Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 08-05-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek PM unveils measures to protect overindebted households

[02] Papandreou: households 'hostages' to debt

[03] Karatzaferis says main residences should be exempt from foreclosure

[04] Gov't on cost of living, high prices

[05] Committee for protection of young consumers

[06] FM Bakoyannis hosts reception marking Europe Day

[07] FM Bakoyannis gives interview to Austrian newspaper

[08] FM Bakoyannis to make three-day working visit to Cyprus

[09] Hiring of new doctors imminent, minister tells PASOK

[10] President Papoulias pays official visit to Agrinio

[11] DM Meimarakis to visit Jordan

[12] Athens Archbishop Ieronymos attends reception at Ecumenical Patriarchate

[13] Ecumenical Patriarch, Archbishop of Athens meet Istanbul prefect

[14] FinMin says OTE-Deutsche Telekom deal to ensure country's strategic interests

[15] Souflias visits metro construction site

[16] Event on results and prospects of 'Competitiveness' Operational Programme

[17] Greece, Nigeria to sign cooperation agreement on Monday

[18] Greek exports down 13.2 pct in March

[19] Greek industrial production index down 5.4 pct in March

[20] Taxis on strike on Monday

[21] Greek stocks end 1.43 pct lower

[22] Sector indices ended as follows:

[23] ADEX closing report

[24] Foreign Exchange Rates - Saturday/Monday

[25] Deputy FM urges youths at Model European Council to become "Ambassadors of the European Idea"

[26] Education Minister addresses event in honor of Yale University President

[27] NTNG to perform Nesin play at Black Sea Theater Festival in Turkey

[28] Initiative by Greek UNICEF Committee for Myanmar

[29] Russian architecture exhibition

[30] Chinese journalists on visit to Greece

[31] Greek participation in European Economy Marathon 2008

[32] Distressed cruiseship arrives safely in Piraeus Port

[33] Large quantities of controlled substances confiscated in Athens; two arrests

[34] Athens events for Mother's Day on Sunday

[35] Cloud, scattered rain on Saturday

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

[37] French Prime Minister Fillon holds talks with Cyprus President Christofias Politics

[01] Greek PM unveils measures to protect overindebted households

Practices that violate good faith, and abusive conditions in transactions "are not acceptable", the premier said during the 'Hour of the Prime Minister', and stressed his government's determination to "ensure protection of consumers" and take additional measures through "adoption of proposals from wherever they originate".

He also referred to the status of operation of debt collector companies, an issue which he said was put forward by initiative of the Consumer Ombudsman, which was an institution that his New Democracy government had established, and said that the responsible ministries were advancing a draft institutional framework to "set rules" for such companies.

Karamanlis said the measured currently examined by the government envisaged: prohibiting real estate auctions at prices below their objective value, while auctions will be obligatory held in courts with sealed bids. Also, borrowers will be offered a 12-month grace period to seek a new rescheduling of their debts with banks and setting social and economic standards to deal with such cases.

The government was also examining plans to prohibiting confiscation of part of monthly wages up to 1,500 euros for debt to the public sector or banks and raising a 10,000-euro debt ceiling for forclosures of first houses.

The Prime Minister reiterated that the government would not hesitate to adopt proposals made by opposition parties.

Commenting on the economy, Karamanlis said an economic slowdown in the European Union -mainly due to high oil prices- affected national economies and citizens' financial situation, while he added that these effects could have been more dramatic if the government did not implemented economic reforms in the previous four years.

He criticized previous governments for failing to address the issue of relations between bans and consumers. Karamanlis said that in a period when a negative international conjucture affects both national economies in the EU and households' financial situation, "financial institutions could not be indifferent, nor delaying the necessary changes...They must carefully respond to their customers' demands and the proposals made by the government by taking the initiative of conforming with any court decisions," he said.

[02] Papandreou: households 'hostages' to debt

"You have not protected the Greek economy. With your policies, you are undermining social cohesion," Papandreou emphasised. He painted a dire picture where desperate loan-takers were constantly trying to recycle their debts and resorting ever higher borrowing, while adding that the numbers for auctions and foreclosures concealed real people.

"There are thousands of tragic stories of families that lose their homes, are thrown out onto the street, even led to complete collapse," Papandreou said. He cited the example of a court case to reverse the foreclosure and seizure by a bank of a house of 70 square metres in Nikaia that belonged to a large family with small children for a debt of just 2,000 euros. The mother had apparently borrowed the sum of 4,700 euros and repaid about half but the bank was going ahead with the foreclosure because she was unable to pay the rest.

"This is a regime of arbitrary lawlessness that you have allowed to bloom," he accused Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, while noting that the government had simultaneously passed laws that essentially handed millions of euros to those owing much greater sums.

Papandreou repeated his party's proposals for over-indebted households, such as increasing the lowest limit for banks to seize properties from 10,000 euros to 20,000 euros.

"We expect you to do your duty and not to just support the big interests that support and guide you," he added.

He also asked Karamanlis how long he intended to continue occupying himself with the "sell-off to foreigners using scandalous means of state enterprises," listing Greece's former state phone utility OTE, the ports of Piraeus and Thessaloniki, the Athens water company EYDAP and the Public Power Corporation (PPC) in the future.

"For how long will Greeks see the state's property but also his own being sold at bargain basement prices while various middlemen profit," PASOK's leader said.

[03] Karatzaferis says main residences should be exempt from foreclosure

He also charges that banks have increased profits of between 45 and 240 percent, with only Hellenic Post Bank showing a reduction in profits.

Regarding spiraling prices, he said the same products were being sold cheaper in Germany than Greece, although salaries in that country were double those of Greece.

"When we have such immense differences in households' 'basket', how can consumers be on time with their debt repayments?" he asked.

[04] Gov't on cost of living, high prices

"Some of the press reports touch on issues that no one can say do not exist," alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros said during his regular press briefing, while acknowledging that certain products in the local market are expensive for the average wage-earner's pocket book.

Additionally, the spokesman said the government is serious about tackling the problem by implementing some 41 recently announced measures to boost competitiveness and free market practices.

In specifically commenting on the "feta example", Antonaros said he will not comment on specific products, while noting that it is always beneficial, however, to compare similar quantities, products and similar sales contexts.

[05] Committee for protection of young consumers

Alternate consumer ombudsman Georgios Diellas was appointed as a full member of the committee, formed by the General Secretariat for Consumers.

[06] FM Bakoyannis hosts reception marking Europe Day

In her address, she referred to what she termed a celebration of the commitment by the European states "for a common future of security and prosperity." She also noted the "great distance which has been covered since the destroyed and exhausted from the war Europe of 1950 up to the European Union of the 27 states, of the free borders and of the common currency of 2008."

Bakoyannis spoke on the important achievements of united Europe and made particular mention to the "creation of a very strong basis, a basis of common principles and convictions, on which is based a continuously stronger European identity."

She also spoke of the "moderate strength" which the European Union projects in the international system and which has a great response to the peoples of the world.

Referring to the current situation in the European Union, the foreign minister noted that "this year is probably the first year after quite a long period of time, which the sentiment of optimism and self-confidence is widespread for the course of the European venture," after the pessimism and skepticism which caused the negative referendums for the Constitutional Treaty. "The European structure was shaken, however, it showed its endurance. It shows that it stands on firm foundations. Like each time, and now, Europe shows that it has the way of overcoming crises and to forge ahead. And this manner is consolidated cooperation, fruitful dialogue and consensus."

Present at the reception were Deputy Foreign Ministers Yiannis Valinakis and Petros Doukas, Parliament President Dimitris Sioufas, New Democracy (ND) party honorary president Constantine Mitsotakis, main opposition PASOK deputies Theodoros Pangalos and Andreas Loverdos, deputies Anna Benaki-Psarouda and Synaspismos Eurodeputy Dimitris Papadimoulis, many foreign diplomats and academics.

[07] FM Bakoyannis gives interview to Austrian newspaper

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, speaking in an interview with the Austrian newspaper "Tiroler Tageszeitung" on Friday, said, referring to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (FYROM) name issue, that "one country alone cannot have the monopoly of a name that characterises the entire region. In any case, this would not contribute in any way to the stability of the region, nor would it fulfill the preconditions of the European Union and of NATO for good neighbourly relations."

Bakoyannis, who was given the "Emperor Maximilian Award-European Regional Policy and Local Administration Award" in Innsbruck on Thursday, referred to the fact that the term "Macedonia" always characterised a geographical region, about 51 percent of which currently lies in Greece, 38 percent in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and 9 percent in Bulgaria.

The Greek foreign minister further said that on the issue of FYROM's name, Greece has now covered half the way for the finding of a compromise. A mutually acceptable solution will pave the way for the neighbouring country's goals in relation to NATO and the European Union. At the same time, it will show FYROM's willingness to normalise its relations with Greece, as a neighbour, an important trade partner and a future ally.

Also replying to a relevant question, Bakoyannis said that Greece is a convinced supporter of Turkey's European prospects and desires to see a European and democratic Turkey, since the two peoples are destined to live together.

[08] FM Bakoyannis to make three-day working visit to Cyprus

In the framework of her visit, Bakoyannis will be proclaimed an honourary citizen of the municipality of Paphos, while she will be the main speaker at an event organised by the Democratic Rally party for former Cyprus president Glafkos Clerides.

[09] Hiring of new doctors imminent, minister tells PASOK

"The year 2007 ended with the hiring of 750 interns and 424 new specialists are already working in hospitals. There is an equivalent number for this year, with more specialists compared with interns," the minister added.

He said that the extra medical staff would allow the launching of a new doctors' timetable.

"The number is satisfactory and I think that we are within the pledges we undertook," he added.

In their question, main opposition MPs had accused the government of allowing the national health system to become run down and driving patients to private health care.

"Greece occupies the 22nd position in the European Union on health spending. The hospitals of Zakynthos, Halkida, Chios, Corfu, Kavala, Naxos and Katerini have not yet been completed," they noted, while others said that spending on private health care had soard from 47 percent to 57 percent.

Others also pointed to grave irregularities in hospital procurements and projects assigned without proper procedures by hospital managements lacking the qualifications and ability to handle sensitive and intricate issues designated by the laws.

Responding, Papageorgiou said that several improvements had been made in the health sector, including a doubling of the number of doctors, an increase in beds, an extra 6,000 nurses and modernisations of 60,000 square metres of hospital space.

The minister also stressed that the problem with the national health system was not due to the poor operation of hospitals but the lack of primary health care, which absorbed 65 percent of private health spending. He said that delays in a bill for primary health care were because the government was trying to introduce a new model for such care, along the lines of other modern societies.

PASOK MP Christos Papoutsis challenged the figures given by the government for the recruitment of nurses, however, noting that it was included temporary staff hired with eight-month contracts.

"We insist that the recruitments of permanent staff do not exceed 800 a year when at least 1,200 are leaving due to retirement," he added.

[10] President Papoulias pays official visit to Agrinio

Addressing Agrinio Mayor Pavlos Moscholios during an official luncheon on Friday, Papoulias made particular reference to agricultural growth, noting that "the prefecture of Etoloakarnania is a prefecture which possesses the social, natural and cultural capital for a radical turn to be achieved in the direction of the viability of cities and a sustainable agricultural population."

He also spoke on the need for the reorientation of Greek agriculture, which he termed as "imperative."

The president underlined that in the future, new models of agricultural growth must be implemented, not only for Agrinio but for the whole of Greece.

[11] DM Meimarakis to visit Jordan

On Monday morning, the Greek minister will hold talks with Jordanian Prime Minister and Defence Minister Nader Dahabi as well as the county's Armed Forces General Staff Chief, Gen. Sarayrah.

Former prime minister Abdel Salaam al-Majali and members of the Jordanian-Greek Friendship Association will host a dinner in honour of Meimarakis on Sunday evening.

On Monday afternoon the Greek defence minister will meet with Philadelphia (the name of the Orthodox bishopric under the Patriarchate of Jerusalem) Metropolitan Benedict, while on Tuesday morning he will be visit the Jordanian Parliament and hold talks with members of the Greek-Jordanian Friendship Parliamentary committee.

[12] Athens Archbishop Ieronymos attends reception at Ecumenical Patriarchate

Visiting Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Ieronymos attended a reception given in his honour at the Ecumenical Patriarchate on Friday night and, addressing Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos, referred to the history of the Ecumenical Throne and pointing out that the Church of Greece "is and shall remain steadfast and firm on ecclesiastical principles, as we have received them from you."

The Archbishop further said that "the intraorthodox events of the past years have shown in the most intensive way that none of us has the luxury of the slightest deviations without a substantive and universally imperative reason."

He also said that "at this point, we want to reassure the great Church of Christ that not only are we not thinking of upsetting the ecclesiastical balance, but that all of us shall apply ourselves to the promotion of ecclesiastical unity and accord."

Vartholomeos said on his part that "your good reputation has been effusive for a long time in the City of Constantine as, in any case, it is in the regions of the Ecumenical Throne around the world as well."

Lastly, the Patriarch referred to the Archbishop's accident with his leg and to the inconvenience it caused for his health which, as he said, delayed his blessed and joyful visit to Istanbul for two months.

[13] Ecumenical Patriarch, Archbishop of Athens meet Istanbul prefect

Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos and visiting Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Ieronymos visited Istanbul Prefect Muamer Guler on Friday afternoon.

The Archbishop thanked the prefect for the protection he is providing for the Ecumenical Patriarchate and for the love that he is showing for the Christians' places of worship. The prefect thanked the two ecclesiastical leaders and expressed the wish of having the opportunity to visit Athens.

Financial News

[14] FinMin says OTE-Deutsche Telekom deal to ensure country's strategic interests

Speaking in Parliament, the Greek Minister said the deal, which will be activated only if ratified by Parliament, could be annulled only if a Greek government cut its stake below 5.0 pct. Alogoskoufis said the government was implementing a policy of strategic alliance with the necessary management, with the aim to ensure the future and development of Hellenic Telecoms to the interest of consumers.

"With this deal we will avoid the risk of losing control of the organisation. With negotiations, currently underway, we will ensure all strategic interest of the country and of the Greek state which will have the last word," Alogoskoufis said, adding that the issue of labour rights was covered by Greek labour legislation.

Meanwhile, Alekos Alavanos, the head of the leftist SYRIZA Parliamentary grouping in Parliament, called for the Greek state to gradually begin to regain control of 51 pct of shares in Hellenic Telecoms and noted that the government had "criminal responsibility" over the sale of OTE.

In beginning his comments in German, Alavanos also took exception to the fact that the premier did not address the specific tabled question on OTE instead of Alogoskoufis.

He also claimed OTE posted greater profits in 2007 than DT.

[15] Souflias visits metro construction site

Souflias stated that he is pleased with the Line 2 metro expansion to Anthoupolis and Line 3 to Haidari, scheduled to be ready by the end of 2009.

The minister announced that the tender for the expansion of Line 3 from Haidari to Piraeus will be completed at the end of the year, while the procedures for the construction of Line V from Panepistimiou Street to Galatsi are already underway.

The distance from Haidari to Syntagma Square will be covered in just 9 minutes, serving roughly 30,000 commuters daily, while the Anthoupolis-Syntagma route will be an 11-minute ride serving approximately 75,000 commuters on a daily basis.

A modern 530-car capacity, four-floor parking will be constructed in Haidari Station, while a similar 450-car capacity parking facility will be built in the Anthoupolis Station.

Preliminary studies for the further expansion of Line 2 to Ilion and Petroupolis are underway, Souflias stated, adding that the metro projects under construction in Greece have an overall budget of roughly 2 billion euros.

[16] Event on results and prospects of 'Competitiveness' Operational Programme

Folias was speaking at an event organised by the ministry's Special Secretariat on Competitiveness, during which the results of the "Competitiveness 2000-2007" (EPAN I) Operational Programme and the prospects of the "Competitiveness-Entrepreneurship 2007-2013" (EPAN II) Operational Programme were announced.

The minister stressed that the small and medium-size enterprise is the focus of the government's attention and noted that in the framework of the Axis Priority "2" of the Competitiveness Operational Programme, on backing entrepreneurship and extroversion, considerable financing opportunities are being presented for the modernisation and upgrading of businesses.

Support is also anticipated for collective business plans that promote the creation of networks and the so-called clusters.

"The competitiveness that we are lacking lies at business level, there where ideas are developed and abilities are exercised. That is where we are tottering," the minister added.

[17] Greece, Nigeria to sign cooperation agreement on Monday

The agreement will be signed by Deputy Foreign Minister Petros Doukas and visiting Nigerian Minister of Trade and Industry Charles C. Ugwuh.

The Nigerian official is currently in Greece at the invitation of Doukas, while he is due to address a conference titled "Africa Day", organised by the Greek foreign ministry.

According to the announcement, the conference will examine "development experiences and possibilities between Greece and African countries".

The two ministers will give a joint press conference after the signing of the agreement and talks between the two countries' delegations.

[18] Greek exports down 13.2 pct in March

The statistics services said that the value of export-deliveries dropped 13.2 pct in March to 1.444 billion euros, from 1.665 billion euros in the corresponding month last year.

[19] Greek industrial production index down 5.4 pct in March

The statistics service said the 5.4 pct drop in the industrial production index, reflected a 3.5 pct decline in the manufacturing index, an 8.5 pct fall in the electricity-natural gas-water production index and a 21.8 pct drop in the mining production index.

[20] Taxis on strike on Monday

The owners are protesting what they called a 'meagre' increase in taxi fares which "do not even cover the losses from the spiralling rise in fuel costs and its impact on operation costs", demanding a 10 percent increase in fares.

The Athens Union of Taxi Owners has called a demonstration by strikers at Karaiskaki Square in downtown Athens at 10:30 a.m. Monday.

The nationwide strike, which has been called by the Panhellenic Federation of Taxi and Cabs-for-Hire Owners, will end at 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday.

[21] Greek stocks end 1.43 pct lower

Most sectors moved lower, with the Banks (2.41 pct), Insurance (1.47 pct) and Telecommunications (1.27 pct) suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day, while Technology (1.20 pct), Chemicals (1.04 pct) and Oil (0.25 pct) scored gains.

The FTSE 20 index dropped 1.87 pct, the FTSE 40 index ended 0.26 pct higher and the FTSE 80 index eased 0.29p ct. Imperio (10.53 pct), Tzirakian (8.43 pct) and Eurodrip (7.95 pct) were top gainers, while Maxim (10.0 pct), Desmos (10.0 pct), Perseus (9.38 pct) were top losers. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 145 to 84 with another 57 remained unchanged.

[22] Sector indices ended as follows:

Industrials: -0.92%

Commercial: -0.61%

Construction: -0.59%

Media: -0.21%

Oil & Gas: +0.25%

Personal & Household: +0.04%

Raw Materials: -0.62%

Travel & Leisure: -0.96%

Technology: +1.20%

Telecoms: -1.27%

Banks: -2.41%

Food & Beverages: -0.88%

Health: -0.12%

Utilities: -0.82%

Chemicals: +1.04%

Financial Services: -0.05%

The stocks with the highest turnover were Neochimiki, Alapis, National Bank and OTE.

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

Alpha Bank: 21.96

ATEbank: 2.74

Public Power Corp (PPC): 26.80

HBC Coca Cola: 27.80

Hellenic Petroleum: 10.04

National Bank of Greece: 35.52

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 18.50

Intralot: 11.50

OPAP: 25.40

OTE: 20.20

Bank of Cyprus: 8.92

Marfin Popular Bank: 5.68

[23] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on the Big Cap index totaled 10,797 contracts worth 117.687 million euros, while on the Mid Cap index volume was 153 contracts worth 3,829 million euros. Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 16,407 contracts worth 16.293 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Marfin Popular Bank (3,878), followed by Marfin Investment Group (790), Hellenic Telecoms (2,625), National Bank (775), Intracom (1,425), Mytilineos (1,274) and ATEbank (565).

[24] Foreign Exchange Rates - Saturday/Monday

U.S. dollar 1.558

Pound sterling 0.800

Danish kroner 7.521

Swedish kroner 9.364

Japanese yen 160.08

Swiss franc 1.621

Norwegian kroner 7.906

Canadian dollar 1.571

Australian dollar 1.659

General News

[25] Deputy FM urges youths at Model European Council to become "Ambassadors of the European Idea"

"We want Europe to move ahead, but we also want to secure our national interests," he said, explaining that the European Union was created to unite the peoples, after disasters".

Valinakis outlined the procedural operation of the European Council (council of EU heads of state and government), with particular reference to the member-states' right of veto, noting that the goal in each meeting was consensus and the achievement of agreement, with the best possible ensurance of the national interests of each country, explaining that if a country sets out a veto from the very start, then the discussions would not lead anywhere.

Addressing the young delegates at the Simulation, held at the Zappeion center, Valinakis said "you are the future of Greece and Europe, the future of Greek and European diplomacy", adding that the Simulation was a process through which the young generation could understand the significance of Europe and learn how difficuult it is to find common ground for agreement.

Chief of the European Commission representation in Greece, Ierotheos Papadopoulos, welcomed the youths and explained that the Simulation was a "game" through which young people learn the procedures of the European Council, while Hellenic Center for European Studies (EKEM) chairman Yannis Kofinis said that the 51st anniversary of the European Union was being celebrated Friday, adding that the target of the Simulation was to enable the youth to "get to know and love" Europe.

The Model European Council Simulation takes place on the anniversary of the May 9, 1950 declaration to the international press read out by French foreign minister Robert Schuman in Paris -- to the background of the threat of a third World War engulfing all of Europe --calling on France, Germany and other European countries to pool together their coal and steel production as "the first concrete foundation of a European federation", which resulted the following year in the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), the precursor of today's European Union. May 9 was officially established as "Europe Day", or "Schuman Day", by the EU leaders at the 1985 Summit in Milan.

The event is organised by the EU representation in Athens and the EKEM, in cooperation with the foreign ministry and the ministry of education.

The delegates comprise two students from every school in Greece and an accompanying teacher, selected by the education ministry, with delegates each representing one of the 27 EU member countries and the various EU institutional bodies.

The young delegates to the Simulation will this year are debating a European Commission proposal on the environment, focusing on renewable energy sources.

[26] Education Minister addresses event in honor of Yale University President

Education systems and universities should be able to pass on a code of values and principles, contributing to the creation of good citizens useful to society, their country and humanity, Stylianidis said, adding that "this is the basis of our philosophy on which our reform efforts in primary, secondary and tertiary education are founded."

The problematic state of the Greek public university can only be overturned by a major upset that will break the state monopoly, clearing the way for a non-public, not-for-profit university, Stylianidis pointed out.

"The constitutional revision is a major opportunity to proceed with necessary changes and reforms through political cooperation and broad social consensus," he added.

[27] NTNG to perform Nesin play at Black Sea Theater Festival in Turkey

The play, which has been presented in more than 70 performances in Thessaloniki and various other Greek cities over the 2006-2007 period, will also travel to the cities of Ordu and Bulancak next Friday and Saturday, respectively, at the invitation of the cities' mayors.

Aziz Nesin (1916-1955) was one of Turkey's most prolific humoristic writers and intellectuals, with more than 100 books published, and his works have been translated into more than 30 languages. He was noted for his earthy sense of humor and instinctive humanism, and was also a champion of Greek-Turkish friendship, intellectual freedom and freedom of speech, and a pro-democracy political activist, contributing to the illumination, modernisation and democratisation of society, especially during the last years of his life, saying himself that he was "paying dues to society".

He was also a humanitarian, establishing the Nesin Foundation in 1972, which took in destitute children and provided them with shelter, education and training from elementary school until completion of high school, a trade school, or until they acquired a vocation. Nesin donated his copyrights for all his works in Turkey or other countries -- including his published books, all plays to be staged, films, and all his works performed or used in radio or on television -- to the Foundation.

In "Come and Kill Me My Dear" (Hadi Oldursene Canikom), Nessin satirises the establishment, alcohol, desire, love, the system and politicians, and the human desire for communication and coexistence.

Two widows, Siyen (Fonsou) and Dicha (Vosniakou), with a deep desire for life, and hope, await redemption in a 'visit' by a 'killer' rapist (Gounaris).

The play was translated into Greek by Panagiotis Ampatzis, with sets and costumes by Anna-Maria Angelidou, music by composer Akis Gerontakis, and lighting by Giorgios Tarkassis.

[28] Initiative by Greek UNICEF Committee for Myanmar

National Bank: 169/480021-48

Millennium Bank: 519829

Alpha Bank: 115-002002-017649 (procedure KO3)

Eurobank: 0026-0102-14-0100540998 www.easypay.gr of the Bank of Piraeus

Also through the website of UNICEF in the Internet www.unisef.gr

[29] Russian architecture exhibition

It features photos of buildings dating back to the 20s and 30s coming from the Museum of Architecture in Moscow, architecture designs, paintings and scale models of Russian artists from the 1920s that belong to the Kostakis Collection of the State Museum of Contemporary Art in Thessaloniki and a number of recently taken photographs of Russian architecture buildings.

The exhibition will be held in the Moni Lazariston exhibition hall in Thessaloniki and will run until September 28.

[30] Chinese journalists on visit to Greece

The annual journalist exchange initiative that was launched 11 years ago includes a similar visit of Greek journalists to China, and is held within the framework of efforts aimed at forging closer bilateral relations.

The Chinese media professionals will have the opportunity to be briefed on the experiences gained from the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and the country's post-Olympic Games image.

The group will also visit the islands of Hydra and Spetses, the archaeological site of ancient Olympia and Thessaloniki.

[31] Greek participation in European Economy Marathon 2008

Six Greek teams will be representing the country in this year's tournament, which is expected to be one of the most competitive that have ever taken place.

In this year's Economy Marathon, 200 groups of students from 25 countries, having created prototype and urban concept vehicles, will compete and try to cover the greatest distance possible with minimum fuel consumption.

The Economy Marathon is a social initiative by Shell, that has been providing for over 23 years a unique training experience for pupils and students from all over Europe. The aim is to highlight the importance of sustainable development, as well as to promote scientific research and innovation in the sector of energy for transport.

[32] Distressed cruiseship arrives safely in Piraeus Port

For safety reasons, the cruise ship, with 874 passengers and a 407-member crew aboard, changed its route to the island of Milos instead of its original destination of Santorini.

The ship's captain will be led before a prosecutor later Friday.

[33] Large quantities of controlled substances confiscated in Athens; two arrests

In a separate incident, a 26-year-old Albanian was arrested in downtown Athens accused of dealing large quantities of unprocessed cannabis. Police found in his possession and seized a total of 39 kilos and 209 grams of the drug.

[34] Athens events for Mother's Day on Sunday

Fairytale readings, theatrical events and games (9.84 FM amphitheatre) along with various children's workshops are also scheduled.

The venue is ideally accessible via the Áthens metro, as Kerameikos metro station is just a few metres away from Technopolis.

Weather forecast

[35] Cloud, scattered rain on Saturday

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

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "The changes in the administrative map of the country - 350 Municipalities to merge in 17 Prefectures".

APOGEVMATINI: "Goverment to give 10,000 euro per fire-stricken family for house restoration".

AVGHI: "Inflation spiralling - 4.4 the official rate in April".

AVRIANI: "FinMin George Alogoskoufis won - He succeeded in concluding the strategic agreement for OTE with Deutsche Telekom, despite the major interests that infested OTE in the last decades".

CHORA: "Moscow expelled two US diplomats - Economic and cold war setting".

ELEFTHEROS: "Raging war among arms dealers - Who will get the largest pieces of the 12 billion euros armament pie".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS:"Lethal blood transfusions - Health Minister had announced in March 2006 molecular blood checks, but nothing has changed".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "The OTE agreement contains resale option - The Germans will pass throught the sieve all of OTE's cadres".

ESTIA: "Apprehension over the Greek economy is rational, Financial Times newspaper remarks".

ETHNOS: "(Education Minister Evripidis) Stylianidis touts non-state universities - He cast 'bombs' on public colleges and universities".

KATHIMERINI: "Inflation threatens the economy - It remained at 4.4 percent in April".

LOGOS: "Green light for OTE's sale - Announcements will be made in the following week".

NIKI: " Once upon a time OTE was Greek - The Greek giant will be handed over to the Germans in the following week".

RIZOSPASTIS: "Solidarity with Cuba, which keeps alive the vision of socialism".

TA NEA : "Feta cheese is cheaper in Berlin - (Greece th) Champions in high prices, resulting from profiteering".

TO VIMA: "Prices nightmare - Why (European Central Bank President Jean Claude) Trichet fears inflation".

VRADYNI: "The four keys points in Town Planning blueprints - Debate to begin in parliament in the following days".

Cyprus Affairs

[37] French Prime Minister Fillon holds talks with Cyprus President Christofias

French Prime Minister Francois Fillon said here on Friday that his country "as a UN Security Council permanent member, will do all it can to help Cyprus," in the effort of finding a solution to the island republic's political problem. Fillon was speaking to reporters after talks with Cyprus President Demetris Christo-fias.

Referring to Turkey's European Union prospects, the French prime minister underlined that France "cannot accept in the EU a country which maintains occupation forces in another European country," and reiterated France's position on a "privileged partnership relation" between the EU and Turkey.

He also said that a solution to the Cyprus problem should be found on the basis of international law.

On his part, President Christofias said that the Greek Cypriot side "has not undertaken any commitment to start negotiations without progress" in the framework of ongoing negotiations of working groups and technical committees.

"Progress on Cyprus depends on the stance of Turkey. We are urging our partners in the EU to encourage Turkey to at last adopt a positive stance, since messages we have been getting from Ankara recently are not encouraging at all," Christofias said.

Talks between Christofias and Fillon covered, apart from developements in the Cyprus issue, France's proposals for its upcoming EU six-month presidency, bilateral relations and the situation in Lebanon.

President Christofias referred to a "strategic relation and friendship" between France and Cyprus, adding that the island republic will cooperate closely with France during the EU French presidency, which begins on July 1, and that he agreed and supported the priorities set out by Paris.

The French prime minister arrived in Nicosia at noon on Friday and was due to depart later in the night.

Six working groups and seven technical committees have been set up following an agreement on March 21 between President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, who agreed to meet again in three months to review the work of the committees, the results of which will be used to start negotiations under UN auspices for a solution that will reunite Cyprus, divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

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