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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Foreign ministry offers to provide aid for earthquake victims in Pakistan and India

[02] Greek gov't rejects Nimetz proposals on FYROM name issue

[03] Presidents of Greece, Moldova lay foundation for further development of bilateral relations

[04] President Karolos Papoulias visits Aegean island of Limnos

[05] Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki rounds up Romania visit

[06] Greek parliamentary delegation in London for EU's 34th annual COSAC meeting

[07] Deputy DM Vassilis Mihaloliakos tours military outposts on Samos

[08] Greek Communist Party calls for release of Irish Labor Party Secretary Sean Garland

[09] Cyprus problem must be solved on the basis of the UN and EU resolutions, Cyprus justice minister Theodorou tells event

[10] 45th anniversary of founding of Republic of Cyprus celebrated in Kallithea

[11] Coalition party's Central Committee discusses Athens conference of 'European Left' party

[12] Polls show voter disappointment in mainstream parties, corruption

[13] Rise in Greek agro exports cited by Agricultural development minister at ANUGA 2005

[14] PM appoints Antonis Bezas new Deputy Finance and Economy Minister

[15] FinMin Alogoskoufis outlines ministry priorities for 2006

[16] No issue of raising retirement ages, employment minister Panayotopoulos reaffirms

[17] Development minister, officials confer with Gazprom deputy chief Medvedev

[18] Greece shielded against chicken flu, deputy agricultural development

[19] Greek wines making strong comeback in export markets

[20] Commercial centers control 12-14 pc share of the market

[21] Earthquake jolts Thessaloniki, no damage reported

[22] 'Sopranos Friendship Award 2005' given to Mikis Theodorakis and Zulfu Livaneli

[23] Australian Archaeological Institute at Athens opens 25th anniversary symposium on Monday

[24] Development minister to attend Cyprus-Harvard ministerial conference on public health on Monday

[25] Egaleo Athens and OFI Crete draw 0-0 in first division soccer match

[26] President Karolos Papoulias delivers awards to winners of classical boat race

[27] EP Speaker departs from Cyprus

[28] Morphou citizens hold anti-occupation march

[29] British MPs criticize their government ahead of Morphou march

[01] Foreign ministry offers to provide aid for earthquake victims in Pakistan and India

ATHENS, 10/10/2005 (ANA)

In an announcement, the foreign ministry expressed Greece's sympathy and solidarity and stressed the country's readiness to contribute to search and rescue efforts in the regions affected by the earthquake by sending a mission of the EMAK special rescue group.

Rescuers searched frantically in the rubble of flattened towns and villages on Sunday for survivors of the devastating earthquake that killed more than 20,000 in northern Pakistan and India.

In worst hit Pakistan, more than 24 hours after Saturday morning's quake, hundreds of children were trapped in collapsed schools and 150 people, including foreigners, were buried in two collapsed apartment blocks in the capital, Islamabad.

Meanwhile, the quadripartite conference Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis was due to have in Athens on October 10-11 with the Interior Ministers of Iran, Pakistan and Turkey, Mustafa Poor-Mohammadi, Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpa and Abdulkadir Aksu respectively, has been postponed until early November.

The reason for the postponement is that Pakistan's Interior Minister will be unable to attend the conference due to the earthquake that struck Pakistan on Saturday.

The conference was to focus on cooperation in combatting illegal immigration, drug-trafficking and organized crime in general.

[02] Greek gov't rejects Nimetz proposals on FYROM name issue

ATHENS, 10/10/2005 (ANA)

According to the ministry announcement, Nimetz submitted to Greece's permanent representative to the UN, on Friday night, proposals on the FYROM name issue.

Main opposition PASOK party Political Council member in charge of foreign policy, security and defense issues Christos Papoutsis on Sunday called for a full briefing on the content of the new Nimetz proposals, and charged that the New Democracy government was placing Greece in an increasingly adverse position due to its handling and lack of strategy.

Later, Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) political secretariat member Panos Trigazis called on the government to urgently convene the National Council on Foreign Policy, criticizing as "unacceptable" the lack of briefing of the political parties by the government on the new Nimetz proposal.

"We fear that we are heading to a new impasse on an issue that has greatly inconvenienced and immobilized Greece's Balkan policy over the past decade," Trigazis said.

On Saturday morning, the Greek permanent representative was "instructed to return the proposals as unacceptable", the ministry announcement concluded.

In Skopje, FYROM president Branko Crvenkovski also announced the submission of a new proposal by Nimetz, adding that an extraordinary meeting of the Cabinet would be convened on Sunday, followed by a conference on Monday with the leaders of the country's largest political parties.

[03] Presidents of Greece, Moldova lay foundation for further development of bilateral relations

ATHENS, 10/10/2005 (ANA)

"We examined the relations between our two countries, which have historic roots, and ascertained that today they are cordial, with great prospects for development, Greece's president Karolos Papoulias said after a meeting of delegations from the two countries.

"The historic bonds are a very good foundation for cooperation also in the sectors of the economy, commerce, culture and tourism," said Papoulias, who adopted a proposal by Voronin for highlighting in Moldova the historic course of the Philliki Etairia (Friendly Society).

The scholars Anthimos Gazis, Grigoris Konstantas and Daniil Philippidis, born in Milies in the 1750's when the area of Pelion was starting to flourish due to the development of trade and the handicraft industry and increased business relations in Europe, traveled extensively and studied in Europe, becoming familiar with the ideas of the Enlightenment and contributing to the intellectual and political enlightenment of Greece. The three were clerics, teachers, writers, translators, publishers, members of the Philiki Etairia revolutionary group against the Ottoman Turkish rule, and founders of the School of Milies, which became renowned for its high standard of teaching, offering a curriculum that included the applied sciences, and for its very extensive library. The School suffered severe damage and many gooks, maps and scientific instruments were lost during the uprising in Pelion. It was closed until Thessaly's liberation in 1881, and the building was subsequently destroyed in 1943 when the German occupation troops set fire to the village of Milies. The three scholars are considered among the most eminent personalities of the Greek Enlightenment.

Voronin, accompanied by foreign minister Andrei Stratan, stressed that "the historical events that united us are the spark for the consolidation of our relations, which today also must be further advanced, to the benefit of both peoples".

After a memorial service, the two Presidents visited the graves of Gazis, Konstantas and Philippidis, where a larnaca containing soil from Philippidis' grave in the Moldovan town of Balt was placed in his cenotaph at Milies.

The two Presidents further planted two symbolic plane trees.

"They will be watered by our friendship," Papoulias said, to which Voronin added "just as the plane trees planted by our common fellow country-man Philippidis, which still shed shade on our capital".

Papoulias and Voronin were later declared honorary residents of Milies by the town's Cultural Association, while the road that leads to the graves was renamed "Presidents Papoulias-Voronin Street".

"Common ideas and historical events united our peoples, and today it is important that we proceed side-by-side in the framework of the European Union," Voronin said.

Deputy interior minister Athanasios Nakos and Parliament vice-president George Sourlas spoke of the three scholars' contribution to education and the national uprising against Ottoman rule.

[04] President Karolos Papoulias visits Aegean island of Limnos

LIMNOS, 10/10/2005 (ANA)

President Papoulias, who was speaking during a luncheon served in his honor by local authorities, said the people of Greece are experiencing an important period and expressed his optimism over the country's future.

The President attended a Church service in the morning, while in the afternoon he will be visiting the Archaeological Park of Prehistoric Myrina and afterwards he will be arriving at the municipal theatre "Maroula" where he will be proclaimed an honorary member of the local community.

[05] Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki rounds up Romania visit

IASI, Romania, 10/10/2005 (ANA/A. Makridis)

Benaki, in the framework of her five-day official visit to Romania and being the first Greek Parliament President to visit this Balkan country, was welcomed by the Greek community in the city of Iasi and offered the Greek community 15,000 euros on behalf of Parliament.

The Parliament President met with Iasi Prefect Radu Prisicaru and listened to the demands for know-how to be provided by Greece to help the region's effort to achieve its adjustment to European political, legal and economic structures.

A motorway scheduled to link Odessa, Iasi and Budapest is a major project for the region, an option for which the Prefect of Iasi requested Benaki's assistance to enable it to become a project of European priority.

Her visit to Romania came to an end on Sunday with a tour of monasteries in the region.

[06] Greek parliamentary delegation in London for EU's 34th annual COSAC meeting

LONDON, 10/10/2005 (ANA)

The 34th annual ordinary meeting of COSAC, which was founded in 1989, is being held in London in the context of the current British presidency of the EU.

Delegates will discuss the EU's Common Foreign and Defense Policy, and the course of ratification of the EU Constitutional Treaty. The three-day meeting runs from October 9 to 11.

[07] Deputy DM Vassilis Mihaloliakos tours military outposts on Samos

SAMOS, 10/10/2005 (ANA)

"Following my tour, my conviction was strengthened that we have very powerful armed forces," the deputy minister said.

Mihaloliakos, who visited Agathonissi on Friday and went as far as the outpost of Psili Ammos, also referred to neighboring Turkey and to accession negotiations which have begun with the European Union, saying that "we want to live peacefully, harmoniously and in a friendly fashion in the future. It is good for both peoples."

Speaking to army officers and recruits, he pointed out that "your career does not depend on which party you vote for or which party you will vote for. I was, am and will be absolutely categorical in defending meritocracy in the future."

[08] Greek Communist Party calls for release of Irish Labor Party Secretary Sean Garland

ATHENS, 10/10/2005 (ANA)

Garland was arrested by British and Irish security forces at a time when he was dining with foreign delegations participating in the Labor Party's conference in Belfast.

The announcement added that "the security forces imprisoned him because a warrant for his arrest and extradition to the United States is pending on the 'criminal' charge that he 'visited the Peoples Republic of Korea'."

[09] Cyprus problem must be solved on the basis of the UN and EU resolutions, Cyprus justice minister Theodorou tells event

THESSALONIKI, 10/10/2005 (ANA)

Theodorou made a historic review of the various stages of the Republic up until the Turkish invasion and occupation of the northern part of the island republic in 1974, and developments up to the present, culminating with Cyprus' accession as a full member in the European Union and the recent commencement of Turkey's EU accession negotiations.

The minister said that at this stage, in which the framework and conditions within which the Cyprus issue was moving has changed, the target should first of all be to shorten the timeframe for its resolution, the inclusion of the EU principles in the formulation of the solution, and seeking a solution within the framework of the UN without pressing timetables and arbitration.

"Consequently, much cool-headedness, analysis of the conjunctures and conditions at each given time, realistic assessment of the prospects at every instance, overall review, and the avoidance of isolation are necessary," Theodorou said, adding that the times required prudence, responsibility, calm-headedness, stability in the targets, and domestic unity.

He further noted the half-a-century of persistent struggles by the Cypriot Hellenism for survival in the land of their fathers, noting that those struggles had opened up new hope-bringing prospects for the future. "Let us safeguard them. We owe it to our people, who have suffered so much. And when I say people, I am referring to both the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots, who are also victims of the foreign intervention and foreign occupation," the Cypriot minister said.

Referring to the commencement of Turkey's accession negotiations with the EU, Theodorou said it was a "historic decision of immense importance for Turkey and the EU, but also for Cyprus and Greece".

Analyzing the new conditions arising for the course for a Cyprus solution, he noted that "first of all, it is self-evident that Turkey's Europeanization cannot but have positive repercussions on the Cyprus issue, because Europeanization means, inter-alia, respect for human rights and international legality, conformation with the EU decisions, and fulfillment of its own obligations to the EU and to each of its member states".

"From here on, Turkey will be constantly passing examinations. And Cyprus will be one of the examiners. It will be one of the examiners of its accession course," Theodorou concluded.

[10] 45th anniversary of founding of Republic of Cyprus celebrated in Kallithea

ATHENS, 10/10/2005 (ANA)

The anniversary, according to the mayor of Kallithea, signals the unprecedented struggle of the Greek Cypriots, with the countless sacrifices and the many dead, which began in 1955 with the guidance of EOKA (the National Organization of Cypriot Fighters).

The mayor added that the deaths of the fighters led to a wave of protests all over the world, forcing the British to accept the independence of Cyprus five years later.

Askounis went on to say that the British never forgave the Greek Cypriots and their unprecedented struggle and so they tried and succeeded in giving Turkey the right of interference in the domestic issues of Cyprus with the Zurich Treaty, making the Turkish 18 percent minority an equal partner. And this was the point they exploited in 1974 to invade and occupy 36 percent of the island ever since.

The Ambassador of Cyprus planted an olive tree in Cyprus Square with the hope that, before it has time to blossom, Cyprus will be united and rid of the Turkish occupation forces.

[11] Coalition party's Central Committee discusses Athens conference of 'European Left' party

ATHENS, 10/10/2005 (ANA)

Alavanos said that "not a step forward has been taken on basic issues" and "we have as an example the issue of the mass media", while also criticizing the government of not taking any measure regarding the issue of concentration in the mass media, despite the fact that the Minister of State had promised that he would produce a legislative bill on mass media concentration by spring this year.

Referring to economic policy and to the state budget for 2006 in particular, the Coalition party leader said "we can see the logic of deception in the budget issue as well with the effort to convert uncollected revenues into securities which continues the creative accounting applied by PASOK."

[12] Polls show voter disappointment in mainstream parties, corruption

ATHENS, 10/10/2005 (ANA)

An opinion poll conducted by RASS by telephone between 3-5 October and appearing in the Sunday weekly newspaper "To Paron" showed that the majority of the respondents were disappointed with both the ruling New Democracy party (ND) and the main opposition PASOK party.

The poll further showed that respondents felt the image of the main opposition party has not improved, despite the fact that the poll was conducted during an inauspicious period for the government.

Another telephone opinion poll, conducted by ALCO from 5-7 October and appearing in the Sunday weekly newspaper "Proto Thema" indicated that the overwhelming majority of respondents believed that the phenomena of corruption in Greece had either increased or remained the same.

More specifically, 40.1 percent of respondents believed that incidents of corruption had increased, whereas 45.6 percent believed that the problem remained unchanged.

Also the majority of respondents further believed that lack of meritocracy and corruption remained in the public life despite the government's policy aimed at consolidating meritocracy in personnel management and transparency in the management of public money.

[13] Rise in Greek agro exports cited by Agricultural development minister at ANUGA 2005

ATHENS, 10/10/2005 (ANA)

The fair, running from October 8 to 12, is held every two years. The previous fair in 2003 attracted some 3,300 exhibitors from Europe, 540 from the US and 760 from Asia, as well as 6,000 suppliers from all over the world and 161,000 visitors from 157 countries.

Bassiakos said that the participation of Greek enterprises and agencies in the respected Anuga trade show contributed to the projection and promotion of Greek quality agricultural products to a wide public of consumers and merchants.

He said the Greek government's basic goal was the country's efficient and beneficial adaptation to the new conditions and developments of the EU's new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which enters into effect in 2006, at which time subsidies will no longer be linked to volume of production but will be paid on the basis of the farmers' history of receipts data, while the price of agricultural products will be set exclusively on the basis of their commercial price.

"Thus, we are turning towards competitive products that are produced because there is demand for them on the market," Bassiakos said, noting that Greece had the necessary natural resources and appropriate climatic conditions, and consequently a substantial comparative advantage in many high-quality and high added value agricultural products, in which it could specialize.

Bassiakos further said that products of the Greek and Mediterranean healthy diet were also being promoted, given the corresponding consumption rise, mainly in the developed countries.

"The first results of this collective effort of the government and the agencies has proven to be quite positive, given that in the first five months of 2005 we had a 21 percent increase in exports of agricultural products, while imports during the corresponding period fell by 4.7 percent, for the first time in a long time," the minister added.

[14] PM appoints Antonis Bezas new Deputy Finance and Economy Minister

ATHENS, 10/10/2005 (ANA)

Furthermore, Bezas was elected a prefectural councilor of Thesprotia in 1998, coming first on the candidate ticket he belonged to. In April 2000, he was elected for the first time a Parliamentary Deputy for Thesprotia with the New Democracy party and afterwards he was elected a member of Parliament's Permanent Finance Committee. In October 2003, he was elected Parliament Secretary and in March in the coming year he became the alternate secretary of ND's Parliamentary Group.

Bezas was re-elected as a Parliamentary Deputy in the last general elections held on March 7 last year. He is a civil engineer, he is married and speaks English and French.

[15] FinMin Alogoskoufis outlines ministry priorities for 2006

ATHENS, 10/10/2005 (ANA)

Alogoskoufis clarified that the process of abolishing 100 public sector organizations would commence in 2006, and would take two years. He stressed that the employees of the abolished organizations would not be dismissed, but transferred to other organizations.

Regarding the privatizations program, he said it concerned the Postal Savings Bank, which would be listed on the Athens Stock Exchange, the Agricultural Bank (ATE bank), and the Commercial Bank (Emporiki Bank).

As for the gradual incorporation of benefits into the salaries of public sector employees, the minister said that it would be a long process because it entailed an immense fiscal cost. As an example, he cited the divergence of salaries that reached up to 100 percent between ministry employees of equal credentials, in which "the equalization can only be upwards".

Turning to the deficits, Alogoskoufis pointed out that "we cannot make the deficits disappear at once". He reiterated that all means at the ministry's disposal would be used to reduce the deficits and not excessively burden the people, explaining that the aim was to not have adverse repercussions, chiefly for the economically weaker brackets, and reminding that "the entire reduction of the deficit achieved this year was effected mainly through the containment of state expenditures".

In order to tackle the problems of the State and the wasteful spending "in a structural way", much more than four years would be necessary so that immense problems in society and services to the citizen, as well as in the economy, would not be created.

Referring to his recent visit to the US, Alogoskoufis opined that the climate for investments in Greece was good, and noted that the wider region would in the coming years be one of the most rapidly developing regions of the wider European area and Greece, given a series of advantages it had, could comprise the gateway and the centre of development for the region.

The minister further stressed that the government was trying not to disregard those who had the greatest need, within the framework of the budget's abilities.

[16] No issue of raising retirement ages, employment minister Panayotopoulos reaffirms

ATHENS, 10/10/2005 (ANA)

"There is no issue of increasing the retirement ages, neither those regarding the 65-year-old ceiling for men and 60-year-old ceiling for women, nor those concerning early retirement and the individual ages per category of insured employees," the minister said.

Panayotopoulos charged that an attempt was made in "specific press articles" to isolate words and phrases in the Report in such a way as to attribute to the government "intentions that do not exist", thus "causing confusion and unjustified concern in the public opinion".

He reiterated that Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' government's policy was firm and oriented to the protection of motherhood, and to supporting mothers of minors and handicapped children.

Consequently, the minister added, the actions being planned for the present and the future by the employment ministry, and the government in general, would not only not weaken, but rather would increasingly reinforce the working mother at all levels of work and social insurance.

[17] Development minister, officials confer with Gazprom deputy chief Medvedev

ATHENS, 10/10/2005 (ANA)

During the meeting, the officials discussed matters pertaining to further expansion of relations and cooperation between the global gas giant Gazprom and Greece, as well as expansion of its presence in the energy sector.

[18] Greece shielded against chicken flu, deputy agricultural development

ATHENS, 10/10/2005 (ANA)

Kontos said surveillance programs are being implemented which aim at locating the disease's infection sources to enable the timely handling of cases, although such a case has never occurred in the country.

In addition, with EU and national decisions, imports of live poultry, meat and other poultry products are forbidden from countries in which chicken flu has appeared.

Customs authorities at points of entry into the country (airports, ports, etc) are cooperating closely with veterinary authorities and passengers traveling and coming from countries where there is an outbreak of the disease are carefully checked to prevent illegal imports of poultry, foodstuffs and other poultry products.

The agricultural development and foodstuffs ministry is in constant contact with corresponding services of the health and social solidarity ministry to achieve better coordination among services.

[19] Greek wines making strong comeback in export markets

ATHENS, 10/10/2005 (ANA)

According to the article, Greece, "which began exporting its winemaking methods to France and Italy as far back as the eighth century B.C., is trying hard to make a comeback", after "Greek winemaking was interrupted by 400 years of rule -- ending in 1821 -- by the Ottomans, whose taxes on wine suppressed grape cultivation, and later by diseases that wiped out vineyards. Later, two world wars took attention away from serious winemaking".

"Wine exports from Greece to the U.S. have been slowly climbing as better wine has hit the market. Greek vintners have shipped more than 200,000 cases to the U.S. this year, up about 25% from 2000. In general, the better whites come from the southern regions -- the Peloponnese, the Aegean islands, and Crete -- where they complement the abundant seafood diet, while Macedonia, Thessaly, and Thrace in the North produce more reds. In all, Greece is home to some 300 native grape varieties," it noted.

"Improvements in the wines go hand in hand with the increasing sophistication of Greek cuisine," the article said, adding that one popular restaurant on Manhattan's Upper West Side carries some 200 Greek wines in its cellar. Making specific reference to the pinot noir-like xynomavro and the red varietal wine, agiorgitiko, also known as St. George, the article quoted the restaurant's chief chef: "There is a spiritual connection between pairing Greek varietals with Greek dishes, but these wines are increasingly able to stand up to non-Greek food, too."

The article further notes that excellent Greek wines may be found at competitive prices, and opines that the best white wines are produced in southern Greece, mainly the Peloponnese, the islands of the Aegean and Crete, while the best red wines are produced in Macedonia, Thessaly and Thrace, and " stand up well against comparable Italian wines", while it further noted that Greece is also turning out cabernets and merlots from French vines planted in the past 20 years.

[20] Commercial centers control 12-14 pc share of the market

ATHENS, 10/10/2005 (ANA)

The Chamber's President Dimitris Bakatselos said that specifications concerning the distance of commercial centers from the city were not observed. He added that these omissions must not be allowed to lead to the desolation of the traditional city's centers.

He further said that in the face of competition by commercial centers, smaller shops have the tendency to create partnerships or to resort to franchising.

Foreign Exchange Rates: Monday

Reference buying rates per euro released

by the European Central Bank:

U.S. dollar 1.224

[21] Earthquake jolts Thessaloniki, no damage reported

ATHENS, 10/10/2005 (ANA)

The earthquake was recorded at 10:12 a.m., with its epicenter in the area between Lakes Langada and Volvi.

Thessaloniki Aristoteleion University seismologist Professor George Karakaisis told ANA-MPA there there was no reason for concern over the trembler.

He said that although the epicenter between the two lakes was the same that had produced the strong preliminary quake of 1978, the data gave no cause for worry.

The quake was felt in the city of Thessaloniki and towns throughout the prefecture, as well as in the nearby prefectures of Kilkis and Serres.

Seismologists were monitoring the phenomenon.

The Athens National Observatory's Seismology Institute said in an announcement later that minor post-quake activity had been recorded in the area, with the strongest being the 4.4 Richter morning trembler. It noted that the same epicenter had produced the 4.5 Richter earthquake of September 12.

More specifically three aftershocks have been recorded by seismographs. The first aftershock was recorded at 2:04 p.m., registering 4.0 on the Richter scale, followed by a second aftershock at 2:12 p.m. with a magnitude of 3.8 Richter, and a third aftershock at 3:30 p.m., with a magnitude of 3.9 Richter.

[22] 'Sopranos Friendship Award 2005' given to Mikis Theodorakis and Zulfu Livaneli

ATHENS, 10/10/2005 (ANA)

The Committee has been giving the award every two years since 1991 to people who have contributed to peace and to friendship between the peoples in any part of the world.

It decided this year to give the award to Mikis Theodorakis and to Zulfu Livaneli for their struggles for peaceful coexistence between the peoples of Greece and Turkey.

Theodorakis, in a letter of thanks to the Committee and its President Ankara University medical professor Sinan Becsak, refers to his joint efforts with Zulfu Livaneli from the founding of the Greek-Turkish Friendship Committees in 1986 to date, adding that he ascertains that these efforts were not in vain and expresses the wish that a better tomorrow will come for the two peoples.

[23] Australian Archaeological Institute at Athens opens 25th anniversary symposium on Monday

ATHENS, 10/10/2005 (ANA)

President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias has been invited to attend the symposium, which is supported by the Australian Embassy in Athens and the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE), while guest speakers include eminent academicians from nine Australian universities, while New South Wales governor Prof. Marie Bashir will also be attending.

The Australian Archaeological Institute at Athens was established on 23 April 1981 following negotiations with the Greek government. The Institute is similar to other scholarly institutions in Athens maintained by major European and American countries, some of these have been in existence for well over a century.

The Institute aims to promote in Australia ancient, medieval and modern Greek studies. To this end it provides services to its members in Australia and facilities for working Greece. Apart from interested people who have become Individual Members, there are many groups who have joined as Corporate or Institutional Members including twelve universities (Sydney, Tasmania, Queensland, Western Australia, New England, Macquarie, Australian National University, Adelaide, La Trobe, Newcastle and Melbourne).

Throughout the three-day Symposium, more than twenty scholars, mainly from Australia, or closely connected with it, will present research papers on topics related to the classical world. The areas of interest covered in the program include archaeology, philology and epigraphy history. Although the program can only provide an introduction to the research currently being conducted by scholars based in Australia it does present a realistic picture of the broad range of classical studies that is being pursued at Australian universities, and which the Institute aims to promote.

In addition to the speakers from Australia, papers will also be presented by the two Ephors (one of them just retired) who have overseen so far the two field projects conducted in Greece under the auspices of the AAIA.

Two distinguished scholars closely connected with Australia have also been included in the program, Professor Jean-Paul Descœudres who is especially linked to Australia by his long tenure at the University of Sydney and by his editorship of Mediterranean Archaeology, and Professor Marc Waelkens, Director of the excavations at Sagalassos, who has been the most recent of the AAIA's Annual Visiting Professors to Australia.

The official opening of the Symposium will take place on Monday, at 7:00 p.m., at the Athens Archaeological Society lecture theatre on 22 Panepistimiou street in downtown Athens, in the presence of New South Wales governor Marie Bashir, with a keynote lecture by Professor Margaret Miller of the University of Sydney on "Persians in the Greek Imagination", followed by a reception.

[24] Development minister to attend Cyprus-Harvard ministerial conference on public health on Monday

CYPRUS, 10/10/2005 (ANA)

The public health conference is organized by the Republic of Cyprus and its commerce, industry and tourism minister George Lillikas, in cooperation with the Harvard University (US) School of Public Health (HSPH), in the framework of the international initiative on the Environment and Public Health.

In June 2004, the government of the Republic of Cyprus announced that it would establish an international research, education and training effort for the environment and public health in association with the Harvard School of Public Health. Launching the initiative, the Government of Cyprus announced it was contributing funds for both endowment and research grants to HSPH, as well as establishing a new Cypriot government-sponsored international research institute in Cyprus.

The International Initiative brings together researchers, educators and practitioners from Harvard, Cyprus, Europe, the Middle East and the Mediterranean region to confront environmental issues affecting the health of populations in that region. Education and training takes place on two continents: at the new Cyprus International Institute for the Environment and Public Health (CII) in Cyprus, and at the HSPH-Cyprus Program (HCP) at the School's Boston campus.

Joint research projects and the development of local scientific expertise in Cyprus and the region are two of the major objectives of the initiative. In addition, training through short courses and a one-year program in environmental health is offered through the Cyprus International Institute. HSPH will continue to offer Masters and doctoral degrees and post-doctoral research training at its Boston campus to highly qualified students from Cyprus and the region. Over the next decade, each year a minimum of five students from that region who have been admitted through HSPH's regular processes will receive fellowships to HSPH, returning to their countries with new environmental knowledge and skills to practice and train others.

Greece loses 1-0 to Denmark in World Soccer Cup qualifier

Greece lost 1-0 to Denmark in a World Cup Group Two qualifier played in Denmark on Saturday night and practically lost all hope of winning second place in the group that would enable it to contest a place in the World Cup finals in Germany in the summer with playoffs. The only goal was scored with a header in the 40th minute.

In other matches played on Saturday for the same group, Ukraine and Albania drew 2-2 and Georgia and Kazakhstan drew 0-0.

For Greece to win second place, beating Georgia at home on Wednesday is not enough. Turkey must lose away to Albania and Denmark must not win in Kazakhstan.

Standings in the group after 11 matches played (Ukraine has played all 12 of its games and has already qualified for the finals):Ukraine 25 points, Turkey 20, Denmark 19, Greece 18, Albania 13, Georgia 10 and Kazakhstan 1.

[25] Egaleo Athens and OFI Crete draw 0-0 in first division soccer match

ATHENS, 10/10/2005 (ANA)

Standings after 5 matches played:

Olympiakos Piraeus 15 points

Xanthi 13

Atromitos Athens 8

AEK Athens 8

Panathinaikos Athens 8

Ionikos Piraeus 7

Apollon Thessaloniki 7

Levadiakos Livadia 6

PAOK Thessaloniki 6

Larissa 6

Egaleo Athens 6

Akratitos Athens 5

Iraklis Thessaloniki 4

Panionios Athens 2

OFI Crete 2

Kallithea Athens 1

[26] President Karolos Papoulias delivers awards to winners of classical boat race

ATHENS, 10/10/2005 (ANA)

The events are part of the Sea Festival organized by NOE with the purpose of promoting Greek seas and marine tourism internationally and to honor Antonis Benakis, a great benefactor of the country.

The President of the Republic, according to the charter in effect ever since NOE was founded, is a protector and honorary president of NOE.

NOE cooperates closely with the society of friends of traditional boats for greater success in presenting these wonderful boats which, "unfortunately", as the President noted, "are gradually disappearing".

[27] EP Speaker departs from Cyprus

PAPHOS, 10/10/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking at Paphos Airport prior to his departure, Borrell said ''we need a solution to the Cyprus problem, the situation cannot stay any longer, the Annan Plan was rejected and we have to try again.''

''Cyprus cannot remain divided for ever and I think the momentum created by the start of the negotiations with Turkey is a good moment to restart negotiations in order to finish with the divide of the island. That is what I have told all authorities of the Republic of Cyprus and I am very satisfied with the meetings I had with them,'' Borrell added.

Asked about the US involvement in the EU's decision to commence accession negotiations with Turkey, that is talks US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice had with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos, Borrell said ''it seems that she helped a lot to convince some of the parties to finish with all the problems before starting the negotiations but I wouldn't say anything more than that.''

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. In April 2004, the Greek Cypriot community rejected a settlement plan proposed by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, as it deemed it did not meet its main concerns.

[28] Morphou citizens hold anti-occupation march

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

After a prayer for the determination of the fate of the missing persons, at Astromeritis church, participants marched to the local Cultural Centre and handed over a resolution to the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).

In an address at the event, read out by Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism George Lillikas, President of the Republic Tassos Papadopoulos noted that ''we want a solution of the Cyprus problem the soonest possible, but we are not willing to sacrifice the substance of the solution, the future and the survival of our people.''

The president pointed out that ''our negotiating position is enhanced today,'' adding that Cyprus' accession to the EU gave the country a new dynamic and that Turkey's membership course ''is accompanied by commitments and obligations both towards the EU and the Republic of Cyprus.''

In a speech, House of Representatives President Demetris Christofias said that in order to reach a solution, the dialogue between the two sides must restart in the UN framework and under the auspices of the UN Secretary General, adding that only negotiations would lead to an agreed and acceptable settlement.

He added that the EU was a helpful tool in efforts to solve the Cyprus problem and could ''support efforts in the UN framework, safeguarding the respect of EU principles and their inclusion in the content of a solution.''

The event was attended by MPs from Greece, Britain and France, Members of the European Parliament, representatives of Cypriots living abroad, delegations from the twinned with Morphou towns, mayors and members of municipal councils from Greece, Britain, Malta and France, and other officials.

[29] British MPs criticize their government ahead of Morphou march

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

Addressing a press conference on Saturday organized by the Morphou Municipality, the British MPs, friends of Cyprus, expressed support to the struggle of the Cypriot people for the past 31 years.

British MP Roger Gale said that Prime Minister Tony Blair and Foreign Secretary Jack Straw ''continue to fail Cyprus.''

''Mr. Blair did not find it necessary, I recall, to criticize the people of France for voting no in the referendum on the European Constitution but he did find it appropriate to criticize the people of Cyprus for throwing out a plan that was wholly unacceptable to the majority of the people of this island,'' Gale pointed out.

Referring to the stance Straw took in relation with Turkey's EU accession course, Gale said ''we have seen a succession of meetings and discussions behind closed doors with the Americans and with the Turks and the publication of a final document, the drafting from which many countries, including Cyprus, were excluded until the last minute.''

''I find it wholly unacceptable that my Foreign Secretary had at no time found it proper to state very publicly that it is wholly improper for an aspirant member state not to recognize formally a legally constituted member of the EU that Turkey wishes to join,'' he added.

The press conference was attended by members of the European Parliament, Greek MPs, Greek mayors and other officials who were in Cyprus to participate in Sunday's anti-occupation march.

Welcoming them, Morphou Mayor Charalambos Pittas thanked them for their support in the struggle of the Cypriot people to return to their Turkish occupied towns and villages.

Danish EMP Mogens Camre said the European Parliament is interested in the Cyprus problem, adding that next week he would discuss the proposals of the ''Euro-key Initiative'' group on what is necessary to be done to solve the problem.

Speaking on behalf of the Greek MPs, Constantinos Karambinas said their presence on the island reaffirmed the Greek parliament's support to the struggle of Cypriot Hellenism.

He added that the phenomena of occupation and refugees do not comply with the acquis communautaire and that Turkey must give an immediate solution to the Cyprus question if it wishes to join the EU.

Speaking in Greek, British MP Andrew Dismore said Turkey would not join the EU without the prior solution of the Cyprus problem, noting that the UN should make fresh efforts to reach a settlement.

British MP Alan Meale reassured that Cyprus' friends in the parliament would continue their struggle until the Cyprus problem is solved and freedom reigns on the island.

Former MP Tom Cox referred to the injustice against Cyprus since 1974 and spoke about the relatives of missing persons and their ordeal of not knowing what has happened to their loved ones for 31 years now.

Greek Mesolonghi Deputy Mayor Christos Papanicolaou expressed hope that Morphou and the rest of Turkish occupied Cyprus would soon be liberated.

Ermoupoli Syros Mayor Ioannis Dekavalas said time was working against a settlement and pointed out the necessity of Greece and Cyprus exerting pressure on the UN to present a new settlement plan.

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