Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 09-04-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't OKs 2.5 bln-euros employment action plan

[02] Payment of 500-euro 'mortgage' benefit begins

[03] Macedonia-Thrace minister provides financial support for large families

[04] Papandreou: Dual elections likely in June

[05] Gov't slams PASOK for 'selfish' election-mongering

[06] PASOK urges action to bring scandal probes to Parliament

[07] KKE leader seeks off- the agenda parliament discussion on youth rights

[08] Alavanos meets pensioners confederation

[09] Papoulias congratulates new fYRoM president

[10] Greece on Turkish overflights above Agathonissi

[11] Lord Wallace addresses ELIAMEP event

[12] Eurobarometer on Euroelections

[13] Foreign ministry spokesman on destruction of Cyprus's cultural heritage

[14] Greece raises 1.69 billion euros from state bills' auction

[15] Athens tourism promotion unveiled

[16] Development ministry sees lower prices for 2009 Easter feast

[17] Seventy-three million euros for land improvement projects

[18] Govt' annuls tender for the sale of Special Priority Mail

[19] Greek unemployment jumped to 9.4 pct in January

[20] Trade, energy discussed in Cairo

[21] Greek import price index in industrial sector down 2.5 pct in Feb

[22] Banks to present results of 28bln-euro liquidity support

[23] Hoteliers' president predicts 20 percent decline in profits

[24] F.G.Europe to pay 0.265 euros per share dividend

[25] Greek steel industry grew on average 4.4% in 1995-2007, survey

[26] ASE climbs above 1,900 level

[27] ADEX closing report

[28] Greek bond market closing report

[29] Foreign Exchange rates - Wednesday

[30] 'Peplophoros' replica donated to Chinese Museum of Women and Children

[31] AUTH research on the local communities and the brown bear

[32] Academics oppose making Athens Polytechnic a museum

[33] Justice minister, Archbishop visit juveniles prison in Avlona

[34] Minister visits 'second chance school' in Korydallos prison

[35] Police pursue suspect in Alepohori

[36] Toxic seaweed responsible for the deaths of fish in Maliakos Bay

[37] 'Clown' robs two banks in northern Athens

[38] Ancient artifacts found in antique stores

[39] Drug dealer arrested in Corinth

[40] Mild earth tremor in Florina prefecture

[41] Cloudy, rainy on Wednesday

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

[43] German Minister: Turkey has an important part to play in Cyprus reunification

[44] Spokesman says Cyprus problem obstacle to Turkey's EU course

[45] House President discusses Cyprus with German official Politics

[01] Gov't OKs 2.5 bln-euros employment action plan

"This is our response to the economic crisis. 70 percent of the programme is derived from EU funds, while national participation has been already estimated. Some 500,000 citizens will profit from the plan and our goal is to support youth and the weaker strata as well as the sectors that are mostly affected by the crisis, such as tourism, construction and SMEs," the minister said

[02] Payment of 500-euro 'mortgage' benefit begins

"With this emergency benefit we are actively supporting a large number of pensioners and unemployed loan holders that are in a difficult position as a result of the global economic crisis," government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros said.

He said the start of payments under a law passed earlier this year was announced by Finance Minister George Papathanassiou and Deputy Finance Minister Nikos Legas.

[03] Macedonia-Thrace minister provides financial support for large families

The money orders were received during a special ceremony held in "Warehouse 1" of the Thessaloniki Port Organisation, by 100 families of the "Agioi Pantes" large family society and later on at the ministry of Macedonia and Thrace by the president of the "Merimna" society to be distributed among another 50 large families.

"Today, the first direct results are being recorded from the implementation of the social support programme, which is being processed by the Macedonia-Thrace ministry, totalling 500,000 euros," Kalafatis said, adding that measures will follow for single parent families, elderly people and unemployed persons.

[04] Papandreou: Dual elections likely in June

Addressing a meeting of the party's working group on the economy, he commented that the last five years of New Democracy's rule were characterised by mismanagement, while he also blamed the ruling ND government for economic crisis.

Papandreou stated that budget deficit has skyrocketed and added that according to international analysts Greece and Ireland are the weak links in the Euro-zone.

Referring to PASOK's proposals over fiscal management and taxation, Papandreou stated that there is room for recovery if the necessary reforms are adopted.

[05] Gov't slams PASOK for 'selfish' election-mongering

"Those election-mongering are obviously not aware of what is happening in the country nor in the world. They serve their own petty political interests and nothing more," government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros said when asked to comment.

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis had recently stated his position on this in an unambiguous way, Antonaros pointed out, and further discussion only fuelled election speculation that had absolutely no basis.

In reply to questions on a reported postponement of a trip by Defence Minister Evangelos Meimarakis to the United States, the spokesman denied all knowledge that a trip had been planned, much less postponed, while pointing out that several visits by the prime minister had been planned for the same period.

Antonaros stressed that the government's key concern was to carry out a plan for coping with the global economic crisis, while he rejected Papandreou's arguments that the government was responsible for the economic crisis in Greece, describing them as "a return to the unrealistic positions expressed some months ago".

"It now appears that [he] once again does not recognise the existence of a global economic crisis," the spokesman added, accusing the main opposition of lacking a real plan for dealing with these issues and offering suggested solutions that were "strange and unprecedented in Europe".

[06] PASOK urges action to bring scandal probes to Parliament

The letter asked that "the Parliament President takes all initiatives arising from the Constitution and Parliamentary regulations so that the evidence in cases related to ministers, former ministers and deputy ministers be quickly conveyed to Parliament."

It was presented by PASOK Parliamentary group secretary Dimitris Reppas and two PASOK MPs, who afterwards clarified that PASOK had not asked for the current Parliamentary session to be extended.

"We raise the issue of responsibility of all factors, whether the Parliament president or government or judicial officials, in order to allow the opportunity - because there is enough time - to investigate these cases and lead the country to elections, after they have been investigated and any responsibilities assigned," Reppas said.

"The mission of Parliament and the institutional role of its President are determined by the Constitution and Parliamentary Regulations and, as has been proved in practice, these are observed without fail," Sioufas commented.

PASOK MPs then presented a copy of the letter to Justice Minister Nikolaos Dendias, who in statements after the meeting described it as unconstitutional.

"The letter given to me is in reality an indirect invitation - and I say indirect because I am only notified of its contents - to intervene in the work of justice. The letter is, in consequence, blatantly unconstitutional and the action PASOK requests of me clearly illegal. [PASOK] itself realises this and therefore notifies me of the letter and does not send it to me," he stated.

The minister urged all sides to let justice do its job and said the furore surrounding the affair was an obvious effort to influence its course.

Commenting on PASOK's letter later on Tuesday, government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros said it was a "performance" that would be indifferent "were it not yet another attempt by the main opposition party to intervene directly with the work of independent justice".

The main opposition appeared to not to have heard of the separation of powers, he added.

"They are asking the Parliament president and justice minister to break the law and act in an unconstitutional way, to intervene in the course of justice," Antonaros stressed.

Countering Antonaros' response, PASOK spokesman George Papaconstantinou later denied that PASOK's initiative constituted interference with justice and accused the government of "panic" and of "being indifferent to the institutions".

"We are asking the Parliament president to fulfill his institutional role so that Parliament, as sole competent authority, has the opportunity to exercise its own role. This has nothing to do with what seems to some as 'exceeding authority and obstructing the work of justice'. There has been a huge delay in forwarding the files, we are asking that the process be speeded up," Papaconstantinou told reporters.

Regarding a comment by PASOK leader George Papandreou that there might be 'dual' elections in June, the party spokesman said this was made likely by the "very volatile political climate" and "cases that might lead to indicting members of New Democracy".

[07] KKE leader seeks off- the agenda parliament discussion on youth rights

In a letter addressed to the parliament president Dimitris Sioufas, Papariga stressed that "the youth's rights toeducation, culture, sports and free time are being increasingly infringed", adding that "the reforms and reactionary changes being advanced in both the EU an our country particularly affect the youth".

[08] Alavanos meets pensioners confederation

Alavanos added that "we have reached the point of social security funds not being able to contribute to funeral costs, that they are obliged to cover."

He further said that "money must go to those in need. All the measures against pensioners announced by the government and the tactic of divide and rule must be revoked."

Also commenting on Tuesday's inner cabinet meeting, Alavanos said that "the government is using the problem of unemployment to satisfy demands, pressures from big businesses for part-time employment to become generalised and for income to be reduced."

Alavanos further said that SYRIZA requests that dismissals should not take place, it says no to the decrease in weekly labour and in the corresponding incomes of working people and also requests strong intervention from the government, both in the public sector and with support for small and medium-size enterprises to enable tens of thousands of new jobs to be created.

[09] Papoulias congratulates new fYRoM president

President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias sent his congratulations to the newly elected president of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (fYRoM) Gjorgje Ivanov, where Papoulias also expresses a hope for resolving the nagging "name issue".

"I hope that we will soon have the possibility of achieving a mutually acceptable solution regarding the difference over your country's name, through the United Nations negotiation process," Papoulias notes in his letter.

According to an announcement by the ruling VMRO-DPMNE party, issued on Tuesday, the Greek president also expressed hope for "a deepening of bilateral relations".

Ivanov was elected in the second round of presidential elections on April 5 and will assume his duties on May 12.

Greece and fYRoM are engaged in UN-sponsored talks for resolving the "name issue" of the landlocked republic to Greece's north.

[10] Greece on Turkish overflights above Agathonissi

[11] Lord Wallace addresses ELIAMEP event

Referring to the new US administration under President Barack Obama, he stressed that constitutes a challenge and offers opportunities reminding that the previous meeting between European leaders and then US President George Bush in Gothenburg was catastrophic.

Lord Wallace also mentioned that "Barack Obama is the least anti-European American leader" and maintained that the latter wants to reinstate multilateral relations.

The British politician underlined that US relations with China are high on the new US President's agenda while adding that he still does has not defined his policy toward Russia.

[12] Eurobarometer on Euroelections

According to the results of a poll carried out by the Eurobarometer, 48 percent of Greeks and only 34 percent of citizens in the 27-nation European Union have decided to vote for the election of new members of the European Parliament in June.

The poll was conducted in the EU member-states between January 16-February 22 and 26,718 people were involved. The poll was held in Greece between January 21 and February 12 and 1,000 citizens were questioned.

In Greece the participation percentage in the June Euroelections is 10 percent higher compared to the previous poll held in th autumn of 2008, while in the EU it remained unchanged at 34 percent. It must be noted, however, that voting is compulsory in Greece.

The main issues of concern for both the Greeks and the rest of the Europeans in the upcoming Euroelections are unemployment (83 pc in Greece and 57 pc in the "27"), economic growth (77 pc in Greece and 52 pc in the "27") and inflation and purchase value (48 pc in Greece and 40 pc in the "27").

As regards unemployment in particular, it appears that the Irish (84 pc), the Greeks (83 pc) and the Portuguese (80 pc) are the European citizens who are concerned the most as to how matters will develop.

[13] Foreign ministry spokesman on destruction of Cyprus's cultural heritage

Greek foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos, speaking in a television interview here on Tuesday, said he was shocked by the extent of destruction and plundering of Cyprus's Greek Orthodox churches and cultural heritage in the occupied section of the island.

Koumoutsakos said that in Tuesday morning he visited the Byzantine Museum of the Archbishop Makarios III Foundation where, on the one hand, he admired the excellent exhibits and, on the other hand, saw the destruction and plundering of temples in the occupied territory through an important photo exhibition.

"The extent of plundering, of destruction, of the antiquities smuggling of the cultural heritage of Cyprus shocked me absolutely and I would like to share this feeling with you and with your viewers," he said and expressed the wish that efforts to achieve the repatriation of icons, murals, mosaics and other heirlooms that have been plundered and are to be found abroad will have a positive outcome.

Koumoutsakos was given a guided tour of the Byzantine Museum by its director, Dr. Yiannis Iliadis.

Koumoutsakos was also given a guided tour of the photo exhibition titled "Hostages in Germany-Plundered ecclesiastical treasures from Turkish-occupied Cyprus."

Financial News

[14] Greece raises 1.69 billion euros from state bills' auction

[15] Athens tourism promotion unveiled

The "World of Athens" road show events will be held in Chicago, New York, London, Paris and Berlin and will be based on promotion network comprised of 24 cities worldwide, Tourism Development Minister Costas Markopoulos said on Tuesday during a presentation of the initiative.

The central square of each of the five cities mentioned will host the 15-metre in diameter "World of Athens", which will have the capacity to welcome up to 60 visitors at a time, giving them the opportunity to learn more about ancient and modern Athens through the use of high technology.

[16] Development ministry sees lower prices for 2009 Easter feast

Deputy Development Minister George Vlachos urged consumers to shop around to find the best prices, after publishing a price list compiled by the ministry. According to this, price increases had been observed only for apples and veal relative to last year.

In reply to statements made on Monday by PASOK's spokesman for development issues Mihalis Chrysohoidis, Vlachos accused the main opposition of "dangerous irresponsibility" and reproducing mistaken figures.

"He cited OECD figures without taking the trouble to check them, so that all the calculations and conclusions that arose from them are wrong," the deputy minister claimed, noting that PASOK had confused two different types of food product index and produced a result that did not reflect what was actually happening in the market.

[17] Seventy-three million euros for land improvement projects

According to an announcement by Agricultural Development and Food Minister Sotiris Hatzigakis, decisions concerning the inclusion of seven major land improvement projects in the "Alexandros Baltatzis" programme have been ratified and signed.

The projects include three contractorships regarding the Anavalos dam, in the prefecture of Argolida in the Peloponnese, having a total budget of 36 million euros.

[18] Govt' annuls tender for the sale of Special Priority Mail

Olympic Fuel Company is a member of Olympic Airways Services. The Inter-ministerial Privatization Commission, in a meeting chaired by Economy and Finance Minister Yiannis Papathanasiou, also approved the sale of a 17 pct share in Athens Airport Fuel Pipeline Company -a member of Olympic Airways Services- to the International Athens Airport for 2,261,000 euros.

The commission meeting also approved to implementation of a restructuring plan for Hellenic Railways. The final restructuring plan for the organization is expected to be unveiled by the end of the month.

[19] Greek unemployment jumped to 9.4 pct in January

The statistics agency, in a report, said the number of unemployed people totaled 465,692 in January, from 390,210 in January 2008, while the number of employed people in the country totaled 4,485,015.

The unemployment rate in western Macedonia jumped to 16.4 pct in January 2009, from 13.3 pct in January 2008, while in the southern Aegean it rose to 16.3 pct from 12.1 pct, respectively. The unemployment rate in Epirus rose to 12.8 pct, in Crete 12.4 pct and in central Greece 11.9 pct. In central Macedonia, the unemployment rate was 10.4 pct in January, in the Ionian islands was 10.9 pct, in the Peloponese 9.5 pct, in northern Aegean 8.2 pct, in Attica 7.1 pct and in eastern Macedonia-Thrace 8.8 pct.

Unemployment mostly hit women (13.3 pct in January from 12.1 pct in January 2008), while among men the unemployment rate was 6.7 pct from 5.1 pct. The unemployment rate among young people, aged 15-24 was 25 pct in January.

[20] Trade, energy discussed in Cairo

Greek Development Minister Costis Hatzidakis on Monday evening concluded an official visit to Egypt, as he led a 12-member Greek delegation that included several top Greek energy sector executives.

The Greek minister was received in Cairo by Egypt's Minister for Foreign Trade & Industry, Rachid Mohamed Rachid, as well as Minister of Electricity & Energy Hassan Younis and Petroleum Minister Sameh Fahmy.

Boosting bilateral trade along with the transport of liquified natgas and the presence of at least two Greece-based energy firms, Vegas Oil and EL.PE, in the Egyptian market dominated talks.

[21] Greek import price index in industrial sector down 2.5 pct in Feb

The statistics service said the import price index was unchanged in February from January 2009, after an increase of 0.9 pct recorded in the corresponding period in 2008.

[22] Banks to present results of 28bln-euro liquidity support

The decision was reached in a meeting Economy and Finance Minister Yiannis Papathanassiou had on Tuesday with the heads of the five largest banks in the country.

[23] Hoteliers' president predicts 20 percent decline in profits

Speaking on the sidelines of an event organised by the Federation of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE) in Thessaloniki. Andreadis added that tourism in Northern Greece is in a better condition than in the rest of the country, in relation to the effects of the global financial crisis, due to the the advantage of the arrivals by raod, which counter-acted the losses from the limited seats available in airlines..

[24] F.G.Europe to pay 0.265 euros per share dividend

The shareholders' meeting also approved the company's corporate and consolidated financial results for last year and discussed the management's plans to deal with a current economic crisis.

[25] Greek steel industry grew on average 4.4% in 1995-2007, survey

The survey said that domestic production continued to cover the biggest part of the market, strengthening its positions against imports in the last few years, although exports' growth was slower in the last few years compared with the early 1990s. Import penetration grew to 51 pct to 1998, but fell gradually to 32 percent in 2007.

Icap said total assets grew 15.2 pct in 2006, fro m2005, while equity capital grew 17.2 pct over the same period. Sales grew 34.9 pct to 2006, while gross profit margin was up 18.87 pct in 2006 from 9.1 pct in 2005. Return on capital improved spectacularly to 14.85 pct in 2006 from 1.72 pct in 2005, while debt burden eased slightly.

The survey also said that the steel industry was concentrated in five production units.

[26] ASE climbs above 1,900 level

The composite index of the market rose 1.01 pct to end at 1,901 points, with turnover soaring to 360.8 million euros, of which 94.3 million euros were block trades.

Most sectors moved higher, with the Insurance (11.35 pct), Health (7.89 pct) and Technology (4.84 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while Telecommunications (3.28 pct), Oils (3.14 pct) and Raw Materials (0.79 pct) suffered losses.

The FTSE 20 index rose 0.79 pct, the FTSE 40 index ended 2.71 pct higher and the FTSE 80 index rose 1.57 pct. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 167 to 60 with another 38 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +11.35%

Industrials: -0.39%

Commercial: +2.20%

Construction: +0.12%

Media: +1.10%

Oil & Gas: -3.14%

Personal & Household: +1.82%

Raw Materials: -0.79%

Travel & Leisure: +2.19%

Technology: +4.84%

Telecoms: -3.28%

Banks: +1.72%

Food & Beverages: +3.10%

Health: +7.89%

Utilities: +2.59%

Chemicals: -0.59%

Financial Services: -0.38%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, Corinth Pipe Company, Alpha Bank and Public Power Corp (PPC).

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

Alpha Bank: 6.56

ATEbank: 1.24

Public Power Corp (PPC): 15.70

HBC Coca Cola: 12.18

Hellenic Petroleum: 6.78

National Bank of Greece: 14.10

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 5.72

Intralot: 4.19

OPAP: 21.10

OTE: 11.80

Bank of Piraeus: 6.29

Titan Cement Company: 17.26

[27] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 29,937 contracts worth 30.923 million euros, with investment interest focusing on National Bank's contracts (11,032), followed by Eurobank (1,398), OTE (1,393), PPC (949), Piraeus Bank (1,134), Alpha Bank (3,972), Marfin Popular Bank (2,906), Cyprus Bank (1,188) and ATEbank (1,901).

[28] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates were largely unchanged. The 12-month Euribor rate was 1.77 pct, the six-month rate 1.60 pct, the three-month rate 1.42 pct and the one-month rate 1.0 pct.

[29] Foreign Exchange rates - Wednesday

U.S. dollar 1.338

Pound sterling 0.898

Danish kroner 7.508

Swedish kroner 10.932

Japanese yen 133.63

Swiss franc 1.527

Norwegian kroner 8.858

Canadian dollar 1.624

Australian dollar 1.836

General News

[30] 'Peplophoros' replica donated to Chinese Museum of Women and Children

The Museum, the only one in China dedicated to the Woman and the Child, was founded by the All China Women's Federation and aims at the promotion of friendship and cooperation among nations.

To underline this aim and to honour the Museum, the Greek Ministry of Culture donated a replica of a statue named Peplophoros or Peplos Kore, one of the finest Archaic korai to be dedicated to the goddess Athena. The original statue belongs to the Acropolis Museum.

Peplophoros wears the heavy Doric peplos (veil), hence her name. The kore (young woman) is portrayed frontally, her right arm stretched against her side, while the left hand, which was made together with the forearm from a separate piece of marble, probably held an offering. Her short peplos is fastened over both shoulders; it forms a simple fold along the neckline and was richly decorated with painted ornaments. This kore's radiant face is highlighted with red paint on the eyes and lips, and her long locks, painted in the same colour, were adorned with metal ornaments, which are now missing. She is the work of the same unidentified artist who created the 'Rampin Horseman' and a few other sculptures found on the Acropolis.

The presentation ceremony took place at the headquarters of the All China Women's Federation on Tuesday.

[31] AUTH research on the local communities and the brown bear

According to the research conducted, 56.8 pct of the local people see the existence of the brown bear in their regions as important and 72.7 pct believe that it should be protected. However, 55.2 pct think that it appears close to their farms too often. Most of the problems faced by farmers and are associated with the bears concern damaged crop production and livestock attacks.

Moreover, 67.2 pct support the establishment of an agency to protect the animal and keep the local population informed assisted by volunteer programmes (39.3 pct).

The animal conservation group Arcturos on Monday repeated a call for electrified fences and the use of Greek sheep dogs as a "shield" that will allow brown bears and humans to co-exist peacefully in the bear's important habitats.

The group noted that although the measures had already been approved by the agricultural development ministry but the necessary funds had yet to be released.

[32] Academics oppose making Athens Polytechnic a museum

In a press conference, the head of the NTUA school of architecture, which is housed within the Patission building, stressed that "the operation of universities in the centre of the city enriches and activates [the city's] activities and contributes to its multifunctionality. It is well known that in all European cities, the university has an important and "immovable" position in their centre."

He also emphasised the importance of such a position in the education of architects, linking them to social activities within the city and the planning and environmental problems occurring within its boundaries.

Speakers stressed that politicians were talking about converting the Polytechnic into a museum without having secured the agreement of its administration and stressed that the endowment on which the Polytechnic was founded did not allow its conversion into anything other than a higher educational institute.

The university's authorities all stressed that they would not consent to any change in the use of the building, which currently houses the architecture school, civil engineering and ship-building departments and part of the Fine Arts school.

[33] Justice minister, Archbishop visit juveniles prison in Avlona

They spoke with the young inmates and presented them with symbolic gifts, while they were briefed on conditions within the facility by the prison's management. They also visited the school operating within the facility and spoke with the headmaster on the efforts made to use the inmates' time in custody as a time of learning.

The visit will be held following an invitation extended to the Archbishop by Dendias during a meeting they had at the Archdiocese.

[34] Minister visits 'second chance school' in Korydallos prison

The Second Chance Schools are for adult learners that have not finished compulsory education and the plan is to add high school education programmes.

[35] Police pursue suspect in Alepohori

According to police, half an hour after midnight police officers called a car to stop for a routine check but the driver ignored their signal and sped off. A pursuit began immediately that continued for a while, during which the police officers shot at the car several times. Finally the suspect abandoned the vehicle and managed to escape on foot.

A strong police contingent rushed to the scene and were combing the area to locate the suspect.

Police found in the abandoned vehicle a Kalashnikov assault rifle and five mobile phones. The vehicle was transferred to the Police crime lab for examination.

[36] Toxic seaweed responsible for the deaths of fish in Maliakos Bay

The fish were exposed to neurotoxins that are being produced by the specific seaweed for a period that lasts from 1 to 6 months depending on environmental conditions and damage gill membranes causing suffocation.

The specific algae are not associated with human food poisoning.

Initially the phenomenon was attributed by local authorities to lack of oxygen and debris carried by Spercheios River.

[37] 'Clown' robs two banks in northern Athens

The perpetrator took off with a total of 4,500 euros from both robberies and escaped on a motorcycle.

[38] Ancient artifacts found in antique stores

Police found and seized parts of ancient columns which, according to archaeologists, date back to Hellenistic, Roman and the early Byzantine period (3rd century BC - 7th century AD).

[39] Drug dealer arrested in Corinth

Police were conducting an investigation, while the suspect was brought before a local prosecutor.

[40] Mild earth tremor in Florina prefecture

According to the Geophysics Laboratory of the Aristotelio University in Thessaloniki, the tremor's epicentre was located 30 kilometres southwest of the city of Florina. The earthquake was a surface one and was felt in the prefectures of Kozani and Kastoria as well, without any problems being reported so far.

Seismologists are monitoring the phenomenon, while the accurate conclusions are expected in the coming days.

Weather Forecast

[41] Cloudy, rainy on Wednesday

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

ÁDESMEFTOS TYPOS: "What does main opposition PASOK want to hide by tabling a proposal for the establishment of a parliamentary preliminary investigation committee on the SIEMENS affair?"

APOGEVMATINI: "Historical changes in Attica - Enviroment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister announced a package of measures that will upgrade the quality of life in Attica".

AVGHI: "Souflias promises a 220 km Metro network, legalisation of all unlicensed 'giant' buildings and draws new highways in Attica, even areas burnt by wildfires".

AVRIANI" Government- PASOK head-on collison over SIEMENS and Pavlidis cases".

CHORA: "New regulatory plan changes Attica's landscape".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "FYROM government 'speaks' with Alexander the Great through a psychic - The ultimate in stupidity and absurdity".

ELEFTHEROS: "ND deputies' movement for catharsis in the party - The 'popular Right' took up its gun and defends the party's dignity".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "20,000 hectares in Attica to be incorporated in the Town Plans - The new regulatory plan foresees an Athens of 13,000,000 residents".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "The second case file drowns Pavlidis - Two felonies concerning the remote islands routes to be investigated".

ESTIA: "Who are creating new job positions - Government's policy is absurd".

ETHNOS: "Pavlidis' daughter belies her father - Former minister left uncovered over the cost of the apartment".

KATHIMERINI: "Actuarial Authority's report/proposal in parliament on a single social security fund and retirement at the age of 65".

LOGOS: "Pressure on Pavlidis intensifies - Second case file submitted to parliament".

NIKI: "Pavlidis' dethronement - His daughter's testimony in parliament was damaging".

RIZOSPASTIS: "Communist Party leader Aleka Papariga stresses at a press conference: Tourism is a popular right that works as a medium to compensate the work force".

TA NEA: "Athens moves east - Government remembered the Regulatory plan ahead of elections".

TO VIMA: "Maladies without remedies.....Everyone speaks of a certain defeat in euroelections - The crisis in ruling New Democracy peaks with Pavlidis case".

VRADYNI: "2O,000 hectares in Attica region's new planning project".

Cyprus Affairs

[43] German Minister: Turkey has an important part to play in Cyprus reunification

It is undeniable that Turkey has an important part to play in the process of the reunification of Cyprus, German Minister of State for Europe Gunter Gloser said after a meeting he had on Tuesday with Cyprus Foreign Minister Marcos Kyprianou.

Gloser expressed his country's readiness to contribute to efforts for a Cyprus settlement, if it is asked to do so, while referring to Turkey's EU course he said that Ankara has to fulfill the obligations it has undertaken in the framework of his EU course, among which is the implementation of the Ankara protocol.

Speaking through an interpreter Gloser said the relations between Germany and Cyprus are good "but there is always something that can be done to further improve good relations".

He said that Germany has an interest in seeing the German language be more widespread in Cyprus, adding that they discussed how they can ensure that more Cypriots learn to speak German and what they can do to provide further incentives to people here to learn German.

As he said they focused very much on exchanging views and experiences with respect to the process of negotiations between the Republic of Cyprus and the representatives of the Turkish Cypriots.

He added that ''since the coming into office of the new President of the Republic of Cyprus a new dynamic has been injected into this process."

As he noted "for someone who is not on a continuous basis involved or focusing on this particular issue it's been very impressive to note how many individual topics and issues are being discussed in this negotiation process".

''I was impressed by the sense of optimism that seems to be carried on by the parties involved'' despite the very many difficulties that they are facing, he said, a solution is achievable.

Noting that he is aware that these are UN-led direct talks, he expressed "our readiness to be of assistance wherever desired".

He said that the German government is willing to be of help "but it is for the two communities and for the Republic of Cyprus of course to decide whether they want this kind of assistance or not".

He noted the fact that his country has experience with topics linked to the issue of the reunification of a country ''but of course every case is a specific one and cannot necessarily be compared to another case. Nevertheless I think there are some experiences that might prove helpful," he added.

Gloser said another issue on their agenda was the enlargement of the EU and the question "of a possible accession of Turkey to the EU."

He noted that there are specific obligations that Turkey must fulfill, adding that these accession negotiations have produced some dynamic with respect to the developments in Turkey. "Some reform steps have been initiated by the Turkish government. Some say that these developments are slow but nevertheless progress has been made," he added.

"There are certain obligations that Turkey has to fulfill, the implementation of the Ankara protocol being one of them. It is undeniable that Turkey has an important part to play in the process of the reunification of Cyprus," he added.

With respect to the Middle East process, Gloser said it is important that the process continues, noting that both Israelis and Palestinians must live in peace and security, and that the latter must be allowed to live in a viable state of their own.

Concerning the Union for the Mediterranean, the German minister noted the need to make progress with respect to implementing the projects of cooperation amongst the citizens of the various countries affected as the protection of water supply, producing energy and electricity in the southern part of the Mediterranean, education and training.

Kyprianou said he explained to the German minister the positions of the Cyprus government on the Cyprus question and the ongoing process of direct negotiations, noting that Turkey must actively play a constructive role in this effort.

He noted that they discussed EU-Turkey issues, reiterating the position of the Republic of Cyprus that it supports Turkey's course towards the EU as long as Turkey fulfills all its obligations towards the EU and those concerning Cyprus, as well as those concerning reforms.

Kyprianou said they also discussed bilateral issues and the potential of concluding agreements, especially in financial fields, as well as the issue of wide-spreading the German language in Cyprus.

He also said they exchanged views on the Middle East and expressed hope that the peace process will soon resume.

Turkey, which aspires to become an EU member, does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus, divided since the Turkish invasion of the island in 1974.

[44] Spokesman says Cyprus problem obstacle to Turkey's EU course

Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said on Tuesday that Turkey must understand that the Cyprus problem is an obstacle to its EU accession course.

Commenting on remarks by Turkish officials, Stephanou said that in order to promote its EU course, Turkey must cooperate for a Cyprus settlement, based on UN resolutions, international law and the high level agreements of 1977 and 1979, and must also meet the obligations it undertook towards the EU and the Republic of Cyprus.

Regarding the meeting scheduled to take place on Wednesday between US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, Stephanou said one would have to wait and see, adding that what mattered was the capacity in which Talat would be received.

Asked about statements by the UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer that the Cypriots were responsible to solve the Cyprus problem, Stephanou said the international community was also responsible and had a duty to exert pressure on those obstructing a settlement, namely Turkey, and demand a solution based on UN resolutions and international law.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

[45] House President discusses Cyprus with German official

President of the House of Representatives Marios Garoyian met on Tuesday with Minister of State for Europe at the German Federal Foreign Office Gunter Glosser, who expressed hope that a solution would be found to the Cyprus problem the soonest possible, thus allowing the reunification of the island, and reiterated his country's support to efforts underway for a settlement.

According to an official press release, Garoyian expressed gratitude for the continuous support of Germany to efforts to solve the Cyprus problem and briefed Glosser on the course of the direct negotiations between President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat.

Garoyian said the form of the solution should be a bizonal bicommunal federation, based on relevant UN resolutions and the principles and values of international law and the EU.

He added that the key to a solution was in Ankara, which has never abandoned its expansionary policy in Cyprus or its intransigent positions, fully controlling the Turkish Cypriot community and its leadership.

Regarding Turkey's EU accession course, Garoyian said Turkey must meet its obligations towards the EU and also make substantive steps towards a Cyprus settlement.

He furthermore said it was important that other states supported Cyprus' efforts to reunite the island and pointed out the necessity to establish stability in the region.

Garoyian noted that Cyprus was in no case a threat to Turkey, contrary to the allegations of Ankara.

He added that Turkey is an important country from a geo-strategic point of view but there was a minimum level of principles and values of international law that should be respected.

Glosser was accompanied by Germany's Ambassador to Cyprus Gottfried Zeitz and other officials.

Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

The leaders of the two communities in Cyprus have been engaged in direct negotiations since September 2008, under UN auspices, with an aim to reunite the island.

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