Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 08-07-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM, cabinet briefed on ECOFIN conclusions

[02] PM meets with Bavarian CSU parliamentary group delegation

[03] Spanish PM in Athens on working visit

[04] Premier, FM to attend Barcelona Initiative summit in Paris

[05] FM Bakokyannis condemns Istanbul attack

[06] FM spokesman on Cyprus, Turkey

[07] FM spokesman on the Ecumenical Patriarchate

[08] Nimetz to have separate meetings with Greek, FYROM delegations

[09] New Special Secretariat for Administrative Reform inaugurated

[10] Inner Cabinet approves Municipal Police bill

[11] PASOK spokesman on Crossparty Committee, Siemens issue

[12] SYN leader calls for political change

[13] LA.OS party leader Karatzaferis on Crossparty Committee

[14] Reporter for Athens weekly provides statement in Zachopoulos case

[15] Suspect in Zachopoulos case released

[16] European Parliament on creation of political groups

[17] Eurobarometer on economic state, unemployment

[18] Kappa Research survey on behalf of Parliament

[19] President Papoulias attends Navy ceremony

[20] Greek economy grows by 3.6% in Q1, Eurostat

[21] Greek, German economy ministers discuss global crisis, bilateral relations

[22] Greece achieves best-ever score in incorporating EU rules

[23] Greek banking system competitive, report says

[24] Foreign tourist arrivals increased 8.5 percent in 2007

[25] Agriculture minister meets visiting German official

[26] DEH on contract with Siemens

[27] Greek stocks end 3.60% higher

[28] ADEX closing report

[29] Greek bond market closing report

[30] Foreign Exchange rates: Thursday

[31] City of Athens receives Road Safety Award

[32] Samaria Gorge inspected by CoE rep

[33] Greek-American community leader's press con'f on Hagia Sophia preservation

[34] Truck laden with illegal migrants overturns

[35] Record number of Greek athletes to Beijing Olympics

[36] Hot on Thursday

[37] The Wednesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

[38] Community leaders to decide on start of direct talks

[39] Government denounces entry fee into occupied monastery

[40] British MPs call on London to meet its obligation in Cyprus

[01] PM, cabinet briefed on ECOFIN conclusions

In statements, the minister said that the crisis in the financial sector and the rise in global inflation, as reflected in rising prices for oil, food and commodities, was clearly having a significant effect on the European economy.

He noted that there were signs of a slowdown in economic growth throughout Europe and of galloping inflation, adding that these issues had dominated the ECOFIN council.

The direction of economic policy in Europe remained steadfastly orientated toward fiscal stability and promoting reforms at an even faster pace in order to minimise the impact of the crisis, Alogoskoufis stressed.

Regarding the economic policy of the Greek government, the finance minister said that support within the capacity of the budget for the more vulnerable social groups that were hardest hit by the rising food and oil prices remained a priority.

The most important problem for Greece at the moment was inflation, Alogoskoufis added, noting that the Greek economy continued to be much more dynamic in comparison with other European countries.

[02] PM meets with Bavarian CSU parliamentary group delegation

The CSU, which operates only in Bavaria, together with its sister party the Christian Democrat Union, which operates throughout the rest of Germany but not in Bavaria, comprise the second largest party in Germany.

No statements were made after the meeting.

[03] Spanish PM in Athens on working visit

Zapatero, who was accompanied by his wife, arrived Wednesday afternoon for a working visit to Athens. He is due to have talks with his Greek counterpart Costas Karamanlis and be received by President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias on Thursday.

The Spanish premier will also meet main opposition PASOK leader and Socialist International (SI) president George Papandreou.

[04] Premier, FM to attend Barcelona Initiative summit in Paris

"The Union of the Mediterranean is an excellent opportunity promoting growth in the region through the materialization of specific programmes of developmental, economic and social dimension," foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos told a regular p ress briefing on Wednesday.

The French initiative has been backed by Greece from the beginning through specific proposals.

Meanwhile, FM Bakoyannis will be present at the meeting between PM Karamanlis and his Spanish counterpart Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero scheduled for Thursday at noon at the government headquarters in Athens.

[05] FM Bakokyannis condemns Istanbul attack

"Such acts of blind violence undermine social coherence," Bakoyannis notes in her letter, expressing also her "most warm and sincere condolences to the victims' families."

Three Turkish policemen and three gunmen were killed in the armed attack.

[06] FM spokesman on Cyprus, Turkey

"Greece does not see any form of pressure in statements made by US Assistant Secretary of State Dan Fried during his visit to Cyprus," spokesman George Koumoutsakos told reporters, while also citing Cypriot Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou's response on the issue.

Referring to Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat's statements over "unconditional talks", Koumoutsakos reminded that the goal of the negotiations, when they get underway, is to achieve a bizonal, bicommunal federation with a single sovereignty, citize nship and international entity, one guaranteeing civic equality as defined by UN resolutions.

"This is the basic axis, we believe a negotiation should follow to reach a fair, viable and functional solution to the Cyprus problem," he added.

Asked to comment on Turkish General Staff Chief Gen. Yasar Buyukanit's statements, allegedly referring to "problems we can solve with Greece", Koumoutsakos said that "undoubtedly, when there is a problem everybody wishes that it will be solved," adding th at "avoiding the creation of problems is more important and essential".

[07] FM spokesman on the Ecumenical Patriarchate

"Yesterday's decision was a favourable outcome following a long effort and a fair struggle by the Ecumenical Patriarchate," said Koumoutsakos, adding that it was an "important development in the consolidation of the property rights of this international c hurch institution."

[08] Nimetz to have separate meetings with Greek, FYROM delegations

UN Secretary General's special mediator on the Greece-Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) name dispute, Matthew Nimetz, will be meeting "separately with the two sides for technical consultations," the UN's secretariat announced here Wednesday.

According to the announcement, "Mr. Nimetz will be meeting Skopje's delegation on Thursday July 10 and the Athens' delegation on Monday July 14."

"The aim of these meetings is to keep the working sessions focused on elements of a possible agreement. Neither a joint meeting or statement are expected," the announcement concluded.

[09] New Special Secretariat for Administrative Reform inaugurated

Speaking on the Operational Program "Administrative Reform 2007-2013" during the inauguration of the new building, interior minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos said that it was the first time that the interior ministry was acquiring Operational Programs, follow ing four years of efforts, in the sector of public administration reforms.

The Program will apply horizontal policies, but also specialized actions in areas presenting administrative arrhythmia and insurmountable problems, he added.

"Public Administration is called on to transcend a series of diehard procedures and mentalities and, at the same time, to properly equip and train itself in order to meet the modern-day developments and acquire a citizen-friendly face," Pavlopoulos said.

The targets of the Program, he added, were: Enhancing the planning and implementation mechanisms of public policies and promotion of the principles of transparency and accountability; Improvement of the quality of legislative and regulatory directions; Im provement of the quality of services to citizens and businesses provided by public services; Reinforcing the policy of human resources development in public administration through structural and institutional changes; Upgrading the quality and efficiency of equality policies and the mechanisms and structures of implementation, monitoring and evaluation on gender equality issues; and Boosting the position of women in the public and social sectors.

[10] Inner Cabinet approves Municipal Police bill

In statements afterwards, Pavlopoulos said that the bill was important because it delineated the relations between police and municipal police, which he explained needed to function complementarily, with specific roles, so that the Greek Police (ELAS) cou ld deal with routine issues falling strictly under its authorities, whereas the municipal police would deal with local affairs, and consequently allowing both forces to be more effective in the exercise of their duties.

He said that the draft law precisely determines the authorities of the municipal police, adding that this was made possible following the introduction of the Municipalities and Communities Code that sets out the authorities of the first and second degree local government organizations.

Thus, he continued, the municipal police knows what it must do, leaving ELAS to deal with its own duties, and in a manner that renders both police forces more efficient.

The bill further organizes the municipal police as an autonomous entity with its own infrastructures, while it also foresees the establishment of a hierarchy and promotions/retirements in its leadership.

[11] PASOK spokesman on Crossparty Committee, Siemens issue

Papaconstantinou reiterated the main points contained in Tuesday's statements by PASOK leader George Papandreou, such as the convening of the House Plenum and the immediate creation of a Factfinding Committee and the activation of the Institutions and Tra nsparency Committee which, as he said, is "a crossparty one and this committee, which also functions in the summer group, can not only discuss the prime minister's proposal on illegal political money but all of the proposals submitted by PASOK as well." H e mentioned that this can take place now and not in October, "as is anticipted by the proposal made by the prime minister".

The spokesman said that Papandreou will be sending letters on these issues to the prime minister and to the Parliament president, while the process of collecting signatures on the proposal for the creation of a Factfinding Committee is under way.

Commenting on the issue of the Public Power Corporation (DEH) and the Siemens company, PASOK's spokesman claimed that the corporation "has increased electricity rates, while at the same time it is giving away 3.5 million euros to Siemens which has not del ivered, as it was obliged to do, two upgraded units of the Agios Dimitrios plant."

PASOK, as he added, is not convinced by DEH's reply and is expecting explanations from the relevant Development Minister Christos Folias.

Also replying to a question on the release from prison of the former secretary of the Culture Ministry's former secretary general Christos Zachopoulos, Evi Tsekou, Papaconstantinou said that "for some time PASOK had been wondering why with so many scandal s the only imprisoned person in the country had been Mrs. Tsekou."

Evi Tsekou, the main suspect for the extortion of former culture ministry general secretary Christos Zachopoulos was released on Wednesday, by order of the Misdemeanour Justices' Council. The 35-year-old Tsekou, a former employee of the culture ministry, had been remanded in custody over the affair earlier this year.

[12] SYN leader calls for political change

He announced that his party would soon prepare an alternative proposal and "fight for the reconstruction of the country and to give predominance in ideology and values to the people".

According to Tsipras, neither of the two main parties had anything to offer the electorate any more and could not even take advantage of the erosion of each other's image, while he accused them of "attempting to cover up the scandals".

He openly charged the government with manipulating justice in connection with the Siemens case, meanwhile, saying that Supreme Court Public Prosecutor George Sanidas and Justice Minister Sotiris Hatzigakis had put themselves in a compromising position thr ough their statements that no political figures were involved in the affair.

SYN's leader criticised the handling of the affair on a number of levels, including an investigation by the Special Audits Service that he said should be focusing on the asset statements of ministers and high-ranking executives rather than the multination al's official accounts.

In response to questions, Tsipras said that the upcoming Euro-elections would be the first to take place in this "fluid climate" and would therefore be a crucial vote.

He also rejected criticism levelled against his party by Communist Party of Greece (KKE) General Secretary Aleka Papariga, predicting that the time when the Left would be united in Greece would arrive sooner or later.

In comments on international affairs and the current global economic crisis, Tsipras criticised European leaders and said they were attempting to deal with the problems using the neoliberal model that had created them in the first place, using tools like fiscal austerity and deregulating markets that he claimed "had already failed".

He clarified that his party was in favour of Greece remaining within the EU - while noting that the KKE's position in favour of quitting the Community was not an obstacle to cooperation - but said that SYN's struggle would focus on making Europe democrati c with a strong social state, "a Europe of people, not of markets".

SYN's leader also expressed concern over the latest develop-ments in Turkey, saying that these concealed "dangers" for the region and referred to the Cyprus problem, saying that this could not be solved without the withdrawal of Turkish troops from the is land and a solution to the problem of the settlers, while also declaring his confidence in Cyprus President Demetris Christofias.

[13] LA.OS party leader Karatzaferis on Crossparty Committee

Karatzaferis said that the proposal made by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Monday and which calls for the setting up of a crossparty committe on transparency, "limits it to an Informal Crossparty Committee with limitations regarding its character, ob jective and time of operation."

In his letter, the LA.OS leader also reiterates the proposal on an Investigatory Committee which will probe the Siemens case in all its extent and depth.

[14] Reporter for Athens weekly provides statement in Zachopoulos case

Makriyannis is accused of complicity in publishing personal data in relation to the handling of a DVD used to ostensibly used to blackmail Zachopoulos by a former associate and lover. A pair of Athens attorneys is also charged in the same case.

Following his one-hour testimony, the reporter was free to go under the condition that he will not leave the country during the course of the investigation.

"Proto Thema" founding publisher and editor Themos Anastasiadis, who is also accused of breaching privacy rights in the same case, had accompanied Makriyannis to the prosecutor's office in a show of support.

[15] Suspect in Zachopoulos case released

She has now been released with restrictive conditions, such as not leaving the country and having to appear at a local police station once a month.

Her application to be released was approved by the Council against the recommendation of the public prosecutor on the grounds of good behaviour while in custody, the fact that she has not been a fugitive from justice in the past, is not likely to commit other crimes if released and has not made preparations to facilitate her escape, among others.

Tsekou is accused of blackmailing Zachopoulos with exposure of an illicit sexual affair between them, threatening to release video recordings of their private sexual encounters together in a scandal that acquired political ramifications when it was brough t to light by Zachopoulos' attempted suicide during the Christmas holidays.

[16] European Parliament on creation of political groups

The European Parliament, with a proposal by the Constitutional Affairs Committee, on Wednesday amended its existing regula-tion and specifically article 29 concerning the formation of its political groups.

As a result of the Plenum's decision and following the 2009 Euroelections, the creation of a political group will require at least 25 Eurodeputies from seven member-states.

The number of Euroduties currently required is 20, and corres-ponds to 2.55 percent of the total number of Eurodeputies.

The aim of the regulation's amendment, according to the reso-lution's rapporteur, Richard Corbett from Britain, is for this pecentage to approach the average percentage valid in member-states for the creation of a political group.

The corresponding percentage in Greece is 3.3 percent, while the highest one is in Luxembourg and stands at 8.3 percent.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Eurodeputy Thanassis Pafilis explained in a press release after the vote the reasons why he and other members of his group voted against the amendment in question.

"It is a new undemocratic and authoritarian decision that raises even greater difficulties for the creation of political groups in the European Parliament. The political aim is obvious: They want to exclude the radical, particularly the communist forces, to muzzle every contrary voice and expression which questions the European Union and its policy," he said.

[17] Eurobarometer on economic state, unemployment

Greece has one of the highest negative percentages regarding unemloyment and the country's economic state (42 and 40 percent respectively). Moreover, 33 percent of Greeks are concerned over price increases and inflation, 21 pc are concerned about pensions and 14 pc about crime, while 13 pc and 11 pc respectively are concerned about the health system and education.

Furthermore, 51 percent of Greek public opinion do not trust the Greek Parliament, 66 percent of Greeks do not trust the Greek government and 55 percent believe that there is no transparency in public administration.

The Greeks are also distrustful with the Greek mass media and the Internet. 72 percent of Greeks do not trust television, 52 pc do not trust the radio, 65 pc do not trust the press and 64 pc do not trust the Internet.

[18] Kappa Research survey on behalf of Parliament

The company's survey, which was conducted by phone on a nationwide scale with 5,438 citizens responding, shows that Parliament's work is being assessed "quite positively" by 36.6 percent of respondents, "very postively" by 13.8 pc, "not at all positively" by 14 pc and "not so positively" by 33.3 pc.

The citizens also consider Parliamentary dialogue as being "not substantive" by 47.8 percent of respondents and "minimal to non-existent" by 18 pc, while 33.2 pc consider it substantive.

The "Youth Parliament" enjoys great appreciation and "contributes to the strengthening of Parliamentary democracy" ("certainly yes" 42.1 percent and "more or less yes" 31.3 pc) and its views should be discussed at the Parliamentary Plenum (61.5 pc).

[19] President Papoulias attends Navy ceremony

President Papoulias, who was escorted by Deputy Defence Minister Constantine Tasoulas, was welcomed by Navy General Staff chief Vice Admiral George Karamalikis.

63 new men and women ensigns, three of whom were from Cyprus, one fron Jordan and two from Tunisia, gave the traditional oath.

The event was attended by PASOK party defence affairs rapporteur Vasso Papandreou, the New Democracy party's Parliamentary Group secretary Ioannis Tragakis, Piraeus Mayor Panayiotis Fasoulas, the leaderships of the armed and security forces and friends an d relatives of the ensigns sworn in.

Financial News

[20] Greek economy grows by 3.6% in Q1, Eurostat

The Greek economy grew by 3.6 percent in the first quarter of 2008, compared with the corresponding period last year, Eurostat announced on Wednesday. In its final estimates over economic growth rates in the European Union, the EU executive's statistics a gency said Eurozone's economy grew by 2.1 percent in the January-March period, from 2.2 percent an initial forecast, while in the EU-27 economic growth also slowed to 2.3 pct from 2.5 pct. Slovakia (8.7 pct) and Romania (8.2 pct) recorded the highest GDP growth rates in the first three months of the year, while Italy (0.2 pct) and Estonia (0.4 pct) the lowest growth rates.

[21] Greek, German economy ministers discuss global crisis, bilateral relations

Glos also said that it was important to maintain a steady course in Greece's reforms program, while noting that the reverberations of the international crisis have reached Europe.

Alogoskoufis, in turn, said that the policy of stability and reforms must continue, while there must also be flexibility for boosting the financially weaker strata.

He said that this was a critical period for the international economy, adding that the European Commission was drafting a scheme for better confrontation of the repercussions that have already appeared in inflation, growth and interest rates.

The two ministers also discussed Greek-German relations, which Alogoskoufis said were at a "very good point", and that the the Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (OTE)-Deutsche Telekom (DT) agreement was a very significant development, while they al so expressed the hope that German investors will manifest the same interest in Greece in the future.

Glos further invited Greek investors to select the German economy for their investors.

To a question on the Siemens scandal, Glos explained that, "as a state, we have no relation" to the affiar, adding that "it is the courts that are seeing to the materialisation of the just state, while the company itself is doing everything possible to re solve these matters of the past", and stressing that the new leadership at Siemens has earned the German government's "absolute confidence".

[22] Greece achieves best-ever score in incorporating EU rules

On average only 1.0% of Internal Market Directives for which the implementation deadline has passed are not currently written into national law, down from 1.2% in December 2007. This means that Member States are already in line with the new 1.0% target ag reed by Heads of State, which is to be achieved by 2009 at the latest.

Eighteen Member States are either at or below the new target, while Bulgaria is the first Member State to achieve a perfect score, with a deficit of 0%. Slovakia, Romania, Germany, Latvia and Lithuania are no more than 10 directives away from that. Ten me mber-states achieved their best result so far, among them Greece with a score of 1.4 percent, and three have equalled their best result. The overall trend is also positive as regards correct application of Internal Market rules: 15 Member States have mana ged to reduce the number of infringement proceedings against them.

A number of member-states, by contrast, still failed to reach the 1.5 percent target, while the transposition deficit for Cyprus and Poland actually increased compared to the last time it was measured, rising to 1.7 and 1.8 percent, respectively.

The breakdown of the transposition deficit according to sectors shows that the rules on free movement of persons are the source of the highest proportion of directives not yet transposed (7.9%). The EU rules on financial services come second with 4.5%. As a result these are two sectors where citizens and businesses are particularly deprived of the full potential of the Internal Market.

In terms of open infringement procedures, environmental rules are still the source of the highest number of cases (23 percent), followed by taxation and customs union rules (18 percent).

[23] Greek banking system competitive, report says

The report was presented to Parliament's Economic Affairs Commission by Takis Arapoglou, president of the Association. In his speech, Arapoglou said the composition of the Greek banking system and competition conditions were one of the finest in Europe, w hile Greek banks enjoyed strong activities in foreign markets, particularly, Egypt, Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ukraine, FYROM, Poland, Romania, Serbia and Turkey.

Greek households' debt remained among the lowest in the EU (86 pct), compared with 230 pct in Ireland and 200 pct in Denmark and a 132 pct average rate in the EU-25.

[24] Foreign tourist arrivals increased 8.5 percent in 2007

According to figures released by the Statistical Service of Greece (ESYE), arrivals from Europe to which corresponds the biggest share of the tourist market (92.7 percent), posted an increase of 9.9 percent compared to 2006.

Most EU tourists in 2007 and 2006 came from the UK (15 percent), Germany (12.9 percent) and Italy (6.6 percent).

The airports with most arrivals following Athens' "Eleftherios Venizelos" International Airport (22.1 percent) are Heraklion (11.9 percent), Rhodes (7.9 percent), Corfu (4.8 percent) and Thessaloniki (4.4 percent).

Chartered flights in 2007 recorded a 2.6 percent rise, with the UK and Germany topping the list with 26.3 percent and 17.2 percent respectively.

[25] Agriculture minister meets visiting German official

They discussed the continuation of Community subsidies to farmers after 2013, support for farmers in mountainous regions and a common line with respect to EU "health checks".

According to statements after the working meeting, there was an agreement of views on these issues, while they also held talks on expanding transactions involving agricultural products and closer cooperation in the agricultural sector.

[26] DEH on contract with Siemens

The announcement added that, on the contrary, in the event that the contract is denounced the loss for the Corporation would be many times more due to the loss of subsidies and to the Units being kept out of planning for three months, with the resulting c onsiderable loss, and the possible failure of the equipment's use because it would not have been completed.

"All decisions concerning the upgrading project for the Agios Dimitrios Units were taken with the sole criterion of serving the interests of the Corporation and improving its energy performances," DEH said.

[27] Greek stocks end 3.60% higher

All sectors moved higher, with the Raw Materials (4.58 pct), Food/Beverage (4.41 pct), Banks (4.35 pct) and Utilities (4.09 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day.

The FTSE 20 index ended 4.05 pct up, the FTSE 40 index rose 1.13 pct and the FTSE 80 index ended 1.38 pct higher. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 198 to 44 with another 38 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +2.94%

Industrials: +1.85%

Commercial: +1.32%

Construction: +2.17%

Media: +1.15%

Oil & Gas: +1.18%

Personal & Household: +1.15%

Raw Materials: +4.58%

Travel & Leisure: +2.71%

Technology: +2.20%

Telecoms: +3.34%

Banks: +4.35%

Food & Beverages: +4.41%

Health: +1.02%

Utilities: +4.09%

Chemicals: +2.33%

Financial Services: +2.40%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, Marfin Popular Bank, OTE and HBC Coca Cola.

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

Alpha Bank: 19.40

ATEbank: 2.24

Public Power Corp (PPC): 20.26

HBC Coca Cola: 17.50

Hellenic Petroleum: 8.82

National Bank of Greece: 28.50

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 15.06

Intralot: 10.04

OPAP: 23.10

OTE: 15.48

Piraeus Bank: 18.40

Titan Cement Company: 22.86

[28] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on the Big Cap index totaled 9,245 contracts worth 84.559 million euros, with 34,463 open positions in the market, while on the Mid Cap index volume was 26 contracts worth 550,330 euros with 142 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 11,144 contracts with investment interest focusing on OTE's contracts (2,413), followed by Eurobank (560), Marfin Popular Bank (2,013), OPAP (433), Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling (450), Hellenic Exchanges (464) , National Bank (1,152), Titan (757) and Cyprus Bank (533).

[29] Greek bond market closing report

In money markets, interest rates were largely unchanged. The 12-month Euribor rate was 5.39 pct, the six-month rate 5.14 pct, the three-month rate 4.96 pct and the one-month rate 4.47 pct.

[30] Foreign Exchange rates: Thursday

U.S. dollar 1.584

Pound sterling 0.802

Danish kroner 7.519

Swedish kroner 9.524

Japanese yen 170.22

Swiss franc 1.635

Norwegian kroner 8.112

Canadian dollar 1.608

Australian dollar 1.663

General News

[31] City of Athens receives Road Safety Award

In May the Panos Mylonas Road Safety Institute submitted four files comprising 72 reports on danger spots identified throughout Greece to the City of Athens and other municipalities, as part of the organisation's Pin Project. Mayor Kaklamanis was the firs t Mayor who responded and relayed orders to the municipality's competent departments and the City of Athens Everyday Issue Management Organisation (OAKP) to take the necessary action, according to the Institute.

More specifically, since May, the City of Athens has carried out the following activities, rectifying 74 percent of the problems that were detected: rectified problems at 31 sites; scheduled repairs at another 22 sites; notified the Ministry of Environmen t, Town Planning and Public Works of 13 problematic sites which fall under its jurisdiction; and notified the Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company (EYDAP) of two problematic sites which fall under its jurisdiction.

Receiving the Road Safety Award from representatives of the Institute, Kaklamanis stressed that, for the Athens municipal authorities, "road safety is an issue of the utmost importance".

"Within this framework, through the municipality's Road Safety Organisation, the City of Athens aims to improve road safety and driver education for the citizens of Athens, as well as provide assistance to individuals who, due to an accident, do not have access to equal opportunities in the city's economic and social life," he added.

More specifically, the Road Safety Organisation, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, promotes driver education classes at City of Athens primary schools. It supports the municipality's efforts to remove abandoned vehicles, studies traffic condi tions in the vicinity of City of Athens schools and proposes measures to ensure the safe movement of students, the Mayor continued.

At the same time, for the first time in the municipality's history, it has begun road safety lessons for children staying at the City of Athens campsite in Agios Andreas over the summer, while the Organisation for Everyday Problems (OAKP) attends to the i mmediate repair of damaged road infrastructure and, above all, it reprimands those who do not respect the roads and pavements, he added.

"Thus, within this framework, it is particularly pleasing that we can rely on supporters in our efforts. One of our most worthy partners is the Panos Mylonas Road Safety Institute, which was created as a result of the harsh reality of deficient education and infrastructure," Kaklamanis said.

The Mayor further said that the award does not pay tribute to one person, but rather "to an institution, to all those people who are assisting in the gradual improvement of the situation".

"I consider it a major mistake for someone to accept an award simply because they are carrying out their duties as best as they can. Besides, this is why you are selected by the people. However, I am accepting this award - the first to date - because it d oes not belong to me. It belongs to all of the City of Athens volunteers, all of those people who are working hard on a daily basis to convey the message that the city is not a racetrack but a place where we must all respect our shared rights and obligati ons. Let's not forget, therefore, that collectivity is the answer to most of the problems we face," Kaklamanis concluded.

Presenting the award, Panos Mylonas Road Safety Institute chairman Vassiliki Mylona noted: "It is a great pleasure for us to present this award to you - the first Mayor to receive it - for your response to the Pin Project. This programme was immediately e mbraced not only by the institute but by volunteers throughout Greece. A total of 1,100 volunteers in 140 municipalities, most of them in the City of Athens, have already become involved."

This award is symbolic. It belongs to you, your associates and all citizens who wish to live in a better city," she added.

City of Athens Road Safety Organisation chairman Vassia Trifylli, addressing Institute chairman Mylona, said: "We should actually be presenting an award to you in recognition of the fact that a woman who lost her child managed to turn her grief into a roa d safety initiative. Together with the director of the City of Athens Road Safety Organisation, Yiannis Angelopoulos, we pledge to work together in order to reduce road fatalities."

"The municipality's Road Safety Organisation has initiated a programme to educate children so that road safety becomes second nature," she added.

At the conclusion of the event, the coordinator of the municipal volunteer network handed OAKP director Panos Efstathiou a new report containing an additional 32 danger spots.

[32] Samaria Gorge inspected by CoE rep

The Samaria Gorge National Park has been awarded such a diploma since 1979 and a re-evaluation takes place every five years to determine if the region's fauna and flora, as well as the local ecosystems and landscape, are being protected.

[33] Greek-American community leader's press con'f on Hagia Sophia preservation

[34] Truck laden with illegal migrants overturns

The driver of the vehicle, identified as a local man, and more than half of the illegal migrants fled the scene.

Six of those arrested were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, while the rest are temporarily being hosted at a refugee centre in Volos.

Beijing Olympic Games

[35] Record number of Greek athletes to Beijing Olympics

The head of the Greek mission to Beijing Isidoros Kouvelos said that it was possible, if things go well, that Greece will finally send a team of 160-165 athletes in total.

Events where Greeks will definitely compete include weight-lifting, women's tennis, gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, ping pong, sailing, Canoe-Kayak, diving, swimming, rowing, beach volley, wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, cycling, boxing, shooting, sync hronised swimming, taekwondo, judo, archery, triathlon, polo (men and women).

Events where the qualifying tournament is still continuing include diving, men's basketball, one swimming event and athletics, where 38 Greek athletes are vying for an Olympic ticket.

Greek athletes have been knocked out of the running for the Olympic badminton, baseball, football, fencing, softball, handball, hockey, trampoline, women's wrestling, volleyball, equestrian events, cross-country mountain biking, road cycling, BMX cycling and modern Pentathlon.

Weather Forecast

[36] Hot on Thursday

[37] The Wednesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Water is the only thing not imported from China - 109 tons of imported goods impounded".

APOGEVMATINI: "14,250 work opportunities - Detailed lists with available job positions".

AVGHI: "Despite the crisis the EU '27' insist on neol-iberal policies - (European Commissioner) Almunia warns of aggravation of crisis in the months to come".

AVRIANI: "New shocking revelations will cause more turbulence across the political landscape".

CHORA: "Who are conspiring against PM Karamanlis? - Destabilization of political scene sought".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "Ministers' alchemies in the culture ministry - Parliament to receive prosecutor investigation findings on the ministry's special account movement in 2001-2007".

ELEFTHEROS: "Two prosecutors target three ministers on the management of millions of euros by the ministry of culture".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Government ministers under the microscope on the culture ministry special accounts - (Former culture ministry general secretary) Zachopoulos case investigation activates law on government minister accountability - Tens of millions of eu ros illegally withdrawn under PASOK and ND governments".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "3.3-million-euro gift from PPC to Siemens - Penalty clause erased while electricity consumers are inadequately served in the midst of the heatwave".

ESTIA: "Political system reaches an impasse - ND expansion a likely solution".

ETHNOS: "PPC subsidy to Siemens - 3.3-million-euro penalty clauses erased, while scandal continues to unfold".

KATHIMERINI: "Public debt widens due to international crisis - Loans of over 37 billion euros".

LOGOS: "(ND MP Petros) Tatoulis on the way out - Expulsion issue is open".

NIKI: "PPC-SIEMENS together in 2008 - Provocative 42-million-euro contract in March".

RIZOSPASTIS: "ND and PASOK propose reactionary interventions in the operation of political parties - Cross-party committee on political black money".

TA NEA: "Minister's shadow behind the Siemens kickbacks - Scandalous contract signed in 1998".

TO VIMA: "Ruling ND MPs defend their right to speak their mindm reacting to the imposition of a party-applied gag".

VRADYNI: "Picture becomes clearer on the 10-million-DM kickbacks".

Cyprus Affairs

[38] Community leaders to decide on start of direct talks

Direct negotiations could start, depending on the progress achieved at the bicommunal working groups, which will be assessed by the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities, the government has said.

"The President of the Republic Demetris Christofias did not announce yesterday (Tuesday) the beginning of any negotiations but in a straight forward manner he said that ultimately everything is subject to the review that will take place on July 25, with r egard to the work done by the working groups," Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said here Wednesday, commenting on the reaction to a press conference the President gave on Tuesday.

Christofias is due to meet the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Mehmet Ali Talat on July 25, the fourth such meeting since Christofias was elected in February this year, to assess progress on the issues the working groups are discussing, including governance, the economy, territory and property.

The spokesman also pointed out that the working groups do not aim to solve the Cyprus question but to prepare the ground for direct negotiations, according to the procedure agreed by the two community leaders.

"The basis of negotiations has already been agreed. All factors will be taken into consideration on July 25," he noted, adding that the president will consult with party leaders prior to the July meeting.

Replying to questions, he said the six working groups, set up after an agreement between Christofias and Talat earlier this year, will continue their work at a more intensified pace.

[39] Government denounces entry fee into occupied monastery

The government has criticised a move by the illegal Turkish Cypriot regime, in occupied Cyprus, to impose an entry fee for visitors to the Monastery of Saint Andrew.

"It is unacceptable that the occupation authorities in the northern part of Cyprus are asking for one euro from each pilgrim wishing to enter the Turkish occupied Monastery of Apostolos Andreas," Stephanos Stephanou, Government Spokesman said on Wednesday .

Stephanou pointed out that "issues concerning places of worship are very sensitive."

"Ultimately, this move is another side-effect of the continuing Turkish occupation of Cyprus' northern part," he said.

Apostolos Andreas Monastery is situated in the most north-eastern point of Cyprus, in the Karpass Peninsula. The Monastery is a very important religious site for the Greek Orthodox Church in Cyprus and is considered a holy place. The contents of the Monas tery are also noteworthy.

The United Nations declared Apostolos Andreas Monastery a World Heritage site. However there have been concerns about the natural deterioration of the building, which needs to be restored.

[40] British MPs call on London to meet its obligation in Cyprus

Ten British MPs, both from the Labour and the Conservative parties, have expressed cautious optimism about the latest effort for a solution of the Cyprus problem and stressed that Turkey's negative stance on the issue is a big obstacle which has to be ove rcome.

The members of the House of Commons were speaking at an event, organised by the "National Federation of Cypriots in the United Kingdom", on "New hope for unity in Cyprus".

Rudi Vis, Tom Cox, David Leppar, Andrew Dismore, and Állan Meale, members of the Labour Party and Nigel Wáterson, David Barrowes, David Amess, and Robert Spink, members of the Conservative Party, expressed their support for "a solution from the Cypriots f or the Cypriots".

In addition, they called on the British government to meet its obligations as a guarantor power of Cyprus' independence, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, an EU member state and a member of the Commonwealth.

The Special Representative of Britain for Cyprus, Joan Ryan, said that the work the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities have to do is difficult, but not impossible.

Ryan welcomed the progress achieved so far by Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat during the three meetings they have had so far. However, she pointed out that the most difficult issues are still to come, and expressed hope that at their next meeting, on July 25, they will announce the start of dirct talks.

"Our role is to support and encourage the efforts, and we will do anything to help the procedure to continue. We do not have any plan to suggest for the solution, this is a matter of Cypriots for the Cypriots", Ryan said.

Peter Droussiotis, President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the United Kingdom, in his opening speech said that "recent developments in Cyprus with the meetings of the two leaders, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Cyprus and Britain, have created hope for a solution."

"A solution that will allow Cyprus to evolve into a federal state with a single sovereignty, a single citizenship and a single international personality," he added.

The Christofias-Talat meetings are part of the most recent effort to help find a negotiated settlement that will reunite Cyprus, divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the island republic's northern third.

Six working groups and seven technical committees, set up after an agreement between Christofias and Talat, are meeting to prepare the ground for substantive negotiations between the leaders of the two communities, with a view to find a mutually agreed so lution.

President Christofias and Talat have met three times since March in an effort to resume direct negotiations.

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