Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 08-05-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis addresses SETE tourist association, refers to strategy of changes and reforms

[02] Govt focuses on long-term gains from tourism, minister says

[03] PM to visit Thessaloniki, Florina and Serres

[04] PM signs Book of Condolences at Chinese Embassy

[05] President Papoulias wraps up visit to Sweden

[06] Search for tainted sunflower oil continuing, government says

[07] PASOK leader Papandreou calling for Parliamentary debate on high prices

[08] Gov't on Papandreou briefing by minister

[09] Papandreou to meet Serb Socialist Party leader

[10] Serbia's SPS president on his meeting with PASOK leader

[11] ND Sec't Lefteris Zagoritis interview prior to Cyprus visit

[12] Parliament President Dimitris Sioufas arrives in Strasbourg

[13] Australia's former FM tagged as prospective new UN mediator in Cyprus

[14] Telecommunications privacy bill to committee

[15] Deputy FM Kassimis to visit Greek-speaking villages of southern Italy

[16] Minister briefs EU council on educational reforms

[17] Slovak ambassador in Thessaloniki

[18] Greek FinMin urges World Bank chief to expand activities in SEE

[19] Development minister addresses SE Europe Energy Dialogue

[20] Former German chancellor Schroeder addresses energy conference

[21] Deputy FM opens 'Energy without Frontiers' int'l conference

[22] Greek current accounts deficit down 7.0 pct in Jan-March

[23] Viosol to buy Sychem SA

[24] Ellectroniki presents new logo, ad campaing

[25] Greek stocks end 1.39 pct lower

[26] Greek bond market closing report

[27] ADEX closing report

[28] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

[29] Draft bill for new Acropolis Museum unveiled

[30] Culture Minister Liapis inaugurates ART ATHINA 2008 exhibition

[31] Exhibition on Greek coins and banknotes since ancient times

[32] Greek citizenship granted to 1,543 foreign nationals

[33] Parliament committee concludes debate on spatial planning bill

[34] Speleologists and nature lovers in 2nd Balkan meeting

[35] Alexandria Patriarch at shelter for street kids in Johannesburg

[36] PPC worker killed in Trikala accident

[37] U.S. Consulate to be closed on May 28

[38] Mostly fair on Friday

[39] Core issues need to be examined, says President Politics

[01] PM Karamanlis addresses SETE tourist association, refers to strategy of changes and reforms

"Our strategy is steadfast and non-negotiable. It is the strategy of changes and of reforms, far from doctrines and rigidness. It is a strategy that places the social result first. A creative and progressive strategy. And this strategy will not be abandoned, obstructed or suspended," he said.

Karamanlis referred to the importance of tourism for the Greek economy and said that it is common knowledge that tourism constitutes something more than an important economic activity in the country.

Appealing to professionals in the sector, the prime minister called on them to restrain prices, speaking of the need for tangible support for internal tourism.

"In restraining prices, the Greeks are enabled to 'choose Greece' in time all the year round. In restraining prices, the economy stands to gain, as well as Greek society in its entirety. All of us together can turn the international challenge into a national opportunity. All of us, everyone from the position he is in, must prove, in practice, substantive social responsibility," he said.

Karamanlis further said that the international conjuncture "is not favorable" for Greek tourism, as a result of the fiscal crisis in the United States and inflationary pressures in Europe.

The prime minister revealed that about 880 million euros have been earmarked so far to support businesses in the tourist sector and about 6,000 tourist businesses have benefited.

He also said that "at the same time, structures and modern infrastructures are being promoted which serve common goals," while adding that a modernization plan for a number of airports is being prepared and the designing of tourist ports is also proceeding in parallel.

SETE President Nikos Angelopoulos proposed the coordination of action of ministries jointly responsible for tourism by the prime minister in the framework of economic and tourist development planning, stressing that this option is necessary since the increase in GDP, employment and regional development depend on tourism to a great extent, as well as for curbing the gap between incomes.

[02] Govt focuses on long-term gains from tourism, minister says

"We are not interested in short-term gains. We are still in the beginning. We are changing everything. We want to focus to the long-term," Spiliotopoulos said, addressing a general assembly of the Federation of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE).

The minister stressed that the government was promoting a new model for Greek tourism, capable of re-positioning the country on the world tourism map, as a destination with international appeal.

He also called for actions to combat bureaucracy and to achieve a closer cooperation with other government ministries.

SETE elected its new board council, with Nikos Angelopoulos (Aldemar Hotels & Spa) elected as new the chairman, replacing Stavros Andreadis.

[03] PM to visit Thessaloniki, Florina and Serres

At noon on Friday, he will visit the 424 General Military Hospital in Thessaloniki, followed by a visit to the Prespes National Forest's agricultural cooperative in Florina.

At noon on Saturday, Karamanlis will address a two-day event organised by the Constine Karamanlis Foundation (on the theme Karamanlis in his home town, 10 years after his death), and in the afternoon will attend the unveiling of a bust of the late statesman in his birthplace, the village of Proti in Serres.

[04] PM signs Book of Condolences at Chinese Embassy

Karamanlis expressed grief for the victims, and his support for those who suffered losses in the disaster.

"The disastrous earthquake that struck the Szechuan region in China, leaving behind a large number of dead and injured, has shocked the entire world, giving rise to sentiments of fear over the magnitude of the physical destruction, and deep grief for those who were lost. Greece shares in the pain of the Chinese people and their mourning. In these difficult moments, are thoughts are with those who were struck," the prime minister wrote.

[05] President Papoulias wraps up visit to Sweden

President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias on Thursday concluded an official visit to Sweden, after attending a dinner given in his honor by Sweden's King Carl Gustaf XVI at the royal palace in the centre of Stockholm.

Among the dozens of guests at the dinner, President Papoulias singled out the presence of Prof. Sture Linner in his speech. Still sprightly in spite being in his 90s, Professor Linner was visibly moved when the president thanked him for his role in securing food aid for Greece during the tragic war years of 1942-1944, when Greece was under German occupation.

During that difficult time, Linner had been head of a mission of the Greek Red Cross and had helped fight famine by delivering food and medicines to Greek towns and villages, while he also assisted the escape of dozens of British soldiers and Greek resistance fighters to the Middle East.

Now the author of dozens of books, many of them dealing with Greece, Sture was described by the president as one of a group of "distinguished Hellenist professors and intellectuals that continue the tradition of philhellenism in Sweden".

During his visit, the Greek president also had an opportunity to meet some of the estimated 25,000 Greeks living in Sweden, the majority of them around Stockholm itself, and to discuss some of the problems that they face.

Members of the Greek community noted that a large number of Greeks in Sweden were switching from salaried employment to freelance professions in recent years, while Greek children were doing very well in the Swedish educational system and were expecting to augment the ranks of scientists, intellectuals, business people and politicians in Sweden in the years to come.

On Thursday, President Papoulias began the day by taking a trip to Goteborg with King Carl Gustaf in the royal plane, where they toured a local Volvo manufacturing plant. He then met Goteborg governor Lars Backstrom, attended a reception in honour of the Greek community in the afternoon and is due back in Athens later on Thursday evening.

[06] Search for tainted sunflower oil continuing, government says

He had been asked whether consumers should be concerned about the affair, following the government's decision to pull all sunflower oil imported into Greece from the market for testing.

While directing reporters to consult statements on the issue made by the Hellenic Food Authority (EFET) and the development ministry, Roussopoulos also pointed out that the authorities had been tipped off about contaminated oil from the Ukraine in a whole series of countries, prompting Greece to carry out tests that confirmed the information received.

When a second consignment of oil was also found to be contaminated in this way, it was decided to remove all sunflower oil and the products it was used to produce from the market.

"This approach is the least obligation that the state owes its citizens," the spokesman added.

He also clarified that customs services did not normally test for mineral oils, which was why the contaminated oil had not been detected by any customs authority in any country, and that such tests were only carried out when there was cause to suspect a problem or when someone had filed a complaint or report.

