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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-10-27

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

October 27, 2005

CONTENTS

  • [01] PM stresses government's determination to proceed steadfastly with its program
  • [02] Foreign ministry spokesman Koumoutsakos on Turkey's European prospects
  • [03] Gov't on latest press reports of Turkish casus belli
  • [04] Karamanlis on working visit to Japan next month
  • [05] Athens again dismisses top US diplomat's quip over 'minorities', points to int'l agreements
  • [06] Kosovo negotiations neither easy nor painless, President Papoulias predicts
  • [07] Communist Party stresses need for Kosovo to remain within Serb state
  • [08] President Karolos Papoulias attends ceremony on triple celebration of Thessaloniki
  • [09] Athens mayor and US Under Secretary of State discuss the Balkans
  • [10] Greek government spokesman meets counterparts in Vienna
  • [11] Papandreou briefed by Thessaloniki mayor; departs for London
  • [12] Defense minister's 'order of the day' for Oct. 28
  • [13] Spiliotopoulos meets with SAE Alternate President
  • [14] Communist, Coalition parties issue messages on occasion of October 28 national holiday
  • [15] Gov't on salaries of top executives at public broadcaster
  • [16] US paper claims UN envoy Nimetz to resign
  • [17] Second report on Greek fiscal indicators to be submitted next Thursday
  • [18] Commission awaiting revised draft of 'primary shareholder' law
  • [19] Gov't on controversial OAKA land contract
  • [20] OAKA land contract cancellation a political and moral issue, main opposition says
  • [21] Mastiche, saffron in EU farm product promotion program
  • [22] Tenders for construction works at two airports
  • [23] Eurodeputies submit statement requesting issue of one and two euro bank notes
  • [24] Greek stocks end 0.12 pct lower
  • [25] Athens University and Onassis Foundation partner in promotion of Greek culture abroad
  • [26] Greece seeks return of antiquities from U.S. museum
  • [27] Austrian Olympic champions declared citizens of Athens
  • [28] CNBC Europe channel to broadcast 'Greek Week'
  • [29] Ioannina doctors offer free medical services to Himare residents
  • [30] Greek statistics service report on road accidents in August 2005
  • [31] World congress of judges/coaches of diving will be held in Athens in November 2006
  • [32] Cypriot President says Turkish side insists on Annan plan
  • [33] House President says US must respect Greek Cypriot will
  • [34] Prescott: Britain acted in line with EU decisions

  • [01] PM stresses government's determination to proceed steadfastly with its program

    ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Wednesday again stressed the government's determination to proceed steadfastly with its program and the reforms it has announced, as he emerged from the Aghios Demetrios (St. Demetrius) Cathedral in Thessaloniki after attending a mass for the feast day of the city's patron saint.

    "Machinations of reaction and cries of conservatism neither dismay nor disorient us," he added in comments referring to the latest round of scandal-mongering dominating coverage in a portion of the mass media and newspapers' front pages.

    "There are those who are adversely affected (by the government's reforms) but they are few compared to the many asking us to change things, to wipe out pathogeny and inflexibility and to deal with the real problems of the country and its citizens," Karamanlis said.

    It is on these and only these that we direct our concern, our policies and our decisions, he added.

    Noting that the government welcomed the democratic critique of its work as constructive, Karamanlis nevertheless criticized what he called a "morbid climate cultivated by certain parties" and said it would not interfere with the government's efforts.

    "The citizens are more mature than some, who try to manipulate them…" he added.

    The current political climate also earned the attention of main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou, who said citizens "feel that Greece has been mired in the logic of petty party-political interests, client-based relations, a lack of transparency as well as a lack of vision".

    Gov't spokesman: "The prime minister's statement was very clear, and I am not going to interpret it," government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos later told reporters.

    Conversely, he reiterated that the PASOK leader's comments a day earlier merely showed that his proposals for fighting corruption were quite vague and general.

    Finally, Roussopoulos point to a list of measures taken by the current government to combat corruption and increase transparency, including a drastic change in the manner in which public works are awarded, its continuing campaign to implement a 'primary shareholder' law of mass media owners seeking public contracts, and by upgrading public sector corruption charges into felonies.

    [02] Foreign ministry spokesman Koumoutsakos on Turkey's European prospects

    ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

    Foreign Ministry Spokesman George Koumoutsakos said on Wednesday that "in the European environment the logic of the use of violence (Casus Belli) on the part of Turkey constitutes an apparent and unacceptable anachronism, which will intensify as the procedures are moving on of the accession talks." However, the spokesman did not wish to comment on reports that Turkey, following the latest meeting of its National Security Council, did not withdraw the relevant threat.

    Reiterating the Greek position on the matter, Koumoutsakos stressed that the 'Casus Belli' "is contrary to the spirit and letter of international law but also of the United Nations Charter." He noted that "the manner with which Greece is confronting Turkey's European prospects was never based on the assessment that practices of decades would be transformed on October 4, 2005" with the start of the accession talks.

    "The basic concern of the Greek side is for strong foundations to be laid, terms and lines so that the start of the accession negotiations to mean that we are led to a new environment and gradual change," Koumoutsakos said. The foreign ministry spokesman noted that "in Turkey's Negotiating Framework with the European Union, for the first time terms have been set as preconditions for accession which do not only refer to the fulfillment of the political criteria but also concern its international behavior."

    Asked to comment on Turkey's decision not to participate, at least not now, in the SE Energy Community Treaty which was signed in Athens on Tuesday, Koumoutsakos stressed that "the fact concerns the European Commission and not particularly Greece" and noted that the relevant minister of the Turkish government was present at the signing ceremony.

    Regarding the visit to Washington of Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, the foreign ministry spokesman stated that the Greek side reserves the right to wait to see the results of the meeting.

    "The initiatives and meetings must not be absent when they are in a constructive direction. However, there is no certainty that this meeting will contribute in this direction," he added.

    Referring to the issue of 'Casus Belli' on the part of Turkey, on the basis on what has been broadcast from Turkey and which concern the decision of the neighboring country's National Security Council, main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) Spokesman Nikos Athanassakis stressed on Wednesday that "the National Security Council's decision has not been published in its entirety," adding that "on the basis of experience, the Turkish press, on such matters, never refers to mistakenly."

    The PASOK spokesman also said that "all this concludes that Turkey is attempting to start the procedure of the accession negotiations, maintaining to the full its claims at the expense of our country's sovereign rights," and this, as he said, "constitutes yet another proof of the New Democracy's foreign policy success."

    [03] Gov't on latest press reports of Turkish casus belli

    ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

    Athens on Wednesday declined to comment on press reports out of neighboring Turkey claiming that the country's all-powerful national security council reasserted a threat to use violence (casus belli) in case EU member-state Greece extended its territorial waters, a right it retains under international and maritime laws.

    Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos declined to comment on the press reports.

    [04] Karamanlis on working visit to Japan next month

    ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

    The prime minister's office on Wednesday announced that Premier Costas Karamanlis will travel to Japan between Nov. 10 through 13 for a working visit to the Far East nation.

    According to a press release, the visit comes amid excellent bilateral and multilateral relations between Greece and Japan.

    The premier will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis and Minister of State Theodoros Roussopoulos.

    [05] Athens again dismisses top US diplomat's quip over 'minorities', points to int'l agreements

    ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

    Athens on Wednesday reiterated that based on international treaties only one minority exists in Greece, namely, the Muslim minority centered in the northeastern province of Thrace.

    The comment, made by the foreign ministry's spokesman, came in the wake of press questions related to a statement by US Under-Secretary for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns, which was published a day earlier by an Athens daily.

    Burns, a former US ambassador to Athens, again called for the recognition of what he termed "minorities" in Greece.

    "Greece responded with demarches, both to the US ambassador in Athens as well as with relevant services in Washington, when such references were made publicly," spokesman George Koumoutsakos said, while adding:

    "Overall relations between two nations can be very good, or both sides can try to improve relations even more, and it's within this framework that differences of opinion can fit. It's not the end of the world; it's manageable," he said.

    In response to an unrelated question, the spokesman said rotating EU presidencies are judged at the end of their six-month tenure.

    "On issues in which we needed to cooperate with the (current British) presidency, that cooperation was evident. There were instances where we expressed our opinion in a clear and sincere manner when we felt there were practices at that very point that did not help in the achievement of agreements and consensus, something that should occur in the European Union," Koumoutsakos said.

    [06] Kosovo negotiations neither easy nor painless, President Papoulias predicts

    ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

    Negotiations regarding the future status of Kosovo will be neither easy nor painless, President Karolos Papoulias said during a dinner held in his honor in Thessaloniki by Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Nikos Tsiartsionis on Wednesday.

    Furthermore, he told attendees that negotiations should concern all since their outcome will affect the greater region and reiterated that Greece sincerely supports all Balkan countries' European Union prospects, a strategic choice given the effect this could have on the future of Southeast Europe.

    "Our neighborhood has never been quiet. Threats and dangers lurked sometimes near our northern borders, sometimes near our eastern borders," he said.

    "Greece has been and continues to be steadfastly committed to peace, harmonious cooperation and co-existence, based on the rules of international law and the principle of reciprocity," he added.

    Regarding Kosovo, Papoulias expressed hope that international law and the UN Charter will remain in effect, that the rights of all groups and the significant cultural Orthodox legacy will be respected, and that the solution reached will be based on European values and principles.

    On his part, Tsiartsionis said that Greece is actively sending the message to its Balkan neighbors that cooperation and communication are more productive than discord and conflict, that solidarity and trust are preferable to suspiciousness and intolerance.

    [07] Communist Party stresses need for Kosovo to remain within Serb state

    ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

    The Communist Party of Greece (KKE), in a statement on Wednesday in light of the beginning of negotiations on the final status for the region of Kosovo, stressed the need for it to remain within the state of Serbia.

    KKE said that there must be no change in borders in the Balkans, stressing that "the decision by the UN Security Council on the beginning of negotiations on the final status of Kosovo, following the adoption of the report by the UN's special envoy Carl Eide, constitutes yet another step towards its (Kosovo's) independence, towards the dangerous, for the Balkan peoples, path to a change in borders."

    The party further stressed that "although the report by the special envoy points out that few things have been implemented regarding the Security Council's decision on the issues of protection for the Serbs, Roma and the other minorities and that few refugees have returned to their homesteads, since their safe livelihood is not secured, the Security Council decided to go ahead with the process on the settlement of the final status for Kosovo-Metohia."

    KKE believes that the promotion of independence for Kosovo "will fuel a new cycle of confrontations and imperialist interventions in the territory of former united Yugoslavia and in the Balkans in general" and expressed its grave concern over developments.

    [08] President Karolos Papoulias attends ceremony on triple celebration of Thessaloniki

    ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

    President Karolos Papoulias attended a ceremony at the Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, on Wednesday celebrating the city's Patron Saint Dimitrios, the 93rd anniversary of its liberation during the 1912-1913 Balkan Wars and the invasion of Greece by Italy on October 28, 1940.

    University dean Yiannis Antonopoulos, addressing President Papoulias, said that the university was dynamically "present" during the struggle against German occupation, adding that today sociopolitical and economic issues are presenting themselves and that their solution must be incorporated in the targets of the Greek university.

    [09] Athens mayor and US Under Secretary of State discuss the Balkans

    WASHINGTON, 27/10/2005 (ANA/A. Ellis)

    Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyannis and US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns discussed the Balkans and particularly Kosovo's future, during their meeting here on Wednesday.

    Bakoyannis called the meeting "interesting", noting that it took place in a friendly atmosphere given that the two officials have known each other since Burns served as US Ambassador to Greece from 1997-2001.

    The Athens mayor said the focus of discussion was the Balkans and she had the opportunity to listen to Burns' analysis on the region.

    She noted that there are no pre-defined solutions regarding Kosovo's future and stressed the significant role that Greece can and plans to play in the matter. According to Bakoyannis, Washington does not object to Greece's intentions.

    During their 45-minute meeting Bakoyannis also touched on the FYROM name dispute, but in statements afterwards limited herself to saying that she conveyed to Burns the Greek government's well-known position on the issue.

    [10] Greek government spokesman meets counterparts in Vienna

    VIENNA, 27/10/2005 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

    Greece's alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros on Wednesday had meetings with the spokespersons of Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel and the Austrian foreign ministry, during a visit to Vienna to attend a Greek Embassy event.

    At a press conference afterward, Antonaros said they had briefed each other extensively on issues concerning Greece and Austria and had ascertained that the two countries enjoyed very good, unclouded relations.

    They also discussed interests in common and cooperation on a series of issues, particularly those relating to the European Union.

    Antonaros outlined the reasons why Greece supports Turkey's European prospects and what it expects from the lengthy process of accession talks with Turkey.

    He also spoke about Athens' policies in southeastern Europe, noting that both Greece and Austria had a strong presence in the area, the first in the south and the second in the north, and that this presence was sometimes complementary and sometimes competitive. Both countries were major investors in the Balkans and both were aware that their economic presence also contributed to political stability in these fledgling democracies, he added.

    Greece expects Austria to play an important role when it takes over the rotating EU presidency on January 1, 2006, a critical time for the EU's fiscal prospects and for the start of accession negotiations with the EU candidate-states Croatia and Turkey, Antonaros said.

    He underlined the Greek government's efforts to restore fiscal discipline in accordance with EU treaties.

    [11] Papandreou briefed by Thessaloniki mayor; departs for London

    THESSALONIKI, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

    Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou on Wednesday visited the town hall in Thessaloniki and was briefed by Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos over various issues affecting the northern Greece metropolis.

    Papandreou was on hand in the city for events commemorating its 1912 liberation by Greek forces and the feast day of its patron saint.

    Afterwards, the PASOK leader departed for London, via Athens, where he was due to attend a Wednesday evening reception hosted by British Prime Minister Tony Blair for European socialist party leaders, held on the sidelines of an informal EU summit in the British capital.

    [12] Defense minister's 'order of the day' for Oct. 28

    ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

    The immortal 'no' to the aggressor concentrates in a thrilling way the Greek nation's steadfast determination and struggles to defend freedom, democracy, human rights and the high values of the civilized world, Greek Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos said on Wednesday, in an 'order of the day' issued for the 65th anniversary of the October 28 national holiday, when Greece celebrates its defiance of an ultimatum by the Axis powers that marked its entry into WWII on the side of the Allies.

    "Today our country, as in the difficult years of the war, is a reliable and steady ally of the liberal forces in the world. Greece, as a member of the UN Security Council, the EU and NATO, unswervingly seeks and works on all levels to promote stability, peace and security," Spiliotopoulos said.

    He also reiterated that "unilateral demands and unfounded interpretations or violations of the rules of international law are not compatible with the way of things in Europe and with the principles and values upheld today by the international community, while force or the threat of its use is unequivocally condemned by all."

    "We have already adjusted our strategic thinking in the direction of immediate reaction and strong deterrent, going ahead with a more flexible organization and structure that uses advanced weapons systems and new technologies, with transparency in the use of public funds and with trained and determined human resources," he added.

    "It is our commitment to bequeath to new generations an even more powerful and modern Greece, which organizes the present and builds the future with certainty and optimism," the minister concluded.

    Events for the anniversary of October 28 will come to a peak on Friday with a grand military parade before President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias in Thessaloniki. This year's parade will for the first time feature 14 LEO-2 tanks.

    [13] Spiliotopoulos meets with SAE Alternate President

    ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

    Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos met with World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) Alternate President Stephanos Tamvakis in Athens on Wednesday and discussed Greek draft legislation surrounding the military draft and how it applies to Greeks living abroad.

    Tamvakis told the ANA that he was satisfied with the meeting, attended also by Deputy Defense Minister Ioannis Lambropoulos and SAE Vice President and Asia-Africa Coordinator Vassilis Magdalinos.

    "The meeting we had with Mr. Spiliotopoulos and Mr. Lambropoulos was constructive. Both the minister and deputy minister took into consideration the recommendations which reflect the views of expatriate Greeks and assured us that they will address the issue, confirming their intentions for a closer cooperation with SAE," Tamvakis said.

    Tamvakis will be submitting specific proposals regarding the drafting of expatriate Greeks to the defense minister on November 1.

    [14] Communist, Coalition parties issue messages on occasion of October 28 national holiday

    ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

    The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) party issued messages on Wednesday on the occasion of the October 28 national holiday, commemorating resistance against the Italian invasion of Greece in 1940.

    "People who have confidence in their strength can handle any force having designs on their just causes and rights, provided that they rid themselves of the bonds of fatalism and submission which the parties and the agencies of plutocracy cultivate every time, and can organize themselves and struggle with an explicit program and target," KKE said in its message.

    "Submission to exploiting social forces and the country's participation in imperialist planning will only bring woes, while the only path is a change in the balance of power at the expense of the New Democracy and PASOK parties. The alliance and struggle of popular forces against imperialist policy," the message added.

    In a similar message, the Coalition party said that the "no" voiced in 1940 constitutes a source of inspiration today as well, "particularly for the new generation which must keep alive the historic memory of the era of the struggle on the Albanian front and of National Resistance, as well as of visions for a free homeland and universal peace."

    [15] Gov't on salaries of top executives at public broadcaster

    ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

    The government spokesman on Wednesday replied to a series of press questions focusing on "high salaries" paid to a handful of executives at the state-run broadcasting network, ERT-SA, as he merely noted that a "better ERT" means employing people based on the requirements of a very competitive market.

    Asked about the increase, nevertheless, in a fix monthly fee tacked on to each household's electric bill, a sum that goes directly towards funding the ERT radio-television network, spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos reminded that the increased funding was necessitated by the permanent job status bestowed on no less than 1,400 ERT contract employees. He also said the increase relates to ERT's goal of fully incorporating a digital platform, which will allow the broadcast organization to increase the number of its channels.

    The government has long criticized what it called the practice of the previous PASOK governments, namely, of keeping tens of thousands of contract employees in the wider public sector "hostage", while also charging that it was only the current government that attempted to solve the problem once and for all.

    [16] US paper claims UN envoy Nimetz to resign

    SPOKJE, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

    Local reports here on Wednesday reprinted a report in the "Washington Times" claiming that the UN special mediator for the "name issue" between Greece and FYROM, Matthew Nimetz, will tender his resignation next month.

    The paper's report cites US diplomatic sources in Athens.

    Moreover, the same article says Nimetz will table one last compromise proposal to the two sides, Athens and Skopje, before forecasting that it is unlikely to be accepted.

    [17] Second report on Greek fiscal indicators to be submitted next Thursday

    BRUSSELS, 27/10/2005 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)

    Greece will submit its second periodical report to Brussels next Thursday on the development of the country's fiscal indicators and its overall course towards fiscal balancing.

    Well-informed sources reminded here that the time limit for the submission of this report is the end of October. Since, however, the European Union's services will be closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the report will be submitted on Thursday.

    Senior finance ministry officials expressed optimism on Wednesday over the outcome of consultations between Greek and EU services on the issue of the conversion of uncollected revenues into securities and the way with which they will be registered in the 2006 state budget.

    They said that the European Statistical Service will accept Greece's proposals, which do not differ from those submitted by Portugal in the past and which had been accepted by Brussels.

    The same officials believe that decreasing the Greek state deficit to 2.6 percent in 2006 instead of 2.8, which is the target jointly set by Greek and EU services, is feasible.

    [18] Commission awaiting revised draft of 'primary shareholder' law

    BRUSSELS, 27/10/2005 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

    The European Commission is awaiting a final draft of legislation by Greek authorities resolving any problems with the so-called "primary shareholder" laws, a spokesman for EU Commission Charlie McGreevy said here on Wednesday.

    Additionally, he more-or-less hinted that prospects for the new draft law were positive, while saying Athens' proposal may be tabled here within the week.

    Finally, he said a Commission response will come after it has officially received the text from Athens.

    [19] Gov't on controversial OAKA land contract

    ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

    The government spokesman on Wednesday referred a misunderstanding a day earlier over a controversial lease contract for a tract of land next to the Athens Olympic Complex (OAKA), a contract foreseeing the construction of an exhibition venue that critics called very low.

    Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos on Wednesday said the signing of the contract by three ministers - Alogoskoufis, Souflias and Petralia - dealt with the town planning portion of the contract, whereas its subsequent rejection by Deputy Sports Minister George Orfanos probably touched on "reasons dealing with the general public good".

    Moreover, Roussopoulos said certain provisions in approving this contract were not followed by OAKA's board of directors, something that Orfanos pointed out, he said.

    The comments come hours after the president of the OAKA S.A. company, Manolis Katsiadakis, tendered his resignation.

    [20] OAKA land contract cancellation a political and moral issue, main opposition says

    ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

    The cancellation of a contract leasing land next to the Athens Olympic Sports Complex (OAKA) as an exhibition venue and the resignation of OAKA SA President Manolis Katsiadakis "pose major political and moral issues," main opposition PASOK Spokesman Nikos Athanassakis said on Wednesday.

    Athanassakis said it was "unprecedented for three ministers to sign a contract without being aware of the relevant national policy as is the fact that a deputy minister overrode a joint ministerial decision claiming the need for an inspection that should have been carried out in the first place."

    Ministers George Alogoskoufis (Finance), George Souflias (Environment, Town Planning and Public Works) and Fani Palli Petralia (Alternate Culture Minister) had signed the contract, which was later rejected by Deputy Culture Minister responsible for Sports George Orfanos.

    According to Athanassakis, the contract was cancelled following the strong protest of Thessaloniki organizations which claimed that the contract negatively affected exhibit organizer Helexpo.

    Company reaction: Content, the company awarded the OAKA contract, issued a statement on Wednesday stating that the contract was legal and that all procedures had been carried out appropriately.

    "Everything was done in writing and in open daylight without any unofficial or 'behind-the-scenes' negotiations, with the knowledge and approval of the entire OAKA executive board," the company stated.

    In conclusion, the company states that it will pursue every legal avenue to protect its legitimate interests in accordance with the contract.

    [21] Mastiche, saffron in EU farm product promotion program

    ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

    Chios mastiche and Kozani saffron are two of the 15 European farm products included in a European Commission program to promote the Union's farm products in third countries, as part of efforts to improve competitiveness of European quality products.

    The European Commission, in an announcement on Wednesday, said it has approved measures to provide information on, and to promote, agricultural products in third countries. Member states have submitted 25 promotion and information programs to the Commission to be examined. For the first time new member states also participated. The 15 programs that have been accepted are targeted for the United States, Canada, Japan, Russia, Ukraine, China, and Switzerland. The products covered are wine, dairy products, meat, flowers and juices. The estimated expenditure for the EU is ¬ 13 million (50% of the budget of the programs).

    "Improving the competitiveness of EU quality products on markets outside the EU is a major challenge. By investing in promotion and information campaigns for our agricultural products outside the EU, the European Union is showing its determination to take up this challenge", Commissioner Fischer Boel, responsible for Agriculture and Rural Development, said.

    The EU can fund, in whole or in part, measures in third countries that provide information on, or promote, agricultural products and food products. These measures can be public relations, promotional or publicity measures, in particular highlighting the advantages of EU products, especially in terms of quality, hygiene, food safety, nutrition, labeling, animal welfare or environment-friendliness. These measures can amongst others also cover participation at events and fairs, information campaigns on the Community system of protected designations of origin (PDOs), protected geographical indications (PGIs) and traditional specialty guaranteed (TSGs) and of organic farming. Also possible are information campaigns on the EU system of quality wines produced in specified regions (QWPSR) and studies of new markets.

    [22] Tenders for construction works at two airports

    ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

    By decision of Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister George Souflias, tenders have been proclaimed for construction works at two airports.

    The projects are for the new air terminal and surrounding space of Nea Aghialos, central Greece, airport and the expansion of the space for the maneuvering of aircraft at Rhodes airport.

    The Nea Aghialos project is budget at 19,545,000 euros and the air terminal will be built on a space of 9,000 square meters. The tender of the work will take place on November 21.

    The budget for Rhodes airport amounts to 10,620,000 euros. The tender of the work will be held on December 12.

    [23] Eurodeputies submit statement requesting issue of one and two euro bank notes

    PARIS, 27/10/2005 (ANA/O.Tsipira)

    A request for the issue one euro and two euro bank notes was tabled in writing to the European Parliament by Eurodeputies, mustering 371 signatures.

    Due to the significant number of signatures this written statement acquires a legal character and the president of the European Parliament is obliged to forward it to the European Commission, the Council and the European Central Bank, which must give answers on its position.

    From the Greek Eurodeputies, actively taking part in the whole procedure were Messrs, Vakalis, Mavromatis and Panayiatopoulou, while the statement was signed by all the Greek and Cypriot Eurodeputies, with the exception of those from the Communist party of Greece."

    [24] Greek stocks end 0.12 pct lower

    ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

    Greek stocks eased slightly again on Wednesday reflecting lack of buying activity in the Athens Stock Exchange.

    The composite index fell 0.12 percent to end at 3,262.08 points, with turnover at 182.6 million euros.

    Sector indices ended lower with the Publications (1.66 pct), Metals (0.81 pct), Textiles (0.80 pct) and IT Solution (0.55 pct) suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day, while the IT (3.03 pct), Banks (0.43 pct), Parallel (0.37 pct) and Telecommunications (0.19 pct) scored gains.

    The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.02 pct, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 0.01 pct and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.61 pct lower.

    Broadly, decliners led advancers by 158 to 104 with another 62 issues unchanged.

    Derivatives Market Close: OPAP top in stock futures trade

    Equity Index Futures:

  • FTSE/ASE-20 (high cap): At discount

  • Underlying Index: +0.02%

  • FTSE/ASE-40 (medium cap): At premium

  • Underlying Index: -0.01%

    Stock Futures:

  • Most Active Contract (volume): OPAP (1491)

  • Total derivatives market turnover: 58.2 million euros

  • Greek benchmark 10-year bond (exp. 20.7.2015): 3.58% yield

  • German benchmark 10-year bund: 3.38%

  • Most heavily traded paper: 10-year bond, expiring 20.7.2015 (1.8 bln euros)

  • Day's Total Market Turnover: 5.5 bln euros

    Foreign Exchange Rates: Thursday

    Reference buying rates per euro released

    by the European Central Bank:

    U.S. dollar 1.215

    [25] Athens University and Onassis Foundation partner in promotion of Greek culture abroad

    ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

    The University of Athens and the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation announced on Wednesday a series of initiatives aimed at promoting Greek civilization and culture abroad.

    University Dean Yiorgos Babiniotis and Foundation President Antonis Papadimitriou presented the measures proposed during an international conference organized by the foundation in the US and titled "Hellenic Studies in the US, Canada and South America."

    During a joint press conference, Babiniotis noted that measures proposed as a means to upgrade and further promote Greek studies include:Student/professor exchange programs between foundations abroad and Athens University; informing Greek universities of the possibilities for cooperation with foreign universities' Hellenic Studies departments; expansion of the US-based Onassis Foundation's visiting professors' program and others.

    On his part, Papadimitriou, accompanied by members of the foundation's executive board, referred to the foundation's work which includes university chairs, programs and centers for Hellenic Studies; donation of books, educational material and school equipment; and the Onassis Library for Hellenic and Roman Art.

    [26] Greece seeks return of antiquities from U.S. museum

    WASHINGTON, 27/10/2005 (ANA/T. Ellis)

    Greece is seeking the return of antiquities from a well-known American museum (a funeral wreath, a marble column constituting part of a tomb, the marble torso of a statue dating back to 400 B.C. and an archaic bas-relief)

    According to a report by the Associated Press news agency, published in the New York Times, and invoking a relevant publication in the Los Angeles Times Greece has repeated its request for the return of the four antiquities from the J. Paul Getty Museum "since the way with which they were obtained is unclear."

    The report includes a statement by the press attache of the General Consulate in Los Angeles Aristotelis Papageorgiou who said that a letter addressed to the Museum by the culture ministry, dated May 20, refers to the "lack of proof" concerning the way and time when the items left Greece.

    Papageorgiou added that "the letter constitutes a clear indication that the works of art entered the art market illegally."

    The New York-based newspaper also contains a report from Athens, publishing statements by the culture ministry's Antiquities and Cultural Heritage general director Lazaros Kolonas, who said "we are determined to take all necessary action against all proved to have been involved in the case."

    [27] Austrian Olympic champions declared citizens of Athens

    VIENNA, 27/10/2005 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

    Three of Austria's Olympic gold medalists were made honorary citizens of Athens by the Greek State, in a grand ceremony at the Greek Embassy in Vienna.

    The diplomas of their Athens citizenship were handed out on Tuesday night by alternative government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros, who underlined that the successful organization of the Athens Olympics had created a new environment for Greece and given it confidence in its ability to achieve important goals.

    He stressed that the aim of the Greek State was to ensure a permanent and continuing benefit from the major investment made by the Greek government and its citizens in the Games.

    Antonaros was succeed by Austrian Olympic Committee president and IOC member Dr. Leo Wallner, who said that the Athens Games were probably the best ever and expressed his gratitude at the contributions made by ancient Greece to humanity.

    Recipients of Athens citizenship were Roman Hagara and Hans Peter Steinacher, who came first in the 'Tornado' sailing event during the 2004 Olympics, and Triathlon champion Kate Allen.

    The ceremony formed part of a series of Greek events organized in Vienna in September and October by the Greek Embassy, under its "Greek Autumn in Vienna" program. Other events include exhibitions, performances of dance and music, film screenings and four concerts by top Greek singers Maria Farandouri, Elli Paspala, George Dalaras and Dioysis Savvopoulos at the Vienna Concert Hall.

    [28] CNBC Europe channel to broadcast 'Greek Week'

    27/10/2005 (ANA)

    The CNBC Europe television channel, the main economic and business channel in Europe, represented in Greece by the Aboutmedia company, is preparing a special "Greek Week" which will be broadcast from November 28 to December 2.

    Greece will be the focus of attention of analyses in the Squawk Box and Morning Exchange programs and the daily analysis will be completed with the closure of European markets in the Europe Tonight program.

    Extensive reportage will be provided on various sectors of the Greek economy, with emphasis being placed on expert analyses concerning investment opportunities, the most active sectors of the economy (shipping, tourism, services, etc), post-Olympic Games reality, enterprise and relations with the European Union.

    CNBC Europe, through the "Greek Week", will give Greek companies the opportunity to promote their public image, obtain recognition and approach a wide investment public that is interested in coming into contact with the country's present day business reality.

    [29] Ioannina doctors offer free medical services to Himare residents

    IOANNINA, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

    Doctors at Ioannina University in northwestern Greece have volunteered to offer free medical services to residents of Himare in southern Albania, where there is a sizeable though dwindling ethnic Greek population.

    The medical aid program has been organized in collaboration with the Albanian Orthodox Church and the Athens Society of Himareans.

    The first team of doctors and nurses from the Ioannina University Hospital's gynecological clinic visited the Albanian town last week and carried out specialized tests, such as breast examinations, smear tests and others on 50 women of Greek and other origin.

    According to the head of the clinic Evangelos Paraskevaidis, the women examined were between 25 and 60 years of age and most of them had never undergone any gynecological screening before. He pledged that visits to the area would henceforth be arranged every two to three months.

    Paraskevaidis, who is also founder of the non-governmental organization Southeast European Institute for Public Health, said he considered it his duty to assist the efforts of Archbishop of Albania Anastasios to provide relief to the citizens of poverty-stricken Albania.

    [30] Greek statistics service report on road accidents in August 2005

    ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

    Road accident deaths had increased by 3.6 per cent in August 2005 compared with August 2004, Greece's National Statistics Service said on Wednesday.

    There had been a 4.7 percent reduction in serious accidents and a 0.7 per cent rise in light injuries during the same month compared with August 2004, the report said.

    There were 1,449 traffic accidents in August 2005, which caused 171 deaths, 281 serious injuries and 1,675 minor injuries.

    Between January and August 2005, meanwhile, there were a total of 11,463 road accidents that resulted in 1,074 deaths and 14,675 injuries.

    [31] World congress of judges/coaches of diving will be held in Athens in November 2006

    ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

    The world congress of judges/coaches of diving will be held in Athens from November 6-12, 2006.

    The decision was reached by FINA's world diving technical committee which convened in Mexico City.

    Greece was represented by Gogo Fyrigou, who was appointed director of the games in the Grand Prix of America, which will be held from May 11-14.

    [32] Cypriot President says Turkish side insists on Annan plan

    LARNACA, 27/10/2005 (CNA/ANA)

    Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos said on Wednesday that the Turkish Cypriot side and sometimes the Turkish side stress their willingness to resume negotiations for a Cyprus settlement, but ''do not omit to stress that for them the solution is the Annan plan, which they evaluate as the plan that will bring the reunification of Cyprus.''

    He added that one could not speak about the Cyprus problem ''if what the Turkish side pursues, as (Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah) Gul and (Prime Minister Recep Tayyip) Erdogan repeatedly state, is the Annan plan with some decorative or marginal changes, for which indeed we are called on to give something in return.''

    President Papadopoulos was speaking at Larnaca Airport before departing for London, where he will participate in the informal European Council.

    Commenting on Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat's visit to Washington and his meeting with Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, President Papadopoulos said the Greek Cypriot side is seeking the resumption of talks on the Cyprus problem in the context of the UN initiative and with a more active involvement of the EU.

    He also noted that ''it is well known and recognized by all that the Annan plan cannot be accepted by the Greek Cypriot side,'' adding that ''there cannot be a solution on the basis of the Annan plan as it is.''

    President Papadopoulos said it was ''good for everyone to know that when the Turkish side is speaking about the commencement of talks and

    reunification, what it pursues is the return of the Annan plan,'' which ''will neither give a solution nor reunification, but on the contrary will perpetuate the divisive provisions it contains.''

    Commenting on the insistence of the US State Department that the solution of the Cyprus problem will be on the basis of the plan proposed by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, without any further clarifications, President Papadopoulos said ''this is the fixed position of the US.''

    ''There is no other country that insists with such emphasis that the Annan plan is the only balanced solution and the only way towards a solution,'' he said, noting that he meant ''the US, Talat and the Turkish side.''

    [33] House President says US must respect Greek Cypriot will

    LARNACA, 27/10/2005 (CNA/ANA)

    President of the Cypriot House of Representatives Demetris Christofias said that if the US wish to contribute ''constructively to a Cyprus settlement based on the Annan plan but no as it is or with marginal changes'' they will have to give the message that they respect and recognize the will of the Greek Cypriot community, the majority of which did not accept the plan proposed by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

    ''We expect that the US, which is a significant factor in the world, will fully respect UN resolutions, international law, the EU and its principles, and of course the will of the Cypriot people,'' Christofias added.

    The House President was speaking at Larnaca Airport on his return from Slovakia Wednesday, where he held a three-day official visit.

    Invited to comment on the visit to Washington by Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat and his meeting with Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, as well as a State Department statement that the meeting was in the context of efforts to solve the Cyprus problem on the basis of the Annan plan, Christofias said there had been ''contradictory statements'' that caused the reaction of the political forces in Cyprus regarding the titles given to Talat and the aims of his meeting with Rice.

    He added that the US should give the message that the Greek Cypriot community, through its leaders, ''was making a constructive step forward by accepting to discuss again on the basis of the Annan plan,'' not as it is or with marginal changes but ''in order to bring about significant changes in various aspects of the plan, which would make it acceptable by the Greek Cypriots'' and at the same time ''functional and viable.''

    [34] Prescott: Britain acted in line with EU decisions

    NICOSIA, 27/10/2005 (CNA/ANA)

    British Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has said that Britain has acted in line with its role as European Union president, with regard to Turkey's accession course, pointing out that both Ankara and Nicosia have responsibilities which they are expected to observe.

    On Thursday's informal EU summit, he said Britain wants to achieve what he described as a "Europe model, social Europe" that would spend its money "wisely to the benefit of most of its citizens" in order to meet the global challenges.

    In an interview with the CNA, he said EU values will play their part in the search for a settlement in Cyprus, something he hopes will make a difference in the solution of the problem.

    He welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) London and Nicosia signed here on Tuesday and said President Papadopoulos has produced an action plan with regard to the MOU, adding that Britain and Cyprus enjoy a lot of close bonds which they wish to maintain through working together on common problems.

    Prescott stressed that the EU does not and cannot accept that anyone can be treated any different in the process of negotiations and that it is essential that every nation recognizes the rights of the nations of each and every one member state.

    Questioned on the UK stance with regard to Cyprus and Turkey's accession course, he said London, as EU president, carried out those responsibilities vested in it by decisions taken unanimously by all EU 25 members.


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