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

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

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

October 5, 2006

CONTENTS

  • [01] PM reiterates determination to carry on with reforms
  • [02] PASOK leader attacks PM over teachers' strike
  • [03] Communist party tables question on education, slams PM's address
  • [04] Minority issues important for Turkey's EU progress, Rehn says
  • [05] KKE leader Aleka Papariga tours Nikea
  • [06] First cache of NH90 helicopters to enter service in next few months
  • [07] Turkish warplanes violate Greek national air space
  • [08] Armenian DM supports peaceful solution for Nagorno Karabakh problem
  • [09] SEB chief: Greek state's 'cartel' the biggest obstacle for economy, society
  • [10] Barrot spokesman: Commission awaits implementation of decision for OA
  • [11] Greek energy sector in a transitional phase, report
  • [12] Greece could attract another 5 mln tourists from cruises, industry source says
  • [13] Finance minister addresses conference on brand products
  • [14] Russian markets to open for Greek wines, minister says
  • [15] Hellenic Bank plans network expansion in Greece
  • [16] N. Greece industries' report on research, tech legislation
  • [17] Group representing disabled people requests tax breaks, lower VAT
  • [18] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise
  • [19] New Modern Art Museum in Athens
  • [20] PM inaugurates 'Aristotelis Onassis' exhibition
  • [21] Greek Radio and Television Corporation general director holds contacts in U.S.
  • [22] Goethe Institute events in Thessaloniki
  • [23] Group of Somali illegals arrested on Samos
  • [24] Man arrested for transporting illegal immigrants in truck
  • [25] House President: No trade-offs with Turkey's EU obligations
  • [26] Irish President to pay official visit to Cyprus

  • [01] PM reiterates determination to carry on with reforms

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

    Prime minister Costas Karamanlis on Wednesday reiterated his determination to carry on with the reforms in the education sector, adding that he would not "succumb to the allure of populism" and give benefits that the economy could not endure and, speaking to a meeting of his ruling New Democracy (ND) party's parliamentary group that coincided with the 32nd anniversary of the party's founding.

    At the same time, Karamanlis stressed the party's political profile, saying that ND was the party that, with its choices, strengthened the unity and unanimity of the Greeks. "We are a party with timeless principles and values that determine our course and will continue to do so for many decades. We are the leading political force in the Greek society. And all these entail responsibility, and obligations.

    They entail demands from all of us, from all the members of the government, from the entire parliamentary group, from all who assume posts of political responsibility," Karamanlis said, warning that "deviations are not allowed in any instance or at any level".

    "I am making myself clear, and I am absolute on this," he added.

    "No government wants to be disagreeable, especially to a sector such as the teachers, who are linked to the future of our children," the prime minister said, adding however that "governments are judged on their decisions", and stressing that he would not give benefits that the country could not endure and which would lead the economy to new impasses.

    "The road of responsibility has no detours, it is straightforward, and we are following it with consistency," the premier said.

    He stressed that changes needed to be made in the field of institutions of higher education in order to make them competitive, and for implementation of that which was in effect in other countries. "We want credible degrees that ensure work, we want an environment of security and confidence for the youth," he added.

    Karamanlis noted that an extensive dialogue was taking place in the relevant parliamentary committee, adding that the government was open to new proposals and thoughts because it was not characterized by obstinacy, obsession, or a sense of infallibility.

    Those who reject the changes, who refuse the dialogue, also reject the democratic procedure, Karamanlis said, adding that those who demand dialogue from a zero basis where asking for "nothing to being, for changes not to be made".

    "But the necessity for changes is something that we do not negotiate," he continued.

    Turning to the October 15 municipal and prefectural elections, he said the party's choices were known and binding for all, and distancing from these choices was incomprehensible. The goal was the interest and progress of the local societies, continuation of the developmental process in every prefecture and each and every city, thus actively putting aside the notion of "one or another Greece".

    Referring extensively to the issue of corruption, the prime minister said that "we proved that we are in a constant and all-out clash with corruption, the regime of tolerance that has ended definitively". Wherever corruption networks existed, they would be broken out, he said, warning that "no attitude will be tolerated that complies with self-serving interests...no discounts will be made for anyone, regardless of who he is or where he comes from". He also outlined the steps the government has taken and was continuing to take, which he said rendered the cost of corruption unbearable for the culprits, and cited such steps as the charting of land usage, the revision of the rules government procurements in the public sector, the simplification of the procedures for the founding and licensing of enterprises, the reinforcement and institutional shielding of the Competition Commission, the upgrading of the audits on the 'source of wealth' statements of public administration officials, and the constitutional reform with the government's proposals aimed at increasing transparency.

    The changes and reforms will continue, Karamanlis stressed, adding that the draft 2007 budget tabled in parliament earlier this week proved that the government was following the structural changes with consistency, continuity and efficiency, and made specific reference to the completion of the taxation reform with a reduction of taxation on natural entities, the revision of the developmental law, the continuation of privatizations and capitalizations, and the search for a strategic partner in the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE).

    The premier further mentioned the plan for the restructure and merger or abolition of redundant public services, the policy for strengthening the social insurance system, changes to the health system, and the policy on combating the black economy, tax evasion, and contribution-evasion.

    Karamanlis said that ND was functioning as a 'force of reform of the modern social center'. "We rejected the road of cheap populism, empty argument, and we will not take part in practices that divide the society," he warned.

    Earlier in his address, marking the 32nd anniversary of the party's founding, Karamanlis said that "we honor October 4, 1974, we honor the party's founder Constantine Karamanlis, the leader who, under adverse conditions, led the country from dictatorship to the strongest democracy, who realized the vision for accession into the European Union". He also made references to his predecessors at the ND helm: George Rallis, Evangelos Averof, Constantine Mitsotakis, and Miltiades Evert.

    "We honor all the historic cadres of the party who are no longer with us, but who left us a legacy of principles and values, dignity, consistency, and ethos. We also honor all the citizens who, for years have supported our political struggles. We honor and have faith in all the Greek women and men," Karamanlis concluded.

    [02] PASOK leader attacks PM over teachers' strike

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

    In a fierce attack on Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Wednesday, main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou accused him of obduracy in the dispute with striking teachers and of "choosing to display his intransigency toward the children".

    Speaking after a meeting of PASOK Parliamentary Group coordinators and the primary school teachers' union, Papandreou said Karamanlis was responsible for ensuring that schools reopened in such a way that teachers did not feel defeated by the outcome.

    PASOK's leader called for dialogue "with common values, common goals and relations of respect and trust" to resolve the problems.

    According to Papandreou, the prime minister had swung from a pre-electoral slide into populism to a path of intransigency and autocracy while in power, and from high-flung rhetoric about equality to systematically supporting injustice and favoritism for party cronies and the powerful after the elections.

    For New Democracy, the economy had unlimited leeway for its own and the powerful few but none at all for working people, he added.

    The teachers' indignation was justified and was a result of their having been led on by the government, while the premier was refusing to meet them, Papandreou said.

    During his address to the PASOK parliamentary coordinators, the main opposition leader criticized the government's performance on a broad range of issue, from foreign policy to economics, accusing it of mismanagement and apathy.

    [03] Communist party tables question on education, slams PM's address

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

    The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) on Wednesday tabled a question in Parliament over the continuing teachers' strike, which has now entered its third week.

    According to the question, which is signed by all KKE MPs and party leader Aleka Papariga, the strike's extended duration has highlighted not only the teachers' justified demands but also the deeper problems in education.

    KKE accuses the two main parties, ruling New Democracy and main opposition PASOK, of following identical policies that have downgraded teachers and led to the privatization of education. The party demands substantial pay rises for teachers in accordance with their demands and the incorporation of the various benefits into their basic pay.

    A separate KKE announcement, meanwhile, targets the speech made by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis to New Democracy MPs:

    "The prime minister's claim that the government supposedly supports the social alliance with workers for the continuation of reactionary changes must be answered: the indignation of the broad popular masses, the displeasure with the policies of ND and PASOK, must be translated into votes against the anti-working-class policy. Otherwise, ND and PASOK will use the votes in their favor to pass even tougher measures," the party said.

    [04] Minority issues important for Turkey's EU progress, Rehn says

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

    Minority issues - such as laws governing religious properties of non-Moslem minorities, the rights of these minorities and those of Alevites - were very important for Turkey's European progress, European Commissioner for enlargement Olli Rehn stressed on Wednesday, during an interview with the Turkish TV channel NTV.

    The Commissioner also noted delays in reforms required by the EU, as well as problems with the implementation of the reforms already carried out, and referred once more to Turkey's obligation to open its ports and airports to Cyprus-flagged ships and airplanes under the Ankara Protocol.

    "Turkey has carried out bold reforms but problems are being observed in certain areas of their implementation. In the last year, the process has delayed," Rehn said, emphasizing particularly the "very negative developments in the area of freedom of expression".

    The Commissioner highlighted EU concerns over article 301 in the Turkish penal code which refers to 'insulting Turkishness', pointing out that there had been 69 court cases based on this article in the past year and that this restricted freedom of expression.

    Unless progress on this was made, this would have a negative impact on the EU progress report for Turkey, he stressed.

    Asked what would happen if Turkey refused to do open its ports and airports to Cyprus traffic before the end of the year, given that the Turkish government has refused to back down unless the isolation of Turkish-Cypriots is first lifted, Rehn urged reporters "not to dwell on the worst outcomes" and pointed to current efforts by the Finnish presidency of the EU to overcome the impasse.

    "We are making efforts around the issue of direct trade, as well as on creating the right conditions for talks [on the Cyprus issue] to be resumed," he added.

    Regarding the Finnish presidency's initiative for the Ankara Protocol, Rehn repeated that neither side has so far rejected the plan outright or leaked it to the press.

    [05] KKE leader Aleka Papariga tours Nikea

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

    Communist Party of Greece (KKE) secretary general Aleka Papariga, touring the region of Nikea on the outskirts of Piraeus on Wednesday, criticized the country's educational system.

    "The failed educational system in general appears even more clearly at night schools, where the children of poor working classes come, children that are obliged to work, children with special social and personal problems," she said.

    Papariga added that the situation at night schools is unacceptable, since sensitivity towards the children of families facing serious problems is not taken into consideration even in a fundamental manner.

    Lastly, the KKE leader stressed that her party is determined to support the struggles of working people, while priority will be placed on working class children.

    [06] First cache of NH90 helicopters to enter service in next few months

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

    The Greek armed forces are scheduled to take deliver of the first NH90 helicopter in the next few months from the Eurocopter consortium, a subsidiary of EADS.

    Greece has ordered 20 such helicopters with an option to buy another 14. The contract, valued at 657 million euros for the 20 aircraft, was signed by the previous Simitis government on Aug. 29, 2003.

    Sixteen of the 20 helicopters are described as "tactical transports" and will be included in the Hellenic Army's fleet, while the other four will be modified for use by airborne special forces. According to a press release issued by the manufacturer, all of the helicopters can also be easily modified for use as "medevac" units.

    An off-set agreement includes the creation of a manufacturing unit for portions of the helicopter at the state-run Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) facilities in Tanagra, northern Attica prefecture.

    The first helicopter destined for delivery to Greece made its first test flight in July 2005.

    [07] Turkish warplanes violate Greek national air space

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

    Eleven formations of Turkish warplanes entered the Aegean without submitting flight plans on Wednesday (15 infringements of air traffic rules in the Athens Flight Information Region were recorded), while 12 violations of national air space occurred in the northern and central Aegean, according to the National Defense General Staff.

    In all cases, the 33 Turkish aircraft were recognized and intercepted by Greek air force jets. Ten of the Turkish planes were armed.

    The Turkish aeronautical exercise codenamed Sevik Pens is currently taking place.

    [08] Armenian DM supports peaceful solution for Nagorno Karabakh problem

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

    Armenian Defense Minister Serge Azat Sargisyan on Wednesday expressed support for a peaceful solution to the problem of Nagorno Karabakh, calling on Azerbaijan to change its policy, move in this direction and proceed with necessary sacrifices as his country has done.

    Speaking during a press conference at the Armenian embassy in Athens, the Armenian defense minister said he favors relations of good neighborliness with all countries in the region, since they benefit all the peoples in the region, as well as stability and peace.

    The minister also expressed certainty that Armenia's participation in the Defendory International exhibition taking place in Athens will be effective and thanked the Greek defense minister both for his acceptance of an invitation to visit Armenia and our country's support for Armenia's efforts to modernize its armed forces and join Euro-Atlantic structures.

    [09] SEB chief: Greek state's 'cartel' the biggest obstacle for economy, society

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

    The head of the Greek Federation of Industries (SEB), the most influential employers' grouping in the country, on Wednesday went on the offensive after nearly a month of high-pitch criticism aimed squarely at the domestic milk industry amid repeated accusations that it operates as a price-manipulating cartel.

    SEB president Dimitris Daskalopoulos, who previously headed the Delta Group Holdings (today's Vivartia), one of SE Europe's largest dairy products manufacturers, charged that the Greek state itself and its affiliated public sector comprise the primary "pathogenesis" afflicting the economy and Greek society.

    "The state-supported economy doesn't answer to anyone, and the costs are paid by the taxpayers; it corrodes competition, increases unemployment and corruption. There's a need for us to pass from the state-supported to the competitive economy," Daskalopoulos stressed.

    In answer to a question regarding recently unveiled portions of the 2007 draft budget by the government, the SEB president said the draft budget was in "the right direction ... correct, from a management standpoint, but lacking in terms of reforms."

    [10] Barrot spokesman: Commission awaits implementation of decision for OA

    BRUSSELS, 5/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

    A spokesman for European Commissioner Jacques Barrot on Wednesday merely reiterated that the Commission must ensure that community law is implemented, in response to questions over the return of tens of millions of euros worth of direct and indirect subsidies funneled by the Greek state to ailing national carrier Olympic Airways (OA) between 1998 and 2002.

    The spokesman also noted that the Commission is awaiting proof from Greek authorities that the money, upwards of 300 million euros, has been returned to state coffers, whereas legal recourses could reach the European Court's docket if past decisions are not implemented soon.

    [11] Greek energy sector in a transitional phase, report

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

    Greece's energy environment is currently in a transitional phase, with changes focusing on "green" energy policies and actions, such as a gradual transition to renewable energy sources, expanding the use of natural gas, deregulating the domestic electricity market and establishing the country as an energy hub in SE Europe within the framework of launching a common European energy market, a report by Hellastat stated on Wednesday.

    This environment, currently forming, creates the necessary conditions to mobilize private investments towards boost renewable energy sources, the report noted, adding that investments in the industry totaled more than 900 million euros by the end of 2005, rising by an average annual rate of 60 percent over the last three years.

    The report noted that revenues by the 230 enterprises included in the report rose rapidly in the last three years. Specifically, the 74 enterprises that have already began commercial activities reported revenues totaling 126.7 million euros with an annual average growth rate of 36 percent in the three-year period, although the majority of enterprises in the industry was loss-making in 2005, since most were currently in the developing process.

    The sector's foreign to total capital rate was 30 percent, despite bank borrowing totaling 270 million euros by enterprises.

    Hellastat said the medium- and long-term targets of the industry was to free the Greek economy from negative effects of rising oil prices, protecting the environment, reducing polluting energy products, improving the productivity of the production/supply system and better services to consumers.

    [12] Greece could attract another 5 mln tourists from cruises, industry source says

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

    An additional five million tourist arrivals could be added via sea cruises if Greek authorities supported the sea cruise industry, Yiannis Evangelou, the president of the Hellenic Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (HATTA), stressed on Tuesday.

    Speaking to reporters, Evangelou said the port of Piraeus has all the capabilities of duplicating, in eastern Mediterranean, the role that Barcelona plays in the western Mediterranean, while he underlined that a decisive factor was a climate of stability and security in Greece.

    HATTA's head said the Mediterranean was the most rapidly growing sea cruise region in the world, with growth prospects capable of exceeding even the Caribbean, which showed signs of saturation. He also underlined the intention of large sea cruise companies to "anchor" in Greek ports and to begin cruises around the Mediterranean using Greece as a hub.

    The sea cruise industry attracts more than 11 million customers each year, with this number steadily growing. Around 3.2 million customers hail from Europe, while the United States remained the largest source of cruise tourists (totaling 9.1 million annually).

    Around 14,000 Greek nationals boarded a ship for a sea cruise last year, while a total of 1.2 million cruise passengers made transit passages to Piraeus.

    [13] Finance minister addresses conference on brand products

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

    Finance and Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis addressed a conference on innovation and brand products organized on Wednesday night by the Greek Federation of Brand Product Industries and the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce, stressing that the effort to upgrade the image of Greek products depends to a great degree on companies themselves.

    Alogoskoufis also said that the structures of Greek businesses are improving, but have not adjusted themselves adequately to the current overseas consumer needs. He further said that companies do not have considerable capital for research and development, or for their autonomous entry into markets abroad.

    The minister pointed out that the government has helped and is helping companies to improve their products, while stressing that the National Exports Council has been upgraded, a pilot program worth six million euros is under way for the promotion of Greek olive oil in the market of the United States and other similar programs will be implemented in other countries.

    [14] Russian markets to open for Greek wines, minister says

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

    Greek wines will be the next in a series of Greek products that have broken into the Russian export market, Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis said on Wednesday.

    "The Russian market is opening to Greek wines," he said after a meeting with visiting Russian Agriculture Minister Aleksey Gordeyev in Athens that was also attended by Greek wine makers and officials from the ministries of foreign affairs, economy, development on both sides, as well as representatives of the Hellenic Foreign Trade Board (HEPO).

    The meeting was held one day before the arrival of Russian premier Mikhail Fradkov in Athens and sought to assess the results of the work done over the past year, since the visit to Russia by the largest business delegation ever sent by Greece in September 2005, in which 170 Greek businesses were represented.

    Greek exports to Russia rose 24 percent in the first half of 2006, officials reported, while tourism from Russia is estimated to have increased 100 percent after the summer, after increasing by 41.8 percent in the first half of 2006. Investments are also increasing rapidly in both Russia and Greece, led by the energy sector and the imminent construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline.

    As a first step in the bid to break into the Russian wine market, HEPO announced an event to promote Greek medium and high-quality wines in Moscow on November 28-29, with the participation of 20-25 wine-making companies.

    Stylianidis expressed satisfaction with the progress made over the past year to Gordeyev, stressing that Greece and Russia were building up "strong economic cooperation", while the Russian minister noted that the two countries had succeeded in "changing the development of their economic relations in a positive direction" and to build up ever increasing trust in each other.

    The meeting between Fradkov and Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Thursday would confirm the excellent climate in their relations and give a new boost for reaching their targets, Stylianidis added.

    The Greek minister also expressed conviction that outstanding problems between Greece and Russia would be led to resolution, such as the agreement in April for Russian overdue debts to Greece that would be finally settled during the Russian premier's visit, or the solution of problems faced by Greek companies based in Russia, among them Karelias, Hellascom and Chipita.

    Other issues addressed by Stylianidis were plans initiated at the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) organization to construct a ring road dubbed the 'Road of the Argonauts' that will circle the Black Sea, beginning and end in the northern Greek city of Alexandroupolis - a project proposed by Greece and agreed on at a BSEC transport ministers' meeting with Russia in the chair.

    He pointed out that such a road would coincide with an electric power ring described by Russian President Vladimir Putin and, in conjunction with the pipeline network, will create a unified and strong Black Sea market that will boost trade and tourism.

    [15] Hellenic Bank plans network expansion in Greece

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

    Hellenic Bank on Tuesday announced plans for a dynamic further expansion of its network and activities in Greece. Speaking to reporters on the occasion of the bank's 30th anniversary since its founding, Andreas Panagiotou, Hellenic Bank's chairman and Makis Keravnos, its senior executive director, said the bank would begin expanding its branch network in Greece (currently at 25 units) and focusing on retail banking services.

    "Hellenic Bank is thoroughly examining every strategic partnership that could ensure the maximizing and the interests of the group," Keravnos said, adding that the bank also carefully designed its presence in existing or emerging markets.

    The bank said Greece was the ideal starting point for its entry in the Balkan markets. Keravnos said the bank aimed at raising its pre-tax profits to 56.2 million euros in 2008 from 50.1 mln this year and gradually reducing its expenses/revenues index to 64.7 percent in 2008 from 72.4 pct in 2004.

    [16] N. Greece industries' report on research, tech legislation

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

    The Federation of Northern Greece Industries on Wednesday expressed its satisfaction over the provisions of draft legislation on research and technology in the country, although it noted certain weaknesses and urged for some improvements.

    In a recommendation sent to development ministry's agencies, the Federation said the main weakness of the draft law was the lack of a description of a National Program for Research and Technology and in particular the priorities of the program and the agency to decide on budget and earmarking of funds.

    The Federation said research by the Agricultural Development ministry and affiliated organizations should be included in the program and noted that a clear link between the program, the National Plan for Regional Development and the Public Investments Program must be ensured. It also urged for a more fundamental participation of the private sector to a new regulatory framework and the right to appoint distinguished researchers as members of a scientific department of the National Council of Research and Technology.

    Northern Greece's industries, in their recommendations, said that all research programs -of basic research- should have a maximum duration of two years, and funding ceiling of 50,000 euros from 10,000 currently.

    [17] Group representing disabled people requests tax breaks, lower VAT

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

    Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis on Wednesday met with the presidium of a national confederation representing people with disabilities, with the latter requesting that the government provide greater tax breaks for people with disabilities and also institute the lowest possible VAT rate allowed by the EU for goods and services required by its members.

    Alogoskoufis noted that the government was examining the requests as part of an ongoing tax reform initiative.

    [18] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise

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

    The Athens share index closed at 3,937.37 points, showing a rise of 1.14%. Turnover was 298.3 million euros.

    The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 1.26% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks 1.88% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.58% up.

    Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 175 to 76 with 53 remaining unchanged.

    Stock Futures:

  • Most Active Contract (volume): PPC (516)

  • Total derivatives market turnover: 88.1 million euros

    Bond Market Close: 10-yr benchmark at 4.00 pct

  • Greek benchmark 10-year bond (exp. 20.7.2016): 4.00 pct yield

  • Most heavily traded paper: 10-year bond, expiring 20.7.2016 (1.0 bln euros)

  • Day's Total Market Turnover: 2.5 bln euros

    Foreign Exchange Rates

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

    U.S. dollar 1.278

    [19] New Modern Art Museum in Athens

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

    The environment ministry has earmarked a building next to the Panathenian Stadium to house the Museum of Modern Art, Environment and Town Planning Minister George Souflias announced on Wednesday, following a meeting with Goulandris Foundation Vice-President Eleni Glykatzi-Ahrweiler and members of its board.

    The minister said the museum will occupy at building at the junction of Ardittou and Markou Mousouri streets, after modification to land use regulations that currently allow only homes and offices in the area.

    "By my order, environment ministry services carried out the necessary studies, on the basis of which it was found that the required modifications to the Town Plan were possible so as to allow the Museum of Modern Art to be housed in this building," Souflias said.

    The plan had also been approved by the Central Council of Town Planning, Residences and Environment, which had unanimously approved the building's use as a cultural center provided that there were 74 parking spaces available.

    According to Souflias, 60 parking spaces had been found within the building and another 14 in an adjacent building, so that only the permission of the Athens municipality remained pending in order for the issue to be finalized.

    [20] PM inaugurates 'Aristotelis Onassis' exhibition

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

    Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis inaugurated the "Aristotelis Onassis - Beyond his myth" exhibition at the Benaki Museum in Athens on Wednesday night. The event was attended by cabinet members, shipowners, industrialists, doctors and artists.

    The prime minister, accompanied by his wife Natasha, was welcomed at the entrance to the Museum by Culture Minister George Voulgarakis and National Education and Religious Affairs Minister Marietta Yiannakou.

    "Aristotelis Onassis left his indelible marks on the collective memory of Greeks all over the world. He was and remains an authentic legend who accumulated the virtues and passions of the Greek people," the prime minister said at the exhibition dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the death of Aristotelis Onassis and the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Alexandros S. Onassis Foundation.

    Karamanlis also said that the work of the Onassis Foundation and his exhibition are directly linked and expressed the wish that "the dynamism and business spirit and the ardent desire of Onassis to provide for the homeland will continue to inspire Greek women and Greek men."

    The exhibition promotes Onassis as a human being, through unknown letters, photographs and some of his personal belongings, as well as his business activities.

    [21] Greek Radio and Television Corporation general director holds contacts in U.S.

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

    Greek Radio and Television Corporation (ERT) general director, Costas Spyropoulos, has carried out a series if contacts with the Greek American community to enable ERT to record the cultural and social elements forming the history and identity of this community.

    Spyropoulos was the main speaker at an open discussion on the issue of creating a television program for learning the Greek language that will meet the real needs of the overseas Greeks.

    The event, organized by the Federation of Greek American Teachers under the auspices and sponsorship of the Greek American National Council at the Hellenic Classical Charter School in Brooklyn, was attended by teachers, parents and pupils from Greek community schools in New York.

    Lastly, Spyropoulos also explained that ERT wants to carry out the recording to enable the creation of historical documentaries that will be promoted in the international market.

    [22] Goethe Institute events in Thessaloniki

    5/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    Hundreds of pupils attended a presentation on Wednesday at the Goethe Institute in Thessaloniki of the programs and German language courses it offers.

    In the all-day events, held in Thessaloniki on the occasion of the European Day of Languages celebrated on September 26, were attended by more than 800 pupils from 18 schools. The events included among others, pilot German language courses, quizzes, games, a library treasure hunt, soccer games, movie screenings and multimedia shows.

    [23] Group of Somali illegals arrested on Samos

    5/10/2006 (ANA/MPA)

    Police arrested 23 illegal immigrants, all reportedly Somali males, on the eastern Aegean island of Samos Wednesday morning. The illegals were spotted on a remote beach after being dropped off by a speedboat and another craft.

    Authorities said the entire group was ferried onto the island by an unknown Turkish migrant smuggler from the nearby Turkish coast.

    The would-be migrants were first taken to a clinic on the island for routine screening before being transferred to a reception centre for illegal immigrants.

    Samos is a favorite target of migrant smugglers and mostly Third World illegal immigrants due to its close proximity to the Asia Minor coast.

    [24] Man arrested for transporting illegal immigrants in truck

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

    Border guards arrested a 36-year-old man in Asprovalta, Thessaloniki, on Wednesday, after finding a total of 66 illegal migrants hidden in his truck, while a Thessaloniki police investigation is underway aimed at dismantling an international illegal migrant smuggling ring active in Greece.

    The illegal immigrants, of various nationalities, entered Greek territory by crossing Evros River in northeast Greece with the help of an unidentified foreigner, who delivered them to the 36-year-old.

    [25] House President: No trade-offs with Turkey's EU obligations

    NICOSIA, 5/10/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

    Cypriot House of Representatives President Demetris Christofias said here Wednesday that there should be no trade-off between Turkey's obligations to the EU and the EU Commission's regulations on direct trade with the Turkish Cypriot community.

    Christofias was commenting on press reports that the EU Finnish Presidency is working on a proposal envisaging that the fenced-off area of Famagusta should be put under UN administration, in return for the opening of the port of the occupied city under EU administration and the opening of Turkish ports for Cypriot ships.

    ''I would consider this as a violation of the principles of the EU,'' Christofias said during a press conference.

    Christofias also spoke of a ''warm Autumn or Winter'' regarding the issues concerning relations between Turkey and Greece, noting that ''we will have developments which will be difficult.''

    Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

    Although Turkey singed in July 2005 the protocol extending its customs union to all ten EU member states, including the Republic of Cyprus, it still refuses to ratify it and open its ports and airports to Cypriot vessels and aircraft, claiming that it does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus.

    On 21 September 2005 the EU issued a counter declaration on Turkey's unilateral declaration that it does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus, urging Turkey to implement the customs union protocol and normalize its relations with Cyprus.

    [26] Irish President to pay official visit to Cyprus

    NICOSIA, 5/10/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

    Irish President Mary McAleese arrives in Cyprus on October 7 for an official visit, during which she will hold talks with President of the Republic Tassos Papadopoulos.

    According to the program of the visit, McAleese arrives at Larnaca Airport on October 7 at 1400 local time (1100 GMT) on a special flight. She will be welcomed by Cypriot Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment Photis Photiou and by the spouse of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Barbara Lillikas.

    At 1910 McAleesse, escorted by President Papadopoulos, will visit the GSP Stadium in Nicosia, where they will watch the football match between the national teams of Cyprus and Ireland for the qualifying round of the European Football Cup.

    On October 8, McAleese will visit Kykkos Monasteri and the Tomb of Archbishop Makarios III at Throni.

    McAleese will attend at 1945 a private dinner at President Papadopoulos' residence.

    On October 9 at 1000 an official welcoming ceremony will be held at the Presidential Palace, during which the Irish President and the Cypriot President will take up positions facing the flags of their two countries, while the band plays the National Anthems of the two countries.

    McAleese will then proceed to the inspection of the Guard of Honor and lay a wreath at the statue of the late President of the Republic of Cyprus Archbishop Makarios III. A moment of silence will be observed.

    President Papadopoulos and McAleese will then introduce each other their delegations and will enter the Presidential Palace, where at 1010 they will have a brief meeting.

    Official talks will begin at 1020 between the Irish President, the Cypriot President and their delegations.

    Statements to the press will be made at 1110, after which McAleese will depart for the House of Representatives, where at 1140 she will meet with House President Demetris Christofias.

    McAleese will meet at 1210 at the Town Hall Nicosia Mayor Michalakis Zampellas, who will present her with the Golden Key of the City.

    McAleese, escorted by Zampellas, will visit the old city and the ceasefire line.

    At 1330, McAleese will attend a lunch hosted by Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs George Lillikas.

    McAleese will at 1715 depart for the University of Cyprus, where she will be welcomed by the Cypriot President. McAleese will give a speech on ''Europe's new Horizons: an Irish perspective".

    At 2100 McAleese and her delegation will attend a state banquet hosted by President Papadopoulos at the Presidential Palace.

    On October 10, McAleese will visit the Cyprus Archaeological Museum, where she will have a guided tour.

    McAleese will attend at 1200 a reception by the Irish Ambassador to Cyprus.

    At 1515 McAleese will have a brief meeting at the Presidential Palace with President Papadopoulos, after which an official seeing off ceremony will be held with the band playing the National Anthems of the Republic of Cyprus and of Ireland, followed by an inspection of the Guard of Honor by the Irish President.

    McAleese will arrive at Larnaca Airport at 1620, where Lillikas will bid her farewell. The Irish President will depart from the island on a special flight scheduled for 1650 local time.


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