Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-04-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] A more political, democratic, social Europe is necessary, PM says

[02] Noted scholar Fukuyama outlines Iraq entanglement to Athens audience

[03] Bakoyannis begins official visit to Cyprus

[04] Greece-Cyprus cooperation will intensify, FM says

[05] FM briefs parliamentary committee on foreign policy axes

[06] Papandreou attacks government in speech at Macedonia University

[07] Culture minister lashes out against main opposition leader

[08] Inner Cabinet approves bill for restructure of Fire Department

[09] All evidence on AGB gone to justice, Roussopoulos says

[10] Questions on phone-tapping issue remain unanswered, PASOK party spokesman says

[11] Athens Journalists Union calls for probe on journalists phone-tapping charge

[12] PASOK party official comments on preliminary elections in 24 municipalities

[13] Education Minister to visit China

[14] Expatriate AHEPA organization to honor President Papoulias, PM and Parliament president

[15] Third Parliamentary vice president gives interview in New York

[16] Prefect Psomiadis invites Albanian PM Berisha to visit Thessaloniki

[17] Former minister visits US capital

[18] European Commission asks Greece to recover illegal state aid for Olympic Airways

[19] Olympic Airlines denies reports of imminent closure

[20] EIU sees 'sharp fall' in Greek deficit; still hovering at over 3%

[21] Hellenic Telecommunications Organization to sell its 90 pct stake in Armentel

[22] Government on National Bank-Finansbank deal

[23] Greek gov't welcomes new collective labor agreement

[24] Deputy FinMin plans another visit to the US

[25] Greek budget revenues up 15.5 pct in Jan-March, yr/yr

[26] Merchant marine minister issues message on Greek Merchant Navy Day

[27] Philip Morris launches trial cultivation of organic tobacco

[28] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise

[29] OA plane evades unknown aircraft over central Aegean

[30] Athens' homeless foundation, Church of Greece sign cooperation agreement

[31] Komotini Roma establish Federation to deal with problems

[32] Ombudsman probes into use of tear gas by police

[33] Discussion on 'European development and Greek reality'

[34] Student elections taking place throughout the country on Wednesday

[35] Data on Mauthausen concentration camp on the Internet

[36] Event held in memory of Andreas Politakis, founder of the 'Abdi Ipekci' prize

[37] Hellenic Olympic Committee president Kyriakou meets IOC president Rogge

[38] Cyprus and US underline need to combat terrorism

[39] Greek army chief to pay official visit to Cyprus

[01] A more political, democratic, social Europe is necessary, PM says

ATHENS, 5/4/2006 (ANA)

"The common goal, as set out by the Lisbon Strategy, is to create in Europe the most dynamic and competitive economy," Karamanlis said during the conference, titled "Unveiling New Priorities in a Changing World."

EU member states' joint commitment is to implement policies regarding regional and social convergence, job creation, improving the standard of living and protecting the environment, he said.

However, Europe is obligated to simultaneously reinforce its foundation; to secure its territorial integrity and external borders; to collectively address new threats, whether it's terrorism or health risks; and to guarantee respect for citizens' individual and civil rights, the prime minister said.

The goal, according to Karamanlis, is for Europe to promptly adapt to changes while at the same time placing emphasis on its social role. "A Europe that will address the challenges of globalization, ensuring social solidarity at the same time; A Europe that will reinforce security for its citizens without violating individual rights," he explained.

He pointed out that presently, the relations between the EU and its citizens are undergoing a 'crisis', the integration process is experiencing delays and the question "What kind of Europe do we want" remains unanswered.

Karamanlis noted that in a world that is intensely competitive and full of challenges, the priorities are international cooperation, joint ventures and synergies in business, an outward-looking economic approach and the strengthening of economic diplomacy.

"Policies that reinforce stability and security are necessary. To this end, we've chosen the triptych 'peace-cooperation-development' as our guide," he said.

"We made important and successful steps in the broader region, but also in Asia; we are working intensively towards the continuous upgrading of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in Southeast Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean; we are pursuing relations of trust and cooperation with all neighboring nations and we are supporting their European aspirations; and we proved this stance in practice also towards neighboring Turkey," Karamanlis noted.

Referring specifically to Turkey and its EU prospects, Karamanlis said that Turkey's EU accession course will depend on the neighboring country's respect for international law and treaties; human rights and religious freedom; and its relations with neighboring countries and its stance towards Cyprus.

"Our objective is to fully normalize Greek-Turkish relations. Our objective is the reunification of the Republic of Cyprus by achieving a functional and viable solution, in line with EU principles. Our objective is peace and cooperation, development and prosperity in our entire region," the premier said.

Karamanlis also referred to the importance of culture and education "in a world thirsting for principles, values and ideals, in a world that is at the same time characterized by the digital revolution."

He stressed the need to focus on the future, saying that "in a world that is radically changing, we will never be able to 'fix' the present if we are indifferent to the future."

The greatest challenge ahead, according to Karamanlis, is to develop actions aimed at preventing potential dangers and to create the right conditions necessary to capitalize on existing opportunities.

The prime minister also referred to the need to invest in competitiveness, "since competitiveness means a wealthy economy, benefits and investments for businesses and jobs and income for workers."

Within this context, the Greek government has declared the period 2005-2010 - milestone years for the Lisbon Strategy - as years of competitiveness.

According to Karamanlis, the Greek government is promoting policies aimed at creating a truly dynamic and competitive economy within a healthy fiscal environment.

"Because only a competitive economy can create new jobs; only a competitive economy can improve citizens' quality of living; only a healthy fiscal environment can maintain development over the long term," he said.

Karamanlis also referred to the world's changing demographics, saying that the world population has more than doubled over several decades and is continuing on an upward trend.

Tied in to this development, is the accelerating rate of environmental pollution and global warming, he said.

Referring to Greece specifically, Karamanlis said: "The basic element in the new development model we are creating, but also an immediate priority for the entire EU, is the implementation of a dynamic energy policy that will guarantee the safety of supply, competitiveness and respect for the environment. Our main priorities to this end are liberalizing the energy market, limiting our dependency on fossil fuels, capitalizing on biofuels and renewable energy sources and protecting the environment."

Another immediate objective, according to the prime minister, is to promote major international projects that will make Greece into an energy hub.

"At this point, I would like to highlight the political agreement for the construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline; the beginning of construction of the Greek-Turkish natural gas pipeline; our country's leading role in creating the Energy Community," he said.

In summing up, Karamanlis said: "In a world of radical and structural change, foresight, inspiration, planning and vision are necessary more than ever. We must see every change as a challenge; every challenge as an opportunity; every opportunity as a possibility to change our country."

[02] Noted scholar Fukuyama outlines Iraq entanglement to Athens audience

ATHENS, 5/4/2006 (ANA)

Fukuyama, a much-quoted author and professor of political economy at Johns Hopkins University's Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, served as keynote speaker during the opening day of the Economist Group's "10th Roundtable with the Government of Greece", beginning his address in Athens, appropriately, by referring to ancient Greek historian Thucydides and the latter's account of ancient Athens' doomed Sicilian expedition to draw a parallel to America's modern-day entanglement in Iraq.

"It's not quite the same disaster but it will be a setback for America's foreign policy ... the US has isolated itself over Iraq," he told an audience of mostly corporate leaders, government officials and diplomats.

Speaking, however, in a European venue, Fukuyama began by stoutly defending the ideas characterizing the "neo-conservative" (neo-liberalism in Europe) school of thought, acknowledging that this intellectual movement - which emerged in America in the late 1930s and early 1940s from previously leftist academicians -- has been burdened with a terrible reputation in Europe.

However, the noted author, best known for his 1992 "The End of History and the Last Man", defended neo-conservatism as fundamentally based on human values and ideals; skepticism of international institutions' (i.e. the United Nations) ability to solve complex international problems; the "moral" use of American power and a distinct uneasiness over "social engineering" to solve society's major problems, such as racism and poverty.

He pointed to a misconceived use of "social engineering" as responsible for the current quagmire in Iraq, while noting that a "pre-emptive attack" doctrine developed by the Bush administration in the aftermath of 9/11 was correct for Afghanistan and wrong for Iraq. Fukuyama, in fact, referred to a "most dishonest case" for the pre-war notion of a link between terrorism and Iraq.

The one-time proponent of punitive action against Saddam Hussein also said that the US-led action was burdened by a "structural anti-Americanism in the world" in tandem with an "incompetent" manner in which the transfer from dictatorial Iraq to post-Saddam Iraq was handled.

In expanding his scope into the sphere of extremist Islamic movements plaguing the world today, Fukuyama said he does not agree with the "clash of civilizations" model, but rather outlined he said were a generation of young Muslim men, such as the 9/11 hijackers and Madrid bombers, with an "identity crisis", individuals he said that have failed to assimilate into mostly European societies but who also have rejected their immigrant parents' old world traditions. This gap for some very young Muslims, he said, is filled by Osama bin Laden's brand of extremism.

[03] Bakoyannis begins official visit to Cyprus

NICOSIA, 5/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Noting the warm, "brotherly" relations between the governments of Greece and Cyprus, Iacovou also referred to the new impetus now surrounding the Cyprus issue following the meeting between Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Bakoyannis reiterated the Greek position for a "final, viable and just solution" to the Cyprus problem that was based on international law, the European 'acquis' and the decisions of the UN Security Council for the benefit of the entire Cypriot people.

The Greek minister underlined that solving the political problem on Cyprus was a top priority for the Greek government, while stressing that the Annan plan "in the form that it was presented to the Cypriot people, has been rejected and is now history."

According to Bakoyannis, any new initiative for the Cyprus problem must be based on the previous work done by a succession of UN chiefs.

She also emphasized the significance of the Annan-Papadopoulos meeting, saying she had an opportunity to discover this for herself during her recent visit to the United States, while stressing the need to make use of the new impetus that emerged from this meeting.

Bakoyannis is due to meet President Papadopoulos at around 18:00 on Tuesday afternoon, while later the same evening she will be his guest for dinner.

Her agenda for Wednesday includes a meeting with Iacovou in the morning, followed by separate meetings with Cypriot House of Representatives President Demetris Christofias and the leaders of the Cypriot political parties.

There will also be a meeting with Nicosia Mayor Michalakis Zambelas and a visit to the ceasefire line in Nicosia and in Malounda.

[04] Greece-Cyprus cooperation will intensify, FM says

NICOSIA, 5/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Bakoyannis said her discussion with Papadopoulos was particularly friendly and useful.

Later on Tuesday, Bakoyannis was due to have a private dinner with Papadopoulos at the latter's residence.

[05] FM briefs parliamentary committee on foreign policy axes

ATHENS, 5/4/2006 (ANA)

Bakoyannis said the broad consensus that existed on the basic directions of foreign policy as a "significant advantage" of the present-day Greece, and urged everyone to preserve that climate because it was in the national interest of the country. She also paid tribute to the "particular contribution" of her predecessor in the foreign ministry, Petros Molyviatis, in that respect.

The foreign minister also made specific reference to Greek-Turkish relations, stressing that "our country's policy towards Turkey is clear and friendly, and in favor of its European prospect, but with no disposition for deductions".

"Ankara must know that inertia and stone-walling do not help. Unfortunately, however, it has not understood that maintaining a positive stance is also to its own benefit," she said.

Commenting on recent statements by Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, she said that they were mostly for domestic consumption.

Bakoyannis placed particular emphasis on the Cyprus problem, stressing that it was an "immediate priority" of foreign policy for a just, functional and viable solution that would be in line with the European acquis communautaire.

"The rejection of the last Annan Plan, with such a large majority, cannot possibly be disregarded, nor the fact that Cyprus is now a full member of the EU. Turkey has every interest in realizing this," she said.

She further reminded that by the end of 2006 Ankara is obliged to implement the Customs Union protocol.

Turning to her visit to Cyprus, where she was due to arrive later in the afternoon, Bakoyannis expressed conviction that the steps of the Greek and Cypriot leaderships would be even better coordinated.

On the Balkans, Bakoyannis placed emphasis on the issue of Kosovo, stressing that "the solution must be the result of substantive negotiations, which will advance regional stability and security, negotiations in which the EU must have an essential role".

On the FYROM name issue, Bakoyannis said that the positions held by the prime minister and herself were clear in every direction for a mutually acceptable solution, and noted that fore the first time the name issue was included in the political criteria for the neighboring country's accession to the EU.

"Our position is clear. The neighboring country must realize that it is in its interests that there by stability in that state. Our only difference with Skopje is the name issue. And they must know that their policy will have the corresponding effects. I don't believe that there is a Greek government or parliament that would ratify FYROM's accession with its constitutional name," she said.

[06] Papandreou attacks government in speech at Macedonia University

5/4/2006 (ANA)

PASOK's president said that it had taken the present government just two years "to teach the younger generation the true meaning of the Right."

Papandreou said that private universities were a reality and could not be ignored but what was needed were rules for their operation that did not now exist.

He called on young people and students to join a "democratic revolution to change the world".

[07] Culture minister lashes out against main opposition leader

5/4/2006 (ANA)

Voulgarakis said that Papandreou needs to explain why the educational sector was continuously degraded over the past 20 years and should apologies for it.

Voulgarakis said that New Democracy will forge ahead with the major reforms it has announced, while denying rumors of early elections.

[08] Inner Cabinet approves bill for restructure of Fire Department

ATHENS, 5/4/2006 (ANA)

During the meeting, chaired by prime minister Costas Karamanlis, public order minister Vyron Polydoras said the bill provided for new planning for fire prevention, adding that this involved not only the firefighting units but also volunteer and seasonal fire fighters, training, and cooperation with the Civil Protection organization.

In essence, he said, an effort was being made to restructure the Fire Department in such a way as to ensure the greatest possible success in its task, stressing that the Fire Brigade tackled not only fires, but a variety of natural disasters, such as heavy storms.

Asked whether personnel would be hired to fill organic positions, Polydoras replied "we're working on it", adding that the Fire Department's fleet and technical means would also be renewed.

[09] All evidence on AGB gone to justice, Roussopoulos says

ATHENS, 5/4/2006 (ANA)

He also stressed that the government had foreseen that there would be a problem and had stressed the need for changes to the legislative framework long before the issue became headline news. Roussopoulos said the government had initiated dialogue early on and that the judicial investigation into AGB had begun in November 2004.

In response to questions concerning the distribution of state advertising, Roussopoulos said that this was divided in accordance with the dictates of the law and that it was not awarded by the press ministry by various state organizations, while the ministry ensured that a 30 percent share went to regional media companies.

[10] Questions on phone-tapping issue remain unanswered, PASOK party spokesman says

ATHENS, 5/4/2006 (ANA)

Athanassakis was also speaking in connection with a letter which, as he said, was brought to his knowledge and was addressed by journalist Aristea Bougatsou to the president of ADAE, the independent authority for confidentiality.

The spokesman said that the letter contained reports of specific journalists being followed and the time period was determined as being after the holding of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, while reference is made to the National Intelligence Service (EYP).

Athanassakis said that if the reports are valid they are very serious and added that "we had questioned all these lists of people being followed from the very first moment, as to who was watching, who was he watching, what were the final lists, who knew what and when. The questions we have raised remain and they must be answered by the investigation and the Parliamentary Institutions and Transparency Committee."

[11] Athens Journalists Union calls for probe on journalists phone-tapping charge

ATHENS, 5/4/2006 (ANA)

An announcement by ESHEA said that the seriousness of the report obliges the board to demand an immediate and full probe on the issue, adding that the "generalized tapping of telephone conversations by centers and parameters, either Greek or foreign, political or operational, and on the pretext of terrorism, gravely harms the nucleus of individual and political rights."

"No threat and no cultivated fear will lead journalists to self-censorship or silence. We demand the full safeguarding of the confidentiality of telephone conversations of all citizens and , of course, of journalists as well," the announcement said.

[12] PASOK party official comments on preliminary elections in 24 municipalities

ATHENS, 5/4/2006 (ANA)

Papadopoulos said that this was a pioneering and innovative process that was ratified during the party's latest congress.

"The innovation is that not only will friends and members of PASOK vote in the preliminary elections, but all the municipal inhabitants of each municipality, if they so wish, provided that they are registered in the election lists and, as it is known, municipal inhabitant lists and election lists are identical today," he said.

Papadopoulos also said that these elections will take place, probably since a relevant circular will be issued, on April 16 for the country's regions, with the exception of Attica, where they will be held on May 7.

Replying to a relevant question, Papadopoulos said that the results will be binding for the party, adding that the behavior of candidates will also be binding in accordance with the terms, the content and the ethics of candidates for municipal elections.

[13] Education Minister to visit China

ATHENS, 5/4/2006 (ANA)

During her visit, Giannakou and Zhou are expected to sign an agreement regarding bilateral cooperation in education.

According to the ministry, Giannakou will meet with Chinese government officials and will visit the Centre for Hellenic Studies, Beijing University's Model Elementary School and the University of Foreign Studies which possesses a Hellenic Studies department.

[14] Expatriate AHEPA organization to honor President Papoulias, PM and Parliament president

ATHENS, 5/4/2006 (ANA)

The event, to be attended by Greek government ministers, American senators and U.S. Ambassador to Greece Charles Ries, is part of the official visit to Greece by an AHEPA delegation and the first Hellenic American Forum it is organizing.

The purpose of the event is the further strengthening of Greek-U.S. relations, while a part of revenues will be provided for the Baloukli old people's home in Istanbul.

During its stay in Athens between April 8-12, an AHEPA delegation headed by the organization's President Gus James, will be meeting Psarouda-Benaki, members of the government and representatives of the business world.

[15] Third Parliamentary vice president gives interview in New York

NEW YORK, 5/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Tragakis referred to the "unprecedented visit" to New York by an 11-member Parliamentary delegation to participate in events organized by expatriates for the national anniversary of March 25, 1821, heightening with last Sunday's parade.

He added that during their stay in New York, the members of the delegation had a series of contacts with expatriate agencies, while they also met with the Archbishop of America Dimitrios and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Among other issues, he referred to the "unprecedented success" of the event held on 5th avenue in Manhattan "lasting for four and a half hours in which about 30,000 people participated and which was watched by about 120,000 spectators."

[16] Prefect Psomiadis invites Albanian PM Berisha to visit Thessaloniki

ATHENS, 5/4/2006 (ANA)

They discussed Greece-Albania relations, the integration of Albanians in Greek society and the activity of Greek entrepreneurs in the neighboring country.

Prefect Psomiadis told reporters:" We agreed with the Ambassador to cooperate against bad elements, who have created serious problems in Greek society, while I proposed that in the immediate future and in cooperation with the Albanian Consulate, to organize a concert with Albanian artists in Thessaloniki."

[17] Former minister visits US capital

WASHINGTON, 5/4/2006 (ANA/MPA/A. Ellis)

Also present at the session were former US Ambassador to Greece Robert Keeley and Greek-American academics.

Papantoniou is currently in the States, where he will be attending a series of lectures focusing on security in Southeast Europe and Greece's related role, as well as on the future of European integration and relations between Eurozone countries and the US.

Papantoniou, currently a cadre of the main opposition PASOK party, has already visited New York where he lectured at universities there. He will conclude his visit with a series of lectures in Boston.

[18] European Commission asks Greece to recover illegal state aid for Olympic Airways

5/4/2006 (ANA)

In December 2002 the Commission found that Greece had granted illegal restructuring aid to Olympic Airways between 1998 and 2002. On 12 May 2005 the EU Court of Justice confirmed that the Greek authorities had failed to recover 161 million euros of illegal aid from the airline. This concerns 41 million euros of illegal restructuring aid and another ¬ 120 million of operational aid, i.e. non-payment of various sums the company owes to the Greek state such as VAT on fuel and airport charges.

It is useful to recall that the Commission took a positive decision in 1994 to authorize a first restructuring plan with two additional positive decisions allowing for amendments to that plan in 1998 and 2000. The implementation of that plan however did not respect the commitments taken by the Greek authorities, which led to the 2002 decision.

The Greek authorities now have 2 months to react to today's decision.

Commenting on the EU executive's decision, Greek government spokesman Theodore Roussopoulos said Olympic Airways would continue to operate in the summer.

At the European Parliament in Strasbourg, meanwhile, a group of 150 OA employees staged a protest against the Commission's "unjust decision" that they said condemned the airline to closure while "suspiciously" favoring its private-sector Greek rival.

Representatives of Greece's Civil Aviation Unions Federation (OSPA) lodged a resolution addressed to European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, Commission vice-president Jacques Barrot and European Parliament President Josep Borell Fontelles, while later they met with Borell Fontelles advisor on transport issues.

The protestors outside the EuroParliament were also joined by several of Greece's MEPs.

[19] Olympic Airlines denies reports of imminent closure

ATHENS, 5/4/2006 (ANA)

"These reports in no way correspond to reality and serve interests foreign to the concept of objective information for the public," management said in a statement.

"Management is categorically assuring the traveling public that the company will continue to operate, carrying out its announced flight program in full, within the framework ordained by the firm's shareholder - the state," the statement said.

[20] EIU sees 'sharp fall' in Greek deficit; still hovering at over 3%

5/4/2006 (ANA)

EIU Editorial Director Daniel Franklin again repeated his group's forecast of 3.1 percent GDP growth for the Greek economy in 2006 and 2.9 percent in 2007, figures slightly down from 3.7 percent in 2005 and the brisk 4.7 percent of "Olympic year" 2004.

"This is in line with the overall global economic growth (average) and way above the euro-zone average, as it should, because it (Greece) has some catch-up to do," Franklin told delegates.

In touching on one of the Greek government's toughest economic challenges, namely, the effort to slash the budget deficit below the EMU-mandated limit of 3 percent, Franklin predicted that the deficit will "fall sharply" but still be above the figure in the short term. Additionally, he predicted that inflation will also continue to decrease in the east Mediterranean nation of 11 million.

Conversely, both Franklin and Laza Kekic, the EIU's country forecasting services director, pointed to the macro-economic environment, taxes and the labor market situation in Greece as sectors that burden the country's overall and regional ranking in an EIU grading system, 44th out of 82 countries overall, and 17th out of 18th regionally.

Both men said the five-year forecast for Greece nevertheless predicts a distinct improvement, a development that, however, that comes amid a rapidly improving environment both internationally and regionally, especially in central and eastern Europe.

The weaker points, in terms of Greece's overall economic performance, were the level of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and fiscal policy, as they said.

Regarding the global economic situation, the general consensus was optimistic, with sustained but "slightly" lower growth rates predicted for China and India.

"We've had the fastest growth rate internationally over the last two years in the past quarter of a century," he said.

The biggest risk at present, according to Franklin, is higher interest rates' impact on the dollar and the real estate market in countries where it boomed over the past decade, such as the United States, Australia, Spain and Britain, among others.

Finally, both men commented on closely watched situation in France over the government's labor reform law, with Kekic referring to a "huge reaction to a really minor reform" that accounts for a "huge political mistake" in picking a make-or-break fight over a marginal change.

[21] Hellenic Telecommunications Organization to sell its 90 pct stake in Armentel

ATHENS, 5/4/2006 (ANA)

An OTE announcement said it has began examining ways to sell its 90 percent equity stake in Armentel, following consultations with the Armenian government. The organization has hired HSBC Bank Plc to act as a financial consultant to the procedure and to seek bids from candidate buyers.

Armentel has currently a customer base of 595,000 in fixed-telephony operations and 345,000 in mobile telephony operations. The Armenian organization has an annual turnover of around 110 million euros and an EBITDA margin of around 50 percent.

Hellenic Telecoms' officials said Russian operators and Russian European Investment Funds have expressed strong interest in buying Armentel.

OTE paid 120 million euros in 1997 to buy 90 percent in Armentel but faced serious problems with the Armenian government with a result the company's valuation to fall below 60 million euros in spring 2004. However, OTE has made a systematic restructuring effort, based on a renegotiation of the initial license, which resulted to a sharp increase in Armentel's valuation.

[22] Government on National Bank-Finansbank deal

ATHENS, 5/4/2006 (ANA)

In response to questions about the "geopolitical risk" for National Bank, the spokesman stressed that there were international rules regulating "these relationships" and that Turkey obeyed and was obliged to obey these rules.

Roussopoulos also noted that NBG had carried out investments in southeastern Europe and that the government encouraged such initiatives:

"Certain actions, such as earthquake diplomacy and now the acquisition of this Turkish bank can improve relations between the two countries (Greece and Turkey)," he added.

Under the deal, NBG will acquire a 46 percent stake of Finansbank ordinary shares in addition to 100 percent of the Founder Shares for U.S. $2,774 million from FIBA Holding, while the deal also provides that the Greek bank will acquire a controlling stake at a later stage.

Finansbank's founder, Husnu Ozyegin, will remain as chairman, also controlling about 10% of stock for at least two years.

Main opposition acknowledges Greek buyout of Turkish bank: The main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) on Tuesday acknowledged the acquisition by Athens-quoted National Bank of Greece of Finansbank, the neighboring country's fifth largest credit institution.

"This is a significant outward-going move by National Bank," party spokesman Nikos Athanassakis said in a statement.

At the same time, details of the purchase arrangement needed study as queries had been raised about angles including the price and a related share capital increase coupled with the final composition of ownership, the spokesman noted.

He recalled that PASOK leader George Papandreou as foreign minister under the previous government had backed a process of rapprochement with Turkey.

[23] Greek gov't welcomes new collective labor agreement

ATHENS, 5/4/2006 (ANA)

Roussopoulos said the deal ensured industrial peace and improved workers' real income. Commenting on a government's incomes policy the government spokesman said pay rise limitations covered only loss-making public sector enterprises and stressed that the government's reform policy was aimed at ending this trend.

Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said the labor agreement was a very positive development both for the economy and for workers. He underlined that the deal offered proof that free collective talks and institutions were functioning well in the country.

PASOK party spokesman hails collective labor agreement: Main opposition PASOK party spokesman Nikos Athanassakis on Tuesday hailed the new collective labor agreement reached on Monday between the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) and the Federation of Greek Industries (SEB).

"We have already hailed since yesterday (Monday) the conclusion of collective negotiating for the National General Collective Labor Agreement. It was a positive development that was the result of tough negotiating and, of course, the result of working people's mobilizations, who had mobilized themselves during this period when we had the initially unacceptable positions of SEB," the spokesman said.

Athanassakis further said that "this conclusion is not a finishing point for working people, but a starting point for their struggles since they have more negotiations for branch agreements and for issues concerning public utilities ahead of them."

[24] Deputy FinMin plans another visit to the US

ATHENS, 5/4/2006 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, Folias said US government and business officials praised the Greek economic performance in the last two years and stressed that he was planning another visit to the US (California, Texas) to present investment opportunities in Greece to American investors.

The Greek minister noted there were great prospects of cooperation between Greek and US small- and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in innovation sectors.

[25] Greek budget revenues up 15.5 pct in Jan-March, yr/yr

ATHENS, 5/4/2006 (ANA)

According to figures released by the Finance ministry, VAT revenues rose 14.2 percent in March, while tax agency revenues rose 1.6 percent over the same period. Customs' revenues were up 9.8 percent, while other categories of revenues (dividends and other sources) soared 148.7 percent in March.

[26] Merchant marine minister issues message on Greek Merchant Navy Day

ATHENS, 5/4/2006 (ANA)

The message said that for the first time this year Greek Merchant Navy Day is being celebrated on April 5, following a commendable initiative by the Maritime Chamber of Greece, with the support of the merchant marine ministry.

"As is known to all, Greece is a traditional maritime country and its merchant shipping has played and is continuing to play a very considerable role in the economic and social development of our country, the increase of its prestige on an international level, and in social and regional cohesion," the message said.

"This Day, however, is not only a cause for one to consider the magnitude of the contribution of shipping to the prosperity of our societies and to the functioning of the world economy but, primarily, to honor the men and women who have been entrusted with the very often arduous duty of operating the ships," it added.

[27] Philip Morris launches trial cultivation of organic tobacco

ATHENS, 5/4/2006 (ANA)

"If this endeavor bears fruit, it will give new prospects and a new outlet for Greek tobacco, sharply raise the commercial value of the product, and offer effective protection for the health of tobacco producers and the environment," Kontos said in a statement.

He reported that it had been agreed SEKE SA of Greece would monitor the trial, also handling purchase of the tobacco from contractual producers, and processing before export. Agrocert will undertake quality assurance.

The US multinational has launched similar trials in six other countries. The Greek pilot scheme is the first in a European Union country.

[28] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise

ATHENS, 5/4/2006 (ANA)

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.50% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.09% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.37% up.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 196 to 83 with 40 remaining unchanged.

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank of Greece, Forthnet, Eurobank, OPAP, Eurobank, and OTE.

Derivatives Market Close: National Bank of Greece top in stock futures trade

Stock Futures: