Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-05-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] Athens outlines its concerns to Iran's top nuclear negotiator

[02] Russian proposal still a possibility, Larijani says in Athens

[03] Valinakis participates in UN's SC meeting on Darfour

[04] Greece not elected to new Human Rights Council

[05] Pakistani PM Aziz due in Athens Sunday on official visit

[06] FM Dora Bakoyannis addresses event marking 'Europe Day'

[07] Foreign minister attends dinner at Austrian Embassy

[08] PM, FM to attend EU/LAC summit

[09] Cabinet discusses defense ministry bill on armed forces property

[10] Foreign ministry on Turkish exercise

[11] Legal Council of State submits report on AGB to government

[12] Papandreou, Jospin say they support diplomatic solution to Iran crisis

[13] Main opposition accuses gov't of intervening in judiciary

[14] Coalition party satisfied with success of 4th European Social Forum

[15] Albania ratifies agreement with Greece on data protection

[16] Justice minister supports appointment of appeals court investigator for phone tapping issue

[17] KKE will not participate in social insurance dialogue

[18] Deputy DM attends army air show

[19] Protest planned at Souda to keep Greece out of conflict in Iran

[20] Development minister completes official visit to Egypt

[21] Finance minister makes amendment for Naousa Textiles Industry employees

[22] Gov't sets priority on tourism investment

[23] PASOK deputies want information from Bank of Greece governor on Turkish Finansbank buyout

[24] Intrasoft gets key EU project

[25] Greece unveils new consumer price index

[26] New productive units of Greek interests, being created in Albania

[27] Intralot signs 10-mln-euro contract in the Philippines

[28] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks nose down

[29] President Papoulias attends celebrations marking end of WWII

[30] Ceremony marking anniversary of end of WWII

[31] Liapis begins meetings on reform of Road Traffic Act (KOK)

[32] Deputy foreign minister on visit to Mount Athos

[33] Archbishop Christodoulos speaks on 'Church and Globalisation'

[34] Health minister to address symposium on father of 'pap test', Papanicolaou

[35] Verhofstadt's book on United States of Europe translated into Greek

[36] The Council of Europe on the Routes of the Olive Tree

[37] Crime and traffic accidents sharply decline in Greece this year

[38] Deputy culture minister honors American Olympic Games discus champions

[39] Cypriot President committed to a bizonal, bicommunal federation solution

[40] Cypriot Spokesman says British following policy of discrimination

[01] Athens outlines its concerns to Iran's top nuclear negotiator

ATHENS, 10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Larijani, who is also the secretary of Iran's powerful Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), arrived in Athens from Ankara, Turkey, where he held lengthy talks with Turkish leadership a day earlier.

On her part, Bakoyannis stressed that the European Union member-state -- which is currently a non-permanent member of the United Nations' Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agencyâs (IAEA) board of governors -- backs both the IAEA and the Security Council's processes to defuse the ongoing crisis.

She nevertheless emphasized that "with necessary political volition a peaceful resolution will be found" and called on Iranian leadership to work with the international community towards the best interests of all peoples.

Larijani, conversely, again repeated Tehran's leitmotif of keeping the issue firmly away from the UNSC domain and instead resolving it within the IAEA framework, while repeating on several occasions that it would be a "mistake" to refer Iranâs nuclear dossier to the Security Council and that Tehran wishes only to "peacefully exploit nuclear technology".

"We also believe that the Russian plan (for Iran's uranium enrichment program to take place at Russian facilities) can proceed, but more time is needed," he told reporters at the Greek foreign ministry, adding that some UNSC permanent members have more 'realistic' positions than others -- a reference to Washington -- and that hurriedness previously torpedoed the proposal.

The Greek FM responded that Athens welcomes the Russian proposal.

Bakoyannis nevertheless promptly emphasized what she called the Greek government's "sincere expression of its positions" during the meeting, positions revolving around the need for nuclear and WMD non-proliferation to insure a stable and secure world. She also said Athens shares the international community's concern over Iran's nuclear program and believes the UNSC and IAEA have a "crucial role" to play in the matter, while underlining that the Greek government is aligned with the positions of its partners.

Meanwhile, commenting in the wake of a surprise letter addressed by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to US President George W. Bush -- where the former reportedly opined, among others, that democracy had failed worldwide -- Larijani told local and foreign reporters that he hails from a region "where many headaches have been caused by America over the past 20 years ... Russia and China have more realistic positions."

Govât spokesman: Meanwhile, during his regular press briefing, alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros echoed Bakoyannisâ earlier statements, noting that Athens still believes there are great margins for a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the problem.

"Greece believes in the power of diplomacy, moderation and justice," he added.

Finally, Antonaros dismissed any notion of a "different" stance by the Greek government vis-a-vis Israel and Iran, respectively, saying that "what is important is to maintain peace and political stability in the wider region in which we belong. Greece participates on the Security Council, has increased responsibilities and will fulfill these responsibilities".

Main opposition leader meets with Iran's nuclear negotiator: Main opposition PASOK President George Papandreou said he was in favor of a diplomatic and peaceful solution that would result from multilateral and meaningful negotiations and in accordance with international law in remarks he made to reporters after meeting with visiting Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, in Athens on Tuesday.

Papandreou stressed that peace is achieved with respect towards international law and legitimacy, through friendship and cooperation between nations.

He added that this is the only possible way, suggesting to the involved parties to refrain from making provocative statements that only fuel tensions and heighten the crisis.

Papandreou reiterated that PASOK is opposed to "a new Iraq" but also voiced concerns regarding the proliferation of nuclear weapons, noting that they constitute a major threat.

Finally, he said that "we have to revive the peace movement" and added that he was in favor of reducing nuclear arms.

[02] Russian proposal still a possibility, Larijani says in Athens

ATHENS, 10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The envoy also stressed that Iran's was seeking to develop nuclear power for civil uses only, considering nuclear weapons destructive for global security, and had no reason to withdraw from the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty.

Larijani underlined that Tehran had not rejected a Russian proposal for the co-production of enriched uranium on Russian soil but said that it needed more time to work on the legal, technical and commercial aspects.

He accused the international community, driven by United States pressure, of being too hasty in referring the issue to the UN Security Council and preventing an agreement with Russia.

"It's not too late to put the Iranian nuclear file in the right direction," Larijani said, arguing that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was the appropriate body to handle the file and that it had gone to UN Security Council prematurely.

According to the Iranian envoy, Iran was still at the stage of researching the uranium enrichment process and had not even constructed the necessary plant or started production of nuclear fuels.

Larijani underlined that Tehran did not want to withdraw from the nuclear non-proliferation Treaty but did wish to exercise the rights arising from international agreements.

"There must be a balance between the rights and obligations that arise from the Treaty. I don't think it is particularly just to observe the obligations but not have any of the rights that arise from this Treaty," he added.

The envoy also reiterated that Tehran will cooperate fully if the file is returned to the IAEA.

During the press conference, Larijani stressed the importance that Tehran attaches to Greece's position on the issue.

Larijani's surprise trip to Athens came hours after a meeting of the foreign ministers of the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany in New York to discuss a draft Security Council resolution admonishing Iran.

The talks failed to reach a breakthrough as China and Russia are reluctant to take a tough position toward Iran, as advocated by the United States, Britain, France and Germany.

[03] Valinakis participates in UN's SC meeting on Darfour

NEW YORK, 10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA/P.Panagiotou)

Greece is a non-permanent member of the council.

Addressing the press, Valinakis hailed the decision taken, which "allows for peace to prevail in a long civil war...It is a message of peace which shows that humanity can find peaceful solutions."

Referring to the Iran crisis, Valinakis said that Greece as a UN SC member and an EU country supported, and was actively present in current negotiations and in continuous contact with its partners, "that a negotiated solution should be found, a peaceful solution, a political solution. We support the respect of UN resolutions and international treaties. We support all efforts towards finding diplomatic solutions and of course we are against the proliferation of nuclear weapons."

[04] Greece not elected to new Human Rights Council

NEW YORK, 10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA/P. Panagiotou)

Greece's Permanent Representative at the United Nations, Ambassador Adamantios Vassilakis, replying to a question by ANA-MPA, stressed that countries which have been elected to the new council give significant economic contributions, noting that all the probable reasons of the result of the vote will be examined. He also hailed the creation of the new 47-member Human Rights Council, reiterating Greece's steadfast support of human rights worldwide.

[05] Pakistani PM Aziz due in Athens Sunday on official visit

ATHENS, 10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros said that Aziz, during his May 14-17 visit here, will discuss bilateral issues and matters of wider regional and international interest.

Antonaros also said that Karamanlis was due to meet on Wednesday morning with visiting former French prime minister Lionel Jospin.

[06] FM Dora Bakoyannis addresses event marking 'Europe Day'

ATHENS, 10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

In her speech, Bakoyannis noted "the enormous progress which has been made in Europe, which today is a continent of peace, cooperation, democracy and prosperity." She said "the magic ingredient which unites our continent is nothing else other than the common awareness, even subconsciously, for Europe as our common home." Bakoyannis also referred to "the challenges which united Europe today faces."

"The European Union today is called on to promote its economic growth and its competitiveness in the international system, to secure employment and prosperity of its citizens in parallel to its social cohesion, to acquire a single voice, credible and united in the world scene and mainly to again win the confidence of its citizens, meeting their needs and expectations, so that the deepening and the enlargement to proceed at the same time, not one against the other, but supplementing creatively one another," Bakoyannis noted.

Regarding the progress in Greece during its 25 years in the European Union, Foreign Minister Bakoyannis spoke of "delays which occurred in the past," but stressed that "the current government with its policy leaves these weaknesses behind and is preparing the country so as to be in the position to fully utilize the opportunities offered by the European integration and the new international environment."

Referring to Greece's role in European developments, the foreign minister reiterated the country's support to the European prospects of the Western Balkans and of Turkey, prospects which, as she said, "constitute the strongest guarantee for peace and stability in Southeast Europe."

Representing Austria's presidency of the European Union, Austrian Ambassador in Athens Herbert Kroell spoke of "an impressive progress which has been made in Greece from its accession to the European Union."

Present at the event were, among others, were Parliament President Anna Benaki-Psarouda, main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) National Council Secretary Mariliza Xenoyiannakopoulou, Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos, National Defense Minister Evangelos Meimarakis, Justice Minister Anastasios Papaligouras, Public Order Minister Vyron Polydoras, National Education and Religious Affairs Minister Marietta Yiannakou, Tourism Development Minister Fanny Palli-Petralia, former prime minister and honorary president of the ruling New Democracy (ND) party Constantine Mitsotakis, Alternate Government Spokesman Evangelos Antonaros, ND Central Committee Secretary Lefteris Zagoritis and PASOK deputies Theodoros Pangalos, Vasso Papandreou and Anna Diamantopoulou.

The members of the Greek delegation which conducted the country's accession negotiations were honored during the event.

Greece celebrates Europe Day: Athens was one of 27 European capitals to celebrate Europe Day on Tuesday with a Cafe d'Europe event, an initiative launched by the Austrian EU presidency for the first time in 2006.

The Cafe d'Europe event in Athens took place at Cafe Ianos, featuring the following key speakers: Austria's Ambassador to Greece Herbert Kroll; Greek author Sotiris Dimitriou, who by contributing a narrative will be representing Greece in the book "Stories of Europe"; Thrassyvoulos Stamatopoulos, the foreign ministry's General Director for European affairs; and Ierotheos Papadopoulos, Director of the European Commission's Representation in Greece.

The aim of Cafe d'Europe is to provide a forum for discussion with the public and young people from all over Europe.

[07] Foreign minister attends dinner at Austrian Embassy

ATHENS, 10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The dinner was among events organized by the Austrian presidency of the European Union and was attended by the Athens ambassadors of all EU member-states, of soon-to-accede Romania and Bulgaria and EU candidate-states Turkey, Croatia and Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

[08] PM, FM to attend EU/LAC summit

VIENNA, 20/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The heads of state and government of 60 countries of the European Union, including the acceding countries Bulgaria and Romania, and of Latin America and the Caribbean will be attending the summit, which will be held on May 12.

On May 11, participating countries' foreign ministers will be having a preparatory meeting, while on May 13 there will be a number of subregional meetings of individual countries and subregions of Latin America and the Caribbean with the European Union.

[09] Cabinet discusses defense ministry bill on armed forces property

ATHENS, 10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The inner cabinet met on Tuesday to discuss a draft bill prepared by the defense ministry for utilizing the property of the Greek Armed Forces, in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis.

National Defense Minister Evangelos Meimarakis underlined that Armed Forces personnel face housing problems that the government has pledged to resolve and announced that the draft bill will be given out to the parties in a week.

During the meeting, Environment Minister George Souflias briefed the cabinet on two projects underway on the Ionia road and the Tripoli-Kalamata-Sparti road, for which temporary contractors had been selected. He said that the contractors would carry out the works and then hold the rights to their exploitation for 30 years", while the public sector will also contribute funds to the two projects.

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis also briefed the cabinet on her talks earlier on Tuesday morning with Iranian nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani.

[10] Foreign ministry on Turkish exercise

ATHENS, 10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Koumoutsakos added that in the specific case the Greek side has declared the Turkish NOTAM on the exercise in question null and void.

"We are obviously watching the whole issue very closely,â he added.

[11] Legal Council of State submits report on AGB to government

ATHENS, 10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The report had been commissioned by Roussopoulos in early April after news reports that led to charges of fraud being filed against AGB for repeatedly publishing 'fixed' or improperly measured ratings.

The spokesman said that Roussopoulos had sent the report on to the appropriate services, advising them to take the action necessary on the basis of its findings.

He also stressed that the report did not assign "political" responsibility and that it was a purely legal text.

[12] Papandreou, Jospin say they support diplomatic solution to Iran crisis

ATHENS, 10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Jospin noted that he "opposed anti-Americanism" which he views as being "equal to a confession of weakness" and that he was in favor of "a clear and objective stance towards the U.S."

On his part, Papandreou said "the aphorisms are not a way of political confrontation." He noted that as president of Socialist International (SI), he is "cooperating with the progressive forces in the U.S."

The joint press conference took place on the occasion of the presentation of Jospin's book "The world the way I see it."

[13] Main opposition accuses gov't of intervening in judiciary

ATHENS, 10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Specifically, 15 PASOK MPs, headed by the party's Justice Coordinator Miltiadis Papaioannou, claimed -among other things- that Justice Minister Anastasios Papaligouras directly intervened in pending criminal cases.

According to the PASOK MPs, judges are experiencing "unprecedented climate of fear and insecurity with the government trying to take political advantage of the investigation into corrupt practices in the justice system."

[14] Coalition party satisfied with success of 4th European Social Forum

ATHENS, 10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"Following proposals by cadres of the party and of youth, who participated in organising the Forum, the proposal for the party's Central Political Committee, due to be held on Saturday (May 13) was shaped through the discussion. The rich experiences, conclusions and the prospects of these movements, in which the Coalition party has participated from the beginning of their creation, will be assessed collectively at this meeting," the announcement said.

[15] Albania ratifies agreement with Greece on data protection

TIRANA, 10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

According to the agreement, both sides must prevent access to confidential information by unauthorized users, since failing to do so may have consequences on both countries' national security.

The agreement may very well pave the way for additional agreements between the two countries on the exchange of confidential information.

[16] Justice minister supports appointment of appeals court investigator for phone tapping issue

ATHENS, 10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"We always believed this to be a very positive development. We have no, but no objection. I wish to remind that Mr. Linos, whom I respect, has nothing to do nor has anybody else with this case. As you are aware, the issue of the appointment of an appeals court investigator has to do with the Appeals Court Judges Council, with the appeals court judges plenum. Nobody else is involved. I do not understand how important judicial functionaries are involved," the minister said in reply to a question.

Replying to another question whether he wanted the appointment of an appeals court investigator from the beginning, Papaligouras said "I believe that this development is certainly positive if it is ultimately decided by the Appeals Court Judges Council, which is the only body having authority."

The minister also said that the government is not addressing the phone tapping issue but justice is and added that he briefed the prime minister on basic legislative initiatives he has undertaken.

[17] KKE will not participate in social insurance dialogue

ATHENS, 10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

An announcement by the party's parliamentary group on Tuesday said that this dialogue is "clearly an excuse" and "is not taking place to widen the rights of working people but to schedule new negative changes such as a decrease in benefits, the extension of worktime, cutbacks in heavy-duty and unhygienic work and the privatization of social insurance."

KKE said that what is being aimed at with this "dialogue" is the "cultivation of complacency, consent and submission of working people."

The announcement said that KKE "has submitted an integrated proposal on social insurance since 2001, based on the needs of working class families."

[18] Deputy DM attends army air show

ATHENS, 10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

After the show, Michaloliakos expressed satisfaction for the pilots' and technicians' high level of training and congratulated all those participating in Tuesday's event.

Michaloliakos also announced the measures the defense ministry intends to take in order to reinforce the army's air division.

These include upgrading the airports of Megara, Stefanovikio and Alexandria; meeting the army's operational demands; and improving living conditions.

[19] Protest planned at Souda to keep Greece out of conflict in Iran

ATHENS, 10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

[20] Development minister completes official visit to Egypt

10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The Greek minister visited the facilities of paper industry "Flora" and food industry "Chipita", with both companies playing leading roles in the Egyptian market, and wished for a further expansion of their activities in the future.

"We look to the Greek community here in Alexandria and in Egypt and believe that it has a future in the country because bilateral relations in government level and between the two peoples are in the best level possible," Sioufas told an audience during a special event held at the Hellenic Chamber of Commerce in Alexandria. The Greek minister, in his speech, said Greece was progressing very well and noted that the government cared about Hellenes abroad.

[21] Finance minister makes amendment for Naousa Textiles Industry employees

ATHENS, 10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

This measure will also be extended to all prefectures in the country where the unemployment rate in the textiles sector in 2005 exceeded 20 percent.

Initially, the amendment anticipated early retirement for those out of work and who would have 7,500 work stamps by December 31, 2008.

Alogoskoufis pointed out that economic backing will be interrupted when an unemployed person finds work and that a joint ministerial decision will be issued which will rule that the unemployed joining the special income backing status will pay their insurance contributions themselves to complete the necessary number of years enabling them to obtain a regular pension.

[22] Gov't sets priority on tourism investment

ATHENS, 10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"The maturity time for investments in Greece will converge with the European average, which is about 18 months, and that will happen with respect for the law and full transparency," Palli-Petralia told a news conference.

"Already we have 'unblocked' investment efforts that are linked to the development law and the (EU) Third Community Support Framework. Concerning the investment law, five-start hotels will be financed throughout Greece, except Athens and Thessaloniki," she noted.

The use of funding from the Fourth Community Support Framework was being planned in order to meet the needs of the tourism market. Immediate plans included creation of a reception centre for investment proposals and business plans at the tourism ministry.

The government had forged a long-term policy to tone up demand in the Greek tourism product, strengthen supply, and improve services.

"This long-term policy means that the tourism ministry will be the permanent home of sector policy, regardless of government, and, more importantly, regardless of political leaders," Palli-Petralia said.

In their final phase were bills on spa tourism and agrotourism; and a call centre was being created to answer visitors' queries in several languages.

[23] PASOK deputies want information from Bank of Greece governor on Turkish Finansbank buyout

ATHENS, 10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

They also want a briefing on the same issue by the representatives of insurance funds participating in the National Bank's share capital.

In letters to the president of Parliament's Economic Affairs Committee, the deputies are interested in being informed whether the buyout will affect the structure of the country's banking system, as well as the National Bank's course.

[24] Intrasoft gets key EU project

ATHENS, 10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The consortium, which won an international tender for the project, comprises Intrasoft International, Mostra Communication (Belgium), Reggiani (Italy), and Qwentes Kantor (Belgium), management said in a statement.

The 4-year contract, part of a larger project divided in 4 sections, aims to provide consulting support services to the Commission in planning, implementing and following up information and communication initiatives.

The project will cover the EU's 25 member states, countries participating in programs managed by the bloc's Directorate-General for Research and the Joint Research Centre, and countries applying for E.U. membership, the statement said.

The Intrasoft consortium was awarded the first and largest section of the contract, which is the creation of information products (written material and website content), budgeted at a maximum of 30,000,000 euros. Intrasoft's budget is 12,000,000 euros.

"This project enables Intrasoft International to further establish its presence in the areas of information and communication publishing, extending thus its expertise in content management, editorial activities and information dissemination for the European Commission," management said.

The company has been working with the Research Directorate-General within the framework of the Electronic Proposal Submission System (EPSS) since 2002.

[25] Greece unveils new consumer price index

ATHENS, 10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The new index was compiled in cooperation with the economy and development ministries, the Bank of Greece and representatives of employers' and workers' unions.

The new consumer price index will include 784 items, with 101 new additions and 42 strikes.

Prices will be collected in 24 prefectures and metropolitan regions around the country: Athens, Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Patra, Larissa, Irakleio, Kavala, Ioannina, Kalamata, Volos, Kozani, Komotini, Mytilene, Serres, Lamia, Corfu, Igoumenitsa, Grevena, Amfissa, Lefkada, Rhodes, Tripoli, Edessa, Messolonghi and Aghios Nikolaos.

The new index also includes changes in the trade weighing of main group factors, products and services, with lower trade weight for the food and beverage group, and higher for the alcohol and tobacco group.

The housing group also has less weight on the new index, with communications acquiring more status.

[26] New productive units of Greek interests, being created in Albania

ATHENS, 10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The new productive units, of a total investment of 29.9 million euros and with a subsidy of about nine million euros by ESOAB, will mainly produce food and beverages, furniture and building materials. The units are based in various regions of Albania, mainly in Gijorakstr and Tirana.

The biggest investment, of a budget of 4.98 million euros, is that of Fresh C. Ltd., which is subsidized by ESOAB with 1.49 million euros, for the setting up of a unit for water bottling and the production of fruit juices.

On the basis of the distribution which has been made among the receiving countries of funds by ESOAB, Albania has received 49.89 million euros, of which 20 per cent have been allotted for private investments.

[27] Intralot signs 10-mln-euro contract in the Philippines

ATHENS, 10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The seven year contract envisages the supply, installation and technical support of a main lottery management system "LOTOSTM O/S" and 900 terminals to support PCSO's six lottery games. The project is expected to begin this year.

Intralot signed a 10-year contract with PCSO in 2004 for the development of an online system to support a KINO game in the Philippines.

[28] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks nose down

ATHENS, 10/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.28% down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.15% lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 1.11% down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 161 to 118 with 41 remaining unchanged.

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