Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-05-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Costas Karamanlis addresses OECD Forum in Paris

[02] Alogoskoufis urges action against unemployment at OECD forum

[03] Positive OECD report on Greece, finmin says

[04] FM Dora Bakoyannis departs for Helsinki for talks with Finnish counterpart

[05] ND Political Council convenes on municipal and prefectural elections

[06] New Democracy announces candidates for local elections

[07] European People's Party representatives meet in Rhodes

[08] Bucharest prepares for Black Sea dialogue forum

[09] Greece on results of Montenegro referendum

[10] Gov't dismisses latest press claim over alleged abductions

[11] University rectors meet PM, exchange views on private universities, funding

[12] Alternate government spokesman speaks in Vienna of Greece's participation in EU

[13] Stylianidis addresses 3rd annual 'Diplomacy' conference

[14] Moslem Union of Greece representatives visit education ministry

[15] Greek agriculture minister calls for protection of European organic farming

[16] Igoumenitsa cargo centre project requires 150 million euro investment

[17] Growth double eurozone average

[18] BSTDB general assembly next month in Baku

[19] Amendment to land registry draft bill

[20] Greek trade deficit at €5 billion in Jan-Feb, Eurostat finds

[21] Thrace 2006 trade fair opens in Komotini this week

[22] PASOK party official comments on buyout of Turkish Finansbank

[23] Arab-Greek business forum in Athens

[24] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks plunge in selloff

[25] Gov't pleased with Eurovision hosting, cites massive int'l promotion

[26] Permanent prehistoric exhibition opens at Thasos Archaeological Museum

[27] Conference on natural disasters prevention and management

[28] Greek youths hosted in Turkish summer camps for first time

[29] Nearly 100 illegal migrants intercepted in 2 separate instances

[30] Cypriot government satisfied with parliamentary elections

[31] Round up of Sunday's parliamentary elections

[32] Greek opposition parties congratulate Cyprus' victorious AKEL

[01] PM Costas Karamanlis addresses OECD Forum in Paris

PARIS, 23/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Karamanlis added that "to enable citizens in all countries to enjoy an increased income and a higher standard of living, to bridge and not widen the gap between the rich and the poor, to safeguard the right to work and social protection."

The prime minister stressed that "the unprecedented increase in global transactions in goods, services, ideas and communications being observed in our times constitutes a historical continuation and not a circumstantial conjuncture", while referring to the most important economic and political events of the last 20 years which contributed to this direction. "An unprecedented development momentum in many parts of the world has emerged after all this. At the same time, however, concern has been created over the uncertainty in employment, social exclusion, the widening of imbalances, the threat of terrorism, safe energy supply and the environment. However, regardless of convictions prevailing, globalization constitutes a composition of opportunities and challenges," he said.

Karamanlis further underlined that globalization "can be reined in and directed carefully for the benefit of the world community. However, targeted and active national policies are necessary. International cooperation is necessary. Efforts for common targets are necessary. The speed and the extent of changes do not allow negligence and delays."

He also referred to a phrase by Darwin to describe opportunities: "the one who survives is not the strongest or the cleverest, but he who responds to changes in a better way."

Karamanlis went on to say that "the impressive development of southeastern Europe is an indicative example. A region with a turbulent past which, however, has chosen a very promising future with its adjustment and its incorporation in the international economy."

Referring to Greece, the prime minister said that "Greece, being the only member of the European Union in the region is actively encouraging cooperation in many sectors, such as transport, entrepreneurship, trade, tourism and energy. The region is developing into an international energy centre through coordinated actions, improving the development momentum and strengthening its international presence."

Karamanlis also reiterated his determination to forge ahead with reforms, saying that "on the contrary, countries that do not dare to adopt successful reforms, countries that do not improve their competitiveness face great difficulties in safeguarding the benefits of global integration."

PM to chair OECD ministerial council on Tuesday: Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis will chair the annual ministerial Council of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) taking place in Paris on Tuesday and Wednesday on the theme "Delivering Prosperity", alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros announced on Monday.

According to Antonaros, Greece last chaired the OECD ministerial council in 1976 and, in its role as the presidency, has made a decisive contribution to the selection of topics under discussion.

In addition to the ministerial council, there will also be an OECD Forum held in Paris until Tuesday, where speakers will have an opportunity to exchange views on balancing globalization.

[02] Alogoskoufis urges action against unemployment at OECD forum

PARIS, 23/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The Greek minister is currently in Paris to attend the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Ministerial Council on May 23-24, which this year is chaired by Greece for the first time since 1976, and to attend the OECD Forum on May 22-23.

Alogoskoufis was the first speaker at the opening plenary panel of the OECD Forum on the topic "Balancing Globalization".

He stressed the need for immediate OECD actions and cooperation to help tackle the problems of the global economy, with policies targeting growth that will lower unemployment and social exclusion, while noting that the necessary reforms taking place on an international level should be carried out in a consensual way and after better coordination of efforts between states, organizations and the agencies involved.

The Greek minister also stated that global economic integration should be seen as a challenge and dealt with in a balanced way, so that there were more opportunities for the diffusion of wealth.

Asked to comment on current pressures on emerging stock markets, he said it was premature to talk of a crisis, describing the trends as a 'correction'.

Later on Monday, Alogoskoufis was scheduled to meet French Economy, Finance and Industry Minister Thierry Breton and to chair talks between international employer and employment organizations.

[03] Positive OECD report on Greece, finmin says

PARIS, 23/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The annual report is due for release on Tuesday, Alogoskoufis told reporters in the French capital.

"The report is compatible with that of the European Union, which was recently released, as it raises no question of exceeding the 3% ceiling for the (fiscal) deficit (as proportion of GDP) in 2006. For 2007, the OECD report is much more moderate that the EU's estimates," Alogoskoufis said.

"There are favorable assessments for growth and reform. This is a very satisfactory report and I believe that the positive elements of the Greek economy are referred to in a balanced manner, along with the possible risks on the medium-term horizon," he added.

[04] FM Dora Bakoyannis departs for Helsinki for talks with Finnish counterpart

ATHENS, 23/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

On Wednesday May 24, the minister will be in Paris to be given an award by the Sports Academy (Academie des Sports) for the work she had done as Athens mayor during the Olympic Games in 2004, as well as for her contribution to the spreading of Francophony.

[05] ND Political Council convenes on municipal and prefectural elections

ATHENS, 23/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

We have backed and continue to back people based on their abilities rather than on their party affiliation. The political parties have their preferences but Local Government has its own momentum and is not trapped inside rigid party limits, stated the prime minister.

Referring to the overall government policy, he said that Local Government is backed both institutionally and financially adding that all outstanding issues have been settled and ND has confidence in the Local Government people.

Karamanlis stated that most of the Fourth Community Support Framework funds, 80%, will be channeled to the Greek periphery, stressing that this is "both a choice and a commitment”.

He pointed out that the government was proceeding to changing the administrative structure through dialogue while the economic support to the periphery is a given fact. Referring to the government policy in general, the prime minister stated that the government is in the middle of a reform effort and the messages coming in are positive, adding that the messages received on the economy are encouraging.

Referring to education, he said that the reform program was proceeding, and stressed that the government seeks dialogue and a good atmosphere because it has no reason to want tension and polarization.

[06] New Democracy announces candidates for local elections

ATHENS, 23/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

It released a list of candidates for 41 prefectures and 35 municipalities that are also prefecture capitals, as well as six larger Greek cities. Still pending is the selection of ND's candidates for 11 prefectures and the Athens-Piraeus supra-prefecture that are to be announced in June.

In the three largest cities, ND will back Nikitas Kaklamanis for mayor of Athens, and present incumbents Vassilis Papageorgopoulos and Christos Agrapidis in Thessaloniki and Piraeus.

In the Drama-Kavala-Xanthi supra-prefecture, the party will back the present supra-prefect Costas Tsatsis for re-election and the head of the Orestiada Sugar Factory Stephanos Spasis for the Evros-Rodopi Supra-prefecture.

Current prefects Panagiotis Psomiadis (Thessaloniki), Leonidas Kouris (East Attica) will be backed once again for re-election and current Aspropyrgos Mayor Georgios Liakos will be the party's candidate for West Attica Prefect.

Not running for re-election are the ND-backed prefects of Imathia, Arta, Lefkada and Fokida.

[07] European People's Party representatives meet in Rhodes

23/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The meeting, due to continue on Tuesday, is being attended by 20 representatives from 16 parties.

Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis inaugurated the meeting, stressing in a statement that it was an interesting opportunity to explain the positions of New Democracy and the positions of the government on the efforts being made to enable Europe to forge ahead in all sectors.

"New Democracy has been playing a very active role in the EPP for many years and we are glad to be able to proceed together in the direction of a stronger Europe," the deputy minister said.

[08] Bucharest prepares for Black Sea dialogue forum

BUCHAREST, 23/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The event is a political initiative by Romanian President Traian Basescu to offer a forum to the region's leaders for discussion of problems faced by their countries and to consider future regional initiatives.

The presidents of Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Moldova have confirmed their participation, while confirmation from Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey and Ukraine is pending.

[09] Greece on results of Montenegro referendum

ATHENS, 23/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Asked whether a Montenegrin vote for independence from Serbia might undermine Balkan stability, Antonaros said there had been several Greek initiatives, including a strong economic presence by Greece in the region, to keep the situation stable.

[10] Gov't dismisses latest press claim over alleged abductions

ATHENS, 23/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Responding to a question over a press article over the weekend citing a purported link between the alleged abductions and members of Greece's intelligence services, alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros flatly dismissed the article's main point, namely, that the Greek Intelligence Service (EYP) had leased a "safe-house" in the Syntagma square area of the Athens capital for such covert operations.

The claim comprised a front-page story in the Sunday edition of the "Eleftherotypia" newspaper.

Antonaros also stressed that EYP has no presence at a host centre for asylum-seekers in Lavrio, extreme southeast Attica prefecture, another contention in the same press article.

Finally, he underlined that Public Order Minister Vyron Polydoras' statements in Parliament last week on the same issue, in the wake of a tabled question by Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) leader Alekos Alavanos, fully covers the government.

[11] University rectors meet PM, exchange views on private universities, funding

ATHENS, 23/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Athens University rector Georgios Babiniotis afterwards said that they had asked the prime minister to make universities fully self-governing on an academic, financial and administrative level and had also discussed a revision of the Constitution that will henceforth allow the establishment of non-profit universities that do not belong to the state sector.

According to Babiniotis, rectors are not against lifting the Constitutional ban on private universities as such but stressed that these must operate to the same high standards as state universities in order to have the same prestige and will not, by themselves, solve the problems that currently assail tertiary education.

Regarding the asylum status currently held by Greek universities, Babiniotis said that responsibility will go to the universities but that details were not discussed.

Finally, the talks with the prime minister focused on the issue of funding, with rectors outlining their current problems and what they need. Specifically, they asked for greater autonomy and mechanisms for universities to fund themselves, as well as the use of endowments and special fund-raising accounts.

"We want the right to handle these with greater freedom and less bureaucracy, and all this was understood," Babiniotis said.

According to alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros, the two sides found they had "identical views regarding the basic axes and principles of policy for universities," during the meeting.

"We all want universities with broad horizons, ensured high quality of study and research, with international prestige. Universities that will be able to enter into cooperation within and outside of Greece, which are finally in a position to make use of the huge potential of Greek scientists that excel abroad," he added.

The spokesman also noted that university budgets will for the first time this year increase by 13.5 per cent, while stressing that much remained to be done.

[12] Alternate government spokesman speaks in Vienna of Greece's participation in EU

VIENNA, 23/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Antonaros also underlined Greece's benefits that are resulting from its participation in the European family, the Greek role being played in the EU and the wider region and the great qualitative reform which the present government is aiming at.

The successful event, attended by dozens of representatives of Austria's public life, diplomats and about 500 guests, included speeches and a roundtable discussion on Greece's 25-year membership of the EU, the presentation of Greek literature and of a live Greek music program and the watching on a video wall of the final phase of the 51st Eurovision song contest from Athens on Saturday night.

Antonaros further said that today, 25 years later, the overwhelming majority of Greek men and women, as well as almost all of the country's political forces, adopt Greece's European orientation.

The alternate government spokesman also pointed out that they recognize at the same time that Greece was one of the countries that benefited most from European structures and that its participation in the European family contributed decisively to its enjoying unprecedented levels of democracy, prosperity, security and social development.

[13] Stylianidis addresses 3rd annual 'Diplomacy' conference

ATHENS, 23/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

According to Stylianidis, Athens based its policies on political, developmental and economic diplomacy, seeking to make utmost use of its advantages to adopt a peacemaking role, since peace could not exist without prosperity and stability, development and democracy.

Greece offered 0.24 per cent of state revenue, or €464 million, for projects in developing countries, especially those in its immediate neighborhood, he said. This made Greece the biggest donor to the Balkan region at this time, in addition to a major developmental program of €500 million in subsidies for Greek and mixed business enterprises investing in Southeastern Europe.

He also emphasized the strong presence of Greek banking and construction-sector firms in the region and Greek economic activity in Turkey, especially in energy and services, that had led to a 40 per cent jump in exports to Turkey this year.

[14] Moslem Union of Greece representatives visit education ministry

ATHENS, 23/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Speaking to reporters, they said that signatures have already been collected from Moslems who are requesting the opening of their own place of worship and that it should be under state control.

The special secretary assured them that a decision has already been taken for a mosque to open in Athens as soon as possible.

[15] Greek agriculture minister calls for protection of European organic farming

BRUSSELS, 23/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Regarding the request of Sweden, Britain, the Czech Republic and Lithuania concerning the opening of imports of cheap olive oil to the European market, Basiakos called on the Council and the European Commission to avoid any move which could undermine the income and qualitative gains of Greek olive oil producers.

On organic farming, Basiakos proposed to the Council for adjustments to be made on rules in this sector, so as to avoid the presence of genetically modified organisms in organic products. He underlined that European organic farming must be protected from the import of "questionable quality" organic products from third countries.

[16] Igoumenitsa cargo centre project requires 150 million euro investment

23/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

For the materialization of the project, which Vlachos says could prospectively be advanced "gradually, within a year's time", the establishment of a stockholders' company of private concerns, in cooperation with the Igoumenitsa Port Authority (OLIG), was being mulled.

The access road to the OLIG appeared to be linked with the course of completion of the Via Egnatia highway, due in early 2009, given that the OLG's plans are greatly founded on the new prospects to arise from the road link, and would be difficult to materialize if the Via Egnatia was not completed, according to OLIG managing director Apostolos Kamarinakis.

One the sidelines of the exhibition, Kamarinakis told ANA-MPA that the OLIG intended to set up two subsidiary companies, one for the cargo centre and the "unescorted cargo", and one for the tourism-related exploitation of the five smaller ports in the wider region, which will be converted into marinas and terminals for cruise ships, which will in turn boost the local tourism destinations.

Indeed, a viability study has already been assigned for the two subsidiaries, and the results of the first of the two studies, which concerns the network of marinas, were positive, according to Kamarinakis.

In any event, completion of the Via Egnatia was directly linked with the OLIG's plans, Kamarinakis said, adding that after consultations he had with the management of the Egnatia Odos consortium, he was optimistic that the Egnatia Odos would be fully completed by early 2009, Kamarinakis said.

The OLIG's proposal concerns the creation of a bipolar or tripolar cargo centre, with emphasis on the perishable goods, which is of particular importance given that it will be the only one of its kind in the wider region. At the same time, the OLIG was also mulling the future creation of a network of corresponding centers in the Balkans, while a relevant proposal has already been submitted by the chairman of the Varna port authority, he continued.

Kamarinakis further noted that 80 percent of world trade was seaborne, while 42 percent of trade within the EU was conducted with short-distance maritime.

Studies and surveys have shown that the size of seaborne transports was expected to triple globally over the coming decade.

[17] Growth double eurozone average

ATHENS, 23/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Gross domestic product grew by 4.0% in the first quarter of 2006 despite the petrol crisis, Sioufas told a meeting of the Greek Corporate Management Association.

According to a report by IMD on competitiveness released recently, Greece has reversed a downward trend over the past five years to rise five places in global rankings versus a year earlier, reaching 42nd position among 61 countries and regions, the minister reported.

In addition, Greece showed the third best rate of improvement after China and India, he added.

[18] BSTDB general assembly next month in Baku

23/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The events are organized under the auspices of the Azerbaijan government.

Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev will inaugurate the business day conference, expected to focus on the role of the financial sector in economic development and investment opportunities in agri-business and food processing, as well as infrastructure development in the wider region.

Speakers will include Azeri government officials, high-level representatives of international financial institutions, as well as regional investors and entrepreneurs.

BSTDB is an international financial institution established by Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. Since its establishment, the development bank BSTDB has an estimated credit of US$715 million in its active portfolio.

[19] Amendment to land registry draft bill

ATHENS, 23/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

[20] Greek trade deficit at €5 billion in Jan-Feb, Eurostat finds

BRUSSELS, 23/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Eurostat said that Greek exports in January-February 2006 came to €2.4 billion and imports during the same period were €7.3 billion. This increased the Greek trade deficit from €4.5 billion to €5.0 billion.

In relation to January-February 2005, Greek exports increased 24 per cent (from €1.9 billion to €2.4 billion) and imports increased by 15 per cent (from €6.4 billion to €7.3 billion).

The EU countries with the largest trade surplus in Jan-Feb 2006 were Germany (€24.9 billion), the Netherlands (€5.5 billion) and Ireland (€4.5 billion), while those with the largest trade deficit were the U.K. (€18 billion), Spain (€13 billion) and Italy (€7.1 billion), while Greece ranked fifth.

The Eurozone had a €1.2 billion trade surplus with the rest of the world in that period, while the 25 EU member-states had a net trade deficit of €12.1 billion.

[21] Thrace 2006 trade fair opens in Komotini this week

23/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Pavilions with farm equipment, textile products, ready-to-wear clothing, footwear, interior design items, household items, folk art, transports, electronic and telecoms equipment will be featured.

One of the goals of this year's exhibition is to increase the participation of foreign exhibitors from neighboring Bulgaria and Turkey.

[22] PASOK party official comments on buyout of Turkish Finansbank

ATHENS, 23/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Papandreou also spoke of unanswered questions concerning both the final cost of the buyout and the operational plan of the Greek bank.

She also criticized the fact that the National Bank's governor has refused to brief the Greek Parliament, while a briefing by the Bank of Greece's governor scheduled for Tuesday has been postponed.

Papandreou pointed out that PASOK is not opposed to the National Bank's initiative to extend its activities abroad, but requested that the decision-making centre must definitely remain in the country.

[23] Arab-Greek business forum in Athens

ATHENS, 23/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The purpose of the meeting is to sound out and boost economic cooperation between Greece and the Arab countries, organizers told a news conference on Monday.

The event will be held under the aegis of the foreign ministry and the General Union of Commercial, Industrial and Agricultural Chambers among the Arab countries.

Deputy Foreign Minister Euripides Stylianidis said that Greece maintains excellent political ties with the Arab countries but economic links were not at a satisfactory level.

"The government wants to strengthen bilateral relations, increase the volume of trade and Greek exports, and sign bilateral agreements that would spur investments and lift any obstacles," Stylianidis noted.

According to the Lebanese ambassador in Athens, William Habib, this will be the first organized and serious event to pave the way for an anticipated expansion of trade and economic ties between Greece and the Arab countries.

"Greece can be a gateway for the Arab countries into Europe," he added.

[24] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks plunge in selloff

ATHENS, 23/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 5.64% down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 7.81% lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 8.98% down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 290 to 10 with 10 remaining unchanged.

Stock Futures: