Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-10-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papadopoulos-Bakoyannis meet in Nicosia; FM on EU-Turkey ties

[02] Papandreou addresses party rallies during Crete tour

[03] PM, FinMin discuss 2007-2013 4th CSF strategy

[04] KKE leader denounces mainstream parties

[05] Unionist's death due to respiratory, heart condition

[06] Justice