Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-01-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek, German FMs reaffirm 'excellent level' of bilateral relations, discuss Iraq, Iran, EU finances

[02] Greek Consulate in New York hosts event commemorating Greek victims of the Holocaust

[03] PM meets Cypriot main opposition leader for talks on Cyprus problem

[04] Greek main opposition leader interviewed by Italy's 'Espresso' magazine

[05] New U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to include Greece in European tour

[06] Papariga meets with DISY's Anastassiades

[07] Hellenic navy chief on official visit to Turkey

[08] Top Greek diplomat receives US under Secretary Kennedy

[09] ESHEA leadership meets with Minister of the Interior

[10] CNA senior delegation on official visit to ANA, meeting with FM Molyviatis

[11] SYN President attends World Social Forum

[12] KKE in favor of Nobel Peace prize being awarded to 5 Cubans held by US authorities

[13] Palestinian leader replies to letter of congratulations from Archbishop Christodoulos

[14] GSEE decides to stage 3-day protests in March

[15] Greece, Russia, Bulgaria move closer to building Burgas-Alexandroupoli pipeline

[16] BSEC transport ministers agree to cultivate closer transport links with EU

[17] Protesting farmers press ahead with roadblocks along national highway

[18] Hellenic Telecommunications Organization suspends payment of 40.6 mln euros to suppliers

[19] Greek gov't sets up body to deal with textile industry's problems

[20] EU releases Greek regional per capita GDP for 2000-2002

[21] EU sets Greek tax burden at 38.6% of GDP in 2003

[22] Gov't backs closer business ties with Cyprus

[23] Greek households' debt rose to 50.14 bln euros in Nov. 2004

[24] Greek Food Safety Agency withdraws French mineral water citing unfair competition

[25] IOC releases Athens 2004 Olympics marketing report

[26] Bank strike on Monday

[27] Stocks rise in wake of correction

[28] Rio-Antirrio bridge to remain closed indefinitely while experts investigate cause of fire

[29] Police official cites problem of organized migrant smuggling rings

[30] Three foreign nationals arrested for drug trafficking, 88.5 kilos hashish seized

[31] Package filled with bogus euro notes intercepted at train station

[32] PM meets with actress A. Synodinou

[33] President Stephanopoulos receives ENAE leadership

[34] Missing Greek in southeast Asia found alive and well

[35] Gov't approves bid for Euro 2012

[36] Cypriot FM: No tight deadlines for Cyprus settlement

[37] US: no recognition policy change on Cyprus

[38] UNFICYP to reduce numbers

[01] Greek, German FMs reaffirm 'excellent level' of bilateral relations, discuss Iraq, Iran, EU finances

Athens, 29/1/2005 (ANA)

The events for the anniversary began in the northern Greek capital on Thursday afternoon with a memorial service and the laying of wreaths at the Holocaust Monument. An estimated 50,000 Thessaloniki Jews perished in Nazi concentration camps such as Auschwitz and Treblinka.

The anniversary also coincides with the establishment of January 27 in Greece as a "Day of Memory" for the Holocaust.

The two ministers discussed bilateral relations, developments in Iraq and Iran, the situation in the Middle East and the Balkans, and EU finances.

"Our discussions were friendly, substantive and very useful. We reviewed bilateral relations, and ascertained their excellent level and our desire for their further expansion," Molyviatis told reporters after the meeting, while Fischer noted the "excellent level of bilateral relations".

To a question on EU finances and disagreement among the '25' on whether to increase or cut back Community funding for the 2007-2013 period, Fischer expressed hope that "a compromise satisfactory to everyone" would be achieved.

He stressed, however, the need for discipline in expenditures.

Questioned on progress in the talks with Iran concerning its nuclear program, Fischer replied that there was "room for optimism", adding that much would depend on Teheran's stance, but declined to elaborate further.

Fischer arrived in Thessaloniki late Thursday night from Berlin, and addressed an event held by the local Jewish community.

The German minister's flight to Thessaloniki was not without mishap, however, as the Luftwaffe's "Challenger" aircraft that departed a military airport in Berlin to bring Fischer to Thessaloniki met with technical problems three minutes into the flight, and the pilot was forced to return and make a forced landing in Berlin, according to sources cited by the German news agency DPA. The sources told DPA that a fire broke out on the plane, for reasons as yet unknown, causing thick smoke. Fisher was switched to a Cessna plane rented on the spot, and departed again for Thessaloniki with a nearly two-hour delay.

A German foreign ministry spokesman simply corroborated the incident.

Addressing Thursday night's event, Fischer said that "Germany feels great shame for the Nazi crimes in Greece: at Distomo, Hortiatis, Kalavryta", and said he felt horror at the thought of the "death trains" leading to Auschwitz.

"We shall never forget these industrialized crimes, committed on German orders and by German hands," the minister said.

He said that a piece of the history and culture of Thessaloniki, a city that was, until then, known as the Jerusalem of the Balkans, had been wiped out, adding that "these crimes will always be a part of our history", and noting that "we have a special responsibility that they will never again be repeated".

[02] Greek Consulate in New York hosts event commemorating Greek victims of the Holocaust

NEW YORK 29/1/2005 (ANA/P.Panayiotou)

The event included the showing of a documentary depicting the criminal acts carried out by the Nazis as well as testimony provided by survivors.

Speakers at the event included Archbishop of America Dimitrios, Greek General Consul Ekaterini Boura, Kavala MP Yiorgos Kalantzis and Hy Genee, President of the Kehila Kedosha Janina Synagogue.

[03] PM meets Cypriot main opposition leader for talks on Cyprus problem

Athens, 29/1/2005 (ANA)

After the one-hour meeting, Anastassiades said he had outlined his views and concerns regarding the Cyprus issue, and that his policy aimed at the quickest possible undertaking of initiatives to avoid a division of Cyprus.

"I believe that a common denominator will be found, so that, beginning in Cyprus, we form such opinions and policies that will lead us in the right direction," he added.

He also expressed "categorical disagreement" with a statement by U.S. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher, who said that the U.S. saw property transfers involving Turkish Cypriots "as one of the issues to be resolved as part of a comprehensive settlement, through the UN process".

According to the Cypriot party leader, the issue of property transfers was not one for negotiation but a fundamental issue and element of a solution to the Cyprus problem.

"Those measures should be taken that will prevent the illegal appropriation and alienation of Greek-Cypriot properties," he added.

[04] Greek main opposition leader interviewed by Italy's 'Espresso' magazine

ROME 29/1/2005 (ANA - L. Hatzikyriakos)

He praised the choice of Karolos Papoulias as a candidate for Greek president, saying that it accorded with the principles of the Constitution since the Greek political world was united in its high esteem for Papoulias.

Outlining his ideas for "participatory democracy" meanwhile, he stressed that it was a new model of government where citizens were directly involved in making political decisions and in which political power was subject to control by voters.

Regarding Turkey, he expressed support for its European prospects but stressed that its government had to prove that it wanted to live peacefully with its neighbors and had to intensify its efforts to resolve outstanding problems, such as disagreements over the Aegean or the Cyprus issue.

"We want Turkey to show that it has the will to take the necessary steps, in accordance with the criteria of Copenhagen and Helsinki and the resolutions of the United Nations. If it succeeds, this will be a positive turn for the Balkans and the eastern Mediterranean," Papandreou said.

He also rejected the description of being "pro-American", saying that he was a friend of the American people but did not agree "with the choices of the U.S. government that run counter to peace and cooperation between peoples".

[05] New U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to include Greece in European tour

WASHINGTON 29/1/2005 (ANA/T.Ellis)

Responding to a relevant question, Boucher said that Greece is one of the most important U.S. allies, adding that in this spirit Rice and Zoellick will prepare their program so as to include a visit to Athens before next spring.

[06] Papariga meets with DISY's Anastassiades

Athens, 29/1/2005 (ANA)

[07] Hellenic navy chief on official visit to Turkey

ISTANBUL 29/1/2005 (ANA)

Adm. Antoniadis' visit here comes following an invitation towards the chief of the Turkish navy to visit Athens during the 2004 Olympic Games.

"Problems exist ... they will be solved in various manners, but this does not mean that the two countries, the two navies cannot work together and have good relations," he said, adding that the respective navies have traditionally enjoyed good relations and have avoided 'incidents'.

Moreover, he said recent provocations in the Aegean is the result of "misunderstandings" on the local level.

[08] Top Greek diplomat receives US under Secretary Kennedy

Athens, 29/1/2005 (ANA)

[09] ESHEA leadership meets with Minister of the Interior

Athens, 29/1/2005 (ANA)

According to a statement released by ESHEA after the meeting, issues such as Union-proposed solutions for contract employees, journalists' insurance funds, lack of transparency regarding media ownership, increased unemployment in the sector and others were discussed.

Representing ESHEA at the meeting were Manolis Mathioudakis, President; Nikos Meggrelis, Secretary General; Dimitris Tsalapatis, Treasurer; Yiorgos Stefanis, board member; and Lazaros Belitsis, Legal Adviser.

[10] CNA senior delegation on official visit to ANA, meeting with FM Molyviatis

Athens, 29/1/2005 (ANA)

CNA president Aristos Aristotelous and director Themis Themistocleous visited the ANA headquarters in Athens and held talks with ANA general director and chairman of the board George Tambakopoulos, managing director Nikolas Voulelis, and international relations consultant and former general director Andreas Christodoulides.

The two sides expressed their conviction that the excellent cooperation between the two news agencies would continue, and that their bilateral relations would be further reinforced.

The CNA delegation later held separate talks with Roussopoulos and Molyviatis.

The CNA executives will round up their visit on Friday evening, with their attendance at an official dinner in their honor hosted by Communications secretary general Margarita Papada-Heimona and information secretary general Panayotis Livadas.

[11] SYN President attends World Social Forum

Athens, 29/1/2005 (ANA)

Alavanos went to Brasil from Argentina, where according to a SYN statement, he met with Greek community associations.

The problems concerning Greeks in Argentina the most, according to the SYN statement, are: difficulties in visiting Greece due to the high exchange rate of the euro against the peso; education, since many children of Greek origin are third generation and have lost contact with the Greek language; maintaining ties with Greece.

On Saturday, Alavanos will be attending a seminar within the context of the WSF, organized by the Espaces Marx Foundation and titled "Social movements, possibilities, institutions, social transformation strategies, experiences and potential in Latin America and Europe."

During his stay at Porto Alegre, he will also be meeting with members of the Greek community there.

[12] KKE in favor of Nobel Peace prize being awarded to 5 Cubans held by US authorities

Athens, 29/1/2005 (ANA)

The five individuals are: Gerardo Hernandez Nordelo, Ramon Labanino Salazar, Antonio Guerrero Rodriguez, Fernando Gonzalez Llort and Rene Gonzalez Sehweret.

According to the letter signed by KKE MPs and Eurodeputies, the five individuals are imprisoned "because they uncovered efforts that aimed to undermine their country's independence and integrity and they defended their position thus contributing to world peace and security."

[13] Palestinian leader replies to letter of congratulations from Archbishop Christodoulos

Athens, 29/1/2005 (ANA)

[14] GSEE decides to stage 3-day protests in March

Athens, 29/1/2005 (ANA)

GSEE also decided that the strike of May 1 (Labour Day), which this year coincides with Easter Sunday, should be held on May 11.

According to GSEE, the major issues concerning workers at present and which should be priorities for unions are insurance/social security, labor relations, working hours and contract employees.

The civil servants' union ADEDY is scheduling similar events. On Thursday, ADEDY representatives will meet with Minister of the Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Prokopis Pavlopoulos to discuss wages and hiring in the public sector.

[15] Greece, Russia, Bulgaria move closer to building Burgas-Alexandroupoli pipeline

Athens, 29/1/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters in Moscow, the Greek minister said that "we had a difficult cooperation that ended successfully. I think that today's tri-party meeting made a decisive step towards completing the project and achieved two significant goals. First, creating an initiative group by oil companies. These companies met today for the first time and signed a protocol setting TNK-BP as the coordinator of the group. They also set goals and a timetable for their work. The tri-party commission also signed a protocol to meet again on March 9-10 in Moscow to examine the recommendations of the companies' initiative group. After that, the three governments are expected to sign a political memorandum on the project by March 15".

Salagoudis said that except from the three companies registered in the protocol, other companies such as Lukoil, Gazprom, Rosneft and Transneft participated as observers during the first initiative group meeting. "I thin this very positive and showed an expanding group. We believe this expansion will continue to include more oil companies in the consortium to build and operate the pipeline," the Greek minister stressed.

[16] BSEC transport ministers agree to cultivate closer transport links with EU

Athens, 29/1/2005 (ANA)

They also agreed on developing maritime routes in the Black Sea in order to improve combined transport, with emphasis on facilitating border crossings and reducing administrative hurdles in order to improve commerce-linked transport.

The private sector is called on to play a key role in this procedure by funding the necessary projects.

Commenting on the outcome of the meeting, Greek Transport Minister Mihalis Liapis described it as a success and stressed that developing transport links with the Black Sea was a priority for Greece, which would help develop economic, commercial and cultural ties with countries in the region.

Deputy Foreign Minister Evripides Stylianidis said the ministerial meeting had been organized in Thessaloniki through a joint initiative by the Greek foreign ministry, in collaboration with the Greek transport and merchant marine ministries.

"Our aim was to provide a new boost to links between the countries of Southeast Europe and the Black Sea in the transport sector, ultimately aiming at the creation of a single transport area in the wider region that will give rise to new special interest sectors," Stylianidis said.

[17] Protesting farmers press ahead with roadblocks along national highway

Athens, 29/1/2005 (ANA)

According to president of the Federation of Agricultural Associations of Pella Prefecture, Christos Hatziantoniou, the national highway was closed off by tractors at the Paralimni exist at noon on Friday, and would remain blocked off indefinitely.

The Pella Federation representatives were due to meet Friday night, however, to discuss and re-assess the situation.

Meanwhile, farmers in Serres prefecture were meeting to discuss whether to go ahead with an indefinite roadblock they have decided on the Thessaloniki-Promahonas stretch of the national highway, or whether to continue with closure of the highway at regular intervals as they have been doing for the past eight days.

At this time, the national highway at the Petritsi exit was blocked off by tractors since 9:00 a.m., causing queues at the Greek-Bulgarian border of vehicles wishing to pass through the Promahonas border post on both sides.

President of the Federation of Agricultural Associations of Serres Prefecture, Costas Xenitidis, told ANA that the farmers of the region were determined to keep up the roadblock along the national highway leading to the Greek-Bulgarian border indefinitely, in reaction to the "situations" announced by the Cultural Development ministry regarding farmers who were in violation of farm legislation, as the farmers in question denied the charges.

At the same time, he said, the farmers wanted a commitment from Agricultural Development minister Evangelos Bassiakos on the size of "co-responsibility rebates", in order to remove their tractors from the roadblock at the Petritsi exit.

Also, farmers gathered at the Halkidona exit on the Thessaloniki-Edessa stretch of the national highway also blocked the highway for one hour beginning at 1:00 in the afternoon, in a symbolic move.

Further, farmers also set up a roadblock along the national highway at Tempe at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, and said the tractors would remain there for 24 hours, in the initial stage of their mobilization.

Only ambulances and "emergency situations" were allowed to pass through the roadblock.

Parallel roadblocks have been set up along the national highway at Velestino and Drougos, while the turn-offs at Kefalosi and Almyros were also due to be closed off in the afternoon.

Cotton producers in Larissa prefecture were due to meet Saturday morning to decide on whether to continue their roadblocks, and persisted in their demand for the absorption of unsold quantities of cotton that were produced legitimately.

[18] Hellenic Telecommunications Organization suspends payment of 40.6 mln euros to suppliers

Athens, 29/1/2005 (ANA)

A board announcement said the decision was taken following the start of a judiciary investigation in the contracts. Hellenic Telecom's board said it ordered an internal investigation on why contracts covering the afore mentioned period were not signed and on lack of detailed records on technical support services offered by the three companies to the Organization.

Hellenic Telecoms also decided to hire a foreign firm to evaluate the fairness of the contracts' value.

Panagis Vourloumis, the Organization's chairman and chief executive, expressed his full confidence to the work of Greek justice and hoped the procedure to be completed as soon as possible.

[19] Greek gov't sets up body to deal with textile industry's problems

Athens, 29/1/2005 (ANA)

Economy and Finance ministry's secretary-general G.Mergos will head the Permanent Commission. The Commission will work to plan and recommend policy measures aimed to solve the textile industry's problems along with monitoring their implementation.

[20] EU releases Greek regional per capita GDP for 2000-2002

BRUSSELS 29/1/2005 (ANA/V Demiris)

The three years of data, which include Greece, will be used to assess eligibility for EU funding if the bloc reaches agreement this year on the fiscal outlook for 2007-2013 and on rules for structural funding.

The 2000-2002 data is likely to place the following Greek regions under Target 1 of the structural funds for areas with a per capita GDP below 75% of the EU average, if agreement is reached. (Per capita figures in brackets).