Roussopoulos further explained that the decisions about what to test were not made by Parliament or through legislation but by the scientific community, which would adapt them to the rapid changes in technology and people's lives.

[07] PASOK leader Papandreou calling for Parliamentary debate on high prices

The spokesman said that PASOK is requesting the debate because "the day-to-day lives of citizens is being downgraded and is worsening by the day, high prices are making the life of the Greek family all the more difficult and purchasing value is decreasing as a result of oligopolic and state policies."

He added that the government's tax policy "is resulting in the redistribution of income at the expense of the many" and accused the government of "failing to control the phenomena of unaccountability in the market".

[08] Gov't on Papandreou briefing by minister

The comment was made following a briefing main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou had a day earlier by Development Minister Christos Folias PASOK party President George Papandreou, and in response to a press question on whether similar meetings will be held with the economy and foreign affairs ministers.

Roussopoulos underlined the importance of such a dialogue, outside Parliament, and stressed that Papandreou has a right to be briefed by government ministers in his capacity as leader of the main opposition.

[09] Papandreou to meet Serb Socialist Party leader

[10] Serbia's SPS president on his meeting with PASOK leader

The president of Serbia's Socialist Party (SPS), Ivica Dacic, confirmed on Thursday that he will depart for Athens on Friday to meet with Greece's main opposition Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader and Socialist International (SI) president George Papandreou.

Dacic told reporters that the meeting is at the initiative of Papandreou and noted that for his party, "accession to Socialist International constitutes a party's target."

According to Serbia's mass media, during the Papandreou-Tadic meeting, discussion will centre on Serbia's European prospects in relation with the consultations for the formation of a coalition government, and also SPS's possibilities for accession to SI.

[11] ND Sec't Lefteris Zagoritis interview prior to Cyprus visit

Ruling New Democracy (ND) party secretary Lefteris Zagoritis on Thursday reiterated that Greece and Cyprus are "working for a fair, viable and functional solution for Cyprus based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation," in comments to the ANA-MPA regarding Athens' support for Turkey's European prospect.

During a two-day visit to Cyprus beginning on Friday, Zagoritis will have the opportunity to discuss developments with Cyprus Republic President Demetris Christofias, while he will have meetings with former Cypriot president Tassos Papadopoulos, political leaders, and Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus. He will also attend events in Nicosia and Paphos hosted by ND organizations.

Zagoritis stated that substantive progress on the Cyprus issue can be achieved only through the working groups and technical committees, which will create the preconditions for the launch of negotiations.

"Cyprus and Greece work for a definite solution within the framework of the UN resolutions and the EU principles, values and standards, he said, adding that "we work for a solution that will be fair, viable and functional based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation that will allow the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots to co-exist harmonically in an environment of security, growth and prosperity. A strong political will and clear-cut positions from both sides, and not only from us, is necessary to achieve this. "

"Greece's goal is to strengthen relations and cooperation with Turkey because this will benefit both peoples," Zagoritis said, stressing that New Democracy firmly supports Turkey's European prospect. "The course towards Europe is up to Turkey, the ND secretary added.

Referring to the new Cypriot president, he said that Demetris Christofias is a serious and responsible political leader who will work - as did his predecessors and the entire political leadership in Cyprus - for the solution of the Cyprus issue and the reunification of the island, a national goal shared by the Cypriot and the Greek people.

[12] Parliament President Dimitris Sioufas arrives in Strasbourg

Greek Parliament President Dimitris Sioufas arrived here on Thursday to participate in the two-day conference of Council of Europe member-state Parliament presidents.

The conference, organized by the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly, will focus on finding ways of achieving better cooperation between national Parliaments, the Council of Europe and citizens, with the aim of "promoting fundamental values: democracy, human rights and law."

Issues to be discussed on Friday are, among others, "apparatuses for the participation of the society of citizens in Parliamentary procedures", with an exchange of views concerning the "appropriate practices" that must be followed with the purpose of promoting fundamental values through national Parliaments.

The total number of presidents and observers participating in the conference is expected to be about 300. The first conference of Parliament Presidents took place in 1975 and since then it has been held every two years.

[13] Australia's former FM tagged as prospective new UN mediator in Cyprus

Australia's former Foreign Minister Alexander Downer is likely to take over as the new UN mediator in Cyprus.

The Australian government has reportedly given its approval and a formal proposal is expected to be made soon by UN secretary general Ban Ki-Moon.

Political circles in Australia regard Downer as the most appropriate candidate for the role, considering his great experience in international issues and his important connections.

Downer was Australia's foreign minister from 1996 until 2007 when the Liberal Party lost the elections.

[14] Telecommunications privacy bill to committee

Among others, the draft bill expressly forbids all types of phone-tapping and monitoring of telephone communications, introducing stiff jail sentences of up to 10 years for offenders and banning the use of such recordings in court.

It also forbids the illegal sale and promotion of devices for phone-tapping and calls on phone service providers to collaborate fully with the Authority for Information and Communication Security and Privacy (ADAE) for the security of their networks.

Members of the committee raised objections, however, to an article introducing jail sentences of up to two years and fines ranging from 50,000 to 200,000 euros for those that "obstruct or endanger the operation of installations for the provision of telephone services" in any way.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) MP Achilleas Kantartzis pointed out that, in its present form, the article could be used to prosecute even symbolic action by workers, such as taking over a phone company's premises in the framework of labor mobilizations, noting that this would have to be clearly specified.

Other parties objected on the grounds that existing laws on damaging private property were sufficient and questioned why phone companies needed "enhanced" protection relative to ordinary citizens.

Main opposition PASOK voiced doubts as to whether the bill could be effective, given the rapid development of new technology.

[15] Deputy FM Kassimis to visit Greek-speaking villages of southern Italy

Deputy Foreign Minister Theodoros Kassimis arrived in Italy on Thursday to begin a four-day visit to the Greek-speaking villages of southern Italy, the remnants of "Magna Graecia" on the Italian peninsula.

The deputy foreign minister's tour will cover the regions of Calabria, Apulia and Salento, where a Greek dialect is still spoken, in the form of "Griko" in Apulia and "Graecanik" in Calabria.

Since the 1990s, the Italian government has been particularly active in preserving local dialects and minor languages in the country, while the local constitution in Calabria has recognized Graecanik, thus allowing its teaching in schools.

Kassimis' visit is held with the support of local authorities, and as part of attempts to highlight efforts at strengthening cultural ties and reinforcing the common roots that still exist between Greece and southern Italy.

[16] Minister briefs EU council on educational reforms

Greece's Education Minister Evripidis Stylianidis on Thursday briefed the EU council of education ministers on the main aspects of recent educational reforms in Greece linked to innovation.

He said this effort had three main "chapters" that consisted of "smart" schools, modern universities and a platform for innovation.

As aspects of smart schools he referred to the new bioclimatic buildings and the introduction of new teaching techniques that encouraged critical thought as opposed to just memorization, saying the emphasis would be on training teachers in new technologies but also new teaching and education methods.

Stylianidis said the drive to modernize Greek universities was largely through the new legislation that had come into force, pointing as an example to a recent collaboration between Microsoft and a Greek university on patents related to devices for the disabled.

[17] Slovak ambassador in Thessaloniki

The mayor of Thessaloniki extended an invitation to the Slovak President to visit the city and have contacts with university institutions and local entrepreneurs.

Earlier, the Slovak ambassador had a meeting with Thessaloniki Prefect Panagiotis Psomiadis, stressing that the goal of his visit is to promote cooperation between local government authorities in Greece and Slovakia.

Financial News

[18] Greek FinMin urges World Bank chief to expand activities in SEE

Greek Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis on Thursday urged for the continuation of World Bank's activities in Southeastern and Central Europe, a geographical region of direct interest to Greece.

The Greek demand was made during a meeting with World Bank's president Robert Zoellick in the US capital, in the framework of the Greek minister's visit to the United States.

"There are countries in our region, rapidly growing, which will need the support of World Bank for several years to improve their infrastructure and the level of their economic growth," Alogoskoufis told reporters after his meeting with Mr Zoellick.

The Greek minister stressed that Greece was at the disposal of World Bank in its effort to offer help to Africa, in the Middle East and Asia, while he stressed that the Bank acknowledged Greece's role in the wider region

More analytically, Alogoskoufis said that Greece has pledged to raise its development growth, in an effort to help developing countries overcoming poverty and deal with problems such as healthcare, epidemics, clean water and other.

The two men also discussed developments in world market, particularly higher food prices that hit the developing world.

The Greek minister also met with State Deputy Secretary John Negreponte.

[19] Development minister addresses SE Europe Energy Dialogue

He said that the South Stream natural gas pipeline was slated for completion by 2015, adding that "we do not have the right to be simple observers of the developments, but rather we must be active players in the heart of the developments", and stressed that "we are taking advantage of new opportunities".

Folias explained that energy supply was a prerequisite for economic growth, and energy balance was a prerequisite for peace.

Turning to natural gas consumption, he noted that it was estimated at 4.7 billion cubic meters per day, while in 2010 it was expected to exceed 7.0 billion cubic meters.

On the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline, the minister reiterated that it would be operating supplementarily with respect to the Bosporus Straits.

Folias said that the Greek government's strategic choices were promoting the interests of the European partners, while also contributing to rendering the region of South East Europe into a contemporary transit hub.

The goal, he continued, was energy sufficiency and security, but also rendering Greece an international energy hub with a consolidated key position.

Regarding the liberalization of the energy market, Folias explained that "a deregulated market leads to more extroversion, investments, competitive prices, to the benefit of the consumer".

"The field of energy does not offer itself up for experimentation and opportunistic investments, but requires seriousness and responsibility, so that the outcome will be positive," Folias concluded.

[20] Former German chancellor Schroeder addresses energy conference

Greece and Russia signed an agreement last month for the construction of a natural gas pipeline linking Russia, Bulgaria and Greece.

Schroeder analyzed his views on the issue of Europe's safe supply with adequate energy, referring to the North Stream and South Stream pipelines which, as he said, will contribute decisively in securing, at longterm, Europe's needs in natural gas.

He added that the North Stream and South Stream pipelines are not competitive against other pipelines, such as Nabucco.

"I am in favor of all the pipelines, since we need bigger quantities of natural gas," he said.

Asked whether he fears dependence on Russia, the former chancellor said that "since 25 percent of Russia's budget depends on energy exports, no Russian politician, unless he wishes to commit political suicide, will support ending this supply, since such a thing would create chaos in his country."

"The dependence, therefore, is mutual," he said, adding that "Greece's decision on the South Stream pipeline was correct."

Schroeder also expressed the view that Russia constitutes realistically the most safe supplier compared with others from Africa or the Middle East region.

"Russia has proved to be a reliable partner, for decades, and I am convinced that it will continue to be so in the future as well," he said.

On the question of the Nabucco pipeline project, Schroeder said that what is necessary for it to be productive is for it to carry natural gas from Iran as well but, as he noted, the European Union must overcome resistances on the part of the United States.

The German politician stressed that the greatest challenge for energy safety is related to developments in the Middle East (since 60 percent of the world's reserves are found there) and expressed support for the intensification of diplomatic efforts for peace in the region (with the participation of the EU and Russia) and for direct talks between the United States and countries in the region, such as Iran and Syria.

[21] Deputy FM opens 'Energy without Frontiers' int'l conference

Noting that oil prices had exceeded 133 dollars per barrel just the previous day, Doukas warned that unfortunately, it would be very difficult for the petrol prices to recede from those levels and, if they did, it would only be temporarily.

He attributed this to the fact that "we have already consumed approximately 55 percent of the petrol (deposits) on the planet, while we are consuming the remaining 45 percent at a faster rate than in the past, due to the immense growth by countries such as China, India and the countries of Latin America".

Doukas further outlined the difficulties that have arisen due to the reduction in the planet's oil deposits, explaining that "we've already pumped the 'easier' oi, and are now seeking it in the sea depths".

The difficulties with respect to petrol and climate change -- given the increase in temperatures, and their immense repercussions on the environment and all forms of life on the planet -- require that we proceed to alternative forms of energy, Doukas said, adding that, in that direction, the Greek government was promoting cooperation in that field via the Center for Renewable Energy Sources.

The deputy minister further stressed that the government was working to reducing Greece's fuel dependence -- with respect to petrol and natural gas -- on one supplier and, particularly with respect to natgas, he noted that "we will try to secure a larger quantity of natural gas coming from Azerbaijan", and underlined the "great importance" of the agreements for the construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline and the South Stream natgas pipeline.

[22] Greek current accounts deficit down 7.0 pct in Jan-March

The central bank, in a report, however, noted that the country's trade deficit widened by 11 percent to 10.4 billion euros, reflecting a 37 pct jump in fuel import spending. Net payments for ship purchases fell by 332 million euros in the January-March period. The trade deficit, excluding ships and fuel, showed that export proceeds rose by 9.3 pct, while import payments jumped 11 pct.

The services sector's surplus jumped by 47 pct, reflecting higher proceeds from transport and shipping services, while gross proceeds from travel services grew by 5.7 pct. The incomes deficit grew by 258 million euros due to higher net payments on interest, dividends and profits.

The current transfers surplus more than tripled reflecting a 69 pct increase in EU fund transfers to the general government in the three-month period. The capital transfers surplus fell by 356 million euros to 1.5 billion euros.

The financial transactions balance showed a net outflow of 335 million euros of direct investments in the January-March period, while portfolio investments showed a net inflow of 6.95 billion euros.

[23] Viosol to buy Sychem SA

A valuation report will be carried out by K.Pentedekas Securities, while the value of the purchase will be approved by a Viosol's general shareholders' meeting.

[24] Ellectroniki presents new logo, ad campaing

[25] Greek stocks end 1.39 pct lower

Most sectors moved lower with the Banks (2.47 pct), Insurance (2.45 pct) and Telecommunications (1.98 pct) suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day, while Travel (1.63 pct), Raw Materials (1.03 pct) and Oil (0.87 pct) scored gains.

The FTSE 20 index ended 1.61 pct lower, the FTSE 40 index fell 1.38 pct and the FTSE 80 index eased 0.57 pct. Hellenic Cables (10.11 pct), Altius (8.86 pct) and Elbisco (8.64 pct) were top gainers, while Allatini Ceramics (12.66 pct), Klonatex (12.0 pct) and Lanacam (8.02 pct) were top gainers. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 186 to 63 with another 37 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: -2.45%

Industrials: -0.95%

Commercial: -0.85%

Construction: -1.50%

Media: -0.14%

Oil & Gas: +0.87%

Personal & Household: -1.54%

Raw Materials: +1.03%

Travel & Leisure: +1.63%

Technology: -1.88%

Telecoms: -1.98%

Banks: -2.47%

Food & Beverages: -0.39%

Health: -1.83%

Utilities: -0.25%

Chemicals: +0.18%

Financial Services: +0.18%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 22.36

ATEbank: 2.68

Public Power Corp (PPC): 25.64

HBC Coca Cola: 28.06

Hellenic Petroleum: 10.34

National Bank of Greece: 32.02

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 17.74

Intralot: 11.64

OPAP: 25.94

OTE: 17.84

Piraeus Bank: 20.76

Bank of Cyprus: 8.40

Marfin Popular Bank: 5.66

[26] Greek bond market closing report

In the interbank market, interest rates moved higher. The 12-month Euribor rate rose to 5.0 pct, the six-month rate was 4.90 pct, the three-month rate 4.85 pct and the one-month rate 4.37 pct.

[27] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on the Big Cap index totaled 8,383 contracts worth 89.468 million euros, with 29,932 open positions in the market, while on the Mid Cap index volume was 85 contracts worth 2.070 million euros, with 208 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 14,787 contracts worth 18.702 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Marfin Popular Bank's contracts (4,142), followed by Marfin Investment Group (2,378), OTE (845), Piraeus Bank (509), National Bank (1,483), Alpha Bank (1,535), Titan (788) and ATEbank (705).

[28] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

U.S. dollar 1.588

Pound sterling 0.800

Danish kroner 7.519

Swedish kroner 9.378

Japanese yen 164.01

Swiss franc 1.632

Norwegian kroner 7.917

Canadian dollar 1.561

Australian dollar 1.653

General News

[29] Draft bill for new Acropolis Museum unveiled

"The new Museum will operate under the strict control and supervision of the culture ministry but its legal form will allow it to maintain the necessary safety distance from both the private sector and the traditional public sector, so that it will be more efficient in managing the role that has been assigned to it," the minister said in a press conference.

Under the draft law, antiquities discovered both in earlier archaeological digs on the Athens Acropolis but also those unearthed more recently will be collected at the new museum, while there is also provision for its future ability to present and display all the Parthenon sculptures.

Liapis said that the new museum would probably be ready to open its doors to the public sometime this autumn, while he announced that the draft bill unveiled on Thursday would also be posted on the culture ministry's website for the purposes of public dialogue, in order to achieve wider consensus on the running of the museum.

The draft legislation stipulates that the purpose of the museum will be the protection, study, display and promotion of monuments on a national and international level and it grants the real estate to be used by the museum to house its activities without any exchange. It also lists the possible sources of the museum's revenues, describes the form of its administrative bodies, its board of directors and creates the post of general management supervisor.

It calls for a seven-member board with a three-year term that will be appointed by the minister of culture and stipulates that the museum will be represented by the board chairman for all legal matters, both in and out of court.

The museum's manager will be chosen among applicants responding to a public proclamation for the position and can be from either the public sector or the free market.

Liapis described the legal framework for the museum as "innovative and radical" and noted that it might well be applied to other major museums in the country if it proved successful in practice.

He also referred to problems currently faced by various bodies involved in the arts and culture, stressing that the main priority was to regulate their financial affairs. The minister pointed out that he had already discussed this issue in a meeting with Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis.

Finally, the minister said that the government had decided to go ahead with a controversial decision to demolish two listed buildings that stood between the new Museum and the Acropolis, on Hatzichristou and Mitseon Streets, respectively, in order to enhance the outward appearance of the museum.

[30] Culture Minister Liapis inaugurates ART ATHINA 2008 exhibition

Taking part in the exhibition are 300 Greek and foreign painters and 44 galleries.

It is the 14th international meeting of modern art which this year has enriched its contents.

The exhibition will be open until May 25. It has an expanse of 8,000 square metres at the floors of HELEXPO on Kifissia Avenue.

Liapis said that "the ART ATHINA constitutes an established institution and every year it expands, renewed and enriched with new tendencies in visual art and naturally Greece is highlighted."

[31] Exhibition on Greek coins and banknotes since ancient times

Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis visited the exhibition "Classic Greek: Coins and Banknotes from Ancient Times until Today", that is taking place at the "Castle", the oldest building complex of the Smithsonian Institute here, in the framework of his official visit to the United States.

The exhibition, taking place with the cooperation of the National Bank of Greece, the Benaki Museum and the Social and Cultural Work Foundation, is enjoying great success, according to the head of the National Bank of Greece's Historical Archives, Gerasimos Notaras, as the number of visitors has exceeded 110,000 since April 26 when it began.

It includes banknotes of the modern Greek state from the two big Greek banknote collections of the National Bank and ancient Greek bronze coins from the Cultural Foundation's collection.

[32] Greek citizenship granted to 1,543 foreign nationals

The foreign nationals who acquired Greek citizenship,come from 30 countries, ranging from the Dominican Republic and Armenia to Ukraine and even Nigeria, while 48 percent were female and 52 percent male.

Also, 99 percent listed their religion as Christian, 10 Muslim, two Buddhists, and four who listed no religion.

[33] Parliament committee concludes debate on spatial planning bill

"We will examine all the proposals and include all those that are enforceable in the General Spatial Bill. The rest we will include either in the special regional plans that will follow or the ministry's general policies," Souflias said.

The minister urged the opposition parties not to insist that the draft bill be withdrawn but to help by suggesting specific proposals for improving this further.

[34] Speleologists and nature lovers in 2nd Balkan meeting

Speleologists from 11 Balkan countries will have the opportunity to explore a number of caves in the region and make Balkan cooperation in the area of speleology and gorge management even stronger.

They will discuss issues concerning scientific, exploratory, underwater and athletic caving, cave protection and preservation as well as gorge exploration, crossing and rescue, and training of minors.

The meeting is co-organized by the Drama Prefecture, the Culture Ministry's Paleo-Anthropology - Speleology Division in Northern Greece and the Speleological Federation of Greece with the support of the Balkan Speleological Union (BSU).

[35] Alexandria Patriarch at shelter for street kids in Johannesburg

During a visit to Johannesburg in South Africa on Thursday, Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria and All Africa visited an important initiative launched by the Alexandria Patriarchate for the protection of children in the city, the "Centre for Street Children" at the Johannesburg diocese.

The measure forms part of a priority drive by the African Orthodox Church to support and protect poor and orphaned children on the continent as much as possible.

During a visit to the new foundation, Patriarch Theodoros also expressed great satisfaction at the support the project had received from the International Developmental Cooperation Service at the Greek foreign ministry and also the Church of Greece charity "Solidarity", as well as the Johannesburg diocese non-governmental organization.

The centre currently provides shelter and protection to 40 children that either come from broken homes or whose parents have been claimed by the modern plague of the African continent, the scourge of AIDS.

The patriarch also visited the "Shelter of Love" set up for impoverished Greeks, the Greek home for old people run by a local church and the "Patriarch Petros" Theological School being built in the city.

[36] PPC worker killed in Trikala accident

A team of PPC inspectors was investigating the causes of the accident.

[37] U.S. Consulate to be closed on May 28

According to a U.S. Embassy press release on Thursday, this closure includes the non-immigrant visa unit, immigrant visa unit, federal benefits unit, American citizen services unit, and passport unit.

For true emergencies during 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. working hours on this day, one may call 210-721-2951 and after 5:00 p.m. 210-720-2490, or 210-720-2491.

Weather forecast

[38] Mostly fair on Friday

Cyprus Affairs

[39] Core issues need to be examined, says President

President of the Republic Demetris Christofias has stressed the need for a discussion on the substance of important aspects of the Cyprus question.

Speaking two days before Friday's meeting with the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, the president called for patience, adding that there is still a lot of work to be done at bicommunal teams of experts, dealing with all aspects of the Cyprus issue.

In statements after his meeting on Wednesday with the heads of the six Working Groups and the seven Technical Committees, he described the exchange of views as "productive" and said they reviewed the work done so far.

"We all believe that the substance of the issues at these talks must be discussed. Discussions must not be restricted to peripheral issues," he pointed out.

Six working groups and seven technical committees, set up in the context an agreement between President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, are meeting to prepare the ground for substantive negotiations between the two leaders.

He said that a lot of work has to be done by everyone, including the Turkish Cypriot side and expressed hope that there will be consensus.

"We cannot say that there is a lot of progress and that meetings between the two community leaders must begin here and now. On the other hand, we cannot equally say that nothing is being achieved," he added.

The objective, he explained, is to engage in discussions on the same basis in order to get to direct negotiations, with prospects for a political settlement that will reunite Cyprus, which has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.

Asked if discussions so far are on the same basis, he said this will be on the agenda of his meeting with Talat.

Replying to other questions, he said it is too early to say that he and Talat will meet on June 21, noting that this will have to be assessed nearer the time.

President Christofias said he hopes Friday's meeting with Talat will be a friendly and a successful political encounter, creating the preconditions for success to start the soonest possible direct negotiations.

The working groups are discussing governance and power sharing, EU matters, security and guarantees, territory, property and economic matters.

The technical committees are discussing crime and criminal matters, economic and commercial matters, cultural heritage, crisis management, humanitarian and health matters and the environment.

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