Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 09-04-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis: Talks with Sarkozy confirm excellent cooperation

[02] Paris mayor welcomes PM, FM at inauguration of Athos and Byzantine Empire exhibition

[03] Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Paris

[04] OA denationalisation bill passed in-principle in first reading

[05] Transport minister on Olympic Airways privatisation

[06] Greek MEPs on upcoming Euro-Parliament elections

[07] PASOK spokesman on economy

[08] Papandreou meets Gaza Strip volunteers group

[09] ÊKE leader addresses rally in Thessaloniki

[10] Leftist party head outlines environmental programme

[11] Turkish press reports 'first no to Obama' over minority issues

[12] Conference on state and corruption

[13] Education minister holds talks with TEI teachers

[14] Minister sees fast progress in diverting Acheloos

[15] Pilgrimage tourism initiative by Russia, Greece

[16] Livestock breeders blockade Tempi

[17] Greek exports down 13.8% in Feb.

[18] Industrial production index down 4.6% in Feb.

[19] Building activity down 33.5 pct in Jan

[20] Greek stocks surged 4.14 pct on Thursday

[21] ADEX closing report

[22] Greek bond market closing report

[23] Foreign Exchange rates - Friday

[24] 400,000 euros for archaelogical excavation in N. Greece

[25] AUTH honors elderly professor emeritus Emmanuel Kriaras

[26] Con'f at Thessaloniki college on 'Muslims in Europe'

[27] Dire forecasts at climate change seminar in Athens

[28] Incendiary devices planted at cathedrals in Athens, Piraeus and Thessaloniki

[29] Suspects in Siemens case summoned by examining magistrate

[30] Three drug arrests in Thessaloniki

[31] Cloudy, rainy on Friday

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

[33] Cyprus President meets Patriarch of Alexandria

[34] UN official says Cyprus process moving along as envisaged

[35] Cyprus FM discusses Cyprus issue with his Swiss counterpart Politics

[01] Karamanlis: Talks with Sarkozy confirm excellent cooperation

The invitation from French President Nicolas Sarkozy to visit Paris confirmed the friendship and excellent cooperation that has arisen between France and Greece, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis told reporters after his talks with Sarkozy on Thursday. The French leader later hosted a working lunch in Karamanlis' honour.

"We discussed all bilateral issues and examined the prospects and opportunities for further cooperation in all areas," Karamanlis said.

The French president underlined during the working luncheon the importance that he attributes to relations between the two countries, as well as the particular love that he personally nurses for Greece.

On the question of certain pending issues, such as the decision taken in principle by Greece's Government Foreign Affairs and Defence Council (KYSEA) to order six French frigates, the French side confirmed its interest in promoting the order. Interest was also confirmed on the Greek side, but it was stressed that under the present conditions of the international economic crisis, the margin for the immediate implementation of the order is extremely limited.

As regards the economic crisis in general, the French side believes that the end of the recession has not yet arrived and showed willingness to continue the efforts to overcome it, despite France's monentry deficits which, as a percentage of GDP, are bigger than the Greek ones.

Lastly, the Greek side remained satisfied with the way with which France views both the issue of Cyprus and the question of the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), while with regard to Turkey's European perspective, France insisted on its steadfast objections, while the Greek side also voiced the firm position that this perspective will depend on Turkey's overall ability to fulfill the accession terms and preconditions.

Following the meeting with the French president, that was also attended by Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and government spokesman Vangelis Antonaros, Karamanlis met with his French counterpart Francois Fillon.

Karamanlis was received by Sarkozy on Thursday at the Elysee Palace, during a visit to Paris with his wife Natassa at the invitation of the French president.

The Greek prime minister is due to inaugurate an exhibition entitled "Athos and the Byzantine Empire - Treasures of Mount Athos" at Paris' Petit Palais on Thursday night, in a ceremony also attended by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis.

The exhibition features valuable objects, manuscripts, icons, scrolls and other treasures dating from the era of the Byzantine Empire, which had been preserved at nine monasteries on the semi-autonomous monastic community on Mount Athos and are going on display for the first time.

[02] Paris mayor welcomes PM, FM at inauguration of Athos and Byzantine Empire exhibition

Paris Mayor Bernard Delanoe welcomed Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew during the inauguration of the exhibition entitled "Athos and the Byzantine Empire-Treasures of Mt. Athos" in Paris's Petit Palais on Thursday evening.

The mayor pointed out in his address that the Petit Palais exhibition constitutes "a world premiere" since many valuable items were brought out of Mount Athos for the first time.

"As of today, we have something unique to share in Paris, that comes from a culture that has enriched Europe and the world," he stressed.

The mayor went on to say that he looks upon the exhibition "as a message of hope. When cultures communicate with each other, when there is exchanging and cooperation between cultures, then it is certain tha we shall be able to build together a future that will be worthy of our ancestors."

Bakoyannis said oin her part that the exhibits include "for the first time 60 holy items and functioning items of unique value, that have never left Mount Athos and are on display for the public today."

According to the Greek minister, "the selection of the items was based on their direct relation with the authorities of the Byzantine Empire, since a large number are imperial gifts."

She further said that the Byzantine Empire strengthend and widened the historic role of Mount Athos, as a guarantor of the functioning and values of Greece and the Byzantium.

The minister concluded by saying that "these treasures belong to European culture and constitute an inseparable capital of Europe's history."

[03] Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Paris

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I arrived here on Thursday to attend the inauguration of an exhibition entitled "Athos and the Byzantine Empire - Treasures of Ìt. Athos" at the French capital' s Petit Palais on Thursday evening.

The Patriarch already met with French Prime Minister Francois Fillon, Interior Minister Michèle Alliot-Marie and the French senate's president.

On Friday, the Ecumenical Patriarch is expected to meet with the Turkish ambassador in Paris while at noon he will attend a luncheon at the Versailles Palace, before meeting the Greek ambassador to France. He is expected to return to Istanbul on Saturday.

[04] OA denationalisation bill passed in-principle in first reading

A second reading (by-article) will follow, after which the plenary will hold a third reading in which a final vote will be held for ratification of the finalised bill.

Addressing Wednesday's session, development minister Costis Hatzidakis said that, in the case of the ailing national carrier OA, the government "disregarded the temporary political cost and persisted with its program and its European policy", adding that "this is what we will continue to do in this difficult period of the global financial crisis, knowing that Greece does not need 'magic recipes' but a responsible European governance".

A fundamental success of the government was the fact that the European Commission approved the plan under which the new OA will not carry the burdens and debts of the past, Hatzidakis said and, in reply to main opposition PASOK accusations that the New Democracy government did not attempt tough bargaining with Brussels, he noted that negotiations were held over a space of 8 months with the Commission seeking the airline's closure. "We negotiated, and succeeded in the new OA maintaining 65 percent of the old company's flight activity and also retained the name and logo", whereas in the case of Belgium, its carrier Sabena retained only the logo, the minister stressed.

PASOK parliamentary spokesman Christos Papoutsis called on the government to clarify whether it was true that the government had commenced discussions with MIG long before it issued the international tender for OA's denationalisation, which was vehemently denied by ND deputy Panos Panagiotopoulos.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) rapporteur Achilleas Kantartzis charged that OA's privatisation was not the result of management problems but a political choice in the framework of the "EU one-way-path".

Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA) MP charged that the deal was a transfer of OA to "private, looting interests".

Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) parliamentary spokesman Asterios Rondoulis accused the government and the two mainstream parties -- ND and PASOK -- of "instituting impunity for the managements they themselves appointed".

Although LAOS voted in favor of the bill, Rondoulis blamed Hatzidakis for the deficits in OA posted during ND's governance, charging that OA posted a deficit of 2.6 billion euros during the period 1995-2008, of which 67 percent was accrued in just 32 percent of that time period.

[05] Transport minister on Olympic Airways privatisation

The bill's articles were ratified by the ruling New Democracy (ND) party and the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) party.

Stylianidis included privatisation in Greek economic diplomacy, reminding of the opening to the Russian market that "made Greece an energy pipeline hub," the opening to the corresponding Chinese one "tht gave us the possibility of privatising part of the Port of Piraeus."

The minister also focused on the opening to the Arab world that, among other things, "created a new momentum in the sector of privatisations, with the most important being the outcome that is being completed at OA today. Greek capital entered the game to be able to create additional momentum in this effort that has been manifested so far."

Ruling New Democracy party rapporteur Katerina Papacosta also pointed out on her part that "the contract is beneficial for Olympic, for public interest, for the taxpayers, for Greek Democracy."

[06] Greek MEPs on upcoming Euro-Parliament elections

Speaking to reporters, Emmanuil Angelakas (ND), Stavros Lambrinidis (PASOK) and George Toussas (KKE) reminded that the European Parliament is at the core of the EU institutional shake-up considering that the new European Commission will be approved in November.

Referring to the delay on behalf of the Greek political parties in deciding on their candidates' lists, they commented that the issue concerns exclusively the leaderships of the parties.

They also pointed out that the appointment of a new European Commission will be held in compliance with the Treaty of Nice even if the Treaty of Lisbon is approved before the end of the year.

The issues topping the EU agenda will be unemployment, the tendency to cut down on labor rights, the reduction of social state expenditures and immigration.

[07] PASOK spokesman on economy

Papaconstantinou called on the government to explain officially what the increases in the pensions of the public and private sector will be, while referring to the state's loan holding he said that "it has now reached 38 billion, it has exceeded by nine billion the expiries of State securities for 2009."

He further said that "it has almost reached today, in early April, the total amount of loaning anticipated in the budget for 2009 and, of course, we are continuing to borrow very expensively."

Papaconstantinou, asked to comment on a statement by Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga that "PASOK is a step away from saying that KKE is not a legal party and that, in any case, PASOK socialism is tantamount to uncontrollable capitalism," said that "allow me to pass it by, because if I comment every day on all that we are hearing from KKE about PASOK, I think that I would exhaust your patience, as well of all who read what we say here."

Also called on to comment on a statement by Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) President Alexis Tsipras that it is not clear if and to what extent PASOK agrees with the proposal made by Alavanos on joint action against the re-election of (EU Commission President Manuel) Barroso, said that "the head of PASOK's group in the European Parliament has stated his position publicly against the re-election of Barroso, while there is a steadfast proposal by PASOK for the election of the president, of the European Commission by all the european citizens."

[08] Papandreou meets Gaza Strip volunteers group

Papandreou also met with the president of the Pakistani community in Greece and his family, as well as with Mrs. Panachi, who is of Kurdish descent from Iran, who has been living in Greece over the past 10 years and is requesting political asylum in the country, since she has been persecuted, imprisoned, tortured and sentenced to death in her country, from where she left with a high school diploma as her only means, while today she is completing a doctorate thesis in Greece.

[09] ÊKE leader addresses rally in Thessaloniki

"ND is deceiving in saying that the crisis will be handled if the policy of privatisations becomes even more intensive and PASOK is deceiving in claiming that green development is the salvation for the working people," she said.

"It is important that on the day after the Eurolections, the European Union and the bourgeosie governments, both centre-right and centre-left, count losses, their policy to have been dealt a blow. This blow can be provided with the voting of the communist parties and their allies," Papariga added.

Papariga appealed to the people of PASOK and called on them "to be concerned since the leadership of the party of PASOK is turning us 60 years back, adopting an extreme and intransigent anti-communism" and pointed out that anti-communism is not only directed at KKE but at the entire movement.

[10] Leftist party head outlines environmental programme

He underlined that the main goal for the leftist party is a "radical reform" of society's production core, based on the principles of sustainable development and through social consensus, democratic participation and constant control.

Tsipras clarified that the "green economy can constitute the vehicle for the radical transformation of the economy but, at the same time, can prove to be the cause of the next crisis," pointing out that "the environment should not become the victim of the economic crisis we are being faced with."

"No pro-environment force can avoid a clash with economic interests," he underlined.

[11] Turkish press reports 'first no to Obama' over minority issues

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has denied any initiative by Turkey to re-open the Orthodox Halki Seminary in statements to Turkish press, in spite of pressures exerted by U.S. President Barack Obama during a recent visit there.

"There is no effort regarding the Theological School on Halki," the Turkish premier was reported as saying on Wednesday night, in response to reporters' questions on the issue.

According to the Turkish newspaper "Milliyet", quoting Turkish Minister of State Mustafa Yazicioglu, the operation of a private seminary is currently banned by the Turkish constitution and would be contrary to its laws. The minister had then added that the problem was being "dealt with" and that a "solution will finally be found".

Concerning the statements made by Obama about re-opening the Orthodox seminary and the problems with the religious freedoms of non-Muslims in Turkey, Yazicioglu apparently replied that this was a problem about which there had been awareness for a long time.

"[Obama] saying it does not change anything. At the end, it is our problem," the minister was quoted as saying.

The Turkish side has apparently proposed that the seminary operate as part of the Istanbul University Faculty of Divinity - whose courses are currently centred on Islam and Islamic culture - but this solution has been rejected by the Ecumenical Patriarchate as unacceptable. The Turkish government, on its part, has refused to consider a special measure for the seminary.

According to the Turkish daily "Hurriyet", Ankara's reply to Obama was that the Patriarchate must also assist in finding a solution "that is within the framework of Turkish laws" and, in reply to Obama, sought to link the issue of freedoms for non-Muslim minorities in Turkey to Greek treatment of the Muslim minorities in Thrace.

[12] Conference on state and corruption

Pavlopoulos further said that "the development of pockets of corruption requires the absence or non-observation of transparency rules," adding that technology and its soaring development can help in combatting lawlessness.

Main opposition PASOK party Deputy Evangelos Venizelos said on his part that the country's problem "is not only an economic one and it does not only have to do with the international crisis, but it is a complex, multilevel and universal one, since the crisis is an overall one, a moral crisis and a crisis of political institutions."

Businessman Yiannis Alafouzos also made an address, proposing that in the organisation's next conference on the issue of corruption and the state the term "hypocrisy" should be included, while accusing the politicians for the corruption existing since, as he said, "the politicians are managing authority like their personal property."

[13] Education minister holds talks with TEI teachers

"We had the opportunity to determine that there is a common framework in which we can, truly, through exchange of views and good will, find the points that unite us so that we can build and, as far as possible, protect the presence of TEI in tertiary education," the minister said.

Financial News

[14] Minister sees fast progress in diverting Acheloos

"The work to transport water from the Acheloos to Thessaly in a major project of national scale and since 2006 - when Parliament passed the law that I proposed - it is being constructed at a rapid pace. The opening of a 17.5-kilometre tunnel for the diversion will be completed in a month and the construction of the dam is also making fast progress," he said after an inspection.

Describing it as a project that had been "outstanding for decades", Souflias claimed that using the 15 percent of Acheloos River water that currently ended up in the sea would provide vital solutions for water-starved Thessaly.

"It is a complex and very important environmental, water-supply, hydro-electric and irrigation project. It is a supremely environmental project," the minister stressed, adding that the partial diversion of the Acheloos River had been supported by all governments since 1974 and all politicians, with few exceptions.

Its partial diversion had also been given the all-clear by a team of European Union experts, who said that Aitoloakarnania would be minimally affected by it, the minister pointed out, while the 600 million cubic metres of water arriving in Thessaly would bring multiple benefits there.

Among such benefits he cited an increase in the volume of water fed into the currently environmentally degraded Pineios River system, an improvement to the Thessaly water table that would help reduce problems with ground subsidence, soil salination and restoration of Lake Karla.

It will expected to reduce the currently high energy costs of pumping water for irrigation at great depths while actively generating some 400 MW "green" electricity via a series of hydroelectric dams, supply better quality water to Thessaly's population and provide irrigate water-starved agricultural land.

Souflias rejected criticism that he was pushing the project because of his own personal ties to Thessaly, stressing that he had pushed for its completion because he considered that it was right and just and would not have a negative impact on Aitoloakarnania and its people.

The project has been strongly criticised and blocked by environmental organisations since it was first proposed, decades earlier. Environmentalists warn of dire disruption of the valuable and fragile wetland ecosystems fed by the river in Aitoloakarnania.

The Acheloos Valley and the Delta are listed as Special Protection Areas under the EU Birds Directive 79/409/EEC and, along with much of the Southern Pindos, they were designated for inclusion in the national NATURA 2000 list. In addition, the Acheloos delta forms the Messolongi lagoons, a complex of wetland habitats constituting one of 11 Ramsar sites in Greece.

The middle and upper reaches of the Acheloos have also been identified as the most important Greek habitat for the trout, Salmo trutta, a protected species under Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive. Since this fish swims upstream to spawn, the construction of large dams along its natural route is likely to have a major impact on the resident breeding population.

A number of other fish species indigenous to the river are also protected by the EU Habitats Directive. Moreover, many of the neighbouring areas naturally sustained by the river's flow are also widely accepted as being of exceptional ecological significance.

The dams and reduced flows will change the habitats of a number of endangered and internationally protected species irreversibly and others will suffer serious disturbance both during and after the construction work. The Ramsar site at Messolongi will suffer from a critical reduction in freshwater input which will fundamentally alter its character.

Studies have questioned the economic viability of the project under the EU's new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that reduces cash for agriculture, while it is also contentious because Thessaly's water problems were caused by mismanagement and waste of the region's rich water resources, such as widespread cultivation of subsidised but water-hungry cotton and unregulated bore drilling for irrigation, that has caused depletion and increased salinity of groundwater.

[15] Pilgrimage tourism initiative by Russia, Greece

Promotion of pilgrimage tourism between Russia and Greece through the establishment of a joint coordinating committee was decided here during a meeting between Patriarch Kyrill of Moscow and All Russia and visiting Greek Tourism Development Minister Costas Markopoulos.

Markopoulos, the first Greek government minister to be received by the new Patriarch of Russia, stated that the committee will be comprised of three Russian Church members, Church of Greece representatives as well as a Greek tourism ministry official. He also stated that the initiative reaffirms that the Patriarch of Moscow will to contribute to the strengthening of bilateral relations through pilgrimage tourism.

Markopoulos underlined the Russian Patriarch's positive response to the initiative and stated that the Greek side's intention is to make Russia an attractive tourist destination for the Greeks adding, at the same time, that more Russians are expected to visit Greece this year.

Welcoming Markopoulos, the Russian Patriarch stated that the number of Russian tourists visiting Greece is smaller than desired and pointed out that Greece offers countless attractive destinations expressing the wish that bilateral relations in the sector of tourism and pilgrimage visits will be further improved. Patriarch Cyril also referred to the unavoidable consequences of the economic crisis.

In statements he made after the meeting at the Patriarchal residence, Markopoulos stated that the Patriarch referred to his "warm relation" with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, adding that "all indications show that we are entering a new phase in the history of the two Churches and Patriarchates," characterizing it as a positive development.

Markopoulos had meetings with the local government in the Russian capital to discuss the promotion of Greece's tourist campaign in the greater Moscow region and attended the first screening of the film "El Greco" in Russian cinemas. Later in the evening, he will be present in an event held for the promotion of Evros Prefecture, in northeast Greece, as a tourism destination.

[16] Livestock breeders blockade Tempi

"In the same way that the government found 28 billion to give to banks and in the way that they reduced prices for cars, they must find a way to support primary production," said the head of the Federation of Livestock Breeders Unions in Larissa, Mihalis Tzotzos, pointing out that livestock breeders received none of the 500-million-euro aid package given by the agriculture ministry to farmers.

They are seeking a state subsidy of 50 euros for each sheep and goat, and 250 euros per cow or breeding sow. Local livestock breeders also protest over the very low prices offered for meat in their area, with dealers refusing to go over 4.5 euros per kilo.

[17] Greek exports down 13.8% in Feb.

The statistics service said the value of export-deliveries declined 13.8 pct to 1.204 billion euros in February, from 1.397 billion euros in the same month last year.

The value of imports in the 12-month period from March 2008 to February 2009 rose 3.1 pct compared with the previous 12-month period, while the value of exports fell 1.5 pct in the same period.

[18] Industrial production index down 4.6% in Feb.

The mining production index dropped 5.4 pc tin February, the water production index was down 1.7 pct and the electricity production index fell 1.3 pct. The capital goods' production index dropped 12.5 pct in February, while the intermediate goods production index fell 10.7 pct.

The average industrial production index fell 7.8 pct in the January-February 2009 period, compared with the corresponding period last year.

[19] Building activity down 33.5 pct in Jan

[20] Greek stocks surged 4.14 pct on Thursday

All sectors moved higher with the Travel (6.24 pct), Technology (5.79 pct), Banks (5.39 pct), Utilities (4.59 pct) and Raw Materials (3.81 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day.

The FTSE 20 index rose 4.54 pct, the FTSE 40 index was 2.82 pct up and the FTSE 80 index rose 3.04 pct. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 201 to 31 with another 26 issues unchanged. The Greek market will remain closed on Friday and Monday along with other European markets because of the Easter holidays.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +3.03%

Industrials: +2.77%

Commercial: +2.40%

Construction: +2.51%

Media: +0.05%

Oil & Gas: +2.07%

Personal & Household: +3.30%

Raw Materials: +3.81%

Travel & Leisure: +6.24%

Technology: +5.79%

Telecoms: +1.24

Banks: +5.39%

Food & Beverages: +3.45%

Health: +3.73%

Utilities: +4.59%

Chemicals: +2.58%

Financial Services: +2.60%

The stocks with the highest turnover were Vivartia, MIG, National Bank and Public Power Corp (PPC).

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

Alpha Bank: 6.50

ATEbank: 1.22

Public Power Corp (PPC): 15.20

HBC Coca Cola: 11.82

Hellenic Petroleum: 6.98

National Bank of Greece: 14.02

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 5.40

Intralot: 4.32

OPAP: 20.52

OTE: 12.20

Bank of Piraeus: 6.08

Titan Cement Company: 17.00

[21] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 28,860 contracts, worth 20.177 million euros with investment interest focusing on Marfin Popular Bank's contracts (5,834), followed by Eurobank (962), MIG (999), OTE (865), PPC (2,685), OPAP (815), Piraeus Bank (1,384), National Bank (4,749), Alpha Bank (2,964), Mytilineos (611) and ATEbank (1,681).

[22] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates fell further. The 12-month Euribor rate was 1.78 pct, the six-month rate 1.61 pct, the three-month 1.43 pct and the one-month rate 1.01 pct.

[23] Foreign Exchange rates - Friday

U.S. dollar 1.337

Pound sterling 0.911

Danish kroner 7.51

Swedish kroner 10.945

Japanese yen 134.11

Swiss franc 1.538

Norwegian kroner 8.863

Canadian dollar 1.645

Australian dollar 1.874

General News

[24] 400,000 euros for archaelogical excavation in N. Greece

[25] AUTH honors elderly professor emeritus Emmanuel Kriaras

Kriaras, 103, was honored on Wednesday by the AUTH deanery and the Centre for Byzantine Research, which bestowed on him the title of the centre's honorary president in recognition of the fact that he was among its founders and its first president.

Kriaras was born in Piraeus in 1906 and was elected AUTH School of Philosophy Medieval Greek Literature professor in 1950. Among his most noted research work is the Dictionary of Medieval Greek Literature 1100-1669. In spite his old age he is still active and a prolific writer.

[26] Con'f at Thessaloniki college on 'Muslims in Europe'

Various immigrant group leaders attended the conference.

Immigrant and Refugee Support Centre director Antonios Papantoniou, a theologian and sociologist by training, stated that based on a qualitative study conducted by the centre, Muslims in Greece do not feel that they suffer discrimination based on their religious beliefs and that the problems they face are similar to those of other immigrants.

One figure thrown out for the number of Greek citizens of the Muslim faith was 85,000.

[27] Dire forecasts at climate change seminar in Athens

The seminar was organised by the European Centre for Environmental Research and Training, a part of the International and European Studies Department at Panteion University, in collaboration with the newly-formed Climate Change Policy and Law Observatory.

Citing official figures and projections made by the European Union of climate change repercussions for the next 50 to 100 years, speakers said that some 19,000 square kilometres of European coastline will be inundated and 1.5 million people displaced, with a total cost of 18 billion euros, while damage as a result of flooding will reach 18.5 billion euros, damage to infrastructure some 40 billion euros and additional costs to the health sector to 120 billion euros.

At the same time, a 30 percent reduction of agricultural production in the southern EU countries is forecast, with 16-44 million people suffering from water shortages.

They all underlined the need to adopt a new multilateral agreement on climate at the Copenhagen summit at the end of the year, which will replace and improve on Kyoto Protocol targets after 2012, seeking to reduce but also adapt to the consequences of climate change.

Panteion University rector Panagiotis Tsiris said that the repercussions of climate change would be more unequal and more intense than the severe consequences predicted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2007, adding that Europe had to prepare to deal with these unavoidable repercussions. Other speakers stressed that the current economic crisis should not be allowed to undermine Europe's environmental agenda.

The seminar was dedicated to the late professor George Papadimitriou.

[28] Incendiary devices planted at cathedrals in Athens, Piraeus and Thessaloniki

The area was immediately cordoned off and the bomb squad sent in, which located the explosive device in a small rucksack within the cathedral. The bomb consisted of a battery-operated clock detonator and either gas canisters or explosives and it was defused by bomb disposal experts. Traffic on Mitropoleos Street in central Athens, which runs next to the Metropolitan Cathedral, was restored a short while ago.

An identical device caught fire but without igniting at the Aghia Triada Church in Piraeus, while another two were located in churches in the northern port city of Thessaloniki.

A blast and small fire were caused by the device, again hidden inside a travel bag, planted in the Aghia Triada Cathedral in Piraeus at 14:45 on Thursday.

The homemade device comprised at least two gas canisters, fire-starters used in fireplaces and a bottle of unidentified liquid.

A priest and a church sexton present at the time managed to quickly extinguish the fire. No material damage was caused.

An investigation is underway by police.

Another call warning of a bomb at the National Certification Centre at 49 Constantinoupoleos Street was made at 15:45. This area was also been cordoned off by police.

[29] Suspects in Siemens case summoned by examining magistrate

During the preliminary investigation, Public Prosecutor Panagiotis Athanassiou had pressed criminal charges against all responsible for active and passive bribery and for legalising income from illegal activities. Zagorianos had also been instructed to investigate whether breach of faith had been committed in connection with the case.

Forty suspects that were current and former executives at Siemens, former executives at Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation and other business people had been questioned during the preliminary investigation and most of these are expected to indicted to stand trial.

[30] Three drug arrests in Thessaloniki

Police found in their possession 3 kg of hashish, 2.5 kg of heroin and a precision scale.

Weather Forecast

[31] Cloudy, rainy on Friday

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

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "European survey indicates that Greek teenagers drink, smoke and are substance users".

APOGEVMATINI: "2-3 percent raise in pensions - Employment Minister Fani Palli- Petralia's proposal on pension system reforms in private sector".

AVGHI: "Petty politics on social protection - PM preannounced additional suppression measures".

AVRIANI: "Bribe 'storm' in ferry routes to the islands - Parade of witnesses at the parliamentary preliminary investigation committee on Pavlidis case".

CHORA: "Tete-a-tete in Paris - Karamanlis meets Sarkozy after the conclusion of US president Barack Obama's European tour".

ELEFTHEROS: "Big blow for pensioners - Employment Minister cuts lump-sum low pension benefit in private sector".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Operation 'Law and Order' - PM preannounced strict measures".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Government takes back the benefits - Pensioners will not receive the 500 and 300 euros one-off benefit for low pensions that the government had promised them".

ESTIA: "MPs are not judges - They are making a mockery of justice".

ETHNOS: "Mockery for 2,250,000 pensioners - End to low-pension one-off benefit for all social security funds except those of the public sector".

KATHIMERINI: " Karamanlis preannounced changes in the university asylum law if the current one is not respected".

LOGOS: "PM stressed in parliament: 'I will not tolerate violence', and verbally attacked main opposition PASOK and SYRIZA parties on their stance".

NIKI: "Tourism in a tunnel - Tourism industry enterprises sound warning bell".

RIZOSPASTIS: "The law is the workers' rights - This is what the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) believes".

TA NEA: "Jungle of bribes on the remote islands' routes - Revelations in preliminary investigation committee".

TO VIMA: "Government is planning double elections (European Parliament and early general elections) - Indications are that the Pavlidis affair is forcing the government to change tactics".

VRADYNI: "Blow against corruption - Tourism Minister Costas Markopoulos' operation 'Clean Hands'."

Cyprus Affairs

[33] Cyprus President meets Patriarch of Alexandria

Cyprus President Demetris Christofias held a meeting Thursday with Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa Theodoros II.

The Patriarch decorated President Christofias with the Cross of Evangelist Markos, the highest honorary distinction of the Patriarchate.

In statements to the press after the meeting, which was the last official activity of the Cypriot president in Egypt, Christofias expressed the belief that his visit was highly successful.

"The aims set for the meeting, namely the further deepening of the relations between Cyprus and Egypt, the relations between the two Presidents, the governments and the people of the two countries were achieved", Christofias said.

Referring to the meetings he held during his official visit to the country which ended Thursday, Christofias underscored Egypt's support to the struggle of the people of Cyprus to solve the longstanding Cyprus issue.

He described his visit as successful pointing out the bilateral agreements signed by ministers of the two countries. Christofias also underlined the importance of the meetings he held with religious leaders of Egypt.

Referring to the visit he paid to the Patriarchate of Alexandria, President Christofias said that the close friendship and cooperation he has with the Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa Theodoros II were further upgraded.

During his official visit to Egypt Christofias addressed a Business Forum organised by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry in cooperation with the Federation of Egyptian European Business Associations. During the visit Cyprus and Egypt signed bilateral agreements after delegations of the two countries wrapped up their official consultations.

The Cypriot delegation in Egypt comprised Minister of Finance and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Charilaos Stavrakis, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Antonis Paschalides, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou, Director of the President's Office Vasos Georgiou and other officials.

Cyprus remains divided for thirty-five years after the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of its northern part.

[34] UN official says Cyprus process moving along as envisaged

The UN Secretary General's Special Advisor for Cyprus Alexander Downer said on Wednesday that the process for a

Cyprus settlement is moving along pretty much as he had envisaged it and added that there is a first reading of all of the chapters and the leaders of the island's two communities are going through them.

Speaking after a meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, Downer said it is important that the process maintains momentum and the leaders will meet on Friday and most certainly have a last round of discussions on EU matters.

Downer noted that there are a lot of agreements and some outstanding issues on EU matters, adding that the leaders will move to economic matters next week.

Replying to questions regarding the opening of a crossing point at Limnitis, to facilitate movement between the northern Turkish occupied areas and the southern government controlled part of the country, before the ''elections'' in occupied Cyprus, Downer said he did not wish to get into the ''elections'' or answer any relevant questions.

He added that the leaders of the two communities will be meeting on Friday and there will be things to say after the meeting, noting that the process will continue in any case.

Asked if Limnitis was on the agenda, Downer said confidence building measures are constantly being discussed, adding that Limnitis, on the northwest of the island, was a particularly complex issue.

Downer pointed out, however, that the confidence building measures are just confidence building measures and that the central task is to reach a Cyprus settlement.

He also noted that, although Cyprus is a small island in the Eastern Mediterranean, the international community is very focused on it and is putting a lot of effort into trying to help.

To another question, Downer said that if there is to be an agreement, there need to be many new developments and much more progress, adding that there are six chapters, which contain many issues.

He said that the second reading of the issues will be less time consuming and will be followed by the give and take phase, when the leaders of the two communities will have to put together a final package.

Downer pointed out that both sides are working very hard.

Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. President of the Republic Demetris Christofias and Talat have been engaged in direct negotiations since September 2008 with an aim to reunite the island.

[35] Cyprus FM discusses Cyprus issue with his Swiss counterpart

Cyprus Minister of Foreign Affairs Marcos Kyprianou have discussed the Cyprus issue with Micheline Anne-Marie Calmy-Rey, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (the Swiss Foreign Ministry), in a meeting held Thursday in Berne, Switzerland.

The Cypriot minister arrived in Switzerland on a working visit. According to an official announcement, Kyprianou informed his counterpart on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem particularly on the course of the direct talks between Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, aiming at reaching a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue.

Kyprianou referred to the important humanitarian work carried out by the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP) underling the need for its further financial support.

He also extended an invitation to his counterpart to visit Cyprus.

The Swiss FM warmly accepted the invitation. During the meeting, other issues as the bilateral relations between Cyprus and Switzerland, relation between Switzerland and EU and the world economic crisis were discussed.

The two ministers agreed to sing a bilateral agreement on culture issues.

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