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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-04-19

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

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

April 19, 2006

CONTENTS

  • [01] Cabinet discusses foreign policy, Turkey must respect EU commitments
  • [02] Deputy FM requests 'more effective EU strategy' for regions
  • [03] Greece, Finland agree on EU regional policy
  • [04] Greece's permanent UN representative addresses Security Council on Middle East
  • [05] Bakoyannis receives US envoy for Kosovo Frank Wisner
  • [06] PASOK leader to visit Skopje on Wednesday
  • [07] Main opposition questions FM on Turkey's nuclear program
  • [08] Communist party of Greece opposes visit by Rice
  • [09] SYN leader cancels EAB visit in protest at TV crew ban
  • [10] Athens condemns Tel Aviv suicide bombing
  • [11] Deputy DM visits troops in eastern Aegean islands ahead of Easter
  • [12] Ministers discuss road safety in light of Easter exodus
  • [13] Macedonia-Thrace minister receives AHEPA presidium
  • [14] Easter message by SAE president Andrew
  • [15] FM thanks Church for property to build Muslim cemetery
  • [16] Mayoral candidate Tsipras meets Athens Mayor Behrakis
  • [17] Int'l conference on IT and local gov't to be held in Iraklio
  • [18] Parliament debate on pension system to begin next week
  • [19] Government 'attempting to appear as a Pontius Pilate', PASOK employment and social policy official says
  • [20] SYN on dialogue regarding the social insurance system
  • [21] PASOK's Xenoyiannakopoulou meets Syros shipyard workers
  • [22] Greece's trade deficit up 23.4 pct in January-February yr/yr
  • [23] Greek firms urged to do business in Latin America
  • [24] Greece expects good year for tourism
  • [25] Greek alcohol drinks market to remain stable in 2006-07, report
  • [26] National Insurance unveils three-year business plan
  • [27] Initial approval for Bank of Cyprus in Russia
  • [28] EasyCruise plans to visit Greek islands
  • [29] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks nose up
  • [30] Voulgarakis on Schinoussa antiquities smuggling case
  • [31] National Statistical Service prepares report on life expectancy without health problems
  • [32] National Broadcasting Council issues annual report for 2005
  • [33] Rare artifacts from Mount Athos to go on show in Thessaloniki
  • [34] KKE and SYN youth groups object to proposed changes to higher education
  • [35] Judicial probe into report of state documents in rubbish
  • [36] ND deputies donate money to charities in memory of late PM George Rallis
  • [37] Cyprus prepares for Parliamentary elections
  • [38] Moller assures Girod to contribute positively to CMP's work

  • [01] Cabinet discusses foreign policy, Turkey must respect EU commitments

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    The inner cabinet on Tuesday reaffirmed Greece's support for Turkey's European prospects provided that Turkey keep its commitments to the European Union, following a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis devoted to foreign policy issues.

    In statements after the meeting, Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis stressed that Greece's position was clear and underlined that Turkey must keep its commitments in order to keep open the door to becoming an EU member.

    She also noted that the changes in Turkey will benefit the Turkish people as well.

    Bakoyannis told reporters that she had briefed the cabinet on European issues concerning Greece, the situation in the western Balkans, relations with the United States, the Cyprus issue, relations with Turkey and Turkey's progress toward Europe.

    The minister did not confirm reports that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will not be attending an SEECP summit in Athens because he was suffering from lumbago, saying that the foreign ministry did not have any information to that effect.

    Pointing out that the summit will be held on May 3-5, she said the ministry will receive final confirmation on who will attend in about a week's time.

    She also denied rumors that U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is due to visit Athens in the coming week, noting only that Rice had expressed a desire to visit both Athens and Ankara at some point.

    In response to questions about a newspaper report on Tuesday claiming that foreign ministry documents had been found discarded in refuse, the minister revealed that she had ordered a sworn administrative inquiry into the report, while also calling for a public prosecutor's investigation "in two directions".

    Bakoyannis pointed out that, while some documents may have been found in the rubbish, there was also a matter of the publication of false reports that harmed the country.

    [02] Deputy FM requests 'more effective EU strategy' for regions

    VIENNA, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis called on the European Commission to exercise a 'more effective strategy' and suggested that an EU directive be created to reinforce Greek regions that are at a disadvantage, in comments he made during the 2006 Subsidiarity Conference held by the Austrian EU Presidency in St. Polten on Tuesday.

    The conference, which will conclude on Wednesday, is titled "Europe begins at home," and its focus is on the transfer of power from Brussels and national governments to regions and local authorities.

    "Greek regions are no longer a passive audience to developments, but rather co-participants in shaping the new, national development policy," Valinakis told the ANA-MPA after the conference.

    He said that for years regional problems remained unresolved, leading to a build-up of unfulfilled promises for development.

    The result was problems in absorbing EU funds, in capitalizing on local potential, in investment and employment, Valinakis added.

    "With comprehensive developmental interventions, decisive-ness in reform and social consensus, we are breathing new life into Greek regions," Valinakis said, also making a reference to the 20.1 billion euros Greece secured from the Fourth Community Support Framework for the 2007-2013 period.

    According to Austria's leadership, Austria as EU President, will do everything possible to promote dialogue on the principle of subsidiarity and reinforcing this mindset in member states as well.

    Conference attendees included representatives from EU member states, the European Commission, European Parliament and national parliaments.

    Representing Greek Parliament was President of the European Affairs Committee Sotiris Hatzigakis, while main opposition PASOK MP Akis Tsohatzopoulos was expected to arrive later on Tuesday.

    [03] Greece, Finland agree on EU regional policy

    VIENNA, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    Greece and Finland agree on issues related to the European Union's regional policy and have worked closely together in this area in the past, Finnish Deputy Foreign Minister for European Affairs Antti Peltomaki told his Greek counterpart Yiannis Valinakis, on the sidelines of the 2006 Subsidiarity Conference held in St. Polten, Austria, on Tuesday.

    Peltomaki also expressed satisfaction with Valinakis for raising the issue of taking special measures and financially reinforcing mountainous and border regions as well as the islands, in comments he made during the conference, organized by the Austrian EU presidency.

    The two officials had also met on Monday in Athens, and discussed a number of EU-related issues ahead of Finland's assumption of the rotating EU presidency.

    [04] Greece's permanent UN representative addresses Security Council on Middle East

    NEW YORK, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    Greece's permanent representative at the United Nations Organization, Ambassador Adamantios Vassilakis, addressed a Security Council meeting on the Middle East, saying that "Greece remains adhered to the need for overall, just and viable peace being achieved in the Middle East in accordance with all the relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 242, 338, 1397 and 1515, of the Madrid framework and the principle of 'land for peace'."

    He further said that "we also remain adhered to the implementation of a solution of two states, of Israel and an independent Palestine, which will live side by side, within internationally recognized borders, in an environment of peace and security."

    Vassilakis also said that "Greece aligns itself absolutely with the intervention by Austria's permanent representative on behalf of the European Union."

    The Greek permanent representative expressed "great concern" over developments in the region, stressing that "Greece unequivocally condemns every form of terrorism, including missile attacks against Israel from Gaza, as well as futile suicide bomb attacks, such as the one in Tel Aviv on Monday. We call on the Palestinian Authority to take strict measures against this unjustified violence, as well as against the perpetrators."

    He also underlined that "we recognize the right of Israel to protect the country and its citizens. We underline, however, that this right must be exercised within the frameworks of international law. Greece condemns the disproportionate nature of Israeli military operations which cost, or in any case jeopardize, the lives of innocent Palestinian citizens and calls on Israel to respect and fully comply with the Fourth Geneva Pact. We call on both sides to show great self-restraint. We expect them to show political maturity and wisdom and avoid provocative actions and rhetoric."

    Vassilakis reiterated that "the Road Map remains the framework of our efforts and that both sides must make efforts to fulfill their obligations in this framework."

    [05] Bakoyannis receives US envoy for Kosovo Frank Wisner

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis on Tuesday received the U.S. State Department's special envoy to the Kosovo status talks, Frank Wisner, for talks on developments in the area.

    Earlier, Wisner had met with main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou and Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis.

    [06] PASOK leader to visit Skopje on Wednesday

    SKOPJE, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    Greece's main opposition leader George Papandreou is due to visit Skopje on Wednesday in his capacity as Socialist International president, following an invitation from the local Socialdemocratic Union (SDSM) to attend an event celebrating the 15th anniversary since SDSM was founded.

    During his visit, the leader of Greece's PASOK party is scheduled to meet in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski and then address the SDSM event, which will also be attended by representatives of several socialist and social democratic parties in Europe.

    The SDSM is a full member of Socialist International.

    [07] Main opposition questions FM on Turkey's nuclear program

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    Main opposition PASOK MP Michalis Chryssohoidis questioned the government on Tuesday on how it intends to deal with Turkey's potential nuclear program.

    Submitting the question to Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, Chryssohoidis referred to a recent statement by the director of Turkey's Atomic Energy Authority, regarding the possible construction of nuclear stations in January 2007 on the shores of the Black Sea.

    "Recognizing the obvious possibility that Turkey may use nuclear energy and technology for military purposes; taking into consideration that the neighboring country is proceeding unilaterally, affecting the balance in the area in terms of energy, environment and security; and being aware of the seismogenic character of the region, what additional initiatives does the [Greek] government intend to take within the framework of international organizations and the EU, aside from following the matter long-distance from the Greek foreign ministry," Chryssohoidis asked.

    [08] Communist party of Greece opposes visit by Rice

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) on Tuesday expressed objections to the prospect of a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, saying that her presence in Greece was "unwelcome" and that it "could only mean bad things for the Greek people".

    In an announcement, the party said that workers and young people would "reserve for the face of imperialism the reception that she deserves," if the visit should take place.

    Rumors that Rice planned to Greece in the coming week were denied on Tuesday by both the U.S. State Department and the Greek foreign minister.

    [09] SYN leader cancels EAB visit in protest at TV crew ban

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    The leader of the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) Alekos Alavanos on Tuesday announced that he was canceling a planned visit to the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAB) in protest at its decision to bar entry to a state TV crew accompanying the party president.

    "The government, in a display of antidemocratic thinking, places unacceptable restrictions on open dialogue between the parties of the opposition and workers at state enterprises," Alavanos said.

    He stressed that the decision, which echoed a similar ban imposed by the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) a short while ago, was verging "on the provocative and ridiculous".

    Alavanos pointed out that free access to the exact same facilities had been given to all TV stations and over 150,000 visitors with private cameras just a few months ago in September 2005, during a much publicized "Air Show" organized at EAB, while they had also been used as the set for a popular TV series broadcast by the private television channel Mega.

    Condemning the ban as "extreme hypocrisy", Alavanos said that his party would fight for the rights of workers to meet with the parties in Parliament "in the spotlight and not in the dark, as New Democracy intends".

    [10] Athens condemns Tel Aviv suicide bombing

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    The Greek foreign ministry on Tuesday categorically condemned the latest attack by a Palestinian suicide bomber in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, saying it was a "terrorist act of blind violence."

    "This unacceptable action caused even greater horror as it took place during the Jewish Passover," foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said of the attack on Monday, in which nine people were killed and several more injured.

    The spokesman also noted that "terrorist attacks like this exacerbate the already extremely sensitive situation in the Middle East and undermine every effort to achieve a peaceful solution to the conflict, which is going through a difficult period in which both sides must display responsibility and self-restraint."

    [11] Deputy DM visits troops in eastern Aegean islands ahead of Easter

    19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    Deputy National Defense Minister Yiannis Lambropoulos on Tuesday visited the eastern Aegean islands of Chios, Psara, Inousses and Panaghia to exchange wishes and gifts with the troops serving in these islands, ahead of the Orthodox Easter.

    He was accompanied by the Chief of the Army General Staff, Lieutenant-General Dimitris Grapsas.

    Lambropoulos hailed the high level of alert on the military units, which, he said, "secure peace but also contribute to the economic growth of Greece's islands."

    [12] Ministers discuss road safety in light of Easter exodus

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    A meeting was held in Athens on Tuesday between Transport and Communications Minister Michalis Liapis and Public Order Minister Vyron Polydoras on measures to prevent traffic accidents during the mass exodus from the cities ahead of the Easter holiday period.

    They said that the government's primary priority was traffic safety and its basic concern was for the prevention of road accidents.

    "We do not wish to impose fines after some violation, we want to prevent the violation," Liapis told reporters after the meeting. The transport minister added that its must be made clear to drivers that they "must place the child in the back seat." He further emphasized: "No alcohol consumption during travel."

    Asked by reporters whether fines will be imposed on motorists in the event of a violation, Polydoras on his part said "we are not interested in the fine, we are interested in zero accidents." The public order minister noted that "we can guarantee this because we will have good policing in the major road, Patra-Athens-Thessaloniki."

    [13] Macedonia-Thrace minister receives AHEPA presidium

    19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    The presidium of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), which is currently visiting Thessaloniki, Macedonia, was received on Tuesday by Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Kalantzis.

    The AHEPA delegation briefed Kalantzis on the association's activities and on their visit to Thessaloniki.

    Earlier in the day, the AHEPA presidium was received by Thessaloniki Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos who was also briefed on AHEPA's activities.

    [14] Easter message by SAE president Andrew

    Athens 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) President Andrew Athens on Tuesday issued his Easter message, where he notes, among others, that "these days of contemplation, worldwide Hellenes will prove our strong bonds of Hellenism with Orthodoxy.

    "We feel that we should reassure our support to our homeland and Ecumenical Patriarchate and peacefully pretend our just demands such are the reopening of the Theological School of Halki and the promotion of our national issues.

    "The source of our power is our conviction that only in unity we can achieve even the most difficult goals we set. Together we can contribute to the promotion of Hellenic culture and the Greek Language around the world. This is our sacred obligation, which we inherited from our parents and it is our duty to pass it to the younger generations," he added.

    [15] FM thanks Church for property to build Muslim cemetery

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis on Tuesday thanked Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos for the Holy Synod's recent decision to turn over one of its properties for the construction of a Muslim cemetery.

    In her letter, Bakoyannis said that the Holy Synod's decision shows the Church's contribution to a serious issue and its interest in "our Muslim fellow men."

    In closing, Bakoyannis said that the ministry is already in the process of informing the diplomatic authorities of Muslim countries about the decision.

    [16] Mayoral candidate Tsipras meets Athens Mayor Behrakis

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    Athens mayoral candidate Alexis Tsipras, who is backed by the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos), had a meeting on Tuesday with Athens Mayor Theodoros Behrakis to whom he submitted proposals to highlight problems faced by the Greek capital, ahead of the forthcoming municipal elections in October.

    Following the meeting, Tsipras told reporters that "Athens is a municipality with multiple functions and significant problems, while the citizens believe that the quality of life is particularly poor." Despite this, he added, these problems were not the main object of the pre-election debate.

    [17] Int'l conference on IT and local gov't to be held in Iraklio

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    An international conference on using information technology for the promotion of local government and development will be held on the island of Crete on May 5-6.

    The conference is being organized by the Central Union of the Municipalities and Communities of Greece (KEDKE) in cooperation with Iraklio's Local Union of Municipalities and Communities (TEDK).

    The aim of the conference is for local government to present its views and strategy regarding IT, evaluating local government's related experience, implementing Society of Information programs and exploring the possibility of new projects and partnerships.

    Those interested in attending may visit kedke.ntua.gr.

    [18] Parliament debate on pension system to begin next week

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    A debate on the pension system will begin in parliament after the Easter holidays, Labor Minister Savvas Tsitouridis said on Tuesday.

    Speaking to reporters, Tsitouridis said the debate would focus on examining the dimensions of the problem and dealing with pending issues from implementing a current legislation.

    The Greek minister stressed that he would invited, probably in May, social partners and political parties to present their representatives to a commission charged with drafting a detailed survey on the pension system by the end of the government's four-year term. Tsitouridis said it was a duty for the next government to decide on any measures and underlined that the ND government was not seeking solutions focusing on rising retirement age or lowering pension payments.

    He noted that the ministry would table a draft legislation next month aimed at changing a current status in heavy and unhealthy jobs, while a special commission would be formed to examine a recommendation on making a more efficient use of pension funds' real estate assets. Tsitouridis did not confirm press reports alleging for radical changes in the system that would allow pension funds to put more money to the stock market.

    The Greek minister said an effort to restructuring pension funds would bring results this year, while he reiterated the government's will to combat contribution evasion in the country.

    Commenting on a demand by OTOE, the country's bank workers' union, to begin tri-party negotiations over sector labor agreements in banks, Tsitouridis said the government supported collective labor negotiations and industrial peace.

    [19] Government 'attempting to appear as a Pontius Pilate', PASOK employment and social policy official says

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    Main opposition PASOK party employment, social policy and health official Evangelos Venizelos said on Tuesday, in relation to statements made by the employment minister on the social insurance issue, that "the government with generalities, vagueness, subterfuge and proposals of a procedural nature, which it changes every month, is attempting to appear as a Pontius Pilate, referring all crucial decisions to the next government."

    Venizelos further said that "with continuous intentional leaks and danger talk it is systematically cultivating the impression that the social insurance system is collapsing and that the cause of the collapse are the 'excessive' and 'disproportionate' social insurance rights of working people and pensioners and, therefore, the only 'compulsory' solution is a cutback of these rights."

    He also said that "the government is refusing to implement existing legislation and it is refusing to respect its enacted obligations towards the Social Insurance Foundation (IKA) and the other social insurance funds.

    [20] SYN on dialogue regarding the social insurance system

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) Political Bureau member Dimitris Stratoulis said on Tuesday that "the New Democracy government is seeking to open 'a dialogue' on the social insurance system, not so as to strengthen the public social security and the unacceptable low pensions and the health care services of the insured, but to terrorize the citizens about the supposed collapse of the social insurance system, in order to make easier its predecided options and measures for the withdrawal of insurance rights and the shrinking of the public social security."

    He was responding to statements made by Employment and Social Protection Minister Savvas Tsitouridis.

    "The dialogue is a pretext and as Synaspismos, it does not concern us," Stratoulis said.

    [21] PASOK's Xenoyiannakopoulou meets Syros shipyard workers

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    The secretary of main opposition PASOK'S National Council, Mariliza Xenoyiannakopoulou, on Tuesday accused the government of having no plan for Greece's shipbuilding industry after a meeting with workers at the Neorio Shipyard on the Aegean island of Syros.

    The president of the shipyard workers' union George Polydoulis informed Xenoyiannakopoulou of plans by Neorio's management to lay off 82 of the 450 workers and stressed that Syros shipyard was the only one that had not been supported.

    Xenoyiannakopoulou also commented on recent opinion polls, noting that PASOK was "steadily moving in front".

    "All the measurements record a dynamic course for PASOK that is linked to systematic, positive work, with the presence of our president and all party members and, above all, a firm relationship of trust that we are building with the Greek people against the one-sided, neoliberal and dead-end economic policies that Greek citizens are daily living," she said.

    [22] Greece's trade deficit up 23.4 pct in January-February yr/yr

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    Greek exports jumped 23.3 percent in the first two months of 2006, compared with the same period last year, but a leap in fuel prices resulted to a widening of the country's current account deficit by 1.76 billion euros, or 59.5 percent, to 4.719 billion euros, the Bank of Greece said on Tuesday.

    The central bank, in its monthly report, attributed a 23.4 percent increase, or 1.024 billion euros, in the country's trade deficit in the January-February period, to a jump (77.5 pct) in net payments for imports of fuel and to a widening of deficits for vessels by 220 million euros. On the other hand, revenues from exports of goods -excluding fuel and vessels- rose 23.3 percent to 1.726 billion euros in the first two months of the year. Imports, however, rose 15 percent to 5.294 billion euros.

    The services surplus fell by 229 million euros, while gross revenues from transport services rose 2.4 percent in the January-February period.

    The incomes' deficit widened by 195 million euros, because of increased payments in interest, dividends and earnings.

    The financial transactions balance reported a net inflow of 364 million euros in the first two months of 2006, after a net outflow of 58 million euros in the corresponding period last year.

    The portfolio investment category reported a net outflow of 663 million euros, while the country's foreign exchange reserves totaled 1.9 billion euros.

    [23] Greek firms urged to do business in Latin America

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    Greek firms should turn their sights on Latin America, a market of about 300 million consumers who are seeking to improve their standard of living, the head of the Federation of Greek Industry (SEB), Odysseas Kyriakopoulos, said on Tuesday.

    "The aim would be to increase the few Greek investments in Latin American countries and evolve alliances in sectors such as telecoms, construction, minerals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, farm products, the defense industry, shipping and tourism," Kyriakopoulos told a round-table debate.

    The event to promote Greek exports and investment in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Chile was arranged by SEB and the Greek-Latin America Business Council.

    "Greek firms need to expand their business horizons in new, emerging markets, overcoming obstacles such as distance, red tape, a lack of information or opportunities, and global competition," he noted.

    In addition, trade with Latin American countries remained low, with the deficit on the Greek side.

    A pact had been signed with Mexico on avoidance of double taxation, a move that should be extended to other countries, Kyriakopoulos added.

    Speaking for the Greek-Latin American council, Marcia Covarrubias underlined that geographical distance had less importance in an era of technology and rapid data transmission.

    Greece's secretary general for international economic relations, Theodoros Skylakakis, stated that the foreign ministry intended to strengthen the legal framework for cooperation with Latin American countries and help Greek companies to expand there.

    [24] Greece expects good year for tourism

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    Greece expects a good year for tourism in 2006, Tourism Minister Fanny Palli-Petralia said on Tuesday.

    "A series of problems in the sector are chronic, and the priorities are currently being set," Palli-Petralia told reporters after a meeting with new leaders of the Panhellenic Hoteliers' Federation.

    [25] Greek alcohol drinks market to remain stable in 2006-07, report

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    The Greek alcohol market shows signs of stabilization after recording sharp growth rates in the '80s when Greek consumers, following European standards, began replacing gradually domestically produced alcohol products with imported ones, a survey by ICAP said on Tuesday.

    The survey said that several Greek alcohol production and importing companies came under the control of foreign groups in the last few years, following an international consolidation trend in the sector.

    The Greek alcohol drinks market grew slightly in the period 1992-2005, with imported products accounting for the biggest part of the domestic market, while domestic production mainly accounted of ouzo, tsipouro, brandy and liquor. Whiskey accounted for 40 percent of the Greek alcohol consumption market last year, followed by ouzo (25 pct), liquor (10 pct) and vodka (9.0 pct). Brandy (8.0 pct) was next, with gin and rum following through.

    Demand for alcohol drinks is mainly affected by consuming habits, lately focusing to a more health diet and way of living, a trend supporting demand for non-alcohol or low-alcohol drinks.

    ICAP said that the introduction of special taxes on alcohol was burdening on their final sale price and favored the promotion of other drinks with less alcohol and with lower prices.

    The survey said that a relatively small number of enterprises was covering the domestic production of ouzo, liquor and brandy, with smallest companies focusing on ouzo and largest on liquor and brandy. The latter companies operate an extended distribution network covering both the hot and cold markets, while their imports were limited on raw material and exports were mainly ouzo.

    Ouzo is an exclusive Greek product and the main export alcohol drink, although consumption is steadily declining since 2000. Consumption of liquor and brandy steadily fell in 2004-05, while consumption of whiskey also fell. On the other hand, demand for rum was stable, while demand for gin and vodka was steadily rising.

    The survey expects the Greek alcohol drinks market to show insignificant changes in the 2006-07 period.

    [26] National Insurance unveils three-year business plan

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    National Insurance on Tuesday unveiled its new business plan for the period 2006-08 to foreign analysts and institutional investors in London, and will present the plan to Greek institutional investors next week.

    The three-year business plan envisages raising its premium production to 969 million euros in 2008, from 627 million in 2005 (up 54.5 pct), boosting its after tax profits to 53 million euros from 25.2 million over the same period, respectively, and boosting its capital return rate to 23.6 pct in 2008 from 13.5 pct in 2005.

    National Insurance said its business plan was realistic and was based on efforts to promote bancassurance products, using National Bank's customer base and raising its market share through taking carefully planned retail risks.

    The company said its insurance contract sales, through National Bank's network, was expected to total 120 million euros this year.

    National Insurance said it would maintain its workforce at 1,250 people in the next three years and plans to set up a risk management group and to boost its corporate governance standards.

    [27] Initial approval for Bank of Cyprus in Russia

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    The first stage of approval for the establishment of a banking subsidiary in Russia by the Bank of Cyprus has been successfully completed, the bank said in a statement on Tuesday.

    "The first stage of approval was provided by the Central Bank of the Russian Federation and is subject to the final approval of both the Central Bank of the Russian Federation and the Central Bank of Cyprus," the statement said.

    "The above development is important to the Bank of Cyprus Group as it will be the first financial services group from the Cypriot and Greek marketplace that expands to the Russian market with good expansion prospects," it added.

    [28] EasyCruise plans to visit Greek islands

    19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    Easy Cruise plans to include the Greek islands in its itinerary, Stelios Hatzi-Ioannou, founder of the easy Group, said on Tuesday.

    He was speaking during announcement of easy Cruise's latest venture, weekly itineraries along the rivers and canals of Holland and Belgium from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, Brussels, Antwerp and back.

    [29] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks nose up

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    The Athens share index closed at 4,190.82 points, showing a rise of 0.05%. Turnover was 218.4 million euros.

    The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.04% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.15% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.96% down.

    Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 165 to 95 with 54 remaining unchanged.

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

    Derivatives Market Close: OPAP top in stock futures trade

    Stock Futures:

  • Most Active Contract (volume): OPAP (553)

  • Total derivatives market turnover: 198.0 million euros

    Bond Market Close: Buyers lag sellers

  • Greek benchmark 10-year bond (exp. 20.7.2016): 4.28% yield

  • German benchmark 10-year bond: 3.98% yield

  • Most heavily traded paper: 10-year bond, expiring 20.7.2016 (584 mln euros)

  • Day's Total Market Turnover: 1.8 bln euros

    Foreign Exchange Rates: Wednesday

    Markets were closed on Friday for the Easter holiday abroad.

    Reference buying rates per euro released by the European Central Bank:

    U.S. dollar 1.235

    [30] Voulgarakis on Schinoussa antiquities smuggling case

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    Culture Minister George Voulgarakis on Tuesday said the ongoing investigation into a purported transatlantic antiquities smuggling ring, particularly after the discovery of numerous and invaluable ancient artifacts in a luxury home on the isle of Schinoussa, is one of the most complex such cases in recent memory.

    The probe is tracking mostly ancient artifacts from a number of Mediterranean countries and elsewhere, Voulgarakis said, in reference to the artifacts found at the Schinoussa villa last week, a residence reportedly used by London-based Greek ship-owner Despina Papadimitriou.

    An initial cataloging of the findings has already been completed, while authorities are focusing on a workshop at the villa apparently used to restore and make replicas of ancient artifacts, especially marble busts and sculptures. Additionally, Voulgarakis said boxes were discovered from auctions at Sotheby's and Christie's dating from 2001 until September 2005.

    A team of archaeologists, police and judicial authorities are currently on the tiny Cyclades isle, part of the Koufonissia chain of islets located southeast of better-known Naxos, to continue the investigation whereas the artifacts and antiquities are under guard.

    Attorneys for Papadimitriou contacted authorities immediately after the raid to inform them that the residence is owned by a Panama-based offshore company, although more details are pending.

    Meanwhile, first-instance court public prosecutor Ioannis Diotis is due to arrive on Schinoussa with a partner on Tuesday to take over the case and examine the villa where the antiquities were found.

    Diotis was also involved in an investigation into antiquities sold abroad that involved the Papadimitriou family, which had taken him abroad to Italy and the trial of former curator of the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, Marion True.

    [31] National Statistical Service prepares report on life expectancy without health problems

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    Life expectancy without health problems for men at the age of 65 in Greece is the highest in the European Union, according to a report on households' income and living conditions for the 1995-2003 period prepared by the National Statistics Service of Greece.

    The definition of life expectancy without health problems is the number of years that people of a certain age are expected to live on average without problems.

    The report focused on a specimen of 5,000 households and on the age of 16 and over.

    According to conclusions reached in the report, the more life expectancy increases at birth the more life expectancy without health problems decreases.

    The indicator for life expectancy without health problems at birth has decreased by 1.2 percent for women and by 0.5 percent for men.

    For women, life expectancy without health problems at birth ranges between 1995-2003 between 69.2 and 68.4 years, while life expectancy at birth ranges between 80.2 and 81.3 years.

    For men, life expectancy without health problems at birth ranges between 65.8 and 66.7 years, while life expectancy at birth ranges between 75.0 and 76.5 years.

    [32] National Broadcasting Council issues annual report for 2005

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    National Broadcasting Council (ESR) President I. Laskaridis on Tuesday publicized the Council's annual activities report for the year 2005.

    According to the report, the ESR's plenum took 528 sanctioning decisions during that year, meaning a 20 percent increase compared to 2004 (416 sanctioning decisions).

    It also imposed a total of 115 fines for various reasons. Some of the reasons for the fines were violation of advertising rules (18), downgrading a program (31), violation of legislation concerning the protection of minors (12), violation of private life (11) and violation of radio and television legislation (9).

    [33] Rare artifacts from Mount Athos to go on show in Thessaloniki

    19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    Rare religious artifacts of immense value will be sent from the monastic community of Mount Athos to Thessaloniki, to be put on display in an exhibition at the House of Agion Oros (Agioritiki Estia) that will be inaugurated on May 28 by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

    According to Thessaloniki Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos, a similar exhibition had been held in the city in 1997 and had been a huge success.

    For many people the exhibition will be a rare opportunity to see some of the treasures of the all-male monastic community on the Mount Athos peninsula, known as the Holy Mount, where entry to women is strictly forbidden.

    [34] KKE and SYN youth groups object to proposed changes to higher education

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    The youth groups of the Communist Party of Greece (KNE) and the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) party voiced their objections on Tuesday to changes proposed for higher education by the eight-member committee charged with drawing up the basis for a related bill.

    According to a statement issued by KNE's press office, the committee's report promotes the privatization of higher education and "institutionalizes the corporate operation of universities."

    SYN's youth group said that the committee's and the Education Ministry's proposals are opening the way for the implementation of existing laws which the academic community has effectively rejected.

