Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-12-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Parliament approves 'mild adaptation' budget for 2005

[02] President Stephanopoulos in New Year message to Greeks Abroad

[03] Defense minister says expenditures for armaments will be reduced in 2005

[04] Army chief Douvas to visit Greek troops in peacekeeping missions in Balkans over holidays

[05] PM confers with ministers on medicines policy

[06] Event held in memory of Yasser Arafat

[07] Israeli delegation points to banner year for bilateral ties

[08] New Turkish ambassador presents credentials

[09] European Commission: Measures inadequate to reduce Greece's fiscal deficit

[10] FinMin says govt will achieve its economic goals

[11] Trade unions submit memorandum regarding 2005 budget to Parliament, stage protest

[12] PM Karamanlis confers with Agric. Devel. minister Basiakos on imminent ministry draft law

[13] Oligopolistic conditions prevail in Greek industry, report

[14] KEDKE criticizes subsidized part-time employment program, Interior ministry questions motives

[15] Information Society program reports speedier fund absorption rates

[16] Chambers union president urges closer cooperation between Greek and Cypriot businesses

[17] Orientation centre for young entrepreneurs opens its doors at development ministry

[18] Greek bond market closing report

[19] Greek stocks resume upward trend

[20] Athens mayor Bakoyannis announces New Year's eve celebration program

[21] Athens International Airport donates 8,000 euro to 'The Smile of the Child' organization

[22] European Network for Safety of the Elderly - EUNESE program presented

[23] AIPS votes Athens Olympics top for press facilities in 2004, national soccer side voted best team

[24] Phone-sex scandal rocks Greek-Canadian community

[25] Cyprus National Council discusses EU summit outcome

[26] House President: Possible solutions did not represent Cyprus people's

[01] Parliament approves 'mild adaptation' budget for 2005

Athens, 23/12/2004 (ANA)

Supporting the budget in a roll-call vote were 165 parliamentary deputies, with 135 voting against in the 300-member house.

Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, architect of the new budget, has said that that low income groups will be supported under state finances for the coming year, and spending on healthcare and education will rise by 6.0%.

The budget anticipates that revenue will rise by 7.2 percent in 2005 to 3.363 billion euros, or 26.7 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP), from 26.6 percent in 2004.

State spending is projected to rise by 4.8 percent in 2005 from 11.5 percent in 2004, while spending on the public investment program, which is co-funded with the European Union, will rise by 6.2 percent to 8.05 billion euros from 9.6 billion euros in 2004.

A key target is for the general government deficit to fall to 2.8 percent of GDP from 5.3 percent in 2004; and the public debt to 109.5 percent of GDP in 2005 from 112.1 percent in 2004, and 109.9 percent in 2003.

Allowed are above-inflation public sector wage rises in 2005, with pensions to show a higher increase than salaries; and average real wages will increase by 2.8 percent against 3.3 percent in 2004 and 0.6 percent in 2003.

Growth is forecast at 3.9 percent in 2005 versus 3.7 percent in 2004 and 4.5 percent in 2003; with inflation seen running at 2.9 percent next year from 3.1 percent in 2004, and 3.4 percent a year earlier.

In addition, the budget incorporates an average oil price of 40 US dollars per barrel, although Alogoskoufis has qualified that leeway is included for a higher price.

Other forecasts contained in the 2005 budget are growth of 4.0 percent in 2006 coupled with inflation of 2.8 percent; and growth of 4.2 percent in 2007 with inflation at 2.7 percent.

Unemployment is forecast at 10.5 percent in 2005; 9.8 percent in 2006; and 8.9 percent in 2007.

PM says at parliamentary debate on state budget that 'we have the bravery and daring' for changes: Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, speaking during the parliamentary debate on the 2005 state budget on Wednesday night, said that "the commitments we undertook, within the framework of the four-year period, are valid to the full," adding: "We do not transfer and we will not transfer the burdens of yesterday to the citizens. They are making an enormous mistake, all those who undermine the memory and judgment of the Greeks. The mirror is not to blame for the truth it is showing."

Karamanlis said: "The objective now is for us to lift the burdens of yesterday without burdening the people. We chose a policy which foresees, on the one hand, the smooth fiscal adaptation, and on the other to the strong, balanced and sustainable development. We know very well that the problems are many and the difficulties great. Nothing, however, is unachievable, when there is faith in the purpose and strength for changes which the new era demands. We have the bravery, the daring, the strength of real change." Specifically, he said that the government's plan is based on reforming the public finances and not to cutbacks in incomes of the working people and of pensioners.

The prime minister also spoke of "Development, Employment and Social Cohesion", giving particular emphasis to the preparation of the general planning of public works on the country's level.

Karamanlis termed as a major choice of utmost importance, the selection of Karolos Papoulias as candidate for the presidency of the republic. He said that he was very proud over the acceptance of this choice by the overwhelming majority of the Greek people.

Specifically, on the decision of the European Council on December 17, he said that Turkey is committed to seek relations of good neighborliness and to adopt peaceful procedures as foreseen by the UN Charter. "The conclusions of the Presidency refer to the Commission's report on Turkey, which clearly refers to the operation of the Theological School of Halki, the public use of the title of the Ecumenical Patriarch, to the rights of the of the non-Moslem religious minority and rights of the Greeks of Imvros and Tenedos," Karamanlis said, noting that Turkey (with a statement of it which is incorporated in the conclusions) committed itself to sign, before the start of the negotiation talks with the European Union, the protocol of the customs union with the Republic of Cyprus.

Inflows from 3rd CSF at 99 per cent of budget targets for 2004, Deputy Finmin tells Parliament

Deputy Finance Minister Christos Folias on Wednesday said that net inflows from the 3rd Community Support Framework (CSF) would reach 2,947 million euros by the end of 2004, or approximately 99 percent of the original budget target. Folias was speaking during the Parliament debate for the 2005 budget.

He said that net inflows for 2004 currently stood at 2,860 million euros, which another 60 million euros due to be received before the year was out.

The minister also announced that the government had succeeded in reducing the amounts lost by Greece from the 2nd CSF to 800 million euros, instead of 1,500 million euros as originally estimated, after dogged negotiations with the European Commission. Losses from convergence funds over the same period, spanning the years 1994-1998, came to 9.38 per cent of approved funds or 239 million euros, he said.

PASOK leader Papandreou terms 2005 state budget 'a product of political deceit': Main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou, speaking during the parliamentary debate on the 2005 state budget on Wednesday, said that "it is the first time that Parliament discusses a debate which marks the halting of development, with our country in a status of supervision" and termed the budget as "a product of political deceit."

"Each one of its lines is a lie. It is a heavy word, but there is no other word. What is happening in this budget is apparent. It is already abolished. The only thing you should do is to withdraw it tonight and now. This would be an act of truth and honesty," Papandreou said.

According to the PASOK leader "we are entering a period of great uncertainty in domestic and foreign matters."

On the domestic front, he said the government has led Greek society to "an unprecedented crisis of expectations," noting that all prices are increasing and households do not have enough money. He said the government, through its budget, "has targeted the average households, purchasing power has diminished, taxation is increasing and farmers are facing a marked reduction in their income."

He went on to say that small-and-medium-sized enterprises are observing "a dead market" and that pensioners in 2005 will not even this year's increases.

"For the first time Greece finds itself under close supervision, which is foreseen by Maastricht. Every three months you must account whether you should take austerity measures to reduce the deficit. This, however, the Greek citizen will pay. It makes an impression on me that (Economy and Finance Minister George) Mr. Alogoskoufis is pleased that the years of supervision will be more," Papandreou said.

He added that the European Commission has stated that the fiscal review cannot explain the fiscal worsening of 2004.

KKE Secretary General comments on 2005 budget: Aleka Papariga, Secretary General of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), accused both the ruling New Democracy party and the main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) party of following the same political philosophy in both economic and foreign policy, in her speech in Parliament on Wednesday evening, on occasion of the voting of the 2005 budget.

Papariga forecast that "the burden on workers will be heavier next year," since more money will be allocated towards defense spending rather than helping the working class.

She said that both ND and PASOK are concerned about promoting competitiveness of the economy and foreign investment, which according to Papariga, means that workers will lose many of the rights they acquired over the years.

Speaking of the fiscal audit, Papariga said that a discussion on the issue is pointless since it makes no difference to workers.

She also said that her party does not favor the adoption of an anti-popular budget, just as it didn't while PASOK was in office.

SYN leader expresses disappointment over standard of 2005 state budget debate: Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYNASPISMOS) leader Alekos Alavanos, in his first appearance in Parliament as new party leader, during Wednesday's parliamentary debate on the 2005 state budget, expressed his disappointment over the standard of the debate, noting that it was a forum of discussion without proposals and on the basis of petty party political expediencies.

"We saw a picture where students are called on to give a lesson on arithmetic and they say ancient history...The unemployed, the farmer, the small-and-medium sized entrepreneurs, the problems of the economy and of the citizen did not prevail during the debate," he said, noting that the differences between the two major parties are not very big.

[02] President Stephanopoulos in New Year message to Greeks Abroad

Athens, 23/12/2004 (ANA)

Consequently, he said, continuous efforts were needed for there to be positive results.

"We think about the difficulties you faced before you were able to set yourselves up professionally and socially, and about the constant efforts you are making in a competitive society so as to maintain and even further improve all that you have achieved," the President said in his message.

"We consider your progress a cause of pride of all of us who watch you from afar. But you, too, have reasons for national pride because our country can attain big goals. In 2004, the country's ability to successfully organize the Olympic Games was acknowledged world-wide. Of course, you have reasons for personal satisfaction, also, because you contributed decisively to the success of these Olympic Games. In the present era, and on the threshold of the new year, our country is called upon to meet the demands of a fluid and competitive world environment. Continuous efforts will be necessary in order for there to be positive results," Stephanopoulos said.

"I am optimistic both regarding you, the Greeks Abroad, and our country's course. For you, because I know your virtues and your incessant efforts to keep the flame of our national tradition, language and history burning inside you, and to pass it on to your children. These values form the greatest guarantee for your prosperity and the prosperity of our entire Nation," the President concluded.

[03] Defense minister says expenditures for armaments will be reduced in 2005

Athens, 23/12/2004 (ANA)

Speaking during the debate in parliament on the 2005 state budget, Spiliotopoulos noted: "In 2004 we reduced expenditures for armaments by about one percent of the Gross National Product and thus reduced the total of defense expenditures to 3.2 per cent of the GNP. In 2005 the expenditures for armaments are reduced by about 0.9 per cent of the GNP, resulting in the corresponding restraint of the total of the defense expenditures for the year 2005 to 2.9 per cent of the GNP. For the first time in the past years an attempt is made to break the 3 per cent barrier."

He said a main priority constitutes the support of the domestic defense industry. "In 2004 programs worth 178 million euros were paid, while for 2005 decision has already been reached for the implementation of programs worth 220 million euros."

[04] Army chief Douvas to visit Greek troops in peacekeeping missions in Balkans over holidays

Athens, 23/12/2004 (ANA)

Douvas will visit the Ure camp in Tirana on December 24, where he will exchange holiday wishes with the Greek personnel of NATO's Tirana headquarters and the Greek Force in Albania (ELDAL), after which he will visit the Northern Multinational Tactical Division in Bosnia.

That same day, Douvas will visit the Commander of the European Force (EUFOR) at Butmir camp in Sarajevo, where he will exchanges wishes with the headquarters' Greek personnel and the NATO HQ Sarajevo.

On December 25, Christmas Day, Douvas will call on the commander and Greek personnel of the KFOR (Kosovo peacekeeping force) headquarters at Film City camp in Pristina, followed by a visit to the Alexander the Great camp in Mitrovica.

The GES chief's program will be completed with a visit to the Rigas Feraios camp in Urosevac, where he will attend a lunch and exchange wishes with the personnel of the Greek Forces Kosovo (ELDYKO).

[05] PM confers with ministers on medicines policy

Athens, 23/12/2004 (ANA)

According to sources, the two ministers are jointly preparing a draft law by January 2005, to be tabled in parliament, on medicines policy and abolition of the list of state-approved medications for state social insurance funds, in accordance with the ruling New Democracy party's platform.

Government officials believe that many medications will thus be cheaper, given that the EU countries are now 25 from the previous 15.

[06] Event held in memory of Yasser Arafat

Athens, 23/12/2004 (ANA)

Wednesday marked the 40th day since the death of the dominant Palestinian leader.

Theodorakis, who said he considered himself lucky to have met Arafat, said the former ranked as one of the most notable leaders of his time. He pointed to the fact that Arafat elevated the Palestinian cause into one of the pre-eminent political problems facing the entire world.

Speaking to a hall packed with foreign diplomats, Parliament deputies, former ministers and reporters, ruling New Democracy secretary Vaggelis Meimarakis said Arafat was one of the few people whose every crucial moment served as a milestone for an entire people.

"He sacrificed his entire life for the Palestinian cause," Meimarakis said, reminding that Arafat popularized the term "don't forget Palestine".

He also expressed a hope that upcoming elections in the Palestinian territories will be "free, fair and peaceful".

On his part, main opposition PASOK secretary Mihalis Chrysohoidis emphasized that the Greek people "were and are sensitive to the kindred Palestinian people."

He also cited the Palestinian people's inalienable right to live freely, a goal that will justify the great efforts of Yasser Arafat.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) representative Spyros Halvatzis referred to a "tireless champion" of the Palestinian cause of creating a free Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital, an independent and viable country, as he added.

Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) representative Panos Trigazis noted that "today we honor Yasser Arafat as a great leader and symbol ... a leader whose faith remained undiminished to the last. Today we honor a man of peace".

Orthodox Metropolitan Panteleimon also read out a message from Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos.

[07] Israeli delegation points to banner year for bilateral ties

Athens, 23/12/2004 (ANA)

Conversely, while the complex and meandering developments surrounding the Mideast peace process expectedly took centre stage at the briefing, Israeli diplomats also devoted particular attention to what they described as a potential regional menace from Iran's mostly opaque nuclear program.

In terms of bilateral relations, Israeli ambassador Ram Aviram stressed that 2004 was a very good year for Israeli-Greek ties. Among others, he cited the fact that Israel is now the number one destination in the Middle East for Greek exports, whereas 200,000 Israeli tourists annually visit Greece -- 20,000 Greek tourists visit Israel every year, he said, with efforts envisioned to promote his country even more.

Aviram also referred to the "extended capital" gained from the recent holding of the 2004 Athens Olympics, noting, for instance, that one of 1,300 Greek bus drivers who received training by Israeli specialists prior to the Games played a prominent role during last week's bus hijacking and hostage situation near Athens. The bus driver immediately short-circuited the vehicle by activating a hidden switch just before fleeing the bus as two hijackers boarded.

[08] New Turkish ambassador presents credentials

Athens, 23/12/2004 (ANA)

Burcuoglu succeeds Yigit Alpogan as Ankara's envoy to Athens.

[09] European Commission: Measures inadequate to reduce Greece's fiscal deficit

BRUSSELS 23/12/2004 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)

In its decision, the Commission ascertains that the fiscal situation in Greece is not satisfactory and, as it is obliged under EU legislation, it recommends to the EU Council of Ministers to undertake the required steps to correct the excessive fiscal deficit presented by Greece.

More specifically, the Commission announcement ascertained that the fiscal situation in Greece continued to deteriorate in 2004, contrary to the recommendations made to the country by the Council in July, and despite the fact that Greece showed the highest rate of economic growth in the euro zone. It also said that Greece expected its fiscal deficit in 2004 to reach 5.3 percentage points of GDP instead of the 3 percent foreseen in the estimations of the Greek services, which were submitted to the Commission services in March.

The Commission statement issued Wednesday is as follows:

"The European Commission today found that Greece's budgetary situation has deteriorated further in 2004 despite having the highest economic growth in the euro area and in contradiction with the recommendations of the Council addressed last July. Greece expects the deficit to reach 5.3% of GDP in 2004 instead of the 3.0% foreseen in its March notification. The draft budget for 2005 sets a target for the general government deficit of 2.8% but the measures presented appear insufficient to bring the nominal deficit below the 3% threshold by 2005 as recommended by the Council. Based on this assessment, the Commission recommends to the Council to decide that Greece has taken no effective action to correct its excessive deficit.

"On 5 July the finance ministers Council issued a recommendation to Greece according to Article 104(7) of the Treaty with a view to bringing the country's excessive deficit to an end by 2005 at the latest by implementing consolidating measures already in 2004. The Greek authorities were also recommended to pay particular attention to factors that contribute to the change in debt levels. Finally, the Greek authorities were also asked to make further efforts with a view to correct the deficiencies revealed in the field of budgetary statistics.

"The July Council recommendation gave Greece until November 5 for taking effective action. According to the Commission's assessment, the measures implemented by Greece have not been effective in reducing the deficit in 2004. Over and above statistical revisions, the fiscal policy stance further worsened in a situation of buoyant economic activity and a large, positive output gap. This however, was partly due to expenditure overruns associated to the organization of the Olympic Games. The assessment also shows that although the measures in the 2005 budget more than offset the slippage in 2004, they appear insufficient to bring the deficit below 3%.

"On the debt front, Greece expects the debt-to-GDP-ratio to be at 112.1% in 2004, which is significantly higher than in 2003 (109.9%), and projects only a marginally decrease to 111.9% in 2005. Large stock-flows adjustments indicate that more attention needs to be paid to factors, other than net borrowing, which contribute to increase debt levels.

"Finally, on government data, as explained by the Commission in the letter giving formal notice of the infringement procedure open to Greece on 1 December, there are a number of elements which prove that better mechanisms to ensure the prompt and correct supply of the information are still necessary.

"The Commission has, therefore, concluded that Greece is not in compliance with the July Council recommendation under Article 104 (Paragraph 7). Under Article 104 (Paragraph 8) of the (EU) Treaty, as clarified in the Stability and Growth Pact, the Commission has an obligation to recommend to the Council to establish formally that Greece has taken no effective action in response to its 104(7) recommendation."

Commissioner Almuna comments on Greece's fiscal deficit: European Monetary Affairs Commissioner Joaquin Almuna on Wednesday began his presentation of the European Commission's recommendation to Greece regarding the country's fiscal deficit, saying that Greece should have followed the Council's recommendations in 2004 and should have made greater efforts to correct its excessive deficit, especially since it had achieved the highest growth rate in the eurozone.

Speaking at a press conference in Brussels, Almuna analyzed the reasons that led the Commission to recommend that the Council of Ministers apply Article 104, Par. 8 of the Maastricht Treaty against Greece, which concerns excessive fiscal deficit. Almuna emphasized that the measures taken by the Greek authorities in 2004 were not sufficient to deal with the deficit and pointed out that measures contained in the draft budget for 2005 are also inadequate in terms of reducing the fiscal deficit to below the 3% threshold.

According to Almuna, this development is only partly due to revision of fiscal data and Olympic spending, since public spending and income also affected the deficit significantly. The Commission believes that the action taken by Greek authorities was ineffective in fulfilling the Commission's recommendations in accordance with Article 104, par. 7.

The objective of the Commission's recommendation is for Greece to achieve fiscal reform, a development which Almuna said, would benefit Greek society, Greek citizens and the Greek economy in general.

[10] FinMin says govt will achieve its economic goals

Athens, 23/12/2004 (ANA)

Commenting on an announcement by the European Commission regarding the country's fiscal condition, Alogoskoufis said that "The Greek government is steadily focused on fiscal transparency and restoring its fiscal balance, along with supporting economic growth, employment and social cohesion. The government has completed, in cooperation with Eurostat, a fiscal audit of the economy and with its ambitious budget for 2005 it re-establishes fiscal discipline".

Speaking to reporters, the Greek minister noted that next year's budget aimed to reduce the general government's deficit to 2.8 percent from an estimated deficit of 5.3 percent of GDP this year, through a policy of mild adjustment. "The adjustment is based on controlling public spending and will be supported by the fact that the state will no longer face the huge Olympic spending of 2004. The government has also envisaged measures to support economic growth through tax reforms, a new development law and regional convergence".

Alogoskoufis reiterated that the 2005 budget's ambitious goal was feasible while he added that ECOFIN has offered another year (2006) to Greece to achieve its economic adjustment.

"Our commitments are written in the budget," he noted. Commenting on EU Stability and Growth Pact, the Greek minister said that many countries were in danger of breaching the 3.0 percent limit on public deficit and that this problem has led to talks on a review of the Pact. Alogoskoufis noted, however, that any review of the Pact would be extremely limited and would not affect existing criteria but change the adjustment periods offered to a member-state.

[11] Trade unions submit memorandum regarding 2005 budget to Parliament, stage protest

Athens, 23/12/2004 (ANA)

The two unions, which together represent a majority of the Greek workforce in the private and public sectors, simultaneously staged a demonstration outside Parliament to stress their opposition to austerity measures and to back demands that include a 50-euro pay rise for low-income groups through the tax system and pension increases in line with pay rises achieved by unions in collective labor agreements.

[12] PM Karamanlis confers with Agric. Devel. minister Basiakos on imminent ministry draft law

Athens, 23/12/2004 (ANA)

Basiakos told reporters after the meeting that he briefed Karamanlis on the positive developments in the agricultural sector, such as the doubling of the farmers' benefit with respect to 2003, the acceleration in the payment of indemnities (for destroyed crops and products due to inclement weather) and subsidies, and the acceleration of absorption of funds earmarked for the Greek agricultural sector under the EU's Third Community Support Framework (CSF).

The minister further said that, according to estimations by the National Statistics Service (ESYE), the farmers' income has increased by 2.8 percent against 2003.

[13] Oligopolistic conditions prevail in Greek industry, report

Athens, 23/12/2004 (ANA)

The report, focusing on sectors of Greek industry - not covering the services sector - covers the 1996-2002 period and shows that the average concentration index in sectors of the Greek industry reached 3.703, a reading of high concentration in the sector. The "risk" limit set by European Union directives is 2.000.

The report, published by the Competition Commission, said that the main factors supporting the development of a monopoly in a market/sector were their structure, the level of innovation and use of new technologies and competition pressures by new entrants in any market/sector.

The Commission stressed that technological competition was leading companies to be more effective in the long-term, reducing production costs and cutting prices.

[14] KEDKE criticizes subsidized part-time employment program, Interior ministry questions motives

Athens, 23/12/2004 (ANA)

KEDKE claims that, as it arises from the relevant Interior ministry circular, the 100 percent financing of the part-time positions is annulled, since the sum of 7,000 euro annually is set as the subsidy per position, regardless of family status, education level, knowledge and previous work experience.

Thus, the municipalities will be called on to pay the additional amount required for the part-time employees remuneration before taxes, KEDKE said.

The Interior ministry, responding to the announcement, said that the additional cost to the municipalities referred to by KEDKE took into consideration the maximum sums (for a working person who is married and has three children), which the ministry said could not possibly be the case for unemployed persons under 30 years of age, and for the entire period of 18 months, which is the maximum allowed period of employment, and also the maximum hours of employment per day, which is four hours.

The ministry considers that the KEDKE announcement constitutes an effort to create impressions and, if such were the case, questioned why KEDKE was seeking the most possible number of part-time work positions, given that operational plans for 36,000 positions were submitted, compared with 13,000 positions the ministry had announced that it would subsidise.

[15] Information Society program reports speedier fund absorption rates

Athens, 23/12/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, Asimakopoulos said that initial estimates, made in March 2004, of a fund loss totalling 120-150 million euros were based on slow absorption rates by the public sector during the period 2001-2003 (around seven million euros monthly).

Information Society said that absorption rates have accelerated during the last nine months totalling 16.3 million euros monthly, more than double compared with the same period last year.

Asimakopoulos said that fund absorption was expected to reach 18.7 percent of public spending budget (425 million euros) by the end of 2004, up from 11.8 percent in March 2004, an increase of 55 percent.

He forecast that project contract would exceed 31 percent of total budget by the end of the year, from 17 percent in March 2004, an increase of 87 percent.

Asimakopoulos stressed that new procedures aimed to simplify a regulatory framework would allow a speedier implementation of information projects in Greece, along with other direct interventions such as transparency.

A total of 46 new information technology programs were announced in the period March-December 2004, budgeted at around 57 million euros.

The special secretary underlined that 2005 was a crucial year for the future of the Information Society program.

[16] Chambers union president urges closer cooperation between Greek and Cypriot businesses

Athens, 23/12/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to a general assembly of the Cyprus Chamber of Trade and Industry, Kasimatis said chambers in Greece and Cyprus should seek to extend bilateral economic ties and make use of their geographic position and their joint membership of the European Union in order to seize opportunities arising through the developmental process in the Balkans, eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

He also noted that Turkey's European prospects and its gradual adaptation to EU rules and values could create potential for Greece, Cyprus and Turkey to become strongest developmental pole within the EU.

[17] Orientation centre for young entrepreneurs opens its doors at development ministry

Athens, 23/12/2004 (ANA)

The centre is designed to operate as a four-stage process that will encourage women, disabled persons but particularly young people to take the plunge and create their own business, with the support of the European Union's "Competitiveness" program.

Those taking the centre tour are first asked to take a self-assessment test to pinpoint their strengths and potential prospects in the business world. The second stage walks prospective entrepreneurs through the seven steps of a new business start-up. In the third stage, the basics are enriched with the hands-on experiences of successful business executives belonging to various trade and professional groups, who address the visitors.

In the fourth and final stage, visitors are shown a video outlining the actions undertaken by the "Competitiveness" program, including sample cases of business people who took advantage of the opportunities offered by the program and put them to good use.

Apart from the tours, which take place from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the centre also operates as a general reception and information centre during the same hours.

The first cycle of tours began on December 13 but will stop for the holidays from Thursday, resuming on January 12 and ending on February 4.

[18] Greek bond market closing report

Athens, 23/12/2004 (ANA)

Turnover in the secondary bond market totaled 1.556 billion euros, of which 660 mln euros were buy orders and 896 mln euros sell orders. The 10-year benchmark bond (May 2014) were the most heavily traded bonds with a turnover of 276 million euros, followed by the five-year bonds (March 2005) with 230 million euros. The yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German bond was unchanged at 0.18 percent, with the Greek bond yielding 3.75 percent and the German 3.57 pct.

In the interbank market, interest rates were largely unchanged. The 24-hour interest rates offered by National Bank was unchanged at 2.10 pct, as well as the 48-hour rate (2.10 pct) and the one-month rate (2.17 pct). Only the 12-month interest rates rose to 2.36 pct from 2.31 pct on Tuesday.

[19] Greek stocks resume upward trend

Athens, 23/12/2004 (ANA)

The general index ended 0.28 percent higher at 2,715.92 points with turnover a heavy 300.8 million euros, of which 175.9 million were block traded.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip stocks ended 0.30 percent higher, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index rose 0.43 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.22 percent up.

The Insurance sector suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day (-2.60 percent), followed by the Retail and IT sectors (down 1.10 pct and 0.54 pct, respectively). On the other hand, the Food-Beverage sector scored the biggest gains of the day (1.50 pct), followed by Holdings (1.11 pct) and Construction (0.84 pct).

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 144 to 127 with another 80 issues unchanged.

General News

[20] Athens mayor Bakoyannis announces New Year's eve celebration program

Athens, 23/12/2004 (ANA)

The mayor of the Greek capital, Athens, told a press conference that 2004, the year that was leaving, had been a significant year and a landmark for Athens, all of Greece, and everyone.

Athens (the host of the 2004 Olympic Games), she said, traveled throughout the world and, now that the year was ending, "we can say with pride that 2004 left us with more friends throughout the world".

The City of Athens is organizing a gala outdoor event on New Year's eve in the city centre, featuring popular singers/songwriters Dionyssis Savvopoulos, Nikos Portokaloglou and George Margaritis.

Also, a huge vasilopita (traditional cake cut on New Year's, containing trinkets, or charms, that bring luck for the coming year to those who find one in their piece of vasilopita) measuring 14 sq. meters will be cut, containing seven good luck charms representing Athens' seven municipal divisions, will be cut for good luck in 2005.

Bakoyannis said the celebrations would begin at 11:00 p.m. on New Year's Eve, with the municipal Philharmonic Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra, together with the Municipal Choir, welcoming revelers to the celebration.

"I'm enthusiastic to see young children of the city strolling the streets, visiting the City of Sugar (displays) at Syntagma and Kotzias Squares, riding on the carousel, enjoying the ice skating rink at Zappeion and Santa Claus' Fairytale City" which the City of Athens has set up for the holiday season, Bakoyannis said.

"The smiles of the people, and the children coming to these magical Squares, is our reward," the mayor said.

[21] Athens International Airport donates 8,000 euro to 'The Smile of the Child' organization

Athens, 23/12/2004 (ANA)

The donation was being made in the framework of the AIA's sensitivity to the human being, and particularly the child.

In addition to the dozens of international and European awards the airport has received since the commencement of its operation in March 2001, the AIA has not been remiss in also affirming its social face, according to an airport announcement.

Thus, the airport administration has decided to donate 8,000 euros, which was destined for Christmas gifts, to The Smile of the Child organization in order to reinforce the operation of the Children's Creative Entertainment Area.

The Children's Creative Entertainment Area on the airport premises is a free-of-charge service offered by AIA, in conjunction with The Smile of the Child, to passengers traveling with children.

The purpose of creating the Entertainment Area is to provide hospitality and creative occupation for the children of travelers and passengers who need to leave their children at a safe place while they arrange traveling procedures or go shopping.

The Smile of the Child, having the structure and experience in such activities, provides specially-trained pedagogs for the Children's Creative Entertainment Area, where the "little passengers" can spend their time pleasantly and creatively in "their own space".

To date, the Entertainment Area has hosted approximately 10,000 children.

The Smile of the Child (To Hamogelo tou Paidiou) is a non-profit organization set up for the purpose of defending the rights and well-being of children in Greece and Cyprus.

[22] European Network for Safety of the Elderly - EUNESE program presented

Athens, 23/12/2004 (ANA)

According to statistics presented at the press conference, falls were the most common accident suffered by elderly people (over 65 years of age), given that 40 percent of elderly people suffered a fall at least once a year. Also, 50 percent of the elderly who suffer a bone facture following a fall do not heal completely, while another 20 percent die within six months after a fall, Grigoriou said.

A meeting among the various agencies dealing with preventive medicine, the gathering of information on injuries, the drafting of a useful guide for first aid in the instance of accidents, the implementation of prevention programs on a trial basis, and the formulation of a five-year accident prevention plan are the targets of the European Network for the Safety of the Elderly, Grigoriou explained, adding that 60 percent of the expenses for the program would be covered by the EU's public health directorate.

"Accidents can be prevented, given that the elderly has gained in the past 25 years, for the first time in medical history, as the mortality rate of the elderly has been declining at a rapid rate and the life expectancy rate of a 65-year-old citizen in Europe is for another 20 years," according to Petridou.

The first step for confronting accidents is the creation of a data bank on what causes them, according to Trichopoulos, who added that accident prevention requires active support from the social whole, which must become be sensitized, as it has on the threat of cancer and heart ailments.

"By 2050, 40 percent of the European citizens will be over 65 years of age, births will be fewer, while the extension of life at the same time means an immense economic burden," Malliori said in turn, adding that "if we want to attain the Lisbon target of rendering the EU economy more competitive by 2010, we must have productive and healthy elderly citizens".

[23] AIPS votes Athens Olympics top for press facilities in 2004, national soccer side voted best team

Athens, 23/12/2004 (ANA)

World sports journalists also had additional laurels for Greece's national football team - which last season flew in the face of all predictions by winning the EURO 2004 championship - voting it best team for all sports throughout the world for 2004, ahead of rivals like Olympic medalists Argentina in basketball, the U.S. women's basketball team and the Croatian handball team, among others.

AIPS officials contacted the press department of the Athens Olympics Organizing Committee (ATHOC) on Wednesday to relay the news, saying that the prizes will be officially awarded at the AIPS annual conference to take place in Marrakesh on May 11-15, 2005.

The AIPS award for the best male athlete was won by Michael Phelps of the U.S., six-times swimming champion in the Athens Olympics, and for best female athlete by Britain's Kelly Holmes, who won two Olympic medals in athletics in Athens.

The prizes for best athletes and teams are offered by the Panhellenic Sports Press Association (PSAT), while the prize for the event with the best press facilities is given by the Sports Press Association of Hungary.

[24] Phone-sex scandal rocks Greek-Canadian community

MONTREAL 23/12/2004 (ANA - I. Fragouli)

According to an audit ordered by the Hellenic Community's new board president John Theodosopoulos, over 400 calls were placed to phone-sex lines between August 2003 and October 2004, under the previous administration headed by Bill Katsabanis.

The scandal was front-page news on Wednesday in the English-language newspaper "Montreal Gazette", which said that the Hellenic Community had over the same period delayed paying salaries to teachers at four Greek-community Socrates Schools, blaming parents for failing to pay tuition fees.

According to the newspaper, the audit also found out the organization had paid more than 33,000 dollars for advertising at a communications company and a TV station linked to two Hellenic Community board members at the time.

It said Katsabanis had also received 4,200 dollars from the organization to attend a meeting in Quebec while he was president.

Katsabanis denied spending the money and said he planned to sue the auditors and the new Hellenic Community board for defamation. He also noted that the calls to phone-sex lines had continued long after he had left office.

[25] Cyprus National Council discusses EU summit outcome

NICOSIA 23/12/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking after the two-hour-long meeting, Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides said discussions would continue.

''At today's National Council meeting, presided over by the President of the Republic, the President gave a long and full briefing on what went on in Brussels during the summit and on the content of the Council's conclusions,'' the spokesman said.

[26] House President: Possible solutions did not represent Cyprus people's

NICOSIA 23/12/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Christofias stressed on Wednesday that the United States and Britain were not only responsible for the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots but during the December 16-17 EU Summit in Brussels they also tried to secure that there would not be any reference in the EU conclusions to Turkey's obligations as regards the Cyprus Republic.

The Cypriot official noted that the Greek Cypriots' negative stance towards the Annan plan for a settlement should trouble all those who are trying to find a solution to the Cyprus problem that will respond to the Cyprus people's interests, something that was not though achieved.

He said measures taken to relieve Turkish Cypriots were somehow retributive for the Greek Cypriots.

''The stance of the international community, firstly, and of Turkey, secondly, led to possible solutions that did not represent the interests of the Cyprus people as a whole, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, and took into consideration the interests of third parties, and that is why a solution did not come up,'' he noted.

Regarding the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots, Christofias said ''this was not due to the Cyprus Republic'' but ''to those who divided Cyprus into two with the use of force.''

He pointed out that ''it is Turkey that has to be blamed and those who support Turkey, the Americans and the British, who worked behind the scenes during the EU Summit, to avoid any word to be included in the EU conclusions that would refer to Turkey's obligations as regards the Cyprus Republic.''

''This creates feelings of repugnance and feelings we did not want to have, because we are not anti-Americans or anti-British by nature,'' he noted.

He also said that these feelings do not have to do with the peoples of the two countries but with the policy their leaders follow all these years.

Christofias vowed that ''we will continue our struggle with dignity, always having in mind the interests of the Cyprus people as a whole,'' adding: ''we want a solution.''

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.

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