before Nimetz and the two countries' representatives, noting that Greece, as the most senior NATO and EU member in the region, desires stability, rapprochement, cooperation and good-neighborly relations.

She also cited what she called Athens' productive stance towards its northern neighbor over the years, and in particular Greek investments and robust trade with the one-time Yugoslav republic.

Finally, Bakoyannis reiterated that "now is the time" for finding a mutually acceptable solution, one that is clear-cut, practical, viable and constant.

In turning to Amb. Dimitrov, she reiterated that Greece intends to back and assist FYROM in its Euro-Atlantic prospects, under the condition that FYROM leadership contributes to the finding of a mutually acceptable solution.

[02] Nimetz tables latest proposal to end 'name issue' deadlock; Athens, Skopje to study details

Speaking to reporters at the Greek foreign ministry, Nimetz and both negotiators, Greece's Adamantios Vassilakis and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (FYROM) Nikola Dimitrov, avoided going into specifics over the UN envoy's latest proposal, with Vassilakis referring merely to a "new, and more elaborate framework of proposals."

He added that Athens will examine all the details and parameters of the latest Nimetz plan.

On his part, Dimitrov also appeared laconic, saying that he will present details of the proposal to his government.

In opening the brief press conference, Nimetz, a veteran US diplomat, first noted that his proposal obviously "doesn't 100 percent meet the positions of either party."

"...I think that taken as a whole, it is a fair and dignified proposal," he said, adding that he will wait for a response within two weeks.

Following the less than one-hour meeting at the foreign ministry, Nimetz said the proposal "can lead to a solution", while he emphasised that as a mediator he is in no position to table a "take it or leave it" proposal.

Finally, he reminded that a solution is in the best interests of both countries and in the interests of regional stability -- days after the controversial declaration of independence by the Kosovo province.

[03] Gov't spokesman on FYROM

Asked on whether a council of political party leaders will convene on the "name issue" under President Karolos Papoulias, he said that "today we have the meeting of the two sides with UN mediator Matthew Nimetz".

Roussopoulos said the process underway is very sensitive, "and does not take place in public".

"In sensitive issues of national importance consultations are held within a specific way, in order to protect national rights and interests ... Constantly revealing our positions is not helpful," Roussopoulos said, adding that the government has briefed political parties in the past and will do so again.

[04] PASOK on UN-brokered Greece-FYROM talks

Panos Baglitis, who is responsible for PASOK's foreign and defence affairs department, referred to the round of UN-brokered talks between Athens and Skopje regarding the "name issue" involving the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and Greece, which ended in Athens on Tuesday afternoon.

"In case reports regarding a double name (for FYROM)... as a final resolution are confirmed, we call on the New Democracy (ND) government to reject it, as was the case many times in the past. In this case, the government must exercise the country's right to veto FYROM's NATO entry," Beglitis noted.

The PASOK spokesman also accused the government "for having been led to an impasse and isolation" on the issue, due to "its choices and mistaken handling."

[05] PASOK official on Kosovo

At the same time he expressed PASOK's concern over "the consequences that the process of the unilateral recognition of the independence of Kosovo may have," as well as its skepticism over "the absence of a joint position on the part of the EU."

"We call on the government not to proceed with supporting the unilateral recognition of the independence of Kosovo," Beglitis added.

Lastly, he said that "initiatives are necessary on the part of Greece to enable the country to remain a factor of stability and security in the region and not to become a part of the problems."

[06] Greek Communist party on Kosovo independence, FYROM

In statements on the latest developments, meanwhile, KKE General Secretary Aleka Papariga warned that it spelled upheaval for the region as a whole and called on all sides to oppose "the new plans of the imperialists in the Balkans".

"This is a protectorate-state and we call on the Greek government not to recognize it under any circumstances. Not to participate in any military force, whether this be European or American - this will be an occupation army. To withdraw the forces that are now deployed in Kosovo and the Balkans," she stressed.

She also linked the secession of Kosovo with the negotiations underway for the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), saying there were "devious plans by the Americans to settle FYROM's constitutional name".

KKE criticized the stance adopted by the New Democracy government and main opposition PASOK party regarding Kosovo, saying that they essentially agreed with the European Union's decision to send the EULEX force to the tiny state to impose law and order, thus at the same time perpetuating NATO's presence in the region, even if they had not yet proceeded to grant Kosovo diplomatic recognition.

It said that the FYROM name issue was closely linked with that of Kosovo, noting that the proposals put forward by Nimetz for a double name do not appear to be acceptable to either side involved in the dispute.

[07] FM spokesman on incident outside Greek Liaison Office in Skopje

Koumoutsakos added that "at a crucial time, at a time that sincere efforts are being made for some exit from the 17-year deadlock in negotiations on the issue of the name, some, we hope a few, in Skopje are pursuing the continuation of a complete deadlock."

According to an ANA-MPA dispatch from Skopje, youths have assembled outside the Liaison Office, that is being protected by a strong police force, shouting slogans against Greece and holding flags of their country.

The scheduled gathering began at 19:00 hours (Greek time) in the central square in Skopje. It was organized by a non-governmental organization under the name of "The young people are aware."

Tension mounted during the gathering when some of the demonstrators turned against two members of Greek television crews and attacked a Greek woman reporter verbally.

The demonstrators dispersed later on in the evening.

[08] PM Karamanlis confers with Bakoyannis

Bakoyannis briefed the PM on her recent visit to the United States, the latest developments in Kosovo and Monday's European Council decision, as well as on the imminent proposals by UN mediator Matthew Nimetz on the FYROM name issue.

Responding to a question by reporters on whether the exercise of a veto is close, the foreign minister stated "we are in the middle of a negotiation. We'll see. I believe that seriousness and responsibility dictate that we discuss such matters in the competent bodies and make an announcement when we are ready".

On Kosovo, Bakoyannis cited statements she made Monday stressing that Greece will make its decisions after analyzing all developments and their repercussions on regional security and national interests.

[09] PM briefed on upcoming justice ministry legislation

Hatzigakis said the government was preparing to table a number of draft bills designed to tackle corruption, speed up administrative trials and tighten up communications privacy laws.

He said that he had recommended measures to enhance protection for privacy and personal information, adding that the justice ministry had up until now taken measures to safeguard and protect the public arena and social rights.

"Now is the time to safeguard and protect private rights, private life and sensitive personal information, so that illegal material cannot be an object of judicial judgment and this is happening because the government considers that private life is an asset that must be particularly well guarded," he added.

He denied that this was being done in response to the case concerning former culture ministry general secretary Christos Zachopoulos. In response to other questions, he also stressed that the government did not desire to manipulate justice.

[10] Inner cabinet to convene on Wednesday

[11] Gov't on social security reform bill

Asked whether funding of a newly instituted "social security solidarity account" via 4 percent of the annual revenues from VAT serves as a "pretext" for a VAT increase -- something charged by the opposition -- Roussopulos said this was discussed in Parliament and that a response has already been given.

[12] Prosecutors head to Germany for Siemens case

The Athens prosecutor's office has filed a request with German authorities to allow the Greek prosecutors to also examine witnesses who are defendants before German courts and who have testified on issues of Greek interest.

The probe aims to investigate whether multinational Siemens paid in bribes in Greece over the past 17 years in return for contracts.

[13] Zachopoulos affair suspect's questioning postponed until Mon.

Evi Tsekou, who is accused of two felony counts and one misdemeanor, was due to face the judicial investigation on Monday, Feb. 18, an appearance that was re-scheduled to inclement weather conditions.

According to her attorney, Tsekou has prepared a 40-page written statement explaining her positions on the charges against her.

Tsekou was the former assistant of culture ministry former general secretary Christos Zachopoulos, who attempted suicide last December, after a DVD surfaced showing the pair's intimate moments together.

Meanwhile, in a related development, a psychiatry professor appointed by the magistrate's office to examine Tsekou's erstwhile lawyer, one-time GSEE legal counsel Christos Nikolitsopoulos, said the latter would be able to answer questions regarding his alleged felonious involvement in the case in "three to four weeks."

The psychiatrist, Yiannis Papadatos, visited Nikolitsopoulos at an Athens psychiatric ward where he has been voluntarily hospitalized since last month, suffering from what doctors there initially termed "suicidal idealization".

Papadatos, who visited the man twice, added that the attorney could answer judicial officials' questions in three to four weeks "assuming his condition didn't worsen".

Another court-appointment psychiatrist is also scheduled to examine Nikolitsopoulos.

Financial News

[14] FinMin speaks on "Globalisation and the European Social Model" at Oxford Univ.

Greek economy and finance minister George Alogoskoufis delivered an address on "Globalization and the European Social Model" at Oxford University's St. Antony's College on Monday night, which was attended by academics, students and businessmen, with the focus on whether globalization has positively influenced Europe and the standard of living.

"An end conclusion is that globalization, and the monetary and economic unification of Europe, have benefited economic growth throughout all of Europe," Alogoskoufis said.

The minister also outlined the impact of globalization on economic inequality. "This is a very 'hot' discussion item," he said, adding that, "in my opinion, there is no proof that globalization makes the poor countries poorer, in absolute terms, in comparison with the developed economies".

"Quite the opposite, in fact, appears to be true. The average income rose at a much faster pace in the developing countries than in the developed economies. What remains more uncertain is the degree to which globalization increased the economic inequality internally in the countries," Alogoskoufis explained.

Replying to questions from the floor regarding the messages being sent by the Greek government on direct foreign investments, Alogoskoufis said: "We welcome all direct foreign investments, but what we will do not want s to allow buyouts of companies that are in the privatization program without the proper guaranties that will ensure -- such as in the telecoms sector, for example -- that they will grow on such foundations that will prove to the benefit of the Greek state."

On Tuesday, Alogoskoufis will be the keynote speaker at an event organized by the British-Hellenic Chamber, at a central London hotel, on the topic "Greece, your strategic partner in southeastern Europe - Prospects for investments and business opportunities".

[15] FinMin addresses seminar in London

Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis was the main speaker at a seminar organised here by the British-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce.

The Greek minister, in his address, underlined the country's strategic role for business activity and investments in Southeastern Europe.

Presenting the Greek economy's performance since 2004, Alogoskoufis said the unemployment rate fell from 10.5 pct in 2004 to 8.3 pct in 2007, while foreign investments soared to 4.3 billion euros in 2006.

"These results did not come overnight. They are the result of a carefully planned agenda of reforms, aimed to encouraged business activity and boost economic competitiveness," he said.

He also stressed that another goal was to boost the international emphasis of the economy by implementing a new export strategy.

"Our exports grew by 34.4 percent in the period from 2004 to 2006," Alogoskoufis added.

Alogoskoufis, summing up the positions which were expounded at the British-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce meeting on Tuesday on the role of Greece in Southeastern Europe, underlined that the Greek economy, in a period in which international uncertainty exists, mainly with the developments in the economy of the United States, has significant margins for further growth and it does not seem that there are any dangers for Greece's growth.

"The great advantage for Greece strategically for the coming years are the developments in Southeastern Europe. This is the point which attracts the interest of many great investors for our country, because they no longer see Greece as an isolated economy, they see it as part of a broader whole in Southeastern Europe and the Southeastern Mediterranean. Greece is playing a protagonist role with the initiatives of banks and with the initiatives of businesses which invest and with the improvement of the infrastructure. For example, we want to make the ports more competitive as the Greek ports have been placed in such a way strategically, so that they allow Greece to become the transit centre of the region," Alogoskoufis said.

[16] European Commission report on Greek economy

The European Commission expressed its satisfaction over the fact that the Greek economy's new Stability Programme also pursues a speedup in the decrease of the still high fiscal deficit, under conditions of strong growth, in its report on the Greek economy issued on Tuesday.

The report's text was publicised officially on Tuesday and the Commission makes three main recommendations to Athens in it: The continuation of the current reforms to tackle the social security problem, the strict implementation of the state budget for 2008, with the possibility remaining open of the adoption, if necessary, of additional measures on decreasing the fiscal deficit and the continuation of tax reform.

On the basis of this evaluation, the Commission will submit to the European Union's Economic Affairs Council, which will be convening on March 4, its proposal regarding the Recommendation, which the Council is due to issue on Greece's new updated Stability Programme, that covers the 2007-2010 period.

Consequently, the Commission calls on the Council to request from Greece on March 4 to carefully implement the 2008 budget, to bring about adjustments planned in the direction of achieving the MTO target (meaning a balanced budget in 2010), taking additional measures if necessary. Greece to be called on as well to reduce the debt index for the GDP and to use possible additional fiscal revenues to speed up the restructuring process in order to achieve the MTO within the period scheduled, meaning by 2010.

Secondly, to continue current tax reforms and to insist on improving the fiscal process with an increase in its transparency, with the setting of a fiscal strategy on a more long-term prospect and with the effective implementation of apparatuses to monitor, control and improve the performance of first stage expenditures.

Thirdly, it must improve, considering the level of the debt and the increase in expenditures anticipated due to an aging population, the long-term viability of public finances with the achievement of MPS and the continuation of the current reforms in the health and pensioning systems, while updated predictions on expenditures predicted in relation to the aging population must be prepared as soon as possible.

[17] Greek current accounts deficit jumped to 14.1 pct of GDP in 2007

The trade deficit rose by 17.7 pct to 41 billion euros. Exports rose 4.7 pct to 12.1 billion euros in 2007, while imports jumped 12 percent to more than 38.8 billion euros.

The current accounts deficit rose by 2.114 billion euros in December 2007, compared with the same month in 2006.

The central bank, in a report, said the higher current accounts deficit reflected a widening of the trade deficit in December. The trade deficit widened by 947 million euros in December, reflecting a larger shortfall in the trade balance of goods (excluding fuel and ships). The incomes surplus rose by 150 million euros, reflecting an increase in net revenues from transportation services (up 285 million euros), overshadowing a rise in net payments on travel services (by 20 million euros) and other services (by 115 million euros). The increase in the incomes deficit reflected higher payments on interest, dividends and profits.

The central bank said the country's current accounts deficit totalled 32.261 billion euros last year, up by 8.593 billion euros compared with the previous year, or 14.1 pct of the country's revised GDP (from 11.1 pct in 2006).

The trade deficit grew by 6.213 billion euros in 2007, with export revenues rising by 4.7 pct and import payments rising by 12 percent over the year. The services surplus rose by 1.387 billion euros, reflecting higher net revenues from transport services. Gross income from transport services (mainly merchant shipping) grew by 18.3 pct in 2007.

The current transfers surplus fell by 1.809 billion euros, reflecting lower net revenues from the EU (down 101 million euros) and higher net payments to the EU (up by 1.353 billion euros).

Foreign direct investments to Greece recorded a net outflow of 2.499 billion euros in 2007. The portfolio investments category recorded a net inflow of 17.442 billion euros last year, while the other investments category a net inflow of 12.741 billion euros. The country's foreign exchange reserves 2.5 billion euros in December 2007.

[18] PASOK officials on current accounts deficit, fuel prices

PASOK's development sector rapporteur Mihalis Chrysohoidis said on his part that "a day after the severe spell of bad weather profiteers are having a party and the government is watching inert: Heating oil has increased by 27 euros per ton in only a week, setting a historic high, fruit and vegetables are already being sold even at double prices compared to Friday and food industries are preparing for a new round of increases of up to even three times above inflation."

[19] Greek-Russian business forum aims to promote bilateral relations

Addressing the forum, Thanasis Lavidas, secretary-general and head of International Affairs of the Federation, underlined the sense of satisfaction prevailing in the two business communities by the fact that economic cooperation was high in the bilateral political dialogue, opening new roads for Greek and Russian enterprises. Lavidas said the aim was to combine comparative advantages from both sides, to create synergies, to exploit the each party's experience and to boost the two countries' comparative position in international competition.

Constantinos Bakouris, president of the Greek-Russian Business Council, underlined that several Greek enterprises have positioned themselves in the Russian market (telecoms, information, constructions, food, shipping and services) and expressed the hope that more Greek products and services would gain market access in Russia.

The forum was attended by Russian Federation's Agricultural Development Minister Alexey Gordeev, Foreign Deputy Minister Petros Doukas and Agricultural Development and Food Minister Alexandros Kontos.

The forum brought together a large number of Russian and Greek enterprises.

[20] Agricultural development minister holds talks with Russian agricultural economy counterpart

He added that joint events, various exhibitions and seminars are being carried out to enable cooperation to be widened and the goal of development to be achieved.

Kontos said on his part that exports of Greek farm products to the Russian market (fruit, vegetables, olive oil, wine) can be widened, joint investments can go ahead and cooperation at scientific level can be achieved.

Addressing the Greek-Russian business forum, Kontos said that in 2006 imports of farm products from Russia increased by 12 percent, while Greek exports increased by 49 percent.

[21] Greek-Israeli clean air and sustainable development con'f in March

The conference is being organized by the University of Tel Aviv and the Israeli-Greek Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the embassy of Greece in Israel, the Israel Export Institute, the Israeli Innovation Relay Center (IRC) and the Greek-Israeli Chamber of Commerce.

Participants will include leading Greek and Israeli companies and experts in the field of clean energy like the Greek Center for Renewable Energy Sources (CRES), the Hellenic Foreign Trade Board (HEPO), IRC (Hellenic Renovation Relay Center) Athens, the Public Power Corp. (PPC), Planet SA. Millenium Electric (Israel), Israel Desalination Exports (EDE), as well as professors from University of the Aegean and the noted Technion Institute in Israel, among others.

[22] EU official on Structural Funds

A spokeswoman for European Union regional policy Commissioner Danuta Hubner, said on Tuesday that the European Commission will be sending a letter to Greece, the Czech Republic, Ireland and Luxembourg within the week, giving them a month's time to enable them to send supplementary data concerning the 2000-2006 period.

The spokeswoman was making an account regarding the member-states' obligation to inform the Commission of the outcome of payments and EU funds checks that are included in the 2000-2006 and 2007-2013 periods.

Two EU member-states, Austria and Germany, have failed to inform the Commission, as they were obliged to do, of the results of check controls for the projects of the 3rd Community Support Framework (2000-2006) and the 4th CSF (2007-2013), while the four countries mentioned previously had sent inadequate data to the relevant EU services covering the 2000-2006 period.

Intralot expands contract with PCSO in the Philippines Intralot on Tuesday announced the expansion of a contract with Pacific Online (PCSO), the organizer of Philippines Charity Sweepstake Office in South Philippines, envisaging the supply of an additional 300 monitors. Pacific Online will expand its network in the regions of Visayas and Mindanao. PCSO said its 2007 sales grew by 19 percent.

[23] Wind Group reports higher results from activities in Greece

Wind Hellas said its customer base rose 15.8 pct to 4.52 million.

The company said its retail network in the country totalled more than 375 units.

[24] Epsilon Net says IPO to raise around 17 million euros

Epsilon Net aims to raise 16.8 million euros from the initial public offering and to use the new money to fund its investment program (2006-2010), budgeted at 12 million euros. Mihos said the company will seek expansion in foreign markets, beginning with Romania.

[25] Greek stock end 0.84 pct higher

Most sectors moved higher, with the Utilities (3.14 pct), Travel (3.01 pct), Raw Materials (2.66 pct) and Technology (2.11 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while Oil (0.84 pct), Media (0.81 pct) and Food/Beverage (0.66 pct) suffered losses.

The Big Cap index rose 0.98 pct, the Mid Cap index was 0.58 pct up and the Small Cap index gained 0.64 pct. Euroholdings (11.11 pct), Saos (10.0 pct) and Spider (9.52 pct) were top gainers, while Boutaris (9.40 pct), Allatini (7.25 pct) and Vivartia (5.76 pct) were top losers. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 181 to 73 with another 45 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: -0.57%

Industrials: +0.28%

Commercial: +0.37%

Construction: +1.09%

Media: -0.81%

Oil & Gas: -0.84%

Personal & Household: +0.33%

Raw Materials: +2.66%

Travel & Leisure: +3.01%

Technology: +2.11%

Telecoms: +1.71%

Banks: +0.40%

Food & Beverages: -0.67%

Health: +1.60%

Utilities: +3.14%

Chemicals: +0.46%

Financial Services: +1.43%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 20.52

ATEbank: 3.50

Public Power Corp (PPC): 30.86

HBC Coca Cola: 28.04

Hellenic Petroleum: 9.70

National Bank of Greece: 37.50

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 18.60

Intralot: 13.02

OPAP: 24.80

OTE: 21.26

Titan Cement Company: 30.80

[26] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on the Big Cap index totaled 8,910 contracts worth 100.408 million euros, with 26,605 open positions in the market, while on the Mid Cap index volume was 222 contracts worth 5.867 million euros with 364 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 8,715 contracts worth 15.191 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Marfin Popular Bank's contracts (2,032), followed by Eurobank (544), Marfin Investment Group (786), OTE (634), National Bank (1,845), Alpha Bank (691) and Postal Savings Bank (418).

[27] Greek bond market closing report

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were mixed. National Bank's overnight rate eased to 4.035 pct from 4.05 pct on Monday, the two-day rate was 4.05 pct, the one-month rate 4.20 pct and the 12-month rate rose to 4.38 pct from 4.35 pct on Monday.

[28] Foreign Exchange Rates - Wednesday

U.S. dollar 1.486

Pound sterling 0.761

Danish kroner 7.514

Swedish kroner 9.390

Japanese yen 159.91

Swiss franc 1.625

Norwegian kroner 7.923

Canadian dollar 1.495

Australian dollar 1.611

General News

[29] Papoulias to attend liberation anniversary in Ioannina

While in Ioannina, the president will attend an official dinner given in his honor by Ioannina Mayor Nikos Gondas and on Thursday will attend an official celebratory mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Aghios Athanassios.

The president's agenda for Thursday will include visits to local military units, war memorials, watching a parade by school children and armed forces personnel in the city, an official dinner at the local officers' club and the inauguration of an exhibition at the Epirote Studies Society Gallery.

His engagements on Thursday will end with an event at 20:15 at an Ioannina hotel, where he will be given a honorary plaque by the president of the Ioannina football club PAS Ioannina Haralambos Christoglou.

[30] Russian thanks for assistance to naval vessel

The Russian Navy thanked the Hellenic Navy general staff and the crew of the frigate "Bouboulina" for the assistance offered in towing the Russian naval vessel PM-138 to safety.

The rescue operation was covered extensively by the Russian mass media.

The Russian vessel, identified as a support and repair ship, sent out an SOS while sailing 13 nautical miles northwest of Ikaria, in the eastern Aegean, after reportedly faltering in rough seas due to engine failure.

Two all-weather helicopters, a C-130 plane and the Hellenic Navy frigate were dispatched to the area.

All 106 officers and sailors on board the Russian ship are safe.

[31] Inquiry into weather-related problems at Athens airport

In a letter addressed to the Civil Aviation Authority, Transport Minister Costis Hatzidakis called for an inquiry, following complaints regarding the operation of the international airport, the only facility serving the greater Athens-Piraeus region.

Hatzidakis noted, however, that the international airport was at the centre of a snowstorm.

[32] Financial crimes squad busts contraband cigarette racket

Also found during the search was a Kalashnikov rifle, a air-gun, 75,720 euros and 48 bottles of Russian vodka that also lacked tax seals.

Four people were placed under arrest and are to appear before a public prosecutor to face charges.

Authorities are now investigating whether the brand names on the cigarettes found are genuine and also trying to find the origins of the money or whether other people might be involved.

[33] Austrian "Golden Book of the Year" award goes to book on Mount Athos

The book on Mount Athos by journalist and author Heinz Nussbaumer "The monk within me - Experiences of a pilgrim to Athos", received the "Golden Book of the Year" award at a major event in Vienna on Monday night, in the presence of hundreds of prominent personalities of Austria.

The main speakers at the event, at which the widespread spirit of the Ecumenical Dialogue between the Orthodox and the Catholic Churches was present, was former Austrian chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel and Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Austria Michail.

[34] Retrospective of modern Japanese cinema

Five Japanese films will be screened dating from 2000 to 2004, presenting an example on the way with which modern Japanese cinema at the same time combines in its ranks a director of the Kurosawa generation, such as 96 years-old Kaneto Shindo, and the much younger Yoshishige (Kiju) Yoshida.

The screenings will be held at the "Trianon" cinema.

[35] Doctors Without Frontiers campaign

The objective of the campaign is not only for pressure to be exerted on the pharmaceutical companies for the reduction in the cost of medicine, but also for them to be accessible to poor countries.

[36] Light earthquake in Athens

According to the Athens Observatory's Geodynamic Institute and the Thessaloniki Aristotelion University's Geophysics Laboratory, the earthquake was recorded at 7:05 a.m., with its epicentre south of Fili, in Parnitha.

Olympic Games

[37] Two Greeks in 'Olympia to Beijing' bike ride

The two young Greeks will be part of a team of 12 cyclists, among them four women, whose other members hail from Poland, Lithuania, Italy and the United States. The idea originated with a team of cyclists in Poland and was organised under the auspices of the Polish Olympic Committee.

The countries that they intend to cross on their route include Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and much of China. Each member of the group is to travel at his or her own pace but gather at a meeting point each night where they will camp before continuing their journey, covering roughly 100 kilometres a day.

Soccer

[38] New stadium agreement between Athens, Panathinaikos announced

Athens' city council was called on to endorse the revision of an agreement it has already approved.

According to a press release by the municipality, the major points of the new agreement include:

-- The special purpose company will lease out the property designated for the establishment and operation of facilities by the Panathinaikos professional and amateur divisions as well as an underground parking garage.

-- The pro Panathinaikos football club will bear the full cost of the soccer field's construction, while the municipality will not bear any construction costs.

-- The City of Athens will immediately and automatically acquire all facilities built with Panathinaikos football club funds, while the municipality will also gain a sizeable property asset at no cost.

-- In compensation for the benefits gained and the increase in municipal property assets, Panathinaikos football club retains the right to pay a reduced lease of not less than 50,000 euros.

[39] Olympiakos draws 0-0 with Chelsea in Champions League match

Weather Forecast

[40] Mostly fair on Wednesday

Cyprus Affairs

[41] Papadopoulos: no involvement in Sunday's poll

President of the Republic Tassos Papadopoulos, respecting the free will of the citizens of Cyprus, will not attempt to influence, either directly or indirectly, the vote of the citizens in the run off presidential elections.

In a statement on Tuesday at the Presidential Palace, following the results of last Sunday's poll that ended his re-election plans, President Papadopoulos assured that he would always be present, beside the people, in pursuit of the solution of the Cyprus problem that ''we deserve,'' adding that Cyprus has today favourable prospects and conditions for even better times.

President Papadopoulos said that "during my term in office and throughout my political career, my thoughts, my decisions and my actions have always emanated from my love for the country and my concern for the people.''

''I deliver the Republic of Cyprus as an equal member of the EU with a robust economy, a fiscal surplus, with the euro as its currency, with a strengthened welfare state, with new institutions and changes that have made the everyday life of the citizens better. I deliver a Republic which is dignified and respected internationally, stronger than ever, to pursue and achieve the solution we deserve,'' he said.

He added that ''our country has today favourable prospects and conditions for even better days.''

President Papadopoulos noted that ''last Sunday the people chose the two candidates that will run for the presidency of the Republic of Cyprus in the second round of the elections.''

''I have always addressed the citizens with respect to their judgment and their free will. It is precisely for this reason, again respecting the free will of each citizen, that I do not wish to attempt, either directly or indirectly, to influence in these elections the vote of the citizens who trust me,'' he said.

He added that ''I will always be present, next to the people and with the people, in pursuit of the solution we are entitled to and deserve.''

Asked where he attributed the result of the first round of the elections, President Papadopoulos said, ''To the judgment and will of the people, which is respected, fully respected, as their judgment will also be fully respected in the run off.''

In the first round of presidential elections on February 17, Ioannis Kasoulides and Demetris Christofias secured the majority of the votes and pass into the run off election of February 24. Papadopoulos, who was running for re-election, was excluded.

A candidate needs to secure 50% plus one vote to be elected President. Since no candidate secured this majority in the first round, Kasoulides and Christofias pass into the run off election.

Kasoulides secured 33.51% of the vote in the first round of elections, followed by Christofias with 33.29% and Papadopoulos with 31.79%.

36, TSOCHA ST. ATHENS 115 21 GREECE * TEL: 64.00.560-63 * FAX: 64.00.581-2 INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.ana-mpa.gr * e-mail: anabul@ana gr * GENERAL DIRECTOR: GEORGE TAMBAKOPOULOS

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