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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Wen Jiabao gives 'vote of confidence' for Greece's future

[02] Chinese investment seen as 'vote of confidence' for Greek economy

[03] Greek, Chinese premiers stress mutual desire for stronger bilateral ties

[04] Greek, Chinese premiers visit Piraeus, announce ship-building support fund

[05] Agreement for direct investments in Greece, China

[06] Chinese premier meets ND leader Samaras

[07] Federation of Greek Enterprises on Chinese PM's visit

[08] PM receives Quadriga award in Berlin

[09] ND leader ends tour of Western Macedonia

[10] ND leader Samaras addresses ONNED festival

[11] Citizen's Protection minister on illegal immigration

[12] KKE leader says proposed CoE resolution is attack on 'popular forces'

[13] Papariga urges young couples to support KKE

[14] Deputy foreign minister holds meeting with SAE presidency

[15] Finmin: no new wage cuts in draft budget

[16] Court postpones discussion of trade unions' suit against wage cuts

[17] Foreign Exchange rates - Monday

[18] Dollis meets heads of German Federation of Greek Communities

[19] Woman charged as bank robbers' accomplice

[20] Olympiacos Piraeus maintains Super League lead

[21] Cloudy on Monday

[22] Athens' Sunday newspapers at a glance Politics

[01] Wen Jiabao gives 'vote of confidence' for Greece's future

During a speech attended Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, the leaders of the Parliamentary groups, former Parliament presidents, MPs and representatives of Greek industry and business, Wen said the effort to deepen and develop Greek-Chinese cooperation should focus on boosting bilateral trade, shipping and transport, science and tourism.

He called for a doubling in the volume of bilateral trade transactions to eight billion dollars in the next five years, adding that China was ready to double its imports of Greek products such as olive oil and wine.

Noting that that the Chinese government was encouraging Chinese businesses to establish logistics services in Greece and encouraging Greek ship owners to boost transactions with China, he said the two sides should cooperate in the management of the container terminal in Piraeus, aiming to increase its turnover by 3.7 million containers a year by 2017.

The Chinese premier repeated plans for a research centre that will investigate ways to save energy and promote investment in renewable energy sources and outlined plans for further cooperation in tourism through measures to facilitate the flow of tourists to and from Greece.

Wen's speech particularly emphasised relations between the EU and China, saying that these were now entering a new phase of "mature and healthy development". He pointed out that China was now one of the chief suppliers of technology to Europe and also one of Europe's main trading partners.

Describing the EU and China as "complementary", the Chinese premier pointed to figures showing that EU exports to China had increased 42 percent in the first half of 2010 and were expected to reach 500 billion dollars by the end of the year.

He underlined that his country was steadfastly pursuing a "win-win" strategy in its dealings with the rest of the world, both on the level of cooperation in technology and in trade and development but also in dealing with global challenges.

China supports a stable euro because "we are convinced that a united and strong Europe can play an irreplaceable role in the world's development," he added. Wen noted that China had experienced massive changes since 1978, that it was carrying out a policy of reforms with an open spirit and had much to learn from countries such as Greece.

Among others, he referred at length to ancient Greek civilisation, how this had inspired him and earned his respect, as well as his certainty that the difficulties now facing the Greek people would be decisively overcome. Wen particularly highlighted the valuable assistance given to China by Greek shipowners in what he described as a "crucial turning point" in its history in 1972, adding that his country will always remember this.

At the end of the Chinese premier's address, Parliament President Philippos Petsalnikos presented him with Parliament's gold medal.

Meeting with President Papoulias, visit to Acropolis

Prior to addressing Parliament, Wen was received by President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias at the presidential mansion and paid a visit to the Athens Acropolis.

Meeting the Chinese premier at the presidential mansion, Papoulias underlined the strategic importance of developing relations between China and Greece. In talks between them, Papoulias also noted that Greek bonds were a profitable investment and noted his satisfaction that ties between the two countries were advancing on all levels.

Wen expressed satisfaction with the 13 bilateral agreements signed with Greece and said that Greece and China "are both two countries that are ancient and modern and have a friendly cooperation that is rare in international relations."

"Because this cooperation is equal, it is viable," he added.

Immediately after the meeting, also attended by Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas, President Papoulias hosted a dinner for the Chinese premier, the Chinese delegation, several cabinet ministers and Bank of Greece governor George Provopoulos.

During his visit to the Athens Acropolis on Sunday morning, meanwhile, the Chinese premier proposed to Papandreou that Greece and China work together to campaign for the return of stolen antiquities and cultural treasures to their country of origin - including Greece's demand for the return of the Parthenon Marbles currently at the British Museum to the new Acropolis Museum.

Wen Jiabao informed Papandreou about the looting and destruction in 1860 of the old summer palace Yuan Ming Yuan outside Beijing by British troops. The soldiers were acting on the orders of British High Commissioner to China Lord Elgin, the son of the Lord Elgin that had removed the sculptures from the Parthenon.

The Chinese premier also agreed with Papandreou to continually expand Greek-Chinese cooperation in culture, with Greek Culture and Tourism Minister Pavlos Geroulanos due to meet his Chinese counterpart in the near future to discuss joint cultural activities.

Arriving at the Greek Parliament, where he deposited a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Wen Jiabao was received by Parliament President Philippos Petsalnikos for a brief meeting. Petsalnikos said the talks and agreement with the Chinese delegation opened a "new chapter" in Sino-Greek relations while Wen thanked him for the opportunity to address the Greek Parliament.

[02] Chinese investment seen as 'vote of confidence' for Greek economy

The 13 agreements were signed immediately after talks between the Chinese premier and Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, of which 11 are commercial deals.

"With foreign currency reserves China has already purchased Greek bonds, and will participate in the purchase of new bonds issued by Greece," Wen Jiabao said, while forecasting that bilateral trade between the two countries will reach a noteworthy figure eight billion dollars annually within the next five years.

In a bid to reach out to one of the Greek economy's "mainstays" -- ocean-going maritime transport -- the influential Chinese leader announced the establishment of a Sino-Greek development fund of five billion US dollars to provide financing to Greek shipowners choosing to build new vessels in China.

In terms of the all-important investments fronts, given Greece's now urgent emphasis on attracting FDIs, Wen Jiabao said the Chinese side will significantly increase its investment at the port of Piraeus, Greece's largest, while also examining the possibilities of investment in other sectors and areas.

"We are pleased with this vote of confidence for the efforts being made by the Greek people and government to put our country back in order," Papandreou said, noting that "this is vote of confidence to continue buying Greek bonds -- a vote of confidence also for the EU; it's a vote of confidence that investments will increase in Piraeus, allowing it to become a China-Europe transport hub; a vote of confidence that you want to double Greek imports to China, and many other decisions, such as the Greece-China development fund for ship-building in China and a call to your entrepreneurs to invest in Greece."

Asked about the debilitating economic crisis faced by Greece, the Chinese premier said:|

"The Greek government has taken timely and effective measures to deal with the crisis, and structural reforms to rehabilitate the fiscal system. We also noted the joint support mechanism by the IMF and EU, as well as (the fact) that these measures have produced positive results ... I am confident that the Greek economy will also recover along with the international economic recovery. Greece, during its history, has acquired invaluable spiritual wealth, and I believe that with its own effort it will overcome this difficulty," he emphasised.

The two premiers, at the head of respective ministerial delegations, later toured the Cosco container terminal at the port of the Piraeus.

[03] Greek, Chinese premiers stress mutual desire for stronger bilateral ties

Greeting Wen Jiabao, who arrived earlier the same afternoon for a three-day official visit to Greece, Papandreou expressed Greece's hopes that already good relations with China will become even stronger.

The Chinese premier, noting that his visit to Greece was a "long-standing wish", stressed that the two countries must enhance their relations in all areas and expressed confidence that his visit would deepen bilateral ties and cooperation even further.

"Our two countries, as much ancient as they are modern, must strengthen their ties in all sectors. Hand in hand we must proceed to overcome the present difficulties," he said.

The Chinese Premier arrived in Athens at 14:00 on Saturday at the head of a large delegation from China.

Shortly afterward touching down at Athens international airport, where he was welcomed by government vice-president Theodoros Pangalos, the Chinese premier arrived at the Maximos Mansion where he was officially welcomed by Prime Minister George Papandreou and Greece's political leadership.

The two leaders, after reviewing an honour guard that played the national anthems of Greece and China, entered the Maximos Mansion for a meeting. This was followed by a broader meeting that also included delegations from the Greek and Chinese governments that focused on political and economic ties and the prospects for investment in Greece.

This is the first visit by a Chinese premier to Greece in the past 24 years and acquires even greater significance in view of the current acute difficulties faced by the Greek economy, as well as that of Europe.

[04] Greek, Chinese premiers visit Piraeus, announce ship-building support fund

The Chinese premier also announced an agreement for a research centre focusing on reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by shipping that will be based in Greece and cooperation between the two countries in staff training and the modernisation of the container terminal in Piraeus, expressing confidence that this would become the "jewel of the Mediterranean".

During the visit, Papandreou stressed the multiple significance of the Chinese premier's presence in Greece, noting that the presence of COSCO in Piraeus had converted the port to a transport hub for Chinese products to the entire region.

He said that Greece and China will become pioneers in research, know-how and training on navigation and using alternative energy sources on a global level.

Referring to the special development fund for Greek ship owners, Papandreou stressed that this was a vote of confidence in the Greek economy and the efforts Greece was making to overcome the crisis. The Greek prime minister also noted that Wen's presence in Greece enhanced the strategic position of the two countries and strengthened China's relations with the EU.

COSCO group CEO Wei Jiafu presented the company's plans for Piraeus port and stressed that the container terminal will have the capacity to move 3.7 million containers by the year 2015.

[05] Agreement for direct investments in Greece, China

The memorandum was one of 13 bilateral agreements signed by Greece and China on Saturday, after the arrival of the Chinese premier Wen Jiabao in Athens. The deal is part of a bilateral agreement for economic, industrial and technological cooperation and aims to support existing investments but also encourage new investments by both sides that introduce new areas of economic activity.

The two sides will increase the mutual exchange of information concerning investment legislation, policy and investment opportunities in order to further assist investors from both countries. At the same time, Greek companies will be encouraged to enter into partnerships with Chinese companies in China and vice-versa.

Tools used to achieve these aims will include seminars, visits to outline investment opportunities, meetings and exhibitions for investors and for trade, use of the Internet and other communications media. During the five-year period of the memorandum, the two sides will hold regular meetings to review and promote activity encouraging investment activity in both countries.

[06] Chinese premier meets ND leader Samaras

Samaras accepted an invitation from Wen Jiabao to visit China and noted that the previous ND governments had succeeded in developing ties of trust with China's government. He also noted that the ties of friendship and trust between the Greek and Chinese peoples were very deep.

The Chinese premier, inviting Samaras to visit Beijing, said that Greece was China's best and most reliable friend in the European Union and that all political parties in Greece desired to develop bilateral relations.

[07] Federation of Greek Enterprises on Chinese PM's visit

It added that "in parallel, business planning, business activity, is emerging as the spearhead in the shaping of the new economic correlations internationally. It is time for all to realise that only a business Greece, extroversive and competitive, can upgrade our position in Europe and ithe world."

[08] PM receives Quadriga award in Berlin

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou was presented with Germany's Quadriga Award, in the category 'Power of Veracity', during a ceremony held here on Sunday evening.

The Quadriga Awards are presented on October 3 each year - the anniversary of the reunification of Germany - to four personalities or projects that are regarded as role models for or from Germany.

Papandreou was awarded for his efforts to "restructure Greek fiscal policy and avert default by the Greek State" and the award was presented by Deutschen Bank AG CEO Dr. Josef Ackermann.

The Greek premier said in his speech that he was receiving the award "on behalf of all Greeks", adding that he had opted to "speak openly and sincerely" on Greece's fiscal situation. Referring to the symbolism of the Quadriga Award as "breaking down taboos" and the fall of the Berlin Wall, Papandreou said that also today some Walls should fall, citing the division Cyprus as well as "economic and religious walls".

On his part Josef Ackermann praised the Greek prime minister and appeared optimistic over the course of the Greek economy.

This year Germany celebrates the 20th anniversary since its unification and the message of the awards is "Sharing values - Germany, Europe and the world".

Other award winners in 2010 included German Finance Minister Dr. Wolfgang Schauble and the last premier of former East Germany Lothar de Maiziere for "Architecture of Unification", the German armed forces represented by defence minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and Lieutenant General Gunter Weiler ('Service of Responsibility'), the artist Olafur Eliasson ('Art of Interaction') and Dr. Albrecht and Kristina Hennig ('Light of Empathy') for their work with the poor of Nepal.

Past winners of the Quadriga award include Mikhail Gorbachev, Vaclav Havel, Jose Manuel Barroso, Turkish premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Eurogroup president Jean-Claude Juncker, Peter Gabriel and the magazine 'Der Spiegel', among others.

According to the award's website, the Quadriga has been bestowed every year to four per­so­na­li­ties active in politics, the business world, social issues and culture. Recipients are honored for their commitment to a future of en­lighten­ment, re-­ge­ne­ra­tion and their pio­neering spi­rit.

The name of the award refers to "Die Quadriga", the le­gen­dary ensemble at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

[09] ND leader ends tour of Western Macedonia

Samaras expressed satisfaction with the results of the tour, saying he was given an opportunity to visit the region, speak with people and learn about their problems.

Speaking in Kastoria, he called on voters to "resist the fear that the government is trying to sow" and back the prospect given by ND's programme during the upcoming local government elections in November.

On Saturday morning Samaras met fur-makers and other manufacturers in Kastoria, who said their problems had multiplied as a result of the economic crisis. He then visited the Farm Cooperatives Union in Amyntaios and was shown around their facilities, promising ND's aid for their efforts.

On Saturday afternoon he met Florina mayor Stefanos Papanastasiou and Florina prefect Yiannis Voskopoulos, who is running for mayor on ND's ticket.

In statements while addressing ND-supported local government officials in Florina, Samaras stressed that the "only way out of today's crisis is the economic proposal made by ND," and stressed that the policies of the EU-IMF Memorandum "don't lead to a solution".

He emphasised that the greatest problem faced by the Greek province of Macedonia was unemployment and the "national depression that enters every home and threatens every youth".

Samaras is due in Ptolemaida on Saturday evening for a meeting with the mayor Grigoris Tsioumaris and at 7:00 he will visit Kozani for talks with the prefect George Dakis, who is running for election as Western Macedonia Regional authority head with ND.

[10] ND leader Samaras addresses ONNED festival

Samaras spoke of "supporters and parrots of the government who want to spread fear among the people to justify the memorandum's support."

He said that ND voted against the memorandum "precisely to give a prospect to young people". He further expressed certainty that on the November 7 local government elections the citizens "will send a message of hope and of disapproval of the government of the memorandum, voting against the candidates of the ruling party."

The ND leader praised Vassilis Kikilias, who is the party's candidate for the Attica regional governor post, and called on the party's youth to support the candidacy of a "young and honest person who does not have skeletons in his closet".

[11] Citizen's Protection minister on illegal immigration

A briefing was provided during the meeting both for the minister and the chief of police, as well as for police and army officials, on the intensity of the phenomenon in the Evros region, that more and more illegal immigrants are choosing, in relation to the seaway, for entry into European territory.

"Greece can no longer stand the waves of illegal immigrants and all are aware that it is not a phenomenon that concerns our country but the European Union in its entirety," Papoutsis said.

The minister indicated that the government will be taking inititiatives in the near future in the framework of the European Union, which he called on to assume its responsibilities towards a country that is currently experiencing the greatest pressure by immigration flows.

[12] KKE leader says proposed CoE resolution is attack on 'popular forces'

According to Papariga, the "monster" called the European Union and the CoE had decided to push for the resolution and condemn the people that still resisted the choices of capital, trying to prevent even demonstrations on the pretext of discouraging extremism.

If the CoE Parliamentary Assembly gives the EU an alibi to adopt the resolution and in its turn give instructions to member-states to adopt it, they are basically seeking to forbid the action of communist parties, Papariga said.

"KKE is not giving itself up to anyone," she added and stressed that this stance did not concern only her own party but all popular forces. She called on main opposition ND and ruling PASOK MPs to oppose the resolution, expressing certainty that it would not be passed in Greece.

[13] Papariga urges young couples to support KKE

Speaking at an event in the west Athens district of Ilion on the problems of young couples, Papariga underlined the serious problems faced by young people and especially young couples faced with mounting unemployment, low wages and several other problems.

She stressed that young people found it hard to start families in these circumstances and were unable to raise their children.

Papariga called on young people to organise and join the political battle so that the struggle became more intense in the coming period, pointing out that the situation would likely deteriorate with new measures passed by the government that were not part of the Memorandum.

She called for an increase in unemployment benefits and access to day-care centres for infants in order to offset the problems, urging voters to support tickets backed by KKE.

[14] Deputy foreign minister holds meeting with SAE presidency

"We are talking about a new era, not in words but deeds, with emphasis on the younger generation. In this course, diaspora Greeks must have a say in planning the policy that we will adopt," the minister said.

Financial News

[15] Finmin: no new wage cuts in draft budget

"Our logic is to incorporate most benefits in the wage - so that they are included in the calcuation for a pension - but to carefully set limits on the growth of payroll costs," he said.

He repeated a forecast that Greece will return to positive growth figures in 2012, after the first two years of the stabilisation, promising that the "dividends" of growth would go to those that made the greatest sacrifices.

Papaconstantinou stressed that those on low pensions would be the first group to have their income boosted, as soon as the state budget made this possible.

"The prime minister himself as asked that - and this will be done," he noted, adding that the ministry was trying to implement the prime minister's pledge as quickly as possible.

During the interview, meanwhile, he entirely dismissed main opposition New Democracy's claim that the crisis could be overcome through boosting growth and selling state property as "a fairy-tale for small children". The ND government under Costas Karamanlis "had ensured that Greece was considered the least reliable transaction party in the Eurozone," he added.

[16] Court postpones discussion of trade unions' suit against wage cuts

Civil suits against the cuts in wages and benefits and others opposing the memorandum signed with the EU and IMF for the European financial support mechanism have been filed by the civil servants' union ADEDY, the journalists' union ESHEA, pensioner associations and others.

The hearing was postponed at the recommendations of CoE advisors handling the case, who said that the ministries involved in the case, especially the finance ministry, have not sent documents outlining the positions of the Greek State on the issue, nor other documents required in order for them to have a complete legal picture of the issues that have arisen.

[17] Foreign Exchange rates - Monday

U.S. dollar 1.383

Pound sterling 0.874

Danish kroner 7.511

Swedish kroner 9.292

Japanese yen 115.17

Swiss franc 1.353

Norwegian kroner 8.104

Canadian dollar 1.419

Australian dollar 1.422

General News

[18] Dollis meets heads of German Federation of Greek Communities

The meeting was held in a warm climate and the two sides fully agreed on the need to rethink the strategy for expatriate Greeks in Europe, an announcement by the federation said.

[19] Woman charged as bank robbers' accomplice

The woman was brought in for questioning by police officers that originally pursued her as a suspected robber but now believe she was acting as a look-out for the two robbers.

A search to locate and arrest the two men that carried out the robbery and shot two people is continuing.

Soccer

[20] Olympiacos Piraeus maintains Super League lead

In other action:

Asteras Tripoli-Atromitos Athens 1-1

Kavala-Panionios Athens 2-1

Kerkyra -Iraklis Thessaloniki 0-0

Panseraikos Serres-Larissa 1-0

PAOK Thessaloniki-Aris Thessaloniki 0-1

Standings after five weeks of play:

1. Olympiacos P. 12 points

2. Panathinaikos 11

3. Kavala 8

4. Kerkyra 8

5. Iraklis 8

6. Aris 8

7. Olympiacos V. 7

8. AEK 7

9. Ergotelis 6

10. Asteras 6

11. PAOK 5

12. Xanthi 5

13. Larissa 5

14. Atromitos 5

15. Panionios 4

16. Panseraikos 3

Weather Forecast

[21] Cloudy on Monday

[22] Athens' Sunday newspapers at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Why are they slinging mud at me". [lawyer accused in house auction scam]

APOGEVMATINI: "Four thousand-metre plots can be saved". (on new legislation concerning buildings not within the town plan)

ARTHRO ON SUNDAY: "Return of [former premier Costas] Karamanlis"

AVGHI: "Two million in the unemployment-undeclared labour vice."

AVRIANI: "Chinese charge into Greek bonds, ports, banks, freight stations, shipping and shipyards".

CHORA: "The stink of the economy is 'choking' all Greeks"

EPOCHI: "New attack on labour-education".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "21 provocative political favors by 15 ministers".

ETHNOS: "Surprise names in the 'auctions mafia'".

KATHIMERINI: "Statistics once again under EU microscope".

LOGOS: "[PM George] Papandreou's signal to [main opposition New Democracy leader Antonis] Samaras. 'Sacrificing' [former premier Costas] Simitis...asking for Karamanlis".

NIKI: "An interminable year of PASOK".

PARON: "George cooking up a coalition government". [claims plan by PM to set up 'Memorandum alliance government' with ousted ND cadre Dora Bakoyannis, the breakaway 'Democratic Left' of Fotis Kouvelis and the right-wing Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS)

PROTO THEMA: "The pimps of Mykonos" [about real estate corruption scandal on Mykonos]

RealNews: "New 'Goudi' if we fail!". [refers to 1922 execution of six politicians found guilty of treason for Greece's disastrous Asia Minor campaign].

RIZOSPASTIS: "Alert - no agreement to new framework law for universities-technical colleges".

TO VIMA: "Wage cuts to stop businesses closing".

VRADYNI: "New social 'blood-sucking'; 10+1 new austerity measures from January".

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