Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 09-04-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] Bakoyannis attends Afghanistan Conference 2009

[02] PM confers with employment minister

[03] Papandreou urges 'policies centred on people'

[04] PASOK leader criticises economic system

[05] NY mayor holds reception on Greek national anniversary

[06] US envoy calls for upgraded relations, coordination with Athens

[07] PASOK spokesman on labour relations, registration fees

[08] Tsipras backs protest against banks

[09] EcoGreens indicate readiness to cooperate in hung Parliament

[10] Gov't public order, AI report and vehicle tax

[11] Steadfast Joist military exercise taking place at Litohoro

[12] Greek FinMin defends gov't policy to deal with economic crisis

[13] President Papoulias receives GSEE leaders ahead of strike

[14] OA contract to Parliament

[15] 18th Hermes Expo to open April 4

[16] Culture ministry on contract employees

[17] Livestock farmers protest outside agriculture ministry

[18] Import-export prices in agricultural sector down in January

[19] Info-Quest reports higher losses in 2008

[20] Ellaktor reports spectacular 2008 results

[21] Creta Farm says net profits up 100% in '08

[22] Italian Fashion event in Athens

[23] Greek retail sales volume index down 10.8 pct in Jan

[24] Greek stocks jump 3.36% on Tues.

[25] ADEX closing report

[26] Bond issue concluded

[27] Foreign Exchange rates - Wednesday

[28] Ministers address 'Green Enterprise and Local Government' event

[29] Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana declared Democritus University professor emeritus

[30] Sioufas invites MPs to become organ donors

[31] Alexandria Patriarch Theodoros II honours Athens mayor

[32] Latest Vergina archaeological findings presented this week

[33] Exhibition on Maria Callas opens in Nicosia

[34] Mass transit interruptions due to Thurs. strike

[35] Papoulias receives veteran basketball players

[36] Arrested terrorist suspects in Britain include Greek student

[37] Spate of arson attacks in Attica

[38] Arrest on illicit trade in antiquities and arms possession charges

[39] Bank robber arrested

[40] Cloudy, rainy on Wednesday

[41] The Tuesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

[42] Cypriot Foreign Minister: Turkey must contribute to Cyprus talks

[43] Euromed Left Parties condemn Turkish occupation of Cyprus Politics

[01] Bakoyannis attends Afghanistan Conference 2009

Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis on Tuesday backed a call for a prominent civilian presence in Afghanistan, after presenting Greece's positions during the "International Conference on Afghanistan: a Comprehensive Strategy" held in the Netherlands on Tuesday.

Stressing that Athens' positions were clear, she underlined the need for action in the sectors of education and culture, as well as measures for the country's economic development and agriculture, noting that this was the only way the world could address the problem of drug trafficking from that country.

The Greek minister noted that a complex policy was required in order to bring about the desired results and expressed satisfaction with the fact that the Afghanistan Conference had concluded with a joint message that a civilian presence in the country, in addition to a military force, was absolutely necessary.

"Greece will be present in this battle for Afghanistan and its people, for all those girls that wish to go to school and are forbidden to do so, even today, in a large part of the country," she stressed.

Bakoyannis went on to express conviction that the battle could be won if the 73 countries that took part in the conference joined forces, amongst themselves but also with the countries that bordered on Afghanistan.

The conference held at the World Forum in The Hague on Tuesday, with the participation of 73 countries and international organisations, focused on efforts to stabilise Afghanistan by boosting security and through the civil and economic support of local authorities in order to tackle issues like fighting terrorism, the drug trade and illegal immigration.

[02] PM confers with employment minister

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Petralia said that the government's target, and the ministry's conviction, that economic recovery was inter-related with protection of employment which, she added, was a fundamental prerequisite for social cohesion.

The minister stressed that the government would not tolerate any deviation within the existing institutional framework, nor would it allow anyone to exploit the crisis as a pretext for self-expediencies or purposes".

Asked whether she feared prospective social unrest, Petralia siad that the crisis, "which is a reality", was manageable at this moment. Further, she added, the government had an integrated action plan for supporting the financially weaker groups of the population.

[03] Papandreou urges 'policies centred on people'

With a call for new policies centred on people, main opposition PASOK leader and Socialist International (SI) President George Papandreou arrived to take part in a special workshop held here on Tuesday, shortly before the final session of the SI Commission on Global Financial Issues beginning at noon.

"We cannot build on the old and the establishment," he stressed before he entered the workshop organised by the Symi Symposium, with the participation of prestigious economists that included the Commission's chairman Joseph Stiglitz, James Galbraith, Dimitris Papadimitriou, Joakim Palme, Gary Dimsky, Stuart Holland and Richard Parker, among others.

Papandreou stressed that the meeting gave a "progressive voice to citizens" and that the SI's proposals stressed the need to protect social rights, such as education, health, social insurance for all and employment, at the same time as boosting the economy, monitoring financial systems and green growth.

During the workshop, Papandreou was also named an honorary member of the board of directors of 'Economists for Peace and Security', an organisation that includes 25 Nobel prize winners and a number of distinguished economists. The announcement was made and presented to Papandreou by one of the leading members of the organisation, world-renowned economic James Galbraith.

Also taking part in the workshop and the later session of the SI Commission on Global Financial Issues, along with Papandreou, are PASOK's political spokeswoman for economic issues Louka Katseli and Papandreou's economic advisor Iraklis Polemarhakis.

The SI Commission will seek to finalise its proposals for dealing with the global economic crisis that it will present to the G20 summit taking place in London.

The Commission's aim is to discuss progressive policies for dealing with the global economic crisis, ways to promote responsible and sustainable globalisation, ways to deal with climate change during a period of global recession, the role of the state in economic development, and the contribution of science and innovation in sustainable growth.

[04] PASOK leader criticises economic system

The Socialist International (SI) sends a message to the London G20 meeting and to the planet that "there is a progressive voice and an alternative course," main opposition PASOK leader and SI president George Papandreou siad here on Tuesday night at the end of a Stiglitz Commission meeting at the the UN's headquarters.

"This is our goal and we are struggling for it," Papandreou added, expressing optimism that the target could be achieved.

The Commission's chairman Joseph Stiglitz said on his part that problems were today of global nature and for this reason "ccoperation by all is necessary."

The PASOK leader said also that the existing system, which "destroys employment and environment...must be replaced by a new economic system having at its centre man and its rights to health, education, pension and green development."

[05] NY mayor holds reception on Greek national anniversary

Events commemorating the March 25 National Day continued here with the traditional reception at the mayor's residence. Mayor Michael Bloomberg honoured the Greeks' national anniversary on Monday night (local time), in the presence of dozens of guests, including main opposition PASOK party leader and Socialist International president George Papandreou, who is in New York to preside over the Stiglitz Committee, focusing on the economic crisis and ways of tackling it.

Events concerning the national anniversary will heighten with the big parade that takes place every year on 5th avenue in Manhattan. This year's parade will be taking place on Sunday, April 26, and the masters of ceremonies will be Defence Minister Evangelos Meimarakis, the Finance minister of the state of Ilinois, Alexis Yiannoulias and singer Tony Orlando, who is of Greek origin.

Members of the Greek Parliamentary Interparty Committee on Expatriate Hellenism will be participating in the parade. An eight-member Cypriot Parliament delegation will also be participating.

[06] US envoy calls for upgraded relations, coordination with Athens

Speckhard, who detailed Washington's relations with Athens and in the region during an address in the US capital last week, emphasised better coordination on crucial geostrategic issues around the world, such as Afghanistan, instead of allowing "important, yet individual issues" from defining relations between Greece and America. He pointed directly to a growing flow of illegal migration from the troubled Central Asia country to Greece, among others, as necessitating greater involvement by the international community in peacekeeping efforts there.

The US envoy, fresh from attending a Barack Obama-led White House ceremony last week on the occasion of Greek Independence Day, on more than one occasion cited the need to distinctly upgrade Greek-US relations beyond long-standing problems Athens wants solved.

He cited Greece's traditionally good relations with the Muslim world; counter-proliferation efforts against WMDs, especially in light of the massive Greek-owned merchant fleet; coordinating policies to deal with the international economic crisis, and even Washington's newfound emphasis on global environmental and energy matters, noting that the east Mediterranean country is perfect for implementing renewable energy innovations.

Conversely, Speckhard dismissed press questions and local speculation on whether this week's trip by Barack Obama to neighbouring Turkey is a diplomatic downgrading of the US-Greece relationship, pointing out that Greece should strive for upgraded and unhindered relations with Washington independent of Greece-Turkey and US-Turkey ties.

He nevertheless reiterated US support for finding a solution to the long-standing Cyprus problem based on a bi-zonal and bi-communal framework, as well as what he called "respect and cooperation" in the Aegean and a solution to the resurfaced "name issue" with neighbouring fYRoM -- "but these important issues shouldn't define the Greece-US relationship".

In responding to other questions, he said the US embassy in Athens was not privy to President Obama's itinerary in neighbouring Turkey, and specifically whether the US president would meet with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. However, he mentioned that he was present during a meeting last week in Washington between US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Archbishop of America Demetrios, where the former highlighted the US side's continued interest in the Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarchate, the primus inter pares of the world's Orthodox Christian patriarchates.

Additionally, he said the US navy participated with only one vessel in this month's closely monitored -- by the Greek military -- Turkish aeronautical exercise in a section of the eastern Aegean's international waters and airspace, adding that he has not received a "phone call" by the Greek foreign ministry over the specific maneuver.

Visa waiver negotiations

Asked about ongoing negotiations between Washington and Athens for finally including EU and NATO member-state Greece on the US visa waiver program -- an important issue for consecutive Greek governments and the sizeable Greek-American community -- Speckhard reminded that two out of three chapters on the agreement have basically been finalised, with the remaining chapter, on criminal data sharing, now the subject of back-and-forth consultations by the two sides.

He noted that the Greek government was currently reviewing the latest US recommendations on this specific chapter while also stressing that whatever exchange of data will be on a limited scale, akin to passengers' information compiled by airline companies.

"The goal is to see this thing wrap up by the summer," he added.

[07] PASOK spokesman on labour relations, registration fees

Papaconstantinou accused the government of lacking a plan to combat unemployment and boost employment, but of "only proceeding with clientele hirings."

The PASOK spokesman called on the government to "take up a clear position," called on to comment on a view voiced by one of the prime minister's economic advisers with which he proposed the "freezing" of public employee salaries.

Also referring to the measure of reducing car registration fees, Papaconstantinou termed it "unfair, contradictory and of a clientele nature," while stressing that the government "appears to be forgetting that in Greece we have no motorcar industry."

Papaconstantinou further said that at the same time that it is announcing such measures, the government is freezing salaries, while stressing that "there are more sectors in Greece having unsold stocks."

[08] Tsipras backs protest against banks

"Enough with the violence of banks against Greek society. Enough with this violence of banks toward the incomes of the low-paid, pensioners, working people. We must react at some point and the time to react is now, before it is too late," he said.

The sit-in was organised by members of the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA) coalition in Parliament, of which SYN is the leading partner, in view of Thursday's nationwide general strike.

Tsipras underlined that people and households were struggling to cope with oversize loan and credit card payments while banks were making billions in profit and spoke against state-funded bailouts for bankers.

"If shareholders that make billions in profits cannot put money toward increasing share capital, then banks ought to pass under state control through targeted political action," he stressed.

He said the NBG should be immediately renationalised in order to create, along with PostBank and ATEBank, a public-sector axis that would guide the financial system for the benefit of borrowers and society.

[09] EcoGreens indicate readiness to cooperate in hung Parliament

This was stated in response to questions by the head of the party's Euro-elections ticket Mihalis Tremopoulos during a press conference.

Tremopoulos said the party had a "culture of cooperation" and that his party would be prepared to give a "tolerance vote" to one of the two main parties, provided that there were specific commitments and convergence.

During the press conference, the party presented the conclusion of the European Greens conference that ended last Sunday with a decision for a joint campaign by the European Greek Party that sought to become the fourth political power in the EU.

They also announced that the Irish musician Ross Daly, who has been living in Greece on the island of Crete for some decades now, will be participating in the party's Euro-election ticket.

[10] Gov't public order, AI report and vehicle tax

Asked whether they are politically motivated, Antonaros underlined that "the audacious and cowardly firebomb attacks are condemned by the government," adding that "those who target democracy and the Parliamentary system have no excuse."

Referring to an Amnesty International report citing instances of excessive force by Greek Police units, the government spokesman stated that the findings of such reports are taken under consideration, in principle. "Obviously, the editors of the report have one-sided information," Antonaros added, pointing out that "everybody remembers what happened during the events on which the report mainly refers to."

Asked about a steep reduction of a vehicle registration fee, Antonaros said the question should be directed to the minister of finance, while he rejected press claims alleging that an economic adviser to the prime minister has recommended wage reductions.

[11] Steadfast Joist military exercise taking place at Litohoro

Servicemen participating are from, among others, Spain, Italy, France, Turkey and Romania, while the exercise is under the command of the headquarters in Naples and it is taking place in cooperation with the heaquarters of air forces in Izmir, nautical forces in Naples and NATO's training centre.

The forces, that have been deployed in the framework of the exercise at the "Balanika" army camp at Litohoro, were visited on Tuesday by National Defence General Staff Chief Dimitris Grapsas, accompanied by Army General Staff Chief Dimitris Voulgaris, First Army commander Stylianos Nasis and the commander of the Third Army Corps, Panayiotis Yiannopoulos.

Financial News

[12] Greek FinMin defends gov't policy to deal with economic crisis

In his letter, responding to an article by Quentin Peel "No incentive to be good for weakest in eurozone", the Greek minister said the article has unfairly rejected the fundamental steps taken by the Greek government to reduce its budget deficit and underestimated the government's determination to strengthening its public finances responding to an unprecedented economic crisis.

"Both the Prime Minister and myself have repeatedly stated our commitment to taking difficult decisions needed to ensuring the long-term financial strength of the country, regardless of any political cost. In fact we have already made decisive moves, before the European Commission's latest recommendations to cut our deficit below 3.0 pct of GDP by 2010, by freezing pay in the public sector and imposing an extra tax on high incomes," Papathanasiou said.

The Greek minister stressed that the government was fully aware of the hard effort ahead to lead the country safely out from the crisis. "Inaction is not and will not be our option," he stressed.

Papathanasiou underlined that the European Commission acknowledged that Greece would probably be one of the few Eurozone countries to record economic growth rates this year.

[13] President Papoulias receives GSEE leaders ahead of strike

The crisis should be paid for by those who caused it and continue to insist on not losing anything of what they have gained in the past and aspire to winning in the future, the President added.

Papoulias opined that the struggles of the working people were important for the existence and consolidation of the rights not only of the labor class but of all working people.

The President referred to the 24-hour labor strike that has been called by GSEE and the civil servants' umbrella federation ADEDY for Thursday, which he noted was being staged in the midst of the global financial crisis and therefore was "something very sensitive".

"I believe that all will go well and that you will give your desired message within a framework that you have always respected and which is respected by the Greek people when that framework is ripe and sends out the right messages," Papoulias.

Panagopoulos, in turn, thaked the President for his immediate response to their request for the meeting and his sensitivity on such major issues.

The GSEE chief said that there was an "explosive combination" that was comprised of the global crisis and the policy being exercised by the government "which has created immense fiscal problems", coupled by the "practices of the employers".

He said that the above situation has resulted in adversities for the labor forces.

Thursday's strike aimed at manifesting the working people's opposition, Panagopoulos said.

[14] OA contract to Parliament

[15] 18th Hermes Expo to open April 4

The 18th Hermes Expo international exhibition projecting Greek products and services as well as trade relations between Greece and the US will be held in Atlantic City, New Jersey on April 4-5.

In the context of the exhibition, a variety of events will take place, which will be attended by a large delegation from Greece representing prefectures, municipalities, communities and economic and financial agencies, as well as Thessaloniki mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos.

A Greek wine tasting event will be held on Wednesday at the Queens Museum of Art, in cooperation with the Greek Commercial and Economic Affairs Office in New York and the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

On Thursday, a da event on Greek tourism will be held at Drexel University in Philadelphia, in cooperation with the local chamber of commerce.

Over the weekend, lectures will be held on the sidelines of the exhibition on matters concerning Greek-American trade relations.

On Monday contacts will be held with political and financial officials in Baltimore, while new cooperation agreements will be signed between Thessaloniki and Baltimore, as the two twinned cities launched cooperation in 1999, while the contacts will be wound up in Washington.

Hermes Expo International founder and chairman Paul Kotrotsos noted that there are multiple benefits for the participants, including the signing of commercial agreements for the import of products from Greece for the US market, promotion of Greek tourism and cooperation with American organizations, businesses and universities with their counterparts in Greece.

[16] Culture ministry on contract employees

These contract employees, according to Culture Minister Antonis Samaras, are 550 and the problem of their payment "is resolved definitely."

The Culture minister also appeared satisfied with funding he has secured for the extension of the contracts and because "we shall have the big museums and archaeological sites open with double shifts as of April and earlier than any other year and until the end of October."

[17] Livestock farmers protest outside agriculture ministry

During a brief meeting with Agriculture Minister Sotiris Hatzigakis, they complained that the government was ignoring their demands.

The minister said that he would soon announce measures to support livestock farmers, while noting that money to help deal with the economic crisis had already been given. The minister's statements did not satisfy the protesting farmers. Tension ensued and protestors poured milk on the road outside the ministry, after which they walked to Parliament and met representatives of the political parties.

[18] Import-export prices in agricultural sector down in January

The statistics service said that the export price index in the agricultural sector also fell by 4.2 pct in January. On a monthly basis, the import price index fell 0.1 pct from December 2008, while the export price index dropped 3.9 pct over the same period.

[19] Info-Quest reports higher losses in 2008

Pre-tax losses totaled 32.5 million euros in 2008, after profits of 4.4 million in 2007, while losses after tax and minorities totaled 26.4 million euros, from losses of 7.3 million euros in 2007.

Parent sales totaled 260 million euros last year, up 22 pct from 2007, while pre-tax, interest and amortization earnings eased to 1.0 million euros from 1.3 million euros in 2007. Pre-tax losses totaled 34.9 million euros in 2008, after profits of 4.9 million euros in 2007 and after tax losses totaled 30.4 million euros from losses of 3.6 million over the same periods, respectively.

[20] Ellaktor reports spectacular 2008 results

The company plans to pay a 0.12 euros per share dividend to sharheolders.

[21] Creta Farm says net profits up 100% in '08

Pre-tax earnings totaled 2.5 million euros last year from 4.5 million in 2007, while after tax profits jumped 100 pct to 2.9 million euros from 1.4 million euros in 2007.

Consolidated turnover rose 10.65 pct to 108.7 million euros, pre-tax profits eased to 1.2 million euros from 3.1 million in 2007 and after tax earnings soared 311 pct to 1.4 million euros in 2008, from 340,000 euros in 2007.

[22] Italian Fashion event in Athens

The business meetings will be taking place on April 27 and 28, at the Italian Cultural Institute building, with the participation of 10 Italian companies that will be presenting "Made in Italy" men's, women's and children's clothes and accessories.

Greek companies in the fashion sector desiring to participate in the business meetings can declare participation by April 20, with telephone number 2107213209.

[23] Greek retail sales volume index down 10.8 pct in Jan

The statistics service said that the retail sales volume index, excluding fuel and lubricants, fell by 5.8 pct in the same month.

The turnover index in the retail sector (current prices), including fuel and lubricants, fell 10 pct in January compared with the same month in 2008.

[24] Greek stocks jump 3.36% on Tues.

Most sectors moved higher, with the Banks (6.71 pct), Financial Services (6.32 pct), Food/Beverage (4.01 pct), Oil (3.10 pct) and Industrial Products (2.98 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while Media (0.91 pct) and Travel (0.38 pct) suffered losses.

The FTSE 20 index jumped 4.10 pct, the FTSE 40 index ended 1.87 pct up and the FTSE 80 index rose 1.48 pct. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 143 to 63 with another 55 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +1.90%

Industrials: +2.98%

Commercial: +1.92%

Construction: +1.12%

Media: -0.91%

Oil & Gas: +3.10%

Personal & Household: +0.19%

Raw Materials: +2.39%

Travel & Leisure: -0.38%

Technology: +0.25%

Telecoms: +2.27%

Banks: +6.71%

Food & Beverages: +4.01%

Health: +0.29%

Utilities: +2.59%

Chemicals: +2.72%

Financial Services: +6.32%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 4.98

ATEbank: 1.11

Public Power Corp (PPC): 13.60

HBC Coca Cola: 10.80

Hellenic Petroleum: 7.17

National Bank of Greece: 11.41

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 4.34

Intralot: 3.70

OPAP: 19.82

OTE: 11.24

Bank of Piraeus: 5.00

Titan Cement Company: 16.00

[25] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 12,247 contracts worth 8.022 million euros, with investment interest focusing on National Bank's contracts (3,812), followed by Piraeus Bank (1,463), Alpha Bank (1,659), Eurobank (403), OTE (394) and GEK (520).

[26] Bond issue concluded

In interbank markets, interest rates fell further. The 12-month Euribor rate was 1.81 pct, the six-month rate 1.67 pct, the three-month rate 1.51 pct and the one-month rate 1.12 pct.

[27] Foreign Exchange rates - Wednesday

U.S. dollar 1.341

Pound sterling 0.938

Danish kroner 7.507

Swedish kroner 11.027

Japanese yen 132.22

Swiss franc 1.527

Norwegian kroner 8.961

Canadian dollar 1.681

Australian dollar 1.937

General News

[28] Ministers address 'Green Enterprise and Local Government' event

He pointed to new legislation for the photovoltaics sector and said a new bill for wind energy would be tabled soon that sought to reduce red tape for those seeking to invest in this sector. The minister also listed other actions taken by the ministry, using funds from the National Strategic Reference Framework, among others, such as a programme to replace energy-inefficient domestic appliances.

Hatzidakis noted, also, that the government's general strategy for international agreements in the energy sector was also leading to greater contribution by environmentally-friendly energy sources to the country's overall energy output.

Other speakers at the event included a number of MPs and members of Parliament's Environment Committee and Deputy Interior Minister Athanassios Nakos, who noted that there were currently 10,000 projects in progress in municipalities throughout the country under the programme "Local Administration and Environmental Protection".

[29] Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana declared Democritus University professor emeritus

Speaking at the ceremony, the Archbishop urged religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among the peoples, underlining that "Christian love has global dimensions by definition," underlining that "it cannot be thwarted by any obstacle, whether national or religious."

In his speech on terrorism, fear and religious correlations, the Archbishop focused on the effect religions have on the phenomenon of terrorism which is not new. He called on the religious and political leaders in Europe to pay attention to "the strong feeling, dominant in the Islamic World that it is being treated unfairly by the West."

He also referred to "the intense suspiciousness, bitterness and hatred found in the many regions of the planet such as the Middle East and the Balkans," describing it as the most dangerous threat to peace and harmonious coexistence on both a local and international scale.

Present at the event were representatives of the university and religious communities, local authorities and Komotini Mufti Hafiz Meco Cemali.

[30] Sioufas invites MPs to become organ donors

"Nothing teaches more than an example set," Sioufas underlined in the letter, adding that "Parliament. realising its responsibility toward society, held a special session on organ donation and transplant on March 10."

The letter is accompanied by an informative leaflet published by the Hellenic National Transplant Organization (EOM) with useful details for prospective organ donors.

[31] Alexandria Patriarch Theodoros II honours Athens mayor

Alexandria Patriarch Theodoros II awarded Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis the Grand Cross of the Apostle Mark on Tuesday, honouring Kaklamanis personally and rewarding trhe Athens municipality's social policy.

"You move us with the initiatives of the Municipality of Athens that show a truly human face to those in need of it," the Patriarch said, while also underlining the work of the Church of Alexandria throughout the African continent.

[32] Latest Vergina archaeological findings presented this week

The findings include a cylindrical container made of gold, used for holding the bones of the dead, inside of which archaeologists found an oak-leaf wreath, also made of gold, and placed atop of human remains.

The gold container, which was found inside a bronze vessel, is described as "unique in terms of its size, the material from which it was made and its use", and most probably belonged to an aristocrat. It is dated to the end of the 4th century BC.

The presentation will be made at the Old Philosophy School building on the AUTH campus.

[33] Exhibition on Maria Callas opens in Nicosia

A photography exhibition on Maria Callas opened at the Journalist Center congress halls in Nicosia within the framework of the cooperation memorandum signed between the parliaments of Greece and Cyprus.

The exhibition under the title "Maria Callas: 30 Years Later" was inaugurated by Cypriot Parliament Speaker Marios Karoyan in the presence of a Greek Parliament delegation.

Karoyan underlined that the Cooperation Protocol signed is aimed at promoting cultural cooperation through the exchange of exhibitions and the co-hosting of events. He also announced that the Cypriot Parliament will host other two Greek Parliament exhibitions on the art of caricature in the Europe of the "27" and folklore songs.

The exhibition was first presented in Athens in 2007 on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the death of Maria Callas, one of the most renowned opera singers of the 20th century. In 2008, under its current title, the exhibition was presented at various locations in Greece, in Trieste, Italy and in Washington, DC.

Focusing on Callas' stage appearances in Greece and across the world, the exhibition presents a selection of photographs from the archives of the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, the Greek National Theatre, Associated Press, Hellenic Literary and Historical Archives, Benaki Museum in Athens, EMI Classics, ERT Historical Archives and the Arena Theatre in Verona, as well as private collections.

The exhibition will run until April 11.

[34] Mass transit interruptions due to Thurs. strike

Bus and trolley service will reportedly be affected from the start of the shift until 8 a.m. and from 10 p.m. until the end of the shift. The Athens-Piraeus Electric Railways (ISAP) and metro service will be interrupted from the start of the shift until 9 a.m. and from 9 p.m. until the end of the shift. The tram and suburban railway personnel union has declared a 24-hour strike.

The Athens Urban Transport Organisation (OASA) announced that express bus routes serving Athens' Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport will not operate between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. and between 10 a.m. and 12 a.m.

[35] Papoulias receives veteran basketball players

[36] Arrested terrorist suspects in Britain include Greek student

Police in Cornwall, southern England, have confirmed for Greek consular authorities that five people (three men aged 25, 19 and 16 and two women aged 20 and 21) who have been arrested in the city of Plymouth as suspects in planning terrorist attacks during the G20 summit in London, include a Greek student.

The police have not yet announced the names of those arrested, but only revealed that they were found in possession of replicas of weapons and publications containing specific ideological material.

The arrested suspects were brought before a local court in Plymouth on Sunday, while the presence of journalists and of members of the public was prohibited, and the police requested the continuation of their detention until Friday and during this period they must either press charges or release them.

The police also clarified that the arrested suspects do not belong to any religious organisation.

[37] Spate of arson attacks in Attica

An apparently organized group of arsonists targeted 10 different spots with home-made incendiary devices comprising small propane canisters and flammable liquid from between 1:00 am and 1:15 am.

The first arson attack was against a Eurobank branch on central Messogion Avenue in Holargos, followed by a Piraeus Bank branch in Irakleio, a National Bank branch in Spata, a car dealership in Metamorphossi, a Post Office (ELTA) office in downtown Omonia Square, three Public Power Corporation (PPC) cars in Paleo Faliro, a Brinks Security vehicle in Halandri, another Eurobank branch in Koropi, a diplomatic car in Ilioupolis, and three parked cars in Glyfada.

Material damage was caused in all the incidents.

In a separate incident, a car was torched at 3:25 a.m. in the Athens district of Pagrati, and the home-made explosive device destroyed the car and shattered windows in surrounding buildings.

[38] Arrest on illicit trade in antiquities and arms possession charges

The suspect will be led before a prosecutor on Tuesday.

[39] Bank robber arrested

The robber rushed into the bank and grabbed an unknown sum of money at gunpoint. A passer-by spotted him as he was leaving the bank and called the police, who arrested him. A handgun and the stolen money was found in the detainee's possession. The man is being being questioned by police.

Weather Forecast

[40] Cloudy, rainy on Wednesday

[41] The Tuesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Payment of family benefit begins on Wednesday".

APOGEVMATINI: "Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou found the doors closed in Washington - A meeting with a high-ranking member of the US government was not achieved".

AVGHI: "European Commissioner Joaquin Almunia foresees sharp rise in unemployment to 10 percent unemployment in the summer ".

AVRIANI: "MIG Vice President Andreas Vgenopoulos skyrocketed the Group's profits by 165 percent in a period of economic crisis".

CHORA: "Fall without parachute - The Greek economy in the vortex of the international crisis".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "Amnesty International accuses one-sidedly the police and forgets last December's hooded groups' attacks in Athens".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "No more school excursions for 82,000 pupils".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Monstrous crisis - Nightmarish picture in all European and international economy inidicators".

ESTIA: "Preposterous tax system - The most inefficient in Europe".

ETHNOS: "Cafe Greek Police - Meanwhile hooded groups and burglars are 'working' undisturbed".

KATHIMERINI: "Law enforcement in Universities at stake - The ultimatum to protestors occupying the Thessaloniki Aristotle University premises expires today".

LOGOS: "FinMin announced a package of measures to enhance the exports".

NIKI: "Farce with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis - Petty politics have 'fatigued' the citizens".

RIZOSPASTIS: "Condemn the EU, government and PASOK through struggles and by voting for the Communist Party of Greece" in the European Parliament elections in June.

TA NEA: "Government reduces taxes on car purchases - According to the newspaper the measures will be applied only for 4 months".

TO VIMA: "The dinner of agony - FinMin met with enterpreneurs at the Athenian Club- Merchants in despair and industrialists in crisis".

VRADYNI: "Exports invigoration - Papathanassiou announced a package of 7 measures".

Cyprus Affairs

[42] Cypriot Foreign Minister: Turkey must contribute to Cyprus talks

Minister of Foreign Affairs Marcos Kyprianou has said that the Republic of Cyprus stresses to its interlocutors abroad and its partners in the EU that Turkey must be convinced to contribute in a positive manner to the efforts to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem.

In statements on Tuesday at the House of Representatives, Kyprianou told reporters that the Republic of Cyprus stresses to its interlocutors abroad and its partners in the EU that "Turkey states, on the one hand, that it supports the direct negotiations between the two communities in Cyprus, but when Ankara refers to the solution and the substance of the Cyprus problem, it has negative positions."

He added that "what we tell our partners is that Turkey must be convinced to contribute in a positive manner to the solution of the Cyprus problem because its official statements show no such positive stance."

Kyprianou was invited to comment on Turkish President Abdullah Gul's statement that Greek Cypriots are not obliged to obtain a visa to visit Turkey.

The Cypriot Foreign Minister described Gul's statement as misleading. "Gul's statement is not at all satisfactory, it is, I would say, rather misleading", he pointed out.

Kyprianou noted that "the Turkish President is not aware of the fact that the passports of Cypriot citizens are not stamped, they place a paper in their passports, which they stamp, just because they have this problem of recognising Cyprus."

He also noted that "any facilitation to visitors cannot substitute the official recognition of one member state of the EU, which is a union of states in which Turkey wishes to participate."

Turkey, a country aspiring to join the EU, is the only country in the world which does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus. Cyprus became a full EU member state in May 2004.

President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat began direct negotiations in September last year with a view to solve the question of Cyprus, which has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded the island.

[43] Euromed Left Parties condemn Turkish occupation of Cyprus

The political parties which participated in the Euro-Mediterranean Meeting of the Left Parties, organised last week in Cyprus, consider the division of Cyprus by Turkish troops illegal and unacceptable.

The Euro-Mediterranean Meeting of the Left Parties, co-organised by AKEL and the European Left Group in the European Parliament (GUE/NGL), in Nicosia, adopted a resolution stating that the continuous division of Cyprus by Turkey constitutes a threat to peace and security in the broader region of the Eastern Mediterranean.

"We condemn the occupation of 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus by Turkey, the influx of Turkish settlers, the destruction of the cultural heritage and the usurpation of the land and properties in the areas which are not under the control of the Republic since 1974," the resolution says.

The left parties deem that ''the right way to reach a peaceful, just and mutually acceptable and viable solution of the Cyprus problem is through substantive direct negotiations under UN auspices on the basis of UN Security Council resolutions, the high level agreements of 1977 and 1979, international law as well as the values and fundamental principles of the EU."

The resolution calls upon the international community to exert its pressure on Turkey to abandon its policy on Cyprus and adopt a more constructive stance for the achievement of a just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem.

The left parties welcome the commencement of direct negotiations between the two communities in Cyprus under UN auspices and call upon the leaders of the two communities to work together in a constructive manner for an overall solution of the Cyprus problem.

The resolution notes that suffocating timeframes and arbitration at the negotiations should be avoided and the procedure should remain a Cypriot issue.

The left parties point out that the settlement of the Cyprus problem should be based on the evolution of the Republic of Cyprus into an independent, bizonal, bicommunal federation with territorial integrity, a single sovereignty, international personality and citizenship, with political equality, as defined in relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Moreover, they note that the solution of the Cyprus problem should safeguard human rights and fundamental freedoms for all citizens of Cyprus, according to international law and the UN Charter, including the refugees' right to return to their homes and properties and the right of the families of the missing persons to learn about the fate of their beloved ones.

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