    It also objects to the committee's proposal that students who fail to graduate two or three years - depending on the school - after their scheduled graduation date should be automatically expelled.

    [35] Judicial probe into report of state documents in rubbish

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    The head of the public prosecutors' office on Tuesday ordered a preliminary probe into press reports claiming that a number of foreign ministry documents had been found in the rubbish.

    The case has been assigned to public prosecutor Panagiotis Poulios, who has been instructed to determine whether there is any basis to the report and to determine if any automatically prosecutable offences have been committed.

    [36] ND deputies donate money to charities in memory of late PM George Rallis

    ATHENS, 19/4/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    The deputies of the ruling New Democracy party have donated 7,900 euros to charities, instead of laying a wreath, in memory of the late Prime Minister George Rallis.

    Charities provided with money include the Constantine Karamanlis Foundation, the Greek Society for Protecting and Rehabilitating Invalid Children and the SOS Greece Children's Village.

    ND's Parliamentary Group secretary general Apostolos Stavrou addressed a letter of thanks to the deputies for their noble gesture.

    [37] Cyprus prepares for Parliamentary elections

    NICOSIA (CNA/ANA-MPA)

    The distinctiveness of the May 21, 2006 Parliamentary elections is the participation of Turkish Cypriots and the fact that ballots will be counted for the first time at election centers, said Interior Minister Andreas Christou here on Tuesday.

    Speaking after a second meeting on the course of preparations for the forthcoming elections, Christou said a total of 1,250 election centers will operate an additional 60 centers than the previous elections due to the increased population.

    A total of 270 Turkish Cypriots have been registered to vote at an estimated 30 election centers. The first official results for political parties will be known around 2100 local time.

    Christou said samples of the voting papers are already being printed adding that "this time we might have the biggest voting paper ever in Parliamentary elections if more political combinations or isolated candidacies come forward."

    The interior minister also said that almost all voting booklets are ready and their owners will be asked to collect them in the beginning of next week.

    Christou said that those who have lost their voting booklets or have been destroyed can apply until 1300 on May 20 to have them replaced while those who need additional papers attached to their booklets can apply even on the day of the elections.

    Additionally, leaflets with instructions in the Turkish language will be issued to help Turkish Cypriots who do not speak Greek to be able to vote as they choose. However, he said there will not be any voting papers in Turkish but merely a sample translated into Turkish at the centers were the Turkish Cypriots will vote to enable them vote the party and candidates they wish.

    Christou said the Press and Information Office website will have all the information in Greek and English as well as instructions to voters where they vote and how they can vote. He reminded that voting is compulsory for citizens over the age of 18 and appealed to Cypriots to exercise their right to vote.

    The minister said results for the political parties are expected to become known around 2100 local time while the result of individual candidates will be known after midnight.

    According to the 1960 Constitution, the Greek Cypriot community, comprising Greek Cypriots, Latins, Armenians and Maronites, elects its own representatives to the House and the Turkish Cypriot community its own deputies.

    However, the Turkish Cypriots withdrew unilaterally from parliament in 1964 as part of their rebellion against the government. It is the first time during these elections that Turkish Cypriots who live in the government controlled areas of the Republic will be able to vote.

    Since the division of the island, as a result of the 1974 Turkish invasion and continuing occupation, parliamentary, presidential and local elections are held in the southern government controlled areas of the Republic.

    The internationally recognized government of Cyprus is prevented from exercising its jurisdiction in the northern part of the country by the Turkish occupation troops and the Turkish Cypriot puppet regime set up in the occupied part of Cyprus.

    [38] Moller assures Girod to contribute positively to CMP's work

    NICOSIA, 19/4/2006 (CNA/ANA/MPA)

    UN Secretary-General's Special Representative in Cyprus Michael Moller assured that the Third Member of the Committee of Missing Persons (CMP) Christophe Girod will contribute positively to the important work being carried out by the CMP.

    A statement issued on Tuesday by the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), said Moller was speaking after a meeting at the CMP offices in Nicosia with Ertan Ersan, Chairman of the Association of Martyr's Families and War Veterans in the Turkish occupied north of Cyprus.

    Noting the "Chief of Mission was pleased to meet the Association for the first time," the statement said "Mr. Moller considers that solving the issue of missing persons would contribute significantly toward reconciling the two Cypriot communities."

    Moller further said he "looks forward to the arrival of Mr. Christophe Girod, the Third Member, whom he assured will contribute positively to the important work being carried out by the CMP."


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