Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-11-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM Bakoyannis speaks to CNA

[02] Greece-Croatia Economic Cooperation Committee

[03] Pavlopoulos participates in 2nd Euro-African Immigration conf'

[04] Athens Stock Exchange: Decline

[05] Athens Newspaper Headlines

[01] FM Bakoyannis speaks to CNA

Guaranee and alliance treaties "have proved to be dangerous for the stability and security of Cyprus and they do not suit an EU member-state," Bakoyannis added.

"We advocate clearly the complete demilitarisation of the island and the definite exclusion of any right for military intervention," the Greek foreign minister added.

Bakoyannis also reiterated the support of the Greek government and all political parties for the initiatives undertaken by Cyprus President Christofias for the finding of a comprehensive and agreed solution to the Cyprus problem in the framework of UN Security Council resolutions and European Union principles and values.

[02] Greece-Croatia Economic Cooperation Committee

Doukas and Mazal probed during their discussions possibilities for cooperation in the sectors of energy and natural gas, petroleum products, shipping and transport, as well as the building in Croatian shipyards of special ships that are used in underwater construction.

The Croatian side also showed great interest in tourism, particularly the possibilities provided by Croatia for Greek tourist investments.

Cooperation existing between the two countries in the framework of the "Adriatic-Ionian Initiative" Cooperation Organisation, whose presidency Greece will be assuming in the new year, was also confirmed once again during the session.

[03] Pavlopoulos participates in 2nd Euro-African Immigration conf'

He added that it is a Pact on legal immigration, on the protection of man, on respect for his rights and for the safeguarding of his dignity.

Pavlopoulos said that "the main characteristic of the Immigration and Asylum Pact is that it cares about immigration, not only when the immigrant has arrived in Europe, but also determines policies for the countries of origin. And here is precisely where its importance is judged for the 2nd Euro-African Conference. Because what is important is that the text that we are arriving at, places emphasis on help for the immigrants countries of origin and, consequently, provides substantively for those in greater need."

The minister added that "the Immigration Pact is a great opportunity for employment in third countries, to strengthen legal and combat illegal immigration and, in particular, those who are exploiting it. And I am speaking about the merchants of hope."

[04] Athens Stock Exchange: Decline

Individual sector indices were moving mostly downward, with the biggest gains in Telecoms, up 3.02 percent; Industrial Products, up 0.87 percent ; and Mass Media, up 0.65 percent.

The biggest losses were in Banks, down 2.50 percent; Insurance, down 2.41 percent; and Public Utilities, down 1.66 percent.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks was down 1.37 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index was down 0.49 percent, and the FTSE/ASE-80 small cap index was up 0.17 percent.

Of the stocks moved, 51 were up, 85 were down, and 65 were unchanged.

[05] Athens Newspaper Headlines

The OECD's adverse forecasts for the global economy in 2009, the contract signed for the concession of the Piraeus port's container terminal to COSCO, and developments in the Vatopedi affair dominated the headlines on Wednesday in Athens newspapers.

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Indictments against (Vatopedi Monastery abbot) Ephraim, (monk) Arsenios and others - Finally, the prosecutor's office gave the order (for the indictments)".

APOGEVMATINI: "7,562 hirings in public sector - Tenured and seasonal personnel".

AVGHI: "The profitable division of the Port of Piraeus went to the Chinese".

AVRIANI: "The (global financial) crisis put brake on construction materials and farm produce, as Folias (Development Minister) blocked unjustified price increases that were being planned by supermarket chains".

CHORA: "The Gates of Mystery - Psomiadis (Thessaloniki prefect): Everything happened (in the Vatopedi scandal) at the speed of light".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "We owe 4 billion dollars to US pharmaceutical industries and, if we don't pay they will stop supplies, while the utlimatum given by US ambassador in Athens Speckhard to health minister Dimitris Avramopoulos: Mitsos (Dimitris)...shut up and pay!".

ELEFTHEROS: "ND, unfortunately, in nose dive".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: 'State-sieve - 35 billion euros in taxes 'disappeared'."

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Give cash, cut the interest rates - Nightmarish forecasts by OECD and recommendations to the governments".

ESTIA: "The Vatopedi affair and the Chinese - The prioritization by the Greek media".

ETHNOS: "The secret (in the Vatopedi affair) lies in 7 suspicious accounts".

KATHIMERINI: "Chinese gate in Greece - Strengthening of cooperation with China, following the agreement with Cosco".

LOGOS: "Bad news for the Greek economy - OECD: Fiscal streamlining must continue".

NIKI: "Adverse climate with crisis, scandals - Professionals, households in despair over the future".

RIZOSPASTIS: "Everyone turn out for Thursday's PAME demonstrations in 60 cities".

TA NEA: "Reduce prices by 20 percent in order to be saved - Dramatic appeal by the merchants".

TO VIMA: "Brussels to announce today 130 billion euros (bailout) package for Europe - Hope-giving decision".

VRADYNI: "The Silk Road 'docks' at Piraeus - The powerful China a strategic partner of Greece".

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