Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-07-20

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Premier Karamanlis calls for immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, condemns violence

[02] Greece to send humanitarian aid to Lebanon

[03] Deputy FM Kassimis to travel to Larnaca

[04] More Greeks from Lebanon return to Athens via Cyprus

[05] KKE, SYN delegations to visit Lebanon, Palestine

[06] Gambari hands over his report on the Cyprus issue to UN Secretary General Annan

[07] Prime minister's message for 32nd anniversary of Cyprus invasion

[08] KKE announcement on 32nd anniversary of invasion of Cyprus by Turkish troops

[09] Cyprus DISY party leader confers with FM, PASOK leader

[10] France's Sarkozy to be received by PM Karamanlis Friday

[11] Defense Minister Meimarakis briefs Parliament on armaments program for 2006-2015

[12] Deputy DM Michaloliakos pleased over progress in modernization of military factories

[13] Papandreou addresses PASOK coordinators' meeting

[14] President Papoulias meets GSEE presidium

[15] Greek budget deficit down 29.2 pct in 1st half

[16] FinMin Alogoskoufis addresses National Exports Council meeting

[17] Energy Strategy Council holds first meeting

[18] Employment ministry presents new job programs

[19] Parliament passes environment ministry amendments for diversion of Achelloos River

[20] PASOK attacks gov't on 'high cost of living'

[21] Greek trade deficit up by 600 mln euros in Jan-April, Eurostat

[22] Aegean Airlines proceeds in buying three Airbus A320

[23] Greek stocks end slightly lower on Wednesday

[24] National highway to Athens to close on Thursday

[25] Local gov't briefed on environmental impact of Tagarades fire

[26] Fires in Palea Fokea, Ano Liosia, Tagarades

[27] U.S. embassy announces opening of non-immigrant visa call-center

[28] New prison facilities inaugurated in Trikala

[29] New Greenpeace Consumer Guide on GM foods

[30] US: Urgent need to take advantage of the momentum on Cyprus

[31] Pashiardes: Turkey's EU obligations are clear and unavoidable

[32] Erdogan's illegal visit to ''celebrate'' invasion, constitutes a provocation

[33] Around 6,000 US citizens flee Lebanon and come to Cyprus in next days

[01] Premier Karamanlis calls for immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, condemns violence

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

The reaction by the international community must be "explicit and clearcut", Karamanlis said, elaborating: "Unconditional release of the captive soldiers, disarmament of the paramilitary organizations, full and speedy restoration of the sovereignty of the Lebanese government throughout all the territory of Lebanon, insurance of the protection of the unarmed who wish to leave the region, international assistance for humanitarian needs, restoration of international legality and international law".

Greece, the prime minister continued, "is ready to contribute actively, substantively and constructively to these required actions of the international community, with the speedy diffusion of the dangerous crisis and the restoration of peace in the region as the sole rule of thumb".

With these positions, and amidst an exceptionally adverse environment, the Greek government, with coordinated and incessant efforts, has planned and carried out missions for the safe repatriation of Greeks as well as citizens of other countries who seek to leave Lebanon, Karamanlis said, adding that "this effort has been acknowledged by partners and allies", and "will continue unabated, for as long as necessary".

Karamanlis further said that in the last days, in Lebanon and Israel, "the use of violence has struck the supreme value, that of human life and human dignity, is trying the conscience, principles and values of the international community, exhausting the limits of international legality, perpetuating and increasing the problems and impasses, and attacking the stability and peace in the region".

"This violence -- all violence -- is not distinguished as good or bad. We condemn it unequivocally, completely and categorically," the prime minister said, adding that the reaction of the international community, as expressed through the United Nations, must be explicit.

Political party reactions: The premier's statements on the Middle East were both substantially delayed and did not add anything new, the spokes-man for main opposition PASOK Nikos Athanassakis stressed on Wednesday, noting that they had only underlined the impression that the government was "absent from developments ".

"Absence of the prime minister, absence of the government from crucial developments, absence from undertaking any kind of initiative," he added, claiming that the prime minister's only diplomatic move in the past few days was to send a telegram congratulating the new Polish prime minister on his election.

He said the government seemed unaware that Greece must not only declare its readiness to contribute to international community actions but must also take specific initiatives:

"This is dictated by our country's position in the region, our country's relations with the Arab world, and undertaking initiatives is what gives Greece a voice and enhances its position and prestige and gives it an opportunity to make a real contribution to solving a difficult situation," Athanassakis said.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) General Secretary Aleka Papariga fired barbs at both Karamanlis and PASOK leader George Papandreou over their stance, however, saying that it would be better if they did nothing since all their initiatives, whether as the Greek government or as the Socialist International, would tip the balance even more in favor of the United States and "in favor of the criminal war being carried out by Israel's leadership".

"The people of the Middle East have known one form of violence, the violence of the imperialists, of Great Britain, of France, of the United States and their allies and now, the camouflaged violence but also the open participation of the EU in the war," she claimed.

The only justifiable policy was "clear, unequivocal support toward the Lebanese, Palestinian and Iraqi resistance and wherever else resistance to imperialism was now expressed," she added.

[02] Greece to send humanitarian aid to Lebanon

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

It said that the aid was being sent in response to a request from Lebanon's government to the EU for medical supplies, bedding and tents.

The aid mission is being carried out in collaboration with three non-governmental organizations - the Red Cross, Medicines du Monde and "Doctors of the Heart" - the health ministry and the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, the announcement added.

According to the foreign ministry, Greece will also participate in the second stage of Lebanon's reconstruction as soon as the process begins.

Appeal to Greeks to send medicine and pharmaceutical material to the people of Lebanon: Federations and trade unions on Wednesday called on the working people of Greece to express "their solidarity and support to the Palestinian people and to the people of Lebanon and gather medicine and pharmaceutical material which will be sent for the relief of the injured, following the Israeli attacks, mainly against the non-combatant population."

The gathering of the material will take place at the offices of the Federation of Pharmaceutical Workers of Greece at 56, Halkokondyli Street, 1st floor, office A, from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tel: 210 5238779. Also at the offices of the Federation of Construction Workers of Greece at 7-9 Zinonos Street, 2nd floor, from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tel: 210 5243785.

[03] Deputy FM Kassimis to travel to Larnaca

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

The plane is scheduled to transfer to Greece Greek citizens who evacuate Lebanon.

[04] More Greeks from Lebanon return to Athens via Cyprus

NICOSIA, 20/7/2006 (ANA-MPA - A. Viketos)

They had arrived at Larnaca port shortly after midnight and were greeted by Greek Ambassador to Cyprus Dimitrios Rallis.

Arriving alongside them were the last 80 Cypriot nationals that sought help to leave Lebanon, according the Cyprus foreign ministry permanent secretary Sotos Zakheos. The remaining

Cypriots in the besieged country have decided to stay with their families in Lebanon, he added.

Also on board the "Psara" were four U.S. citizens, one Canadian and two Austrians.

Organizing the reception and hospitality of foreign nationals arriving in Larnaca from Lebanon is a coordinating committee set up by the Cyprus government, which oversees the activities of the various government services and other bodies involved.

There is heightened activity and traffic at Larnaca port as hundreds of Europeans and Americans arrive on boats from Beirut.

Arrivals on Wednesday included a Norwegian ship with more than 1,100 people on board, mostly of American or Scandinavian origin.

The U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus Ronald Schlicher said that several thousands U.S. citizens were expected to arrive on Cyprus, who would stay in hotels or - if there were not enough beds - in schools and an exhibition space equipped with tents and prefab housing provided by the Cyprus government.

Thanking Nicosia, Schlicher said that the Cyprus Republic had offered significant assistance and that this could be a good opportunity to deepen U.S.-Cyprus cooperation.

Later on Wednesday, the Panamanian-flagged ship "Oriental Queen" is expected to arrive at the port in Limassol carrying another 800-900 Americans, to be followed by the cruise ship "Serenate" that will left off passengers that were on a scheduled cruise to Port Said in Egypt and then depart immediately without passengers.

The Greek ferry boat "Ierapetra", chartered by the French government, set sail for Beirut at dawn on Wednesday to pick up another 2,000-odd people, followed by the Greek Navy tank-landing craft "Alcyone" soon after it arrived from Greece.

According to an announcement by the Greek armed forces general staff, meanwhile, the tank-landing craft "Ikaria" was expected to arrive in Beirut at 14:30 on Wednesday afternoon.

The foreigners arriving in Cyprus are mostly leaving from Larnaca airport, or staying at hotels until arrangements for their departure can be made.

Meanwhile, during the U.S. State Department briefing on the Lebanon evacuation efforts, Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Maura Harty expressed gratitude for help offered by the Cyprus Republic.

"We're so grateful to them... Cypriots have met every helicopter and ship with sandwiches and water and juice. They're just being fantastic. Department of Defense is meeting planes as well for security reasons and for protection purposes," she said.

She also noted that the U.S. was trying to minimize the time spent by its citizens on the island and would try to coordinate the arrival of ships with chartered planes to take them home, as far as possible.

"We just want that throughput to be as efficient as it can be. So there is bottled water. There is a fair ground that we have rented. There are some air-conditioned facilities. The Cypriot Civil Defense Force has been very helpful to us in what they have provided," she added.

Greek carrier 'Ikaria' is transporting 600 people of various nationalities from Beirut to Larnaca: The Greek carrier "Ikaria" sailed from the port of Beirut at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday for Larnaca, transporting about 600 people of various nationalities, the Hellenic Armed Forces General Staff said.

The carrier is expected to arrive in Larnaca in the early hours of Thursday.

Furthermore, a Greek C-130 plane is on its way to Larnaca, transporting Deputy Foreign Minister Theodoros Kassimis. The C-130 will be used for the transportation of non-combatants to Greece.

[05] KKE, SYN delegations to visit Lebanon, Palestine

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

At the same time, Coalition of the Left, Movements and Progress (SYN) leader Alekos Alavanos also said that party officials will take part in a "solidarity delegation" also comprising academics and members of solidarity delegations that was due to leave soon for Palestine.

The KKE said in a press release that a delegation of party officials, headed by party leader Papariga, would leave for Lebanon "in the next few days".

The delegation will include KKE political bureau member Dimitris Koutsoumbas and Rizospastis newspaper journalist Eleni Mavrouli.

The press release said that the KKE delegation will express the party's "strong condemnation of Israel's crimes", and its "support for the just struggle of the Lebanese and Palestinian peoples".

SYN president Alekos Alavanos announced that an "on-the-spot delegation of solidarity", comprising academics, solidarity organization s with the Palestinian people, SYN cadres, and SYN Youth officials, would leave soon for Tel Aviv, for the purpose of visiting the strife-torn parts of Palestine, a party press release said..

Alavanos said the delegation, which will include SYN-backed candidate for Thessalonica Mayor Tasos Kourakis, would "bring a message of support from the entire Greek people to the Palestinians and the Lebanese and, if you wish, also to the Israeli citizens hurt by Israel's policy".

It also said that Alavanos, in reply to a press question on the refugees from Lebanon, said that "all these families, which have been forced to abandon their homes under dramatic circumstances, under the relentless and inhuman bombings by Israel, must not suffer a second displacement, even for just a few days".

"In this sense, putting aside all forms of bureaucratic procedure, our country, the government, must be ready to provide a safe environment of hospitality and sense of security to these people until we see what the outcome of this situation in the Middle East will be," Alavanos said.

[06] Gambari hands over his report on the Cyprus issue to UN Secretary General Annan

NEW YORK, 20/7/2006 (ANA-MPA/P. Panagiotou)

Gambari describes the results of the recent contacts he had in Ankara, Athens and Nicosia, at the same time exposing his own evaluations.

The UN General Secretariat views the report as an "internal procedure" and for the time being will not be made public, while a briefing by Gambari to the UN Security Council is not planned in the coming days.

[07] Prime minister's message for 32nd anniversary of Cyprus invasion

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

"We are working to create in our wider neighborhood a new reality of cooperation, peace, security and prosperity," Karamanlis said.

The premier underlined that the anniversary was a time for all Greeks to remember and pay tribute but also a time reaffirm the common commitment of all political forces to continue, using wisdom and determination, the effort for a final solution of the results of the invasion and to "vindicate the struggle of the Cypriot people".

"Thirty-two years after 20th July 1974, Greece and Cyprus, with constant consultation, close cooperation and coordination of our actions, are jointly making efforts to create the conditions for undertaking a new, well-prepared effort to solve the Cyprus problem, based on the relevant resolutions of the United Nations and in the framework of the new situation that arises from Cyprus accession to the European Union," Karamanlis said in his message.

[08] KKE announcement on 32nd anniversary of invasion of Cyprus by Turkish troops

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

In a press release, the KKE said that "the just and viable solution of the Cyprus issue, thirty two years later, has not yet been attained."

The KKE added that "despite the negative international climate and the intense pressures which the Cypriot people endured, they raised a voice of resistance, rejected the 'Annan plan' and contradicted the Cassanders who said that after the 'no' (in the referendum) catastrophe for the Cyprus issue would emerge."

It further said that "the European Union has a responsibility for the non-solution of the Cyprus issue. The so-called European acquis communautaire has proved empty words."

[09] Cyprus DISY party leader confers with FM, PASOK leader

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

Earlier, Anastasiades met with foreign minister Dora Bakoyannis, while he is due to be received on Thursday by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and by President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias on Friday. No statements were made after the Bakoyannis-Anastasiades meeting.

"Today is the eve of the anniversary of the invasion of Cyprus by Turkish troops, a day that reminds us of the wounds that are still open, and thus we hope and are systematically working for a resolution of the Cyprus issue, Papandreou said after the meeting with Anastasiades.

"We support the initiatives of the UN Secretary General and his Under-Secretary-General (for political affairs) Ibrahim Gambari, in the hope that these (initiatives) will open up new prospects and that there will be new steps so that the Cyprus issue will start moving again, aimed at its definitive resolution. This is our hope and the struggle that we are waging," Papandreou said.

Papandreou stressed that a Cyprus solution must be founded on the relevant UN resolutions and on the European acquis, reiterating that Turkey must meet the obligations it has undertaken.

The PASOK leader praised the role of the Cyprus Republic du-ring the current Middle East crisis. "I wish to congratulate the Republic of Cyprus on the role it is playing in the Middle East, having managed a successful operation for the evacuation of the unarmed population from Lebanon. This shows the role that Cyprus can play in crises, particularly in this region," he said.

Speaking to reporters, Anastasiades stressed that "as time goes by unexploited, the faits accomplis become consolidated and are rendered irreversible".

Consequently, he added, it was necessary for everyone, jointly, to undertake responsibilities so as to achieve, as soon as possible, the re-opening of a dialogue of substance that would lead to a solution acceptable to both sides. "We will back the governments of both Cyprus and Greece, provided decisions are taken in the right direction," Anastasiades added.

The DISY leader thanked Papandreou for the "important initiatives" he is undertaking, as president of the Socialist International (SI), "in countries or coalitions that are difficult for us to access".

He said he briefed Papandreou on his talks with Gambari (who recently visited Turkey, Greece and Cyprus) and US deputy assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian Affairs Matthew Bryza, who was currently in Cyprus for talks with the government and political leaders, and conveyed to the PASOK

and SI leader "the agony of those who are concerned with the need for taking advantage of time and the opportunities".

Anastasiades further stressed it was necessary for Cyprus to utilize its position in Europe (as a member of the EU) and the abilities and opportunities provided by the United Nations "while there is still time".

[10] France's Sarkozy to be received by PM Karamanlis Friday

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

Sarkozy will also hold talks with Interior Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos and Public Order Minister Vyron Polydoras, with whom he will discuss "issues of common interest regarding cooperation in the sectors of civil protection and immigration, as well as the strengthening of cooperation in police matters related to the fight against organized crime and terrorism," the press release added.

The French minister will also attend a lunch hosted by Foreign Minister Doras Bakoyannis on Friday.

Sarkozy is also due to meet with members of the French community in Athens while he will be offered a commemorative plaque by the delegation of the Thessalonica Israelite commu-nity.

[11] Defense Minister Meimarakis briefs Parliament on armaments program for 2006-2015

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

"The armaments program for the five-year period 2006-2010 amounts to 11.3 billion euros, of which 8.4 billion euros concern paybacks of programs of the PASOK government," Meimarakis said.

He said that the aim of the ministry is for the country's armaments expenditures to be restricted to 1 per cent of the Gross National Product (GNP), at the same time describing the saving of resources as "a share of peace."

Meimarakis confirmed reporters' information regarding the suspension of the buying of the "Eurofighter", saying that the order for the 4th generation fighter planes will not take place before 2008.

On his part, main opposition Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) deputy Christos Papoutsis proposed, and Meimarakis appeared positive, for the creation of a Special Committee of Parliament which will check the armaments programs, while he stressed the need for full transparency, through international public tenders.

[12] Deputy DM Michaloliakos pleased over progress in modernization of military factories

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

During the meeting, issues were examined concerning the improvement of the building installations, the modernization of the mechanical equipment and the adequate staffing of factories with specialized personnel.

Michaloliakos said that "the staffing of the factories will be implemented soon with the necessary hiring in accordance with the existing legislation."

It was also announced that for the modernization of the electro-mechanical equipment of the military factories, an amount of six million euros has been foreseen, through the new Unified Medium-Term Program for the Development and Modernization of the Armed Forces, for the period 2006-2010.

[13] Papandreou addresses PASOK coordinators' meeting

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

Papandreou stated that the government ignores the environmental disaster faced by Thessalonica and criticized it for the way it dealt with the existing problem of public land trespassers. He pointed out that the government gives the impression that those who trespass will be rewarded and stressed the need for a policy that will deal both with the social problem and the ecological development of urban centers.

He also accused the government of doing nothing to tackle the problems in sea transportation and the ferry ticket price hikes. He referred to the high prices of consumer goods affecting every Greek household and to the problem of price-gouging as a result of the oil price race.

Papandreou spoke of a scandal in the purchase of fighter jets, stressing that the government was forced to change its stance when it faced calls for planning, transparency, international tenders and parliamentary checks.

The PASOK leader also said that the government is criminally absent in the case of the Middle East, adding that the Greek voice in the international chessboard and the EU comes last.

Instead of having a clear stance, undertaking initiatives, condemning the Israeli attacks, making moves aimed at the release of prisoners by both sides and defusing the crisis, Greece runs scared and hides behind third parties, said Papandreou.

He added that the government downgrades the country's position and does not create a security framework in a region where Greece could play a leading role. They messed up even in simple things like the evacuation of civilians from Lebanon, said Papandreou, adding that it's a pity but the Greeks in Lebanon too had to feel the absence of the Greek government.

[14] President Papoulias meets GSEE presidium

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

Papoulias stressed the important role of trade unions in protecting the interests of working people and stressed that he would stand by the side of the unions in their struggle "if you think that there is any way that I can help".

European Commission proposes better guarding of EU's borders BRUSSELS, 20/7/2006 ANA-MPA/M. Aroni)

The European Commission on Wednesday proposed the better guarding of the European Union's external borders and greater cooperation between the member-states, presenting its proposals for the combating of illegal immigration.

Specifically, for the guarding of the EU's external borders, the Commission proposed the creation of a mechanism of immediate action. It involves teams of immediate action which will be comprised of specially trained and experienced personnel who will be able to move to various EU member-states so as to offer their services when and where needed. The role and the mission of these teams will be clearly determined and agreed by the member-states.

The Commission also notes that most illegal immigrants enter the European Union by sea and thus views that the EU's sea regions need greater observation.

Furthermore, for the more effective checking of the EU's external borders, the Commission proposed the implementation of a unified system of management of borders on a European level and the cooperation of the member-states with regard the coordination of action and the exchange of information.

Specifically, it proposed the implementation of a new electronic system of observation of borders, which will check and automatically register the movement of persons at the EU's borders.

[15] Greek budget deficit down 29.2 pct in 1st half

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

The figures showed that the budget deficit dropped by 29.2 pct in the January-June period, compared with the same period in 2005, and with a 19.3 pct growth target envisaged in the budget.

Regular budget spending grew 0.3 pct in the first half of the year, sharply down from a budget target for a growth rate of 4.4 pct in 2006, while primary spending was up 6.7 pct (slightly exceeding a budget target of 6.0 pct) and interest payment fell 13.9 pct over the same period compared with a budget target for a decline of 1.8 pct in the year.

Handouts in the public investments program grew 43.1 pct in the six-month period, exceeding a budget target for a growth rate of 26.2 pct in 2006. The program's spending rate grew 18.6 pct from a budget target of 11.7 pct.

[16] FinMin Alogoskoufis addresses National Exports Council meeting

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

Alogoskoufis said that the Greek economy was active in an extremely competitive world and there were important challenges that needed to be met.

The minister outlined the measures taken aimed at boosting exports, as well as the important contribution of the Hellenic Foreign Trade Board (HEPO) toward this end, while he also pointed out that the progress in negotiations (Doha Round) within the World Trade Organization was not satisfactory.

[17] Energy Strategy Council holds first meeting

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

The Greek minister attended the first meeting of the Council and presented the government's energy policy, aimed at ensuring energy supply, lowering dependence on oil, strengthening a system of production and distributing electricity, expanding the use of natural gas, enhancing the role of renewable energy sources, deregulating electricity and natural gas markets, strengthening the country's interconnections with other grids and accelerating completion of energy infrastructure and private investments in the energy sector.

The Council meeting, chaired by Rafael Moysis, focused on a prevailing international oil price crisis and stressed the need for the Council to produce recommendations to ensure drafting of a long-term energy strategy.

[18] Employment ministry presents new job programs

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

Three of the programs concern support for free-lance workers and entrepreneurs, who will receive between ¬ 9,000-¬ 12,000 to help them set up their own business, while the fourth will allow some 12,300 applicants to acquire work experience and also includes plans for actions in the prefectures of Evros, Aitoloakarnania, Kozani and Achaia.

Employment Minister Savvas Tsitouridis noted in a press conference that the economy's good performance allowed an increase in employment, while noting that 40 percent of the work positions created through subsidized programs continued for at least two to three years after the programs had ended.

He noted that the goal of reducing unemployment to 8 percent by the end of the government's four-year term would be achieved if growth rates continued as forecast.

According to Deputy Employment Minister Gerassimos Giakoumatos, more than 150,000 new jobs have been created in the past two years and unemployment has dropped to 9.7 percent in the first half of 2006.

Employment minister meets new GSEE leadership: Employment Minister Savvas Tsitouridis on Wednesday had his first meeting with the new leadership of Greece's largest umbrella trade union organization, the General Confederation of Employees of Greece (GSEE).

He said the government would insist on a policy of consulting with the social partners and would continue to seek the best possible cooperation with the unions, even when there was no agreement between the two sides.

Regarding the current tension between banks and the bank workers' union OTOE, Tsitouridis repeated that the government has called on the two sides to overcome the problem and said that they had agreed on enough points to allow the two sides to arrive at a collective agreement for the sector.

GSEE President Yiannis Panagopoulos stressed the need for an initiative to soften the tough stance taken by bank managements and to hold an official negotiation, with authorization by all sides which would lead to a sector collective agreement.

Panagopoulos accused banks of acting provocatively in refusing to "honor the institutional right for collective negotiations" at a time when they were earning record profits.

GSEE's new president also referred to unemployment among young people, saying they were the most vulnerable section of the working classes, and noting that trade union leaderships would make concessions if necessary so that the jobless might find work.

[19] Parliament passes environment ministry amendments for diversion of Achelloos River

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

Environment Minister George Souflias spoke of works of a national scale, while he termed as groundless complaints by environmental organizations as well as by certain deputies of non-respect to environmental terms.

However, the two adjustments caused the differentiation from the official line of their parties, of deputies from both the ruling New Democracy (ND) party and the main opposition Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK).

The main opposition party voted in favor of the amendment for the diversion of Achelloos River but against the adjustment for the management of the water resources.

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) voted in favor of the river but against the adjustment on the management of the water resources, while the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) disagreed with both the adjustments.

[20] PASOK attacks gov't on 'high cost of living'

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

Pangalos, who is also the party's responsible for development, charged, during a press conference, that the government's options "have led to the worsening of things in all sectors" saying that citizens "are experiencing difficulties as they face serious economic problems". He also presented data showing "important differences" in retail prices noting that "under present conditions there is no perspective even for the slightest basic improvements."

He also proposed the freezing of prices in public utilities companies' services for this year and the subsidization of heating oil for unemployed, low-salary earners and low-income pensioners for the 2006-2007 winter period.

Pangalos and the other members of the party's development sector were also very critical on the merchant marine ministry's policies, accusing Minister Manolis Kefaloyiannis for an increase in ferry fares, claiming that the increases "amount to around 15 per cent". They also claimed that 48 per cent of Greeks "will not go for holidays this year compared to 37 per cent last year."

Responding to PASOK criticism, the development ministry in an announcement said that "PASOK and its officials pretend that they have now discovered the problem of high cost of living, inflation and profiteering. They must answer to the question where have they been all these years and realize that their tactics have failed."

On its part, the merchant marine ministry said that Pangalos "pleases himself in parallel monologues, insults and personal attacks."

[21] Greek trade deficit up by 600 mln euros in Jan-April, Eurostat

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

The EU executive's statistics agency, in a report, said that Greek exports totaled 5.0 billion euros in the January-April period while imports totaled 15.9 billion euros over the same period. Greek exports were up 18 percent compared with the four-month period in 2005, while imports were up 9.0 percent over the same period.

Eurostat said Germany recorded the biggest trade surplus in the EU-25 (50 billion euros), followed by Holland (12.7 bln), Ireland (10.1 bln) and Sweden (6.4 bln). The UK (29.8 bln euros), Spain (27.8 bln), France (11.4 bln), Italy (11 bln) and Greece (10.9 bln) recorded the biggest trade deficit.

Eurozone's trade deficit totaled 3.2 billion euros in the first four months of 2006, while the EU-25 recorded a trade deficit of 15.7 billion euros.

[22] Aegean Airlines proceeds in buying three Airbus A320

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

With the purchase of these aircraft, the total number of Airbus A320 planes which Aegean Airlines has ordered by the manufacturing company amounts to 14, including three new aircraft which have been chartered from ILFC, in accordance with the contract of purchase which was signed in December 2005. At the same time, Aegean Airlines is maintaining the prospect of ordering a further nine A320 aircraft.

The delivery of the aircraft will start in January 2007 and will be concluded in June 2009, while the total investment for the buying of the aircraft exceeds 600 million dollars.

GCI Food Enterprises Limited submits bid to buy 50.08 pct in Nikas ABEE GCI Food Enterprises Limited on Wednesday made a provisional public bid to buy the remaining 50.08 percent in Nikas ABEE at 6.0 euros per share.

GCI Food Enterprises Limited seeks to buy the remaining 10,131,328 shares (with voting rights) in Nikas ABEE. The latter company has 20,231,328 shares listed in the Athens Stock Exchange at a nominal price of 0.90 euros per share GCI Food Enterprises Limited owns 10,100,000 shares or 49.92 pct in Nikas' equity capital.

[23] Greek stocks end slightly lower on Wednesday

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

The composite index fell 0.12 pct to end at 3,548.95 points with turnover a moderate 195.8 million euros. Sector indices ended mixed with the Media (1.91 pct), Health (1.08 pct), Telecoms (0.96 pct) and Banks (0.76 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while the Utilities (2.18 pct), Travel (0.77 pct), Commerce (0.56 pct) and Industrial Products (0.30 pct) suffered losses. The Big Cap index eased 0.16 pct, the Mid Cap index jumped 2.46 pct and the Small Cap index ended 0.56 pct higher. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 133 to 101 with another 62 issues unchanged.

ADEX closing report:

Derivatives prices saw their discount easing further on Wednesday in the Athens Derivatives Exchange. Turnover was a moderate 196.392 million euros.

The July contract on the FTSE 20 index was traded at a discount of 0.27 pct and on the FTSE 40 index at a discount of 1.26 pct.

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totaled 15,829 contracts, worth 152 million euros with 32,345 open positions, while in futures contracts on the FTSE 40 index totaled 583 contracts, worth 11 million euros with 1,589 open positions.

Volume on buy options totaled 1,508 contracts (14.574 mln euros) and 142 contracts (2.76 mln euros) on both indexes respectively. Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 2,544 contracts, worth 5.549 million euros with trading activity focusing on Emporiki Bank's contracts (462 contracts), followed by Eurobank (61), OTE (238), Piraeus Bank (215), Cosmote (401), National Bank (238) and Alpha Bank (205).

Volume in stock repos totaled 68 contracts and in reverse stock repos 1,976 contracts.

Bond market closing report:

Turnover in the Greek electronic secondary bond market totaled 2.015 billion euros on Wednesday while the yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German benchmark state bonds shrank slightly to 34 basis points.

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates fell slightly. National Bank's overnight rate was unchanged at 2.74-2.84 percent, the two weeks rate ranged between 2.76-2.86 pct, the one-month rate eased to 2.83-2.93 pct, the six-month rate was 3.18-3.28 pct and the 12-month rate at 3.43-3.53 pct.

Foreign Exchange Rates:

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

U.S. dollar 1.248

[24] National highway to Athens to close on Thursday

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

Traffic will be diverted to the old national highway from the Kinetta junction until the Megara junction, the announcement said.

[25] Local gov't briefed on environmental impact of Tagarades fire

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

Presenting the assessments made by the Thessalonica University Environmental Council, Prof. Nikolaos Mousopoulos said that the fire was releasing an estimated 10 grams of dioxins a day. By way of contrast, he pointed out that refuse incineration by organized incineration plants in Denmark only released four grams a year throughout that country.

Other experts noted that the extent of the problem could not be properly assessed until measurements had been taken, while stressing the risks from chlorinated hydrocarbons, dioxins and other toxins.

The Council proposed setting up monitoring stations for airborne particles in various areas of Thessalonica prefecture and said that priority must be given to putting out the fire, assessing the amount of dioxins released into the atmosphere around the landfill and taking samples to analyze for dioxins.

They also advised local residents to avoid grazing their animals in the affected areas, avoid eating dairy products and eggs produced by free-range animals, to thoroughly wash all fruit and vegetables before consumption, to hose down yards and gardens and avoid allowing small children to come into contact with the soil.

Regarding leachate that escaped from the landfill as a result of the fire, experts were reassuring, saying that the dangers were limited.

Scientists said that tests done in the area had returned values for pollutants that were within safety limits and that the water table had not been affected. Regarding leachate that had reached individual homes and gardens, experts said the soil should be removed and taken to the landfill.

Also present at the meeting was Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Kalantzis and Central Macedonia Region Authority General Secretary George Tsiotras, Thessalonica Prefect Panagiotis Psomiadis and the president of the Greater Thessalonica Local Authority Organization Association Yiannis Zournas, local mayors and representatives of the fire department and police force.

Kalantzis said Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis had asked to be kept informed on the issue, while Tsiotras announced that the interior ministry will give ¬ 250,000 to help deal with emergency needs as a result of the fire.

[26] Fires in Palea Fokea, Ano Liosia, Tagarades

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

The blaze had been partially contained by noon, according to firefighters, but the firefighting efforts are being hampered by very strong winds blowing in the region.

Meanwhile, the blaze that broke out on Tuesday evening at Athens' main landfill at Ano Liosia was placed under control by Wednesday morning by a team of 30 firefighters with 10 fire-engines. Also, the fire at the Tagarades landfill in Thessalonica that broke out last Friday continued to burn low on Tuesday night even though it had been placed under control.

Firefighters face difficulties in their task due to ground instability and municipal employees were working non-stop to cover the remaining fire with soil, in an operation that was continuing on Wednesday.

Fire in Aspropyrgos under control:

The brush fire in Neoktista Aspropyrgos, near Athens, that broke out earlier on Wednesday was under control the fire department said.

Participating in the firefighting efforts were 36 firefighters, 12 fire-engines, an additional 20-man-strong firefighting force, 3 aircraft and 2 helicopters.

[27] U.S. embassy announces opening of non-immigrant visa call-center

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

Those interested in applying for a visa or wanting visa information can either check the embassy web site www.usembassy.gr or call one of the following numbers: 90-11-230-730 from a fixed land line, and from mobile phones Cosmote 901-200-6313, Vodafone 901-694-6313, TIM 901-160-6313.

[28] New prison facilities inaugurated in Trikala

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

Speaking in the inauguration ceremony, contractor company "Themis SA" chairman Theodoros Anagnostopoulos stated that the state of the country's correctional facilities was changing as a result of the improved infrastructure. He also said that the specific correctional facility will serve as a model for the rest of the detention facilities in the country.

[29] New Greenpeace Consumer Guide on GM foods

ATHENS, 20/7/2006 (ANA)

Animal feed, which was once seen as a major gateway for GM foods into human diets, is now to a great degree "cleaned up", according to the most recent information included in the guide.

Mirto Pispini, in charge of the Greenpeace Greek office campaign against genetically modified food, stressed that the Greek market managed to deliver a strong blow to GM foods and efforts will continue to rid the entire food chain of genetically-altered substances, ensuring that anything that ends up on our plates is completely free of anything genetically altered.

The Greenpeace Consumer Guide shows that major dairy industries are in a position to certify that the animal feed they use does not include genetically modified ingredients and, based on the Greenpeace research, 69 percent of the milk consumed comes from cows that were not fed with altered animal feed.

The Consumer Guide was drawn up based on the responses given by the largest meat and dairy industries in Greece when they were asked to provide written answers and guarantees concerning the use of genetically modified organisms in animal feed.

[30] US: Urgent need to take advantage of the momentum on Cyprus

NICOSIA, 20/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

In statements after meeting with Cyprus Foreign Minister George Lillikas, Bryza said "we will be fully supportive of that process seeking as we always do a reunified island in a bizonal, bicommunal federation."

"There is it seems some momentum toward a comprehensive settlement, thanks to Under-Secretary General Gambari's visit and thanks to the attitudes I've experienced among the leaders on both sides of the island," he noted and added that "there is an urgent need to take advantage of it, to exchange the lists on substantive issues, to get the technical committees working and to move forward on a comprehensive settlement."

Lillikas, replying to questions, noted that he could not say that Bryza tried in any way to convince him on the need to promote Turkey's EU accession course, "given that our position is that we support Turkey's European course under preconditions and I think that this position is understood today by the US and I hope by our EU partners too."

"If Turkey responds to its obligations, which are in no way associated with developments in Cyprus, and if at the same time we are satisfied, and our European partners as well, on Turkey's good will, in practice and not in words, the collision of trains, expected in Autumn, will not take place," he added, in an apparent reference to possible difficulties when the EU is to assess Turkey's compliance with EU rules and regulations.

He said that if this does not happen, "Cyprus will have no other choice but to choose the lesser of two evils, even if we believe that suspension of Turkey's negotiations with the EU is not the best option."

"I think that this approach is understood by the US. But I haven't felt any pressure by the US towards this direction," he added.

He noted that the US are interested in the success of the efforts that began with Gambari's visit, "which coincide with our approach for the preparation of a round of negotiations and it is important that there is common ground to this point."

Bryza said their meeting was very constructive. "I found our discussion quite insightful, constructive, thinking through these very complex issues I found a very warm spirit, a collaborative spirit and not a pessimistic spirit," he noted.

He noted that so many people have approached the Cyprus problem from the US government, so many times, so many ideas have been tried "and it's only when there is a spirit that I could feel today and throughout my stay here that I think well we do have a real chance to make progress."

He said he looked forward to continuing this dialogue with the minister and other officials of the foreign ministry and that he leaves here "feeling quite positive and sensing that there is some degree of readiness on both sides of the Green Line to think in creative ways to try to build on the momentum that Under Secretary-General Gambari's visit created here."

Lillikas described the meeting as constructive and said Bryza briefed him on the contacts he had Tuesday with the Turkish Cypriot leadership as well as on those he had in Ankara.

"We had the chance to discuss more about current issues as the EU regulations, Turkey's course towards the EU and of course the role which the US can play constructively at this phase particularly both on Cyrus and the Euro-Turkish relations," he added.

Replying to a question, Lillikas reiterated that the Greek Cypriot side has been pursuing the commencement of discussions on technical level both on issues of substance and on every day life matters since the meeting between Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

"Our goal is to have a productive discussion and to see this procedure succeed," he noted.

He expressed satisfaction with the fact that the US expresses in public the position that the settlement should provide for a bizonal, bicommunal federation, something which the Turkish side, especially during the last period, had abandoned.

Lillikas also said they discussed about the situation in the Middle East and that Bryza thanked the Cyprus government for the help offered for the evacuation of US citizens from Lebanon and recognized the role Cyprus plays in the Middle East.

He noted that he himself had the chance to underline that Cyprus is the main stable country in the Middle East and that through its reunification "we can play a decisive role in the issues of peace-making and stability in the Middle East, something which he (Bryza) also believes."

[31] Pashiardes: Turkey's EU obligations are clear and unavoidable

NICOSIA, 20/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

''We adhere to the full fulfillment of Turkey's obligations and commitments towards the EU and the Republic of Cyprus. Turkey is obliged to comply with the EU criteria and implement all it undertook", Pashiardes noted.

Commenting on Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza's statement, he said that the US work with Cyprus, the EU and Turkey to find ways for Ankara to fulfill its EU obligations, Pashiardes said "the government of Cyprus will not take part in any attempt to find ways for Turkey to fulfill its obligations and commitments towards the EU".

"These obligations are clear, concrete and unavoidable, and can not be fulfilled with installments, or trade offs. Nor is it possible to consider the compliance with the obligations, as a compromise, a retreat or a voluntary polite gesture on behalf of Turkey", he pointed out.

Regarding Bryza's statements, Pashiardes said that the US official's statements include "many positive elements regarding the principles, the basis and the framework of the Cyprus solution".

The spokesman added ''the government of Cyprus is not willing to take part in the legalization of illegality, in the case that Bryza's statement about "easing" the so called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots, is merely a pseudonym of an indirect effort to politically upgrade the illegal state in the north".

''If the goal is to economically help Turkish Cypriots and to limit the economic disparities, as Bryza has said, then I assure you that the government of Cyprus, implements on its own initiative, for some time now, a package of measures with positive economic consequences for the Turkish Cypriot community", Pashiardes said.

''The government of Cyprus gave its consent for the approval of the financial aid regulation to boost the economic situation of the Turkish Cypriots", he concluded.

[32] Erdogan's illegal visit to ''celebrate'' invasion, constitutes a provocation

NICOSIA, 20/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

Erdogan arrived to the illegal airport at the occupied areas to attend the "celebrations" marking the 32nd anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, in July 20, 1974.

Pashiardes said that every year the Turkish Prime Minister pays Cyprus an illegal visit for the "celebrations" adding that ''this is a provocation".

''Erdogan may feel comfortable, since, according to the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights, the occupied part of the Republic of Cyprus is a regime, subject to Turkey", he concluded.

[33] Around 6,000 US citizens flee Lebanon and come to Cyprus in next days

LARNACA, 20/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

In the next few days, around 6,000 US citizens who live in Lebanon, are expected to come to Cyprus. On Thursday, approximately 3,000 Americans will flee Lebanon, via Cyprus.

"I thank the Cypriot government for the remarkable cooperation and coordination that they have extended to the American citizens, and to citizens of all countries in the world. This is really a remarkable display of compassion of their part and a very major enterprise for them as well. The US government thanks the Cypriot government very deeply", he said.

Schlicher's statements were made to reporters from foreign media, at the Larnaca port, where the US Ambassador welcomed to Cyprus over a hundred US citizens who fled Lebanon on board the Norwegian vessel ''Hual Transporter''.

The US diplomat stated that the Embassy has secured a lot of hotel rooms in Cyprus, as well as space in some schools and in the international fair grounds in Nicosia, to accommodate American citizens before they go back to the US.

US Brigadier-General Carl Jensen, who is in charge of the military evacuation operation for Lebanon, said Wednesday that the evacuation is "a joint operation and we are using army, air force and marine personnel".

"We hope that by the end of today (Wednesday) we will move more than 1,100 American citizens from Lebanon and tomorrow (Thursday) we hope to more approximately 3,000 Americans. We are using fairy vessels to move those people from Lebanon and we are also using USA navy ships which are now in the eastern Mediterranean and of course we will use military aircraft", he said.

Brigadier-General Jensen noted that the cooperation with other nations and the cooperation with the government of Lebanon and the government of Cyprus have been "absolutely superb".

"If all goes well we hope that by Friday we will have moving in excess of 6.000 Americans from Lebanon. I want to emphasize the fact that we are not abandoning Lebanon. The Lebanese government has done a magnificent job in Beirut in maintaining security and order. I want to emphasize the grand reception we've had here by the Cypriot people and the government", he noted.

Deputy chief of mission, Jane Zimmerman, thanked the Republic of Cyprus for facilitating this humanitarian effort, saying that "Cyprus is a small country with a big heart".

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