Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-01-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek, Chinese PMs sign Joint Declaration on bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Relationship

[02] Chinese mass media give great publicity to PM's interview with New China state-run news agency

[03] Agriculture minister satisfied with bird flu measures after Rhodes meeting

[04] Dates for Straw visit not yet decided, government says

[05] Ayala announces Papandreou candidacy for Socialist International president

[06] Development minister meets visiting Vietnamese delegation

[07] Government on rejection of EU budget by European Parliament

[08] Gov't on Markoyiannakis presence at public order ministry meeting

[09] Government denies interference by U.S. envoy over robbery investigation

[10] KKE leader addresses rally organized against anti-communist memorandum

[11] TEDKNA calls for withdrawal of CoE anti-communist memorandum

[12] President Karolos Papoulias visits submarine 'Proteus'

[13] Deputy DM ratifies promotion of procedures for armed forces' operational needs

[14] Russian Ambassador Vdovin refers to 'Greece's constructive role'

[15] SYN leader Alavanos addresses event on 'violation of human rights'

[16] Finmin holds regular monthly meeting with central bank governor

[17] Tourism Minister Avramopoulos attends WTTC meeting in Washington

[18] Gov't reforms corporate tax factors

[19] Large Spanish trade mission to visit Athens, Thessaloniki

[20] Eurobank staff, management forge pact on working hours

[21] Gov't ploughs cash into info-society digital projects

[22] Greek inflation rose to 3.5 pct in December, Eurostat

[23] Gov't welcomes performance by football pools operator

[24] Florina prefecture to promote alternative tourism

[25] Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling launches restructuring plan

[26] Visa Hellas reports double digit growth rates in 2005

[27] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks surge to hit new five-year high

[28] Kontalexis trial postponed indefinitely

[29] French justice ministry spokeswoman describes arrest of former investigating magistrate Konstantina Bourboulia

[30] Translated copy of Bourboulia arrest warrant to French courts

[31] Yiossakis contests his detention on remand before appeals council

[32] 'November 17' appeal hearing resumes after 15-day break

[33] Three Greeks arrested for attempting to bring 19 illegal immigrants into country

[34] Police disband women trafficking ring

[35] Event held in Luxembourg on publication of Homer Odyssey's nine first rhapsodies

[36] Significance of October 28 'Ochi' anniversary for Italians discussed at Italian embassy event

[37] Presentation of book by Tassos Yiannitsis on 'Greece and the Future'

[38] Three firebomb attacks cause damage, no injuries

[39] Jeremy Rifkin gives lecture in Athens on 'world economy in the era of hydrogen'

[40] U.S. Embassy consular section closed on last Monday of every month

[41] Cyprus parliamentary elections to take place May 21, 2006

[42] Cyprus Ambassador receives King Legacy Award for International Service

[43] UN search for missing persons a humanitarian priority, says Britain

[44] EAC provides Turkish occupied areas with electricity

[01] Greek, Chinese PMs sign Joint Declaration on bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Relationship

BEIJING, 20/1/2006 (ANA-MPA/A. Panagopoulos)

Karamanlis, who arrived in Beijing on Thursday morning (local time) on a three-day official visit, met later with premier of China's state council Wen Jiabao, with whom he reviewed the course of bilateral relations, after which they signed the Joint Declaration.

The Greek prime minister said the Comprehensive Strategic Relationship reflected the level of Greek-Chinese bilateral relations and set out the framework for future cooperation between the two countries, both in the political as well as in the economic sector.

Also signed was a Memorandum for the establishment of a standing Business Forum and cooperation in the field of SMEs, while the two premiers further agreed on matters concerning the merchant shipping, tourism, culture and agricultural sectors.

The visit is considered of important from both a political and economic viewpoint and Karamanlis is accompanied by foreign minister Petros Molyviatis, minister of state and government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, deputy foreign minister Evripides Stylianidis, and a large business delegation.

In addition to promoting Greek agricultural products -- such as olive oil -- on the vast Chinese market and cooperation in the sector of construction and know-how, the Greek government is also interested in attracting Chinese investments to Greece, as the country is strategically placed to serve as a springboard for Chinese entrepreneurs to Europe and the wider Balkan region.

In statements to the press after his meeting with Wen, the Greek premier referred to the relations between the two countries and outlined in detail the agreements signed.

Karamanlis said he had accepted with particular pleasure Wen's invitation to visit China, noting that "our countries, as cradles of ancient civilizations, have a very strong common point of reference", while at the same time they were bound by "ties of friendship that are constantly developing".

Recently, he stressed, a systematic effort was taking place to give new impetus to those relations with, inter alia, Athens 2004 Olympic Games host Greece's "passing on of the baton" to China for the Beijing 2008 Games as the springboard.

Karamanlis said he had an exceptional meeting with the Chinese premier, with whom he examined bilateral relations in depth and exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual interest.

"We ascertained that our political relations are built on strong foundations, but we also pinpointed substantial margins and prospects for further expansion and deepening of our cooperation," he said, adding that "for this purpose, we signed a Joint Declaration on establishing a Greece-China Comprehensive Strategic Relationship, which reflects the level of our bilateral relations and sets out the framework of our future cooperation, both in the political and the economic sectors".

"Particularly with respect to the development of our economic and commercial relations with China -- on which, as you know, we place great significance -- very important steps were made today," Karamanlis said.

He explained that the two sides had signed the following accords: -- A Memorandum for the establishment of a standing Business Forum between the Greece-China Business Council and the Chinese Council for the Promotion of International Commerce, which would contribute to intensifying the contacts between Greek and Chinese enterprises. -- A Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs). -- An agreement for the export of 60,000 tons of phosphate fertilizers to China.

Regarding the merchant shipping sector, Karamanlis continued, "we agreed to boost the cooperation among the ports and shipping enterprises of our countries, and also to utilize our ports as transit centers for our products to neighboring countries".

Emphasis was also placed on the need to strengthen tourism, with the mutual provision of the necessary facilities and with the introduction of a direct air link between Athens and Beijing as soon as possible, Karamanlis said.

Another sector conducive to special cooperation between the two countries was China's preparations for the Olympic Games to be hosted by Beijing in 2008, he said. "We have already signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG) and the Greek Ministry of Public Order. With the Premier (Wen) we agreed to intensify the already existing cooperation," Karamanlis said.

Finally, Karamanlis particularly stressed the signing of a Memorandum for the organization of a "Cultural Year of Greece" in China in 2008, the year of the Beijing Olympics, "when the attention of the entire world will be turned to this country".

This decision, the Greek premier added, "is an exceptional honor for us", with multiple benefits for Greece's projection internationally.

"I wish to stress once again the particular importance of my visit and to thank the government of China for its warm reception and hospitality," the Greek premier concluded.

Earlier, Karamanlis met with the president of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Organizing Committee (BOCOG) Liu Qi, who is also secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Beijing Municipal Committee, a member of the CPC Central Committee Politburo and former mayor of Beijing (1999-2002).

On Friday, Karamanlis will be received by Chinese President Hu Jintao.

He will later depart for Shanghai, to join a large Greek financial and business delegation.

[02] Chinese mass media give great publicity to PM's interview with New China state-run news agency

BEIJING, 20/1/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Karamanlis said that this will constitute a "milestone in bilateral relations and will set the framework for strengthening future cooperation (between Greece and China)."

Speaking about economic relations between the two countries, the prime minister stressed the "great possibility of development, among others, in the sectors of trade, shipping and tourism."

Focusing on the issue of foreign investments, Karamanlis underlined Greece's ability to attract investment capital from other countries, including China, thanks to its "geographic advantages", since it lies in the rapidly developing region of southeastern Europe.

Karamanlis also noted the creation of a "flexible and effective market" in Greece which "looks forward to the welcoming of foreign investors from all over the world and from China in particular."

Lastly, referring to the Olympic Games, the prime minister told Xinhua of the country's intention "to help in every way" the government of China to hold successful Games which will reflect the long history and the wealth of Chinese culture, as well as the economic and political power of China in the modern world.

[03] Agriculture minister satisfied with bird flu measures after Rhodes meeting

20/1/2006 (ANA)

Basiakos urged the authorities involved to stay calm and stressed that over-reactions and a negative climate should be avoided in a region relying heavily on tourism, such as the Dodecanese islands.

He also underlined that all the measures required to protect the islands were being taken and that the measures would continue to be enforced throughout the summer period.

The minister was accompanied by Deputy Agriculture Minister Alexandros Kontos and Civil Protection General Secretary Panagiotis Fourlas, as well as a team of specialist scientists and senior ministry officials.

Immediately after the conclusion of the meeting, they left for the island of Samos where the next meeting on bird flu measures will take place.

The meeting was also attended by North Aegean Regional Authority chief Haralambos Kokkinos, Dodecanese Prefect G. Maheridis, local MPs and representatives of local services.

Maheridis said that local officials will visit all islands in the prefecture to supervise the implementation of the measures decided, while veterinary staff and technicians supplied by the Greek Armed Forces have begun to arrive on the island to man the Dodecanese veterinary service.

Basiakos concludes tour of northern Aegean islands on measures taken against bird flu: Agricultural Development and Foods Minister Evangelos Basiakos on Thursday evening concluded a tour of northern Aegean islands which had as its objective the inspection of measures being taken for the confrontation of avian influenza (bird flu).

Basiakos ended his tour with a meeting at the Aegean and Island Policy Ministry, where, as he said, a review was made of "the successful measures which have been taken for the confrontation of the virus of the bird flu." The minister stressed "its successful confrontation is a national bet."

In his four meetings in Rhodes, Samos, Chios and at the Aegean and Island Policy Ministry in Lesvos, Basiakos announced the hiring of veterinarians and other special experts and personnel, while he gave particular emphasis to the taking of precautionary measures in chicken pens, so that a case of the illness will not appear in the islands.

Measures at customs posts: During a press conference held on Thursday in Athens, meanwhile, Deputy Finance Minister Antonis Bezas announced that Greek customs posts had taken all measures necessary to protect Greece from the influx of the avian flu virus.

He stressed that customs officials were carrying out exhaustive checks at all entry points into the country, including searching traveler's luggage, and that the general director of the Customs office had visited all border customs posts in the country, while additional staff had been sent to the higher-risk customs posts at Kipoi and on the island of Chios that were entry points from Turkey.

Later on Thursday, Bezas is due to meet with representatives of the Greek poultry trade, who have been hard-hit by the latest bird flu scare.

[04] Dates for Straw visit not yet decided, government says

ATHENS, 20/1/2006 (ANA)

Antonaros was also asked to comment on a planned visit by Straw to Cyprus and specifically his insistence on meeting Turkish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat at the so-called "presidential mansion" in the occupied territories, which has incensed Nicosia.

The spokesman stressed that Athens "fully understands the particular sensitivities of the Cyprus government, which are in any case based on the decisions and resolutions of the United Nations."

Antonaros said that the Cyprus and British governments were in talks over arrangements for a visit by Straw, whose aim was to promote ties between Britain and Cyprus.

"We hope that everything necessary will be done to achieve this goal," he concluded.

[05] Ayala announces Papandreou candidacy for Socialist International president

20/1/2006 (ANA)

He said the decision to nominate Papandreou, leader of Greece's main opposition party, had been taken unanimously.

Ayala also noted that the SI would be "linked" with the socialist movement in Greece and said that this link was reflected in the general consensus shown by social-democrats internationally toward Papandreou's candidacy for president of the SI.

Speaking about the agenda of the SI Council meeting that will be hosted by PASOK in Athens on January 30-31, he said this would be especially rich, since it will include discussions on issues such as the Balkans, the Middle East and world poverty. Its participants will be socialist leaders from countries throughout the world, including several heads of government, he added.

Ayala said his meeting with Papandreou had focused on preparations and arrangements for the SI Council meeting, which he stressed would be called on to express the stance of international social-democrats toward the problems "of a world seeking answers and leadership".

[06] Development minister meets visiting Vietnamese delegation

ATHENS, 20/1/2006 (ANA)

During the meeting they discussed issues of bilateral cooperation, particularly measures to promote and develop bilateral economic and trade ties between Greece and Vietnam.

The visiting Vietnamese official expressed hope that Greece might soon organize a visit by a business delegation to his country to examine prospects for business cooperation more closely.

He was accompanied by Vietnamese Ambassador to Greece and a delegation of Vietnamese government officials, while the meeting was also attended by the development ministry's general secretary for trade Manousos Voloudakis and the ministry's diplomatic attaché Tereza Angelatou.

[07] Government on rejection of EU budget by European Parliament

ATHENS, 20/1/2006 (ANA)

[08] Gov't on Markoyiannakis presence at public order ministry meeting

ATHENS, 20/1/2006 (ANA)

Referring reporters to a statement made on the issue by Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis, he also noted that the acquisition of the C41 system discussed during the meeting was considered "particularly beneficial and a good deal" by the government.

Markoyiannakis resigned his post at the public order ministry under a cloud earlier this month, after highly disparaging remarks that he made about the president of Greece's Supreme Court Dimitris Linos were broadcast by the media. Markoyiannakis, who originally denied making the statements, had believed that he was having a private conversation.

[09] Government denies interference by U.S. envoy over robbery investigation

ATHENS, 20/1/2006 (ANA)

Reports claimed that Ries had contacted the Greek foreign ministry and the prime minister's office to demand that arrests be made.

"The investigation into the very delicate issue that is underway is being conducted by Greek security forces, which are responsible for the course of the investigation," the spokesman said.

Announcements will be made once the investigation is concluded, he added.

[10] KKE leader addresses rally organized against anti-communist memorandum

ATHENS, 20/1/2006 (ANA)

Papariga was speaking during a rally organized by KKE outside the Athens University on Thursday night against the memorandum.

She said that if the text is ratified the "worst form of declaration of war against peoples and popular freedoms will be scheduled," adding that if it is ratified it will be sent to states and Parliaments to become the "political arsenal of capitalist countries for new internal anti-popular and terrorist measures".

Papariga said that "arrows will be even more poisonous for the communist parties which did not make declarations of repentance to imperialism," but they will also be used against every political and social force that resists capitalism and war.

The KKE leader further said that the green light had been given by President Bush recently who, speaking to "the willing and open ears of European imperialists and not only, said that a war against 'extreme ideologies' is timely today."

Papariga also said that "we do not believe that socialism we have known is above criticism, but the Council of Europe is not interested in cleaning up the landscape of the 20th century from mistakes and omissions. Those who can judge with objectivity socialism we have known are not those who fought against it but those who believe in the necessity of socialism and communism."

[11] TEDKNA calls for withdrawal of CoE anti-communist memorandum

ATHENS, 20/1/2006 (ANA)

In a unanimous resolution, TEDKNA's Executive Committee noted that the memorandum "constitutes a provocation for the historic memory or equation of the ideologies of communism with nazism which is being attempted by reactionary circles of the Council of Europe."

The resolution called on "all the political parties, the government, the Greek deputies and Eurodeputies to denounce in practice the unacceptable memorandum and impose its withdrawal."

[12] President Karolos Papoulias visits submarine 'Proteus'

ATHENS, 20/1/2006 (ANA)

"It was an important day, a special experience for me to live a few hours with the boys living in the submarines and to appreciate their capabilities and their readiness," President Papoulias said on returning to the naval station at Salamina.

President Papoulias was accompanied on his visit by former prime minister and former captain of the submarine "Triena" Tzannis Tzannetakis and Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos. Navy General Staff chief Dimitris Gousis was also present.

"Proteus" sailed from the naval station at Salamina at 10.25 a.m. and headed for the Gulf of Megara where the exercise codenamed "Periskopio" took place.

President Papoulias also watched operational readiness exercises by the submarine's crew and was briefed on the mission of submarines. He also showed a great interest in the lives of submarine crews.

The voyage of President Papoulias lasted for six hours, while he is expected to carry out the next voyage with a submarine with the "Papanikolis", the first of new submarines which are to join the fleet.

[13] Deputy DM ratifies promotion of procedures for armed forces' operational needs

ATHENS, 20/1/2006 (ANA)

Mihaloliakos signed the expediency approval for the procurement of six accumulator batteries to meet the operational needs of the navy's 209-type submarines. The necessary credit for the procurement to be carried out amounts to 22 million euros.

The deputy minister also signed the expediency approval for the replacement and upgrading of flight security systems for four navy helicopters of the AB-212 type. Credit for this project amounts to 4 million euros.

[14] Russian Ambassador Vdovin refers to 'Greece's constructive role'

ATHENS, 20/1/2006 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, the Russian envoy underlined that "the principles of Russian foreign policy are very close to the principles which Greek diplomacy follows and they are pragmatic, multi-dimensional, the defense of national interests and the abstention from clashes."

Ambassador Vdovin said "there exist very rich foundations for Greek-Russian cooperation, in which are included, among other things, common spiritual tradition, Orthodoxy, the tradition of mutual affection between the two peoples, the common struggle against fascism and unanimity which is observed in the two countries for the development of relations between them."

The Russian diplomat underlined that there were still other possibilities for the further development of Greek-Russian relations, reminding also of the agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on matters of the Balkans, the Cyprus issue, the Middle East issue and Russia's relations with the Euro-Atlantic structures.

"There is very deep mutual understanding in the matters of the Black Sea cooperation, while progress has been achieved on the matter of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline," Vdovin said, underlining the need for the entrepreneurs of the two countries to become better acquainted.

Ambassador Vdovin stressed that his country will completely fulfill the obligations it has undertaken for the delivery to Greece of natural gas. He further emphasized that the incorporation of the TOP-M1 missiles to the Greek defense system "has been successfully completed" and that there were also other Russian armaments which may be of interest to Greece.

[15] SYN leader Alavanos addresses event on 'violation of human rights'

ATHENS, 20/1/2006 (ANA)

Alavanos said:"A worldwide para-state has been created, beyond the suffocating legality which has been established, which operates also in Greece. Its elements are phantom-guards. The abductions which take place but are not recognized. The prosecuting apparatuses without identity. The observations which have an objective but not a subject. All these were shown in the issue of the Pakistanis and not only."

He noted that "the big democratic question is who is ruling this country?"

The Synaspismos event was held at the premises of the Athens Journalists Union (ESHEA).

[16] Finmin holds regular monthly meeting with central bank governor

ATHENS, 20/1/2006 (ANA)

They discussed the state of the Greek economy in 2005 and its prospects in 2006, as well as planned government reforms, while they also reviewed international and European economic affairs.

In statements after the meeting, Alogoskoufis said the figures for Europe were encouraging, since they showed that growth was being established in the EU.

[17] Tourism Minister Avramopoulos attends WTTC meeting in Washington

WASHINGTON, 20/1/2006 (ANA/MPA - T. Ellis)

During the discussion, Avramopoulos expounded on the increase of tourism to Greece following the successful and safe hosting of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

At a press conference that followed the meeting, it was announced that Washington will host the 6th World Tourism Congress from April 10-12.

Avramopoulos underlined the post-Olympic Games performances of Greek tourism, noting that tourism was one of the sectors of the Greek economy that benefited most from the successful 2004 Games. He added that Greece has upgraded its image internationally. Tourism Development Minister Avramopoulos also announced that Athens will host a special meeting of the WTTC on February 18.

[18] Gov't reforms corporate tax factors

ATHENS, 20/1/2006 (ANA)

Unique factors for net profits on commercial and manufacturing enterprises are introduced on their gross revenues and act as the base for determining corporate tax obligations.

The measures were based on an unanimous decision by a working commission, which was formed in October 2004 to discuss the issue, comprising of government ministry officials and representatives from the trade and industrial sector.

Speaking to reporters, Bezas said the ministry would not abolish a discount offered to enterprises on spending for the organizing of conferences.

[19] Large Spanish trade mission to visit Athens, Thessaloniki

20/1/2006 (ANA)

According to the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBETH), the Spanish business delegation is due to arrive in Thessaloniki on Friday, February 17, for scheduled meetings with representatives of northern Greece-based businesses.

The trade mission is being organized by the Commercial Chamber of the Valencian Community -- which comprises the provinces of Alicante, Castellon and Valencia and represents 10 percent of Spain's GDP -- in cooperation with EBETH, while the individual meetings are being scheduled by the Spanish Embassy's commercial office in Athens.

Participating in the business delegation are 17 Spanish companies with export experience in the sectors of construction materials, foodstuffs, furniture and lighting fixtures, cosmetic products, jewelry, sports goods, water pumping machinery, fabrics and apparel.

The Spanish delegation will previously visit Athens on February 15-16 for similar talks, in cooperation with the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEA), before heading on to Istanbul, Turkey, on February 20.

Further information is available at the trade mission website www.camaravalencia.com/misiones/grecia2006

[20] Eurobank staff, management forge pact on working hours

ATHENS, 20/1/2006 (ANA)

Among terms of the pact are that staff at the The Mall branch in Athens and Mediterranean Cosmos in the northern port city of Thessaloniki will work a shift-system on the basis of a five-day, 35-hour working week, less than in remaining branches.

In addition, the two units will open for 30 hours a week instead of 32 hours at present for two shifts; and for seven fewer hours for the third shift. The branches will close on Sundays and public holidays with a day in lieu to be awarded for Saturday work.

The sixteen members of staff involved in the scheme will also receive a bonus of 220-235 euros; and management is not entitled to place personnel on the shift without their written consent. Private sector Eurobank has a total of 7,500 personnel.

The pact has drawn fire from the nationwide bank workers' union, OTOE, which has said that the departure from normal practice may lead to a blanket change in working hours, also claiming that Eurobank has a poor track record in adhering to agreements.

Eurobank's staff union president, Stathis Haritos, told a news conference that a precedent had been laid for the agreement in special working hours agreed by staff and management at state-owned, Athens-quoted Emporiki Bank for its Athens airport branch.

According to the union's secretary, Dimitris Kissas, the pact is legal, countering statements by OTOE's president, Dimitris Tsoukalas, who also claimed that Eurobank workers had been pressured into the agreement, and the development ministry should intervene concerning the terms of collective sector labor pacts.

OTOE, which is to propose stripping Haritos of his position in the nationwide union, has the backing of the General Confederation of Employees of Greece, the country's largest trade union umbrella group.

Gov't welcomes Eurobank pact on working hours: Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said on Thursday that he welcome an agreement forged by the staff union at Athens-quoted EFG Eurobank with management, settling working hours and pay at two branches whose extended shifts had brought strike action.

"It is pleasing when reform leads to an improvement in competition through a process of consensus," Alogoskoufis told reporters.

In a later statement, the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology claimed that Alogoskoufis must be in league with the Latsis shipping, banking and energy group that owns private sector Eurobank, also backing other corporate groups.

"Taking advantage of a unilateral agreement between management and one of the bank's two unions - but not the other - and despite opposition from the nationwide union, Alogoskoufis has again showed the government's desire to extend bank working hours," the party's labor spokesman, Dimitris Stratoulis, said in a statement.

[21] Gov't ploughs cash into info-society digital projects

ATHENS, 20/1/2006 (ANA)

The special secretary for the information society, Vassilis Asimakopoulos, said in a statement that the digital services budgeted at 25 million euros will be funded from national and European Union funds under the European Regional Development Fund.

[22] Greek inflation rose to 3.5 pct in December, Eurostat

ATHENS, 20/1/2006 (ANA)

The EU executive's statistics agency, in its monthly report, said Eurozone inflation fell to 2.2 pct in December from 2.3 pct in November, down from 2.4 pct in December 2004. The inflation rate in the EU-25 also fell to 2.1 pct in December from 2.2 pct in November and 2.4 pct in December 2004.

Poland (0.8 pct), Finland (1.1 pct), Sweden (1.3 pct) and Cyprus (1.4 pct) recorded the lowest inflation rates in December, while Latvia (7.1 pct), Slovakia (3.9 pct), Spain (3.7 pct) and Estonia (3.6 pct) the highest levels.

[23] Gov't welcomes performance by football pools operator

ATHENS, 20/1/2006 (ANA)

"The company's progress is satisfactory, and what was agreed has been implemented," Alogoskoufis told reporters.

"The incorporation of Greek games in the Stihima game will go ahead," he added.

[24] Florina prefecture to promote alternative tourism

20/1/2006 (ANA)

Katrantzis said flagship of the local Leader+ program were investments in the manufacturing sector and promoting clusters, with the aim to boost local products' competitiveness, ensuring and multiplying farm incomes, keeping the population in farm regions and boosting employment.

He noted that the latest stage of the program was focusing on fully implementing private investments in alternative tourism. "Alternative tourism is developing the wrong way by focusing on offering beds and food service. No form of tourism, however, can be developed fully unless it is combined with promoting local production and skills," Katrantzis said.

The program envisages offering financial support of up to 75 percent of a project's budget to investments in alternative tourism, manufacturing, food processing, traditional craft products and promoting clusters.

[25] Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling launches restructuring plan

ATHENS, 20/1/2006 (ANA)

The company also announced plans to restructuring its logistics business with the suspension of operations in its warehouses in Messolongi, Corfu and Rhodes. These regions will be serviced by the company's main facilities in Patra and Heraclion Crete.

Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling said the plan would affect around 150 workers, from a total 2,400 workers in the Group. The management has already invited workers to a round of consultations offering a voluntary pension scheme to determine the terms and conditions for the departure from the company.

The company also announced plans to significantly boost its sales department and to continue its investment plan, currently worth 40 million euros annually.

Hellenic Bottling said its operational restructuring was aimed to develop and produce innovative products to create added value to consumers, to strengthen its sales and marketing departments and to invest on up-to-date production facilities. The company has already begun implementing an investment plan, worth 8 million euros, for the building of a new bottling facility in Heraclion Crete.

[26] Visa Hellas reports double digit growth rates in 2005

ATHENS, 20/1/2006 (ANA)

Kasoumis said the cost of the new cards for banks would be 10 times more from current cards, although he stressed that the added cost would not burden consumers. He underlined the increased safety in transactions offered to consumers, along with various other new applications.

Visa Europe said total spending in Greece with Visa cards was 8.3 billion euros in 2005, up 25.4 percent, while consumer spending in sale points rose 7.6 percent, compared with 2004, to 4.1 billion euros.

Circulation of debit cards rose 26.6 percent to 2.3 million units at the end of September 2005, while transactions rose by 25.5 percent to 3.1 million euros.

Nikos Kampanopoulos, Visa Europe's vice-president and head of the Greek office, said Greek consumers showed increasing confidence in the use of credit cards.

Visa cards (credit, debit and corporate) totaled 5.9 million last year in Greece, an increase of 8.4 percent from 2004. Transactions rose 14.2 percent to 71.9 million with a total value of 8.3 billion euros (up 25.4 percent).

Visa has issued more than 296 million cards in Europe, with the value of transactions exceeding 1.09 trillion euros (September figures).

[27] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks surge to hit new five-year high

ATHENS, 20/1/2006 (ANA)

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 1.86% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 2.15% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 4.08% up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 253 to 38 with 32 remaining unchanged.

Stock Futures: