Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 08-09-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM confers with development minister

[02] FM Bakoyannis on EU-Central Asia Forum

[03] 180th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Greece and Russia

[04] Rehn on Western Balkans accession, Cyprus talks

[05] Parliament question on Vatopedi Monastery furor

[06] Papandreou tours children's hospitals

[07] Tsipras holds talks with Greenpeace Greek bureau director

[08] Leftist personalities on developments at Synaspismos-affiliated daily

[09] Papoulias meets with ND MP Tatoulis

[10] DM in London for NATO meeting

[11] Patriarch of Alexandria received by education minister

[12] Gov't hails Commission-approved plan to rescue OA

[13] Transport Minister Hatzidakis on Olympic Airlines

[14] KKE rails against OA plan

[15] Creditor banks to offer 30-mln-euro loan to Lanaras Group

[16] Signing of cooperation memorandum with U.S. Competitiveness Council

[17] Meeting between shipowners, maritime cooperation councils

[18] Message by Papaligouras to Greek seamen

[19] Intracom signs 122.5-mln-euro contract with Romania's Education ministry

[20] Greek unemployment down to 7.2 pct in Q2

[21] Greece warned for failure to inform EU Commission

[22] Greece under EU fire for tax breaks to home buyers

[23] EU action over civil aviation security in Greece

[24] PASOK seeks cap on unjustifiably high fuel

[25] FTSE Int'l says ASE maintains developed market status

[26] Greek stocks end 0.17 pct lower

[27] ADEX closing report

[28] Greek bond market closing report

[29] Foreign Exchange rates: Friday

[30] Health minister Avramopoulos presents "Life beats cancer" campaign

[31] European Organization for the protection of cultural heritage

[32] Frankfurt council members in Thessaloniki

[33] City of Athens takes action against land squatters

[34] US university fair in Athens

[35] Children invited to submit art for UISAP

[36] Fundraising for Thrace SOS Children's Village

[37] Greek-owned vessel foils pirate attack on route to Iran

[38] Arrests on counterfeit money charges on Rhodes

[39] Cloudy on Friday

[40] The Thursday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

[41] Leaders to meet again on October 8, to focus on executive power

[42] Christofias: Common language between two sides necessary to find a settlement Politics

[01] PM confers with development minister

Replying to press questions related to the fuel market afterwards, Folias said that a large team of inspectors from the General Secretariat for Commerce had earlier Thursday commenced purchase and sale price checks on petrol stations, adding that the inspections would continue in order to record any prospective distortions on the market.

The minister added that, by the end of the month, the Competition Committee would submit a report arising for a broad dialogue it has opened, which was nearing completion, and its recommendations would be examined before the relevant decisions were made.

He said that the ministry had asked for, and was collecting, cost data from every level of the fuel marketing chain, beginning at the refineries all the way to end-consumption.

Folias continued that a strategy was being formulated with consistency and level-headedness, given that 'fire' extinguishing measures were insufficient, and that a long-term confrontation of the issue was necessary.

The minister further added that an international research firm would be assigned the project of recording the course of fuel prices on the Greek market in conjuctin and comparison with the other EU countries.

To another question, Folias expressed belief that fuel prices would soon begin falling at petrol stations.

[02] FM Bakoyannis on EU-Central Asia Forum

A dynamic rapprochement and "overture" by Greece was attempted towards the countries of Central Asia here on Thursday, through bilateral contacts held by Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis on the sidelines of the European Union-Central Asia Forum on Security issues, which was organised for the first time in Paris at ministerial level by the French presidency.

"As regards 2009, Greece's relations with the countries of Central Asia will be an absolute priority. We must invest in our relations with countries that are energy producers and in which, indeed, we have a very big and very important ethnic Greek community, which constitutes the basis and the bridge for our cooperation with them," she told reporters.

Bakoyannis acknowledged that the relations in question had not been developed adequately until now and pointed out that "we had not worked enough until now. It is the Greek government's decision that 2009 will be the year for the promotion of these relations. They are countries for which I must say that from the moment they see you, they speak to you about Alexander the Great and about Greece's cultural influence on them."

The Forum's main issues were cooperation with the countries of Central Asia in the sectors of security and energy, as well as the handling of the problems of terrorism and drug trafficking.

Participating from Central Asia were the foreign ministers of the five countries invited, Kazakhstan, Kyrghyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan.

Bakoyannis stressed that "it was an opportunity because all were present around the table and so I had the opportunity of having consecutive meetings with my five counterparts from the countries of Central Asia, particularly with Kazakhstan which will hold the next presidency."

The foreign minister added that "it is our intention to activate from the very first moment of our presidency both the Troika and the Quintet, meaning all 'three' and all 'five' to enable us to have a basis for a balanced dialogue between Europe and Central Asia. In this way we shall be able to take the necessary initiatives for peace and stability in the region."

Bakoyannis will be holding a work meeting on Friday morning with her French counterpart, Bernard Kouchner, during which, as she explained, a "substantive discussion will be taking place on many open issues," such as relations between Europe and Turkey, developments in Cyprus, the issue of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and joint initiatives between Greece and France that will be brought before the UN General Assembly.

[03] 180th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Greece and Russia

On the occasion of the 180th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Greece and Russia, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov exchanged messages.

Bakoyannis said that one of the basic parameters of Greek foreign policy is the consolidation of an integrated partnership relation between Russia and the European Union.

"The surpassing of any conjunctural difficulties, the promotion of the Euro-Atlantic dialogue, the deepening and consolidation of an integrated partners' relationship between the European Union and Russia, on the basis of common principles, constitute basic parameters of Greek foreign policy, to the benefit of both our peoples, as well as of the peoples of Europe, to which we belong, but also more broadly to the whole of the international community," Bakoyannis said in her message, which was sent on Thursday via the diplomatic channel.

The foreign minister assesses that the long lasting relationship between the two countries "determines an optimistic future" and expresses her certainty that the potential of cooperation will be strengthened even further, "not only on a bilateral level, with most manifest the recent example in the energy sector, but also that of European cooperation."

On his part, Lavrov said in his message that "the bonds of friendship and mutual understanding which link our countries and peoples, are built on a firm spiritual and historical foundation and have passed the test of time." He added that "today, Greek-Russian cooperation is being upgraded, reaching a new level of strategic cooperation, bilateral political dialogue is developing dynamically, major plans in the economic sector are being implemented with success and the rapprochement between Moscow and Athens on many current international problems has the same voice."

Lavrov also expresses his certainty that "in the contemporary complex conditions, we will also be in a position to jointly cooperate for the consolidation of peace, stability and security on the European continent."

Concluding, he said that "I continue to sincerely count on the independent, balanced position of principle of Greece which is friendly towards us, as regards the acute problems of world politics."

[04] Rehn on Western Balkans accession, Cyprus talks

European Commissioner for enlargement Olli Rehn stressed in statements on Thursday that the process of European Union enlargement was continuing, including the EU accession perspective of the Western Balkans confirmed at the June European Council.

"Since then, we have opened negotiation chapters with both Turkey and Croatia. The EU has signed Stabilisation and Association agreements with Bosnia and Herzegovina and with Serbia. The enlargement process is on track - not a bullet train, but on track," he stressed during his address to a conference on "The EU and the Western Balkans: the Critical Year of 2009" organised by the Czech foreign ministry, in view of the country's upcoming EU presidency.

During his speech, the Commissioner also referred to the accession prospects of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and noted the Commission's support for recent efforts to reunify Cyprus.

Regarding FYROM, Rehn said its perspective would depend on its performance in meeting the criteria set by the EU.

"In the progress report on FYROM, we will assess the fulfilment of the key priorities of the Accession Partnership, especially the judiciary and administrative reforms and electoral standards. Any recommendation concerning the accession negotiations will depend on the country's performance," the Commissioner said.

Turning to the talks underway for a solution to the Cyprus problem, he noted that the EU was prepared to accept any negotiated solution that would allow Cyprus to observe the Community's principles and meet its obligations to the EU:

"The EU supports the efforts of the leaders of both communities to achieve a comprehensive settlement under the auspices of the United Nations. The Commission is ready to contribute to a UN settlement process with its expertise in matters of EU relevance.

The EU can accept any solution agreed by the two communities, as long as a united Cyprus respects the Union's founding principles of liberty, democracy and the rule of law, and is able to carry the obligations of EU membership. This implies a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality, as defined by relevant UN Security Council resolutions," he said.

[05] Parliament question on Vatopedi Monastery furor

The justice minister offered his full backing to Supreme Court Prosecutor Georgios Sanidas' handling of the Vatopedi case, while he lashed out at PASOK, stressing that "this crime (1997-2003) was committed and completed when it was in power".

On his part, Kaklamanis charged that the government has political responsibility for the case, and launched a direct attack on Sanidas, accusing him of violating the law regarding ministers' liability.

[06] Papandreou tours children's hospitals

Afterwards, Papandreou reiterated that his party's focus is on the individual, echoing recent addresses to party cadres.

"...and, of course, the healthcare system, with particular sensitivity to the health of children," he said, before expressing his gratitude to the medical and nursing staff of the facilities while at the same time launching into a sharp critique of the government's policy in the public healthcare sector.

Among others, Papandreou said the procurement of vital radiation therapy equipment is pending at the facilities.

[07] Tsipras holds talks with Greenpeace Greek bureau director

Haralambidis said in a statement that "the number one issue or that which we call the 'mother of all battles' is the issue of climatic changes."

Tsipras said that today that "the global economic crisis is highlighting the deadlocks of a model of economic enlargement orientated towards an increase in profit-making without limits, withut control, it is an imperative need more than ever today that we orientate ourselves towards an alternative model of growth that focuses on social needs and the protection of the environment."

The Coalition leader predicted that environmental problems will be intensified in the near future, adding that what "is pleasing is that the activation of citizens movements that are claiming a better quality of life and a different growth model is also intensifying."

[08] Leftist personalities on developments at Synaspismos-affiliated daily

The statement stresses that the future of "Avgi" cannot be based on a hastily planned merger with a party-affiliated radio station while, at the same time, creating a new decision-making directorate, as suggested by the party's leadership.

"Any initiatives toward the necessary and unavoidable reform of the newspaper can be productive only in a spirit of broad-based consensus without exclusions," the statement reads, adding that the leftists want the newspaper's future to be ensured by becoming independent, both financially and journalistically.

[09] Papoulias meets with ND MP Tatoulis

While exiting the presidential mansion, Tatoulis told reporters that he briefed the president on an initiative, which he said is backed by "active citizens", vis-a-vis the free online access of all public domain information, underlining that this is an important step in the effort to combat corruption in the country.

[10] DM in London for NATO meeting

National Defence Minister Evangelos Meimarakis arrived here on Thursday for a two-day NATO defence ministers' meeting at Lancaster House. Meimarakis is expected to address a press conference at the end of the meeting, on Friday afternoon.

[11] Patriarch of Alexandria received by education minister

The minister promised to recognise the seminary via a special amendment. The school has already been recognised by the Egyptian government.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Patriarch Theodoros expressed his gratitude to Stylianidis, who "officially informed me of the assistance the ministry will provide to me."

Financial News

[12] Gov't hails Commission-approved plan to rescue OA

Responding to a relevant question, he stressed that approval by Commission "was of crucial importance for investors, because we had never received it in the past ... and was necessary in order to be able to keep the OA name and the Olympic logo, utilise the company's assets, continue flights to non-profitable domestic destinations and keep the OA landing slots until the privatisation process is completed."

Nevertheless, he pointed out that "there is still a long way to go", adding that the loss-making domestic flights will continue as scheduled, while pointing out that such flights are subsidised regardless of whether an air carrier is state-run or private.

On the fate of OA employees, Roussopoulos said there are 14,000 job positions available in the public sector for those wishing to transfer, while there will be voluntary retirement programmes that they can utilize, adding that in the transitional period until the airline privatisation is completed employees will face no further changes.

Responding to another question, he said OA accumulates a daily operating deficit of one million euros, with accumulated losses reaching 2.6 billion euros when other private carriers in Europe are increasing profits.

[13] Transport Minister Hatzidakis on Olympic Airlines

He reiterated that "the solution which the government gives is clear, European and allows the company to continue flying with the same name, the same insignia and with developmental prospects."

In statements he made in the afternoon, Hatzidakis announced that he had already sent a letter to the trade unions of Olympic Airlines, calling on them to have a discussion with him. He will also send a personal letter to all the employees, in order to brief them on the package of labor measures, in accordance with the categories of the individual employees. In reply to reporters' questions, the transport minister reiterated that the measures he announced will soon officially be measures of the state.

[14] KKE rails against OA plan

Speaking a day after the EU Commission approved a Greek government plan to rescue, restructure and eventually privatise the ailing national carrier, Papariga said OA was being sold for the same reasons that public utilities, ports and airports are on sale, namely, EU directives and not because of their operating deficits and losses.

Papariga also claimed that OA employees should not rely on government's promises that their jobs will be guaranteed.

[15] Creditor banks to offer 30-mln-euro loan to Lanaras Group

The meeting discussed ways of finding a legal formula allowing the funding of Lanaras company and to overcoming hurdles set by the European Commisison. The meeting also agreed that a new meeting, between interested parties, will be held next Tuesday to finalize details of the formula.

An earlier rescue plan envisaged the funding of Lanaras Group with 30 million euros by a group of banks with the guarantee of the Greek state. The European Commission said the Greek state cannot guarantee any loan to private enterprises.

[16] Signing of cooperation memorandum with U.S. Competitiveness Council

The agreement is the outcome of efforts which the Greek-U.S. Business Council and SEB had begun as of last year, with the aim of promoting good practices and the adoption in Greece of activities, such as those being implemnted in the United States with a specific programme at national and regional level and with the monitoring of specific results measurement indicators.

In the framework of cooperation with the U.S. Competitiveness Council, SEB will be assuming initiatives for the transfer of know-how, organising technical events and the holding of contacts with officials shaping competitiveness improvement policies.

Daskalopoulos referred in his address to the contribution of modern, healthy businesses that produce wealth, create development and show an increased feeling of social responsibility in exiting from the present-day crisis.

"The modern, healthy businesses are mainly those which avoided practices and mistakes that led to the crisis. Although they are suffering, at a limited degree fortunately, from the repercussions of global unrest, the modern, healthy businesses are those that, when the suitable time comes, will undertake to lead the economy far from the current gloomy reality," he said.

[17] Meeting between shipowners, maritime cooperation councils

The members of the two councils hailed the assumption of the Merchant Marine, Aegean and Island Policy ministry by Anastasios Papaligouras and wished success for his work in the framework of cooperation and mutual understanding.

The next meeting between the councils will be taking place in London in March, 2009.

[18] Message by Papaligouras to Greek seamen

The minister added that this is "necessitated by international developments and the challenges of the times, with respect to the environment, the continuing destruction of which constitutes one of the greatest problems."

Papaligouras further said that the "splendid course of Greek shipping would not have been possible without the contribution of the Greek seamen," adding that protection and backing for Greek seamen was a priority for the government and "for this reason it has taken measures to combat unemployment among seamen and to upgrade maritime training."

[19] Intracom signs 122.5-mln-euro contract with Romania's Education ministry

[20] Greek unemployment down to 7.2 pct in Q2

West Macedonia (12.4 pct) and western Greece (9.3 pct) recorded the highest unemployment percentage rates, while north Aegean (4.2 pct0 and Crete (5.1 pct) the lowest rates. NSS said part time employment accounted for 5.5 pct of employment in the country.

[21] Greece warned for failure to inform EU Commission

The European Commission on Thursday announced that it is sending two reasoned opinions to Greece for failing to inform the Commission about the incorporation of two directives related to VAT into its national legislation.

The announcement said that the obligations of member-states were not limited to incorporating directives in domestic law but also required them to inform the Commission about the action taken.

[22] Greece under EU fire for tax breaks to home buyers

Specifically, the Commission's objections are centred on tax breaks that relieve first-home buyers from having to pay property transfer tax when the same tax relief is not provided to buyers of first homes that are not permanently resident in Greece but intend to settle in the country in the future.

Greece is also called up to abolish discrimination under which Greek citizens living abroad can under certain conditions be relieved of property transfer tax when buying their first home in Greece, without this same relief being available to foreign nationals.

Unless the Greek government amends these laws within two months, the Commission can then refer the case to the European Court of Justice.

[23] EU action over civil aviation security in Greece

The European Commission on Thursday decided to send Greece a reasoned opinion over its failure to properly implement Community rules for civil aviation security from illegal actions.

According to the Commission, Greece was failing to comply with two directives setting up common specifications for national quality control programmes for civil aviation security, under which member-states have an obligation to regularly inspect airports in their territory in order to promptly locate and correct possible defects in the following of security measures to protect civil aviation from illegal actions.

As a part of this requirement, member-states are also obliged to employ an adequate number of inspectors.

The European Commission called on Greece to take the necessary measures to fully comply with the requirements within a specific deadline, warning that it may otherwise be referred to the European Court of Justice.

[24] PASOK seeks cap on unjustifiably high fuel

"The price of petrol, with international oil prices at exactly the same levels as today, was 1.089 euros in February and is now at 1.193 euros - in other words, 10.5 cents more. What has intervened in the past seven months so that petrol is sold 11 cents more. This is the crucial question. Shouldn't the government be protecting consumers," said PASOK MP Mihalis Chrysohoidis during a Thursday press conference.

Specifically he called on the government to impose a blanket reduction of 11 cents per litre on all motor fuels by placing a cap on petrol prices that was 11 cents lower than the average price announced by the development ministry a few days earlier.

Chrysohoidis also referred to a sharp rise in the cost of natural gas between July 2007 and July 2008, which ranged from 37.7 percent for households and 51 percent for small businesses, and added that there was a high risk for further upward pressure on natural gas prices over the winter, even if demand was lower than expected.

The party's spokesman on development issues Apostolos Katsifaras also referred to the large increase in electricity rates imposed by the Public Power Corporation in the last two years, saying that these totalled about 23.4 percent, and said the power company's investment programme was virtually stalled in the past four years.

[25] FTSE Int'l says ASE maintains developed market status

In a statement, FTSE International said the Greek market would maintain its developed market status until September 2009, although it stressed that ASE could be downgraded to an advanced emerging market in the next review, scheduled for March 2009.

ASE president, Spyros Kapralos, commenting on the FTSE International's decision said: "In a difficult period for stock markets internationally, FTSE's announcement that our market remains among developed markets was a pleasant note. The decision did not came by chance, but it was the result of hard work made by the Greek market in cooperation with the Capital Markets Commission during the year, with the aim to fulfil criteria set by FTSE International. It is extremely important to communicate these changes to the market and to gradually boost liquidity and transaction volume in the Greek market."

[26] Greek stocks end 0.17 pct lower

Most sectors moved lower, with the Food/Beverage (4.17 pct), Constructions (1.46 pct) and Media (1.05 pct) suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day, while Insurance (4.29 pct), Commerce (3.28 pct) and Chemicals (2.83 pct) scored gains.

The FTSE 20 index eased 0.74 pct, the FTSE 40 index ended 1.35 pct and the FTSE 80 index dropped 2.62 pct. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 184 to 56 with another 39 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: -4.29%

Industrials: -0.24%

Commercial: -3.28%

Construction: +1.46%

Media: +1.05%

Oil & Gas: +0.35%

Personal & Household: +0.54%

Raw Materials: -1.94%

Travel & Leisure: +0.16%

Technology: -1.76%

Telecoms: +1.04%

Banks: -1.93%

Food & Beverages: +4.17%

Health: -0.69%

Utilities: -1.73%

Chemicals: -2.83%

Financial Services: -0.02%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 14.90

ATEbank: 2.15

Public Power Corp (PPC): 14.46

HBC Coca Cola: 17.04

Hellenic Petroleum: 7.66

National Bank of Greece: 26.94

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 12.62

Intralot: 6.60

OPAP: 22.80

OTE: 13.64

Piraeus Bank: 14.72

Titan Cement Company: 24.90

[27] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on equitieis totaled 63,624 contracts, worth 291.954 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Marfin Popular Bank's contracts (30,003) followed by Eurobank (887), Marfin Investment Group (3,324), OTE (3,616), PPC (2,293), Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling (1,447), National Bank (4,121), Alpha Bank (1,053), Intracom (3,642), GEK (1,200) and ATEbank (2,054).

[28] Greek bond market closing report

In money markets, interest rates were mixed. The 12-month Euribor rate was 5.38 pct, the six-month rate 5.22 pct, the three-month rate 4.99 pct and the one-month rate 4.58 pct.

[29] Foreign Exchange rates: Friday

U.S. dollar 1.461

Pound sterling 0.800

Danish kroner 7.519

Swedish kroner 9.676

Japanese yen 153.18

Swiss franc 1.596

Norwegian kroner 8.400

Canadian dollar 1.551

Australian dollar 1.810

General News

[30] Health minister Avramopoulos presents "Life beats cancer" campaign

Avramopoulos said that cancer-related figures in other developed countries have been showing a decline in cancer-caused deaths from as early as the mid 80s, as opposed to Greece.

The 108-million-euro action plan aims at boosting scientific research, create a national archive of malignant tumors, create new early diagnosis structures and programmes such as the founding of specialized mammography and Pap Test centres and improve home care for cancer patients.

[31] European Organization for the protection of cultural heritage

The EPOCH organization, to be based in Brussels, will focus on the adoption of a single European policy for the protection of monuments from natural disasters and the briefing of the competent institutions.

The System Improvement Workshop, University of Thessaly, was the organizer of the conference, which marked the completion of the PROOHF (Protect our Heritage from Fire) project that materialized within the framework of the "Interreg IIIB Archimed" European Initiative.

[32] Frankfurt council members in Thessaloniki

The head of the committee, Bernadette Weyland, stressed that one in four people in Frankfurt, with a population of 650,000, is an immigrant or has such a background, adding that cooperation with Greece is welcomed, particularly in terms of facilitating social integration and providing equal opportunities.

[33] City of Athens takes action against land squatters

The sites have have repeatedly been targetted by commercial land squatters.

Specifically, sanitation and park maintenance crews removed asphalt that had been illegally poured on a property being used as makeshift car park, along with removal of garbage and rubble from a second site and the planting of trees on the third property.

The sites are located on Koniari street in the Ambelokipi district.

[34] US university fair in Athens

The fair, organised by the Fulbright Foundation, will host representatives from 23 different US institutions. The event aims to provide general information on America's incomparable higher education system and to answer specific queries.

People intending on sitting for SAT, TOEFL, GRE or GMAT examinations will also have the opportunity to learn more about these academic placement tests.

Boston University, the New York Film Academy and Yale University are among those participating in the fair.

[35] Children invited to submit art for UISAP

This year's theme will be "Time and Space" and is organised in collaboration with the Museum of Greek Childrens' Art in Athens.

The first UISAP was held in 2001 and the project is now in its eighth year. It invites school children around the world to create a work of art - a painting, a sculpture, or a small installation - on a specific theme and submit them via their schools to a panel of judges.

In Greece, three works will be selected to represent the country at the exhibition to be put on display at the Tate Gallery in London at the end of March 2009.

Last year, Greece took part in the international competition with the work of a girl at the Leontio Lyceum in Patissia.

The deadline for submitting artwork for this year's UISAP ends on December 12 and schools interested in taking part can contact the 210 8172100.

[36] Fundraising for Thrace SOS Children's Village

The promotional event, affectionately called "Home", is part of a nation-wide road show organised by the group to raise public awareness and funds for the construction of a new facility in Thrace.

"Home" is an opportunity for families to contribute to the project by adding to a piece to a giant puzzle that will slowly form a display.

Lasting until Oct. 13, the event will be repeated in Larissa, Thessaloniki, Kavala, Xanthi, Komotini, Didimoticho, Orestiada and Alexandroupolis.

[37] Greek-owned vessel foils pirate attack on route to Iran

According to reports, the ship was attacked by 12 pirates in four speedboats that attempted to board the "Peter S" at around noon.

Their attempt was foiled by the crew - consisting of 22 Filipinos, one Romanian and a Greek skipper - who knew they were sailing in dangerous waters and were on alert. As soon as the pirates were sighted, the crew turned the ship's hoses on their attackers, bombarding them with hundreds of tonnes of water.

The "Peter S" had set sail from a German port, while the attack was the second targeting a vessel owned by Greek interests in one day.

[38] Arrests on counterfeit money charges on Rhodes

A police investigation revealed that they had in their possession a total of 27 counterfeit 100-euro banknotes.

Weather Forecast

[39] Cloudy on Friday

[40] The Thursday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "New era for Olympic Airways - Same name, same flights and full protection of staff".

APOGEVMATINI: "Solution at last! - The approval of the OA rescue plan by the EU (Europan Commssion) a success of the government."

AVGHI: "OA in smithereens - Government and EU signed the end of the national aircarrier".

AVRIANI: "We (newspaper) call on the Supreme Court prosecutor to order an audit of all insurance companies' reserve funds".

CHORA: "Clean up the party from the crooks, say ND's grass roots, cadres and MPs - Those undermining Karamanlis' authority must be expelled".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "What the final taxation plan that will be announced shortly by the government contains".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Chaos in ND - Ministerial 'back-stabbing' in public".

ESTIA: "Government reshuffle is mandatory - Government has lost its pace".

ETHNOS: "ND a Roman arena - Internal strife scenery with Karamanlis as a spectator".

KATHIMERINI: "The depth of the financial crisis is frightening".

LOGOS: "Green light on Olympic Airways - European Commission approves the privatization plan".

NIKI: "Karamanlis under pressure, government reshuffle on the horizon - He will play his last card".

RIZOSPASTIS: "The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) youth organizazation's (KNE) festival begins on Thursday at the Athens University campus".

TA NEA: "Everyone looking out for himself in ND - Ministers' backstabbing over Vatopedi issue".

TO VIMA: "Karamanlis government trapped in Vatopedi scandal".

VRADYNI: "Off-campus student housing rents excessive".

Cyprus Affairs

[41] Leaders to meet again on October 8, to focus on executive power

The leaders of the two communities in Cyprus will meet again on October 8, in the context of UN-led negotiations, to discuss issues relating to the powers of the executive.

On Thursday, Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot Mehmet Ali Talat, who began a dialogue earlier this month, had their second substantive meeting, during which they continued discussions on the chapter ''Governance - Power-sharing.''

Speaking to the press after his arrival at the Presidential Palace, Christofias said that the discussion on ''Governance/Power-sharing'' has not been completed yet because there are ''some pending issues.''

''We are moving forward but there are some pending issues,'' he added, noting that the next meeting is scheduled for October 8.

Asked if discussions will focus on another aspect of the Cyprus question or if they will continue on the same chapter, the president said that at the next meeting ''we will begin with executive power,'' clarifying that executive power is part of the chapter ''Governance and power-sharing.''

Asked about the climate at Thursday's meeting, the president pointed out that ''the meetings always take place in a friendly spirit, regardless of whether we agree or not.''

Talks between Christofias and Talat aim at reuniting Cyprus, divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

[42] Christofias: Common language between two sides necessary to find a settlement

Christofias was speaking to the press before his meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, in the framework of direct negotiations which began this month.

Invited to say if discussion on the issue of governance would wrap up at Thursday's meeting, Christofias said "if we reach an agreement it will wrap up, otherwise it will not". He also noted that the issue of governance has a lot of subsections. ÕWe are discussing about the powers of the central government. We also have to discuss about the legislative authority, the judicial authority, the mechanism for the resolution of disputes, there are a lot of issues, so it will take time," he added.

Invited to comment statements by Talat, Christofias said that Talat accepts other things during the talks and says other things in public. "What counts for me is what he is pledging during that talks and I hope that he will abide by them," the president added.

Christofias expressed hope that the two sides will be able to find a common language and that there will be a co-understanding on the fundamental principles of the Cyprus question.

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