Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-04-23

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] European Network and Information Security Agency establishes headquarters in Crete

[02] Greek presidency of BSEC achieves key goal with "Komotini Agreement"

[03] Visiting Russian official reiterates Moscow's support for efforts to solve Cyprus issue

[04] PM Karamanlis meets with FM Molyviatis

[05] EU Commissioner for environment attends UN meeting on sustainable development

[06] Deputy DM and Dutch counterpart discuss expansion of military cooperation

[07] Austrian president looks forward to upcoming meeting with Greek counterpart

[08] Papandreou criticizes gov't as 'rudderless ship'

[09] Greek economic growth to slow in 2005-06, Eurobank report

[10] Gov't to build new hospitals in joint ventures with private companies

[11] Finance minister addresses LSE Hellenic Observatory seminar on labor market in Greece

[12] Dialogue on pension reform to begin next Tuesday

[13] Greece featured country at China world tourism trade fair

[14] Greek economy: weekly review

[15] Daily trains soon between Thessaloniki, Istanbul

[16] Building cost up in 1st quarter

[17] PPC to bid in Bulgarian privatization tender

[18] Civil aviation employees' union suspends 48-hour strike

[19] Stocks rise in blue-chip buying

[20] Vavylis arrested in Italy

[21] Greek-Turkish environmental initiative to protect rare species of vulture

[22] President's message for World Book Day: 'A book is still the only path to real thought'

[23] Recall of lethal Chinese-made steam irons leads to probe of authorities' reaction

[24] Police bust family of heroin dealers in Thessaloniki

[25] Greek police arrest suspected mafia member wanted by Interpol

[26] Police concerned that car bombing linked to owner's job

[27] Former police chief beats manslaughter charge for hostage death on appeal

[28] Cyprus president says paper on EU common policy on Turkey is good

[29] Cyprus solution cannot deviate from EU Constitution, says Cypriot FM

[30] No blank cheque to Turkey, says Cyprus spokesman

[31] EUMC president pays visit to Cyprus

[32] FM to represent Cyprus at new Pope's inauguration mass

[01] European Network and Information Security Agency establishes headquarters in Crete

Athens, 23/4/2005 (ANA)

According to Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, who was present for the signing, the government's main goal in e-government is to "shape a solid research and technological foundation on which the future course of the country can be based."

Karamanlis mentioned some of the initiatives the government has taken in this direction: "Through EU programs, we are supporting the development of broadband infrastructure in the regions, as well as increasing broadband penetration as the EU program 'Information Society' call for; we are promoting major, institutional reforms on all levels of the educational system and throughout the country's research centers, aiming at transparency, meritocracy, excellence, rewarding performance, but also linking state services with performance and with the social benefits of research and technology," he said.

The prime minister also said that the government is promoting programs - existing and new ones - regarding networks and e-government.

Furthermore, Greece is working closely with EU authorities on the issue of network and information security, he said.

Karamanlis expressed his satisfaction that another European organization had chosen Greece as its headquarters.

"It is an agreement of particular importance for Greece, since the new Organization will attract the attention of a significant segment of the international scientific community; especially, that of the technocrats and policymakers of network and information security. This is - and I want to mention this - a choice made by the EU while the previous government was in office and is being completed today, following many efforts we made," he said.

The agreement was signed by Deputy Transport and Communications Minister Anastasios Neratzis and ENISA's Executive Director Andrea Pirotti.

[02] Greek presidency of BSEC achieves key goal with "Komotini Agreement"

Athens, 23/4/2005 (ANA)

"It essentially lays the foundations for the future cooperation among the Organization's member-states," Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis said on Friday.

The agreement ratifies the decisions taken during the past six months and sets out the guidelines pertaining to the BSEC's upgrade, the strengthening of its international role as well as tightening relations - on all levels - among its members.

Specifically, decisions relate to cooperation in the energy, transport, justice, business and tourism sectors.

The foreign ministers of the BSEC member-states negotiated the text of the agreement during their meeting in Komotini.

"Greece, the only EU, NATO and BSEC member in the broader region, is concluding its presidency successfully with the Komotini Agreement and by having laid the foundations for the reinforcement of peace, stability and cooperation in the region of the Black Sea and Southeast Europe," Stylianidis said.

[03] Visiting Russian official reiterates Moscow's support for efforts to solve Cyprus issue

Athens, 23/4/2005 (ANA)

Chizhov said that the new leader of the Turkish-Cypriot community on the island was in favor of a solution. At the same time, he stressed that any solution would have to be agreed voluntarily by both sides and could not be imposed on them, since only then would it be viable.

The Greek minister - in response to a question on whether the change of Turkish-Cypriot leadership gave rise to hope for the start of negotiations - said that "every remove of Turkish-Cypriots from the intransigency of the past is considered positive".

Concerning the Aegean and relations between Greece and Turkey, Chizhov said that Russia was closely following developments and always supported the need to develop ties of good neighborliness, while hailing the progress that had been made.

"Promoting ties of cooperation between Greece and Turkey will contribute to deepening a climate of cooperation in the surrounding region but also in Europe," he stressed.

He also noted that Russia will accept any solution agreed by Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) concerning the latter's name, and expressed Moscow's support for the process at the UN over the 'name issue'.

A key issue discussed by the two men on Friday was the status of Kosovo, in view of a report on the province to be presented to the Security Council by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Chizhov, who was recently in the area, stressed that the situation in Kosovo remained tense and that any progress achieved chiefly concerned the Albanian section of the population.

"The Serbs and other minorities continue to feel insecure," he said, noting that arrangements had to be made for the return of refugees and restoration of their rights. He stressed that a solution had to come from the UN, and that both Belgrade and Kosovo's Serbs should contribute.

Chizhov's meeting with Valynakis also covered issues of bilateral interest, in the framework of an agreement to upgrade Greek-Russian ties decided when Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis visited Moscow. Topics included cooperation in trade, energy and tourism, relations between Russia and the EU and the current system for visas.

"We ascertained the excellent relations of the two countries and the firm base of our cooperation," Valynakis told reporters.

[04] PM Karamanlis meets with FM Molyviatis

Athens, 23/4/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Molyviatis expressed satisfaction over the EU decisions on Thursday regarding the issue of commencement of EU negotiations with Turkey, and also in relation to Turkey and Cyprus.

Asked whether the prime minister would visit Turkey, Molyviatis said that everything would be discussed via diplomatic channels.

Asked about press rumors of his possible movement from the foreign ministry, Molyviatis replied: "You want me to leave? There is no issue of a reshuffle".

Also under discussion is Karamanlis agenda in the United States, where the premier has scheduled a private visit for May 20-23, during which he will be made an honorary Doctor at Tufts University in Boston, his alma mater.

[05] EU Commissioner for environment attends UN meeting on sustainable development

Washington 23/4/2005 (ANA )

The main issues discussed during the meeting were sustainable development, environmental protection and reconstruction, access to drinking water, sewage and urban development, especially in the ghettos occupied by minorities and the poor, in relation to the development and protection of human rights.

While in the United States, Dimas also met members of the U.S. government to discuss issues related to climate change and cooperation between the EU and U.S. on environmental issues. He also addressed U.S. think-tanks and outlined EU positions on environmental issues. Dimas stressed the need for avenues of communication between the EU and the U.S., in spite of their differences relative to the Kyoto Protocol, in order to find ways of cooperating in order to deal with problems that threaten the global climate.

The Commissioner appealed for world action against the threat of global climate change in his speeches, both at the UN and in Washington, stressing the importance of America's contribution.

He also referred to a European plan for "trading" greenhouse gases that was put into effect in January 2005 and to negotiations for the post-Kyoto procedure after 2012.

[06] Deputy DM and Dutch counterpart discuss expansion of military cooperation

Athens, 23/4/2005 (ANA)

Specifically, the two countries will exchange information regarding organizing a professional army and dealing with radiobiological - chemical warfare and international terrorism.

According to sources close to the Defense Minister, the Dutch side expressed interest in participating in future weapons procurement programs of the Greek army and navy.

The Greek deputy minister and van der Knaap emphasized the excellent bilateral relations existing between the two countries.

[07] Austrian president looks forward to upcoming meeting with Greek counterpart

Vienna, 23/4/2005 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

The press conference was held on occasion of the first anniversary of his election as president on April 25 last year. President Fischer stressed that the two presidents' diplomatic offices are in contact to set the date.

According to ANA reports, President Fischer, 66, will extend an invitation to his Greek counterpart to visit Austria officially and to be his official guest during the inauguration of the Salzburg Festival in the last week of July.

The two presidents, who are close friends, had a discussion in Rome recently on the sidelines of the funeral of Pope John Paul II, during which they agreed to meet soon and officially.

They have worked together repeatedly, when President Fischer had been Austrian Parliament president for over a decade and President Papoulias had been Greek foreign minister for several years.

[08] Papandreou criticizes gov't as 'rudderless ship'

Athens, 23/4/2005 (ANA)

He criticized the government on a variety of foreign affairs issues as well, saying the ND government has abandoned standing Greek policy and has exhibited inaction over the FYROM 'name issue'.

In regards to recent high-profile and provocative comments by the Turkish military chief, the one-time foreign minister said Athens must send a clear message to the neighboring country's political and military leaders of "realizing their obligations to the international community and the European Union."

As far as internal party developments are concerned, Papandreou warned that "sham election procedures" will not be tolerated during upcoming polls to establish new PASOK regional councils around the country.

He also said decisions by the party should not be based only be scientifically credible but also based on a "reasoning of political fusion with wider consensus."

[09] Greek economic growth to slow in 2005-06, Eurobank report

Athens, 23/4/2005 (ANA)

The bank's analysts reiterated, however, that despite the slowdown, Greece's economic growth rates would exceed the Eurozone's average over the two-year period.

Growth will reflect significant increases in real wages and higher borrowing, maintaining high demand in domestic markets.

Eurobank said public revenues was the biggest factor of uncertainty in this year's budget, while its analysts did not exclude any negative surprises with EU fund inflows in the future, unless the government reached a compromise with the Union over the 'primary shareholder' law.

Average inflation is expected at 3.7 percent this year, due to higher oil prices, VAT factors and indirect taxes.

[10] Gov't to build new hospitals in joint ventures with private companies

Athens, 23/4/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, Kaklamanis said he was very happy for the fact that a program to rescheduling state hospitals' debt to suppliers would also include the Onassion hospital. The Greek minister stressed that the Health and Economy ministries would cooperate closely in building new hospitals through a system of joint ventures between the public and private sectors.

Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said a draft legislation to promote joint ventures between the two sectors was currently under discussion.

[11] Finance minister addresses LSE Hellenic Observatory seminar on labor market in Greece

Athens, 23/4/2005 (ANA)

"There are no predetermined decisions, nor will there be any surprise moves. We are seeking a balanced solution for all in the framework of an economic and social logic which shall allow the country to meet the demanding international economic environment," he said on the issue of labor relations.

"We are not speaking of an abolition of rules which must govern the operation of the labor market and the rights of working people for a dignified working life, but of the reconstruction of structures to enable them to be modernized and to constitute the framework for a substantive increase in employment which, as we have said, is far from the European average," he added.

Speaking at the same seminar, Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) President Odysseas Kyriakopoulos said it is becoming all the more evident that the existing principles and settlements governing the operation of labor markets are no longer in a position to meet the problems of today and the challenges of tomorrow.

[12] Dialogue on pension reform to begin next Tuesday

Athens, 23/4/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, Alogoskoufis said the first meeting on Tuesday would discuss only the pension issue and not labor relations, a topic discussed between Labor ministry, GSEE trade union and employers' union.

The Greek minister said the government would not seek a technocratic solution to the problem but it would encourage a dialogue between trade unions and employers.

[13] Greece featured country at China world tourism trade fair

Beijing 23/4/2005 (ANA)

Liaskas invited Chinese travelers to discover Greece as an ancient center of civilization, and find common points between antiquities in the two countries.

He was speaking at a news conference with Tourism Minister Yu Changjiang held at the Greek ambassador's residence in Beijing on the second day of an official visit, the embassy said in a statement.

Liaskos, accompanied by the president of the Greek National Tourism Organization, Aristidis Kaloyeropoulos, also met the head of the World Travel and Tourism Committee.

Attending a reception held by Ambassador Haralambos Rokanas were Greek executives who exhibited at Beijing International Travel Tourism Management 2005, visited by Liaskos and Kaloyeropoulos, the statement said.

As part of an advertising campaign, Beijing streets are adorned with posters saying: "Live your myth in Greece."

[14] Greek economy: weekly review

Athens, 23/4/2005 (ANA)

In other headline news this week: A dialogue over reforming the country's pension system will begin next Tuesday, 26 April, Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said. The Greek FinMin said the ministry would present is plans over joint ventures between the public and private sectors after the Easter holidays.

Greek inflation slowed to 2.9 percent in March, year-on-year, from 3.2 percent in February, Eurostat said this week. The EU executive's statistics agency said Eurozone's inflation was unchanged at 2.1 percent in March, but up from 1.7 pct in March 2004.

Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister George Souflias announced a public works program, worth 13.5 billion euros, for the period 2005-2006.

A new hydroplanes company made its first test flight this week, flying from Neo Phaliro to the island of Serifos. Transport and Communications Minister Mihalis Liapis was aboard the aircraft. The company pledges to ensure regular flights with all remote islands in the Aegean and the Ionian Sea.

Merchant Marine Minister Manolis Kefaloyiannis said shipping fares would remain steady this year, with the exception of increases related with oil price fluctuations. The Greek minister also presented a draft bill envisaging the listing of ocean shipping companies in the Athens Stock Exchange.

Greece's Workforce Employment Organization announced a program to subsidise the creation of 11,000 new job positions.

The Greek government presented a new pricing policy on pharmaceutical products aiming to achieve trade-weighed price falls between 5.0 and 7.0 percent. The new system sets prices based on average prices in the three cheapest countries in the EU.

Budget spending totalled 11.147 billion euros in the first quarter of 2005, down 5.0 percent from the same period last year, the State General Accounting Office said this week.

A new procurement system for state hospitals, to be introduced from May 1, will result to savings up to 25 percent, Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis said.

[15] Daily trains soon between Thessaloniki, Istanbul

Istanbul, 23/4/2005 (ANA/A Kourkoulas)

Turkey's TCDD state rail operator said in a statement on Friday that one train will leave each destination daily, covering 826 kilometers in 11 hours overnight.

A contract with Hellenic Railways Organization for the long-discussed arrangement is due for signature in Ankara next month.

[16] Building cost up in 1st quarter

Athens, 23/4/2005 (ANA)

The statistics service said the total cost composite index rose 3.8 percent in the January-March period compared with the same period in 2004, while the material prices' index rose 3.9 percent over the same period.

[17] PPC to bid in Bulgarian privatization tender

Athens, 23/4/2005 (ANA)

The bid is for acquisition of 100% of stock in the neighboring country's Varna and Bobov Dol stations, PPC's management said in a statement.

[18] Civil aviation employees' union suspends 48-hour strike

Athens, 23/4/2005 (ANA)

The union has demanded payment of overtime pay, bonuses and holiday pay owed from last year, according to labor representatives.

The union, OSYPA, claims that some 3,000 employees are owed between 400 to 600 euros each, whereas another 1,000 civil aviation employees are each owed almost 3,000 euros.

Union reps, nevertheless, warned of an industrial action in early June if their demands were not met by May 31.

[19] Stocks rise in blue-chip buying

Athens, 23/4/2005 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,931.76 points, marking a rise of 1.15%. Turnover was 148.0 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 1.24% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.89% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 1.08% up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 178 to 87 with 73 remaining unchanged.

Stock Futures: