Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-05-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] Premier confers with FM Bakoyannis on foreign policy issues

[02] Political reactions to Stephanopoulos proposal for Turkey

[03] Deputy FM Valinakis holds consultations in Berlin on EU, Balkans, Turkey & Cyprus

[04] Deputy FM Kassimis meets Chinese Minister Chen Yunlin

[05] PASOK leader Papandreou attends ESP Conference in Sofia

[06] Cypriot FM Iakovou gives exclusive interview to ANA-MPA in Vienna

[07] Cyprus DESY leader has phone contact with Greek FM Bakoyannis

[08] Polydoras stands by statements vis-a-vis alleged abductions

[09] Justice minister meets European committee for women's rights

[10] Archbishop Christodoulos visits seat of WCC in Geneva

[11] Patriarch of Alexandria meets with labor minister

[12] Turks caught for photographing Souda Bay

[13] Greek exports up 22.8 pct in Jan-March, yr/yr

[14] Deputy Development Minister Nerantzis attends meeting on sustainable growth

[15] IFC to buy into Finansbank

[16] Post Savings Bank's public offering 5.4 times oversubscribed

[17] ATEbank to buy majority stake in Romania's MindBank

[18] Minister says Aegean issue will not affect tourism

[19] Aegean Airlines begins daily flights to Samos

[20] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise in across-the-board trade

[21] PM inaugurates state broadcaster's 3rd digital channel 'Sport+'

[22] Premier inaugurates art exhibition

[23] Official: No safety issue with Rion-Antirion bridge

[24] Doctors of the World team headed to quake-stricken Java

[25] Exhibition of Mt. Athos treasures opens in Thessaloniki

[26] Derveni Papyrus' text finally read

[27] Search operation mounted for FYROM fisherman on Axios river

[28] One in two Greek children a smoker by age 18, scientists report

[29] Nicosia says reports about Greek proposal imprecise

[30] Russian FM reaffirms positions for a fair Cyprus solution

[31] CoE Congress President: division is harmful to Cypriots' quality of life

[32] Cypriot FM meets OSCE Secretary General

[01] Premier confers with FM Bakoyannis on foreign policy issues

ATHENS, 30/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Responding to press questions on former president of the republic Kostis Stephanopoulos’ proposal to refer all problems with Turkey to the International Court of Justice at The Hague, Bakoyannis said that the government's foreign policy was firm, and the newspaper article in question signed by the former president contained concerns, with interesting points.

Bakoyannis stated that foreign policy is a complex issue, adding that she does not wish to be called on to give a "black or white" response.

Responding to another question concerning a Sunday newspaper report according to which a set of ideas on the Cyprus issue is being processed, Bakoyannis cited the statements made by foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos.

The foreign ministry spokesman on Sunday flatly dismissed a same-day front-page headline in an Athens daily regarding the Cyprus issue.

"The contentions in the said article are untrue," spokesman George Koumoutsakos said in reference to a press question focusing on a report in the Sunday edition of "Eleftherotypia", entitled "Athens’ Plan for Cyprus".

Among others, the paper claimed that Athens was promoting a "set of ideas" to be conveyed to the Cypriot government and then to the European Union, including a proposal for "high supervision" by Brussels of economic relations in occupied areas and a special status for occupied Famagusta.

[02] Political reactions to Stephanopoulos proposal for Turkey

ATHENS, 30/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

In an article appearing in a Sunday newspaper, Stephanopoulos had said that Greece should now take recourse to the International Court at The Hague for all outstanding differences with Turkey - and not just that of delineating the Aegean continental shelf - in accordance with the Helsinki decisions, noting that attempts to reach a solution with Turkey via other means had failed.

According to Bakoyannis, the former president's article contained some "interesting points". When pressed regarding the government's next move in relation to Turkey, however, she stressed the complexity of foreign policy issues and refused to be drawn into an answer "along simplistic lines of black-and-white".

Asked to comment on the Stephanopoulos proposal and the statements on the issue by Bakoyannis and Defense Minister Evangelos Meimarakis, alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros stressed on Monday that there was no differentiation between the views expressed by the two ministers.

"Both their positions were on the same wavelength," he underlined.

The leader of the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology party Alekos Alavanos took broadly the same line as Stephanopoulos in comments to the press on Monday, saying that Greece and Turkey were in "an extended phase of mock war".

"Mock dogfights are mock war, but one which intervenes and has repercussion on reality itself. Our airmen that are lost cannot come back," he stressed, referring to the tragic mid-air collision between a Greek and Turkish fighter jet above the Aegean the previous week, in which the Greek pilot lost his life.

"We cannot agree to just stay here, we cannot accept war, we cannot accept an American arbitration whose conclusion we already know. We have right on our side and, therefore, we are in favor of a resolution through the process of implementing international law and via making use of the Court at The Hague," Alavanos said.

According to the leader of the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) party George Karatzaferis, Stephanopoulos' proposal marked a sea change in Greek policy toward Turkey. LAOS's leader, however, asserted that Turkey was the side that stood to gain from taking matters to The Hague court, since all the issues had been raised by Turkey unilaterally and no issue had been raised by Greece.

During a press conference on Monday, the LAOS party also announced that five of its members had filed a suit against Turkey at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg over its standing 'casus belli' threat against Greece, which they said was a violation of the treaty of human rights.

"Nowhere else in Europe are there citizens that live under the constant threat of a casus belli, except in Greece and Cyprus," one of the signatories of the suit stressed.

Turkey has threatened to go to war against Greece if Athens decides to extend its territorial waters beyond the present six miles. Based on maritime law, countries have the right to extend their territorial waters by up to 12 miles from their coast.

In statements regarding the Stephanopoulos proposal on Sunday, meanwhile, senior members of main opposition PASOK noted that recourse to The Hague was the next step agreed under the Helsinki resolutions and accused the government of abandoning the process initiated at Helsinki without replacing it by another policy.

"We cannot put all our money on Turkey's European course, which might be interrupted for reasons that have nothing to do with Greece or Cyprus," PASOK MP Evangelos Venizelos noted.

PASOK's Papoutsis on Greek-Turkish relations: Main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) deputy Christos Papoutsis, commenting on Monday on proposals made by former president of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos regarding Greek-Turkish relations, as well as on relevant statements made by Foreign Minister Dora Bacoyannis and National Defense Minister Evangelos Meimarakis, said "Mr. Stephanopoulos' proposal for the International Court at The Hague and the issue of the continental shelf is a responsible proposal."

Papoutsis said that the proposal "is worthy of being evaluated by the government and for it to take a position with a clear manner."

The PASOK deputy added, "not like today when we have two different messages by two ministers, the defense minister and the foreign minister, a fact which creates and intensifies confusion and mainly weakens the Greek position."

KKE leader Papariga on former president Stephanopoulos' proposal: Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga, responding to reporters' questions on Monday regarding Sunday's article by former president of the republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, said "the issue is very, very serious and cannot be treated in haste."

The KKE leader said "the matter does not only concern the settlement of relations between Greece and Turkey," adding that "let us not forget that the Aegean at this moment is literally under the boot and arbitration of NATO. Furthermore, it is completely incorporated to the American plans in the Middle East."

"Consequently, the matter is very complex and naturally there is no international justice which could be rendered with objective criteria." She added that "we (KKE) have processed a specific proposal, I say, however, that at this moment things are very difficult and very complex," Papariga concluded.

Constantopoulos calls on PM to brief Parliament over Aegean incident: Former Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) party president Nikos Constantopoulos on Monday called on Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis to brief Parliament over the recent incident in the Aegean, referring to a mid-air collision of Turkish and Greek military aircraft last week.

Constantopoulos, a top Synaspismos deputy, tabled a Parliament question asking about the government's foreign policy, referring to "dead-end" tactics, among others.

He also asks if the government will take recourse to the International Court at The Hague over Turkey's claims.

[03] Deputy FM Valinakis holds consultations in Berlin on EU, Balkans, Turkey & Cyprus

BERLIN, 30/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

In a statement to state-run NET television station, Valinakis summed up the contents of a meeting he had with German Deputy Foreign Minister Guenther Gloser.

Valinakis said that on the issue of the "Euroconstitution", the Greek side "supports the continuation of the process of the ratifications by the EU member-states" despite the "No" in the referendums of France and The Netherlands.

On the further enlargement of the EU, the Greek deputy foreign minister said "deepening and enlargement, are the two sides of the same coin," adding that "the aim of the Greek government is for the broader region of the Western Balkans to be converted into a 'European family'."

Regarding Turkey, Valinakis said he briefed his interlocutors on the recent "unpleasant developments" in the Aegean, but reiterated that "our support to Turkey is steadfast and a given fact, providing that Turkey is aware that it must proceed in the right direction. He added that "our support has to do with a framework of principles and specific conditions which have been set in the European texts and in which Turkey must adjust in order for there to be further progress."

On the Cyprus issue, Valinakis referred to "all the spectrum of the obligations which Turkey has assumed for steps which it must take towards the recognition of the Republic of Cyprus" and which constitute "the known prerequisites which have been set by the European Union." He added:” Naturally, it is our position that all these must be respected by Turkey, if it wishes to proceed in its course towards the EU."

[04] Deputy FM Kassimis meets Chinese Minister Chen Yunlin

30/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The Chinese senior official thanked Kassimis on Greece's steadfast position on important issues which concern China and particularly the principles of a unified China.

Chen briefed the deputy foreign minister on Taiwan's leadership to proceed to a constitutional revision "with emphasis on strengthening the secessionist trends" and noted that "such a thing would create a dangerous tension at the Straits of Taiwan and would constitute a back-tracking to the efforts for the reunification of China."

He called for the support of Greece, and through the framework of the European Union, for the "avoidance of such an eventuality which would add tension to a crucial region of northeast Asia."

Kassimis reiterated that Greece and the European Union firmly support "The Principle of One China".

Kassimis said "we believe that the issue of Taiwan can be solved only through a peaceful way."

[05] PASOK leader Papandreou attends ESP Conference in Sofia

30/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Papandreou delivered an address on the Balkans during a dinner held in honor of the leaders attending the Conference of the European Socialist Party (ESP).

According to a PASOK press release, Papandreou said in statements afterwards:” All the socialist leaders of the Balkans are here in Sofia. It is our first meeting following the recent referendum in Montenegro and we all declare our dedication to the goal of the Balkans' European course, for us to create a Balkan peninsula of peace, respect of human rights and growth. A Balkan peninsula in which we will invest in the individual, in the citizen."

"PASOK and myself personally, and on behalf of Socialist International but also as leader of PASOK, we are preparing initiatives and working systematically for this prospect. The prospect of the accession of the Balkan countries in a common family of values," Papandreou added.

[06] Cypriot FM Iakovou gives exclusive interview to ANA-MPA in Vienna

VIENNA, 30/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Foreign Minister Iakovou said "the European Union has decided that within 2006, Turkey will be called on for an evaluation of its European course, that is, of the many commitments which it has undertaken towards the '25', a part of which directly concerns Cyprus, and this evaluation will start very soon, even though some document which measures Turkey's behavior has not yet been prepared by the European Commission or by the EU presidency."

Iakovou cited as an example that there will be an EU-Turkey Association Council meeting on June 13, which is an element of evaluation, and this will be decided either at the Permanent Representatives Committee a week earlier, or at the Council of Foreign Ministers on June 12, at which, in any case, issues of Turkey's abidance to its obligations will be discussed.

[07] Cyprus DESY leader has phone contact with Greek FM Bakoyannis

Democratic Rally (DESY) party president Nikos Anastasiades on Monday had a telephone conversation with Greece's Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis who denied the contents of an article in the Sunday edition of "Eleftherotypia" newsaper that there was a package of Greek proposals for a new impetus in efforts for a solution to the Cyprus issue.

The DHSY leader said "Mrs. Bakoyannis neither spoke of a plan nor did she adopt the contents" of the article.

Anastasiades added that "what Mrs. Bakoyannis said is that they (the Greek government) are in continuous consultation with the Cypriot government to see how they confront the problems which are presented, or we will confront, either through initiatives which are expected to be taken, so that Turkey overcomes the difficult hours which it is expected to confront, either and how we utilize exactly the possibility we have to the benefit of the broader good."

[08] Polydoras stands by statements vis-a-vis alleged abductions

ATHENS, 30/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The government, including the former and current public order ministers as well as the justice minister, has repeatedly dismissed claims that Greek intelligence cadres illegally picked up, detained and interrogated nearly a score of Pakistani nationals regarding their possible connections to the London underground attacks.

"What Ministers (Anastasis) Papaligouras (the justice minister) and (George) Voulgarakis (the former public order and current culture minister) said about the case of the Pakistanis still stands. I stand by those (statements) as well..." Minister Vyron Polydoras told reporters, adding that if evidence proves otherwise, he will resign.

Asked about demands, mostly by certain newspapers and attorneys representing the foreign workers, that Greek Intelligence Service (EYP) agents confirm their whereabouts and provide an alibi for the dates in question, Polydoras reminded that the law requires the exact opposite, namely, that accusers provide evidence implicating alleged culprits.

[09] Justice minister meets European committee for women's rights

30/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Also taking part in the delegation were Greek Eurodeputies Rodi Kratsa, Maria Panagiotopoulou-Kassiotou and Katerina Batzeli.

During the meeting, Papaligouras said "violence in the family, human trafficking and sexual exploitation are hideous phenomena of our times, with women being mainly the victims."

He noted that "it is a reality which justifiably concerns the European Parliament."

[10] Archbishop Christodoulos visits seat of WCC in Geneva

30/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

In view of the anniversary, the Archbishop called on the Council's leadership and members to recall "the since then continuous attacks against Christianity," advising them "to remember the past and persecutions which they (Christians) suffered."

On his part, WCC Secretary General Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia hailed the contribution of Archbishop Christodoulos and the activity of the Orthodox Church in strengthening Christianity. Kobia stressed that "the Church of Greece is becoming a valuable partner, and sometimes also a 'pioneer'."

[11] Patriarch of Alexandria meets with labor minister

ATHENS, 30/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

[12] Turks caught for photographing Souda Bay

30/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Found in possession of the three persons were a videocamera and a camera where there was material from the installations as well as photographs from the city of Hania.

Of the three who were led to the police station, one was arrested but later released on orders of the Hania Public Prosecutor after giving testimony.

The three Turks were members of a private crew who were conducting maintenance work to the electronic systems of two ships, a Russian and British vessel, who sailed into Souda Bay.

[13] Greek exports up 22.8 pct in Jan-March, yr/yr

ATHENS, 30/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

In an analysis of trade figures released by National Statistics Service, the Organization said of the 714 million euros increase in exports in the first quarter, 176 million euros accounted for exports of oil products, 194 mln in exports of food and 171.6 mln euros in industrial goods.

The organization said a widening trade deficit (up 2.4 pct in Jan-March) exclusively reflected higher fuel costs and noted that the country's trade deficit, excluding oil, fell 7.5 pct over the same period.

Export activity to EU countries rose 12.3 pct in January-March to 1.98 billion euros, with Italy recording a 37.9-pct increase to maintain its top position, while exports to Turkey jumped 57.2 pct.

Exports to third countries totaled 1.859 billion euros, up 36.6 percent, with Balkan states ranked high in the list of top Greek export destinations. Bulgaria was fourth, Romania 10th, Albania 13th and FYROM 14th.

Greek exports soared 1,074 pct to Algeria, 175 pct to India, 59.6 pct to China, 53 pct to Romania, 44.4 pct to Egypt and 31.15 pct to Russia.

Exports to Japan also soared by 125 pct in the first quarter of 2006, after three years of steady decline.

Exports of steel pipes jumped 224.8 pct, heating machinery rose 151 pct, virgin olive oil was up 108 pct, power distribution materials rose 65.76 pct, cheeses rose 37.9 pct and cotton was up 59 pct.

[14] Deputy Development Minister Nerantzis attends meeting on sustainable growth

BRUSSELS, 30/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Nerantzis stressed that the European Commission's proposals "are deemed sufficient and there is no incompatibility between the Lisbon Strategy and the strategy for sustainable growth."

He further underlined the need for "the adoption of a balanced evaluation of probable repercussions (economic, social and environmental)," a process which, as he said, will constitute "an important means for the completion of policies, so that external repercussions to be also incorporated in the EU's decisions."

[15] IFC to buy into Finansbank

30/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Athens-quoted National Bank of Greece is due to acquire a majority stake in the bank.

"The acquisition of Finansbank by National is a positive development in economic ties between Greece and Turkey. It is one of the largest cross-border investments in the Mediterranean area, strengthening the confidence of the investment community and easing investment in the wider region," the statement said.

[16] Post Savings Bank's public offering 5.4 times oversubscribed

ATHENS, 30/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The Greek minister said a total of 124,000 private investors participated in the public offering procedure, almost double compared with 63,000 in a public offering by OPAP, Greece's state lottery organization.

The offer price was set at 12.5 euros per share. Alogoskoufis said that together with a combined offering Post Savings Bank sold a total of 49,080,000 shares and raised a total of 612 million euros.

The Greek minister said proceeds from a flotation of Post Savings Bank covered 81 percent of a privatization program for 2006 and added that the government was moving forwards with a plan and determination for growth, employment and social cohesion.

[17] ATEbank to buy majority stake in Romania's MindBank

ATHENS, 30/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

ATEbank said it was immediately starting a due diligence control of the Romanian bank and noted it aimed to complete the transaction within a month.

[18] Minister says Aegean issue will not affect tourism

LARNACA, 30/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Greece handled the situation in an excellent manner and can guarantee the safety of all planes and ships, as well as its sovereign rights which are not negotiable, Petralia said in reply to a reporter's question on arrival in Cyprus.

She also noted that tourism is a comparative advantage both in Cyprus and Greece, and stressed that both countries have mutual aims and strong bonds.

Petralia is due to hold talks with the chairman of the Cyprus Tourism Organization (CTO) Fotis Fotiou, and will also be received by President of the Republic Tassos Papadopoulos.

Welcoming Petralia, Fotiou said that Cyprus relations with Greece in tourism are strong, adding that through close cooperation in the tourism sector, both countries can benefit.

He reported that the two countries will make an effort to attract markets from distant countries such as China, Japan and India.

Petralia praised the hotel industry in Paphos, which she visited, and its infrastructure, noting that in the recent years, Paphos has increased its influx of tourism and has improved its tourism product.

[19] Aegean Airlines begins daily flights to Samos

30/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The ambitious Greek airline will begin servicing two daily flights to Samos as of Tuesday. Flight time will be approximately 50 minutes and the airline will use its AVRO RJ 100 aircraft.

[20] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise in across-the-board trade

ATHENS, 30/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.78% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 1.50% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.61% up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 132 to 121 with 55 remaining unchanged.

Stock Futures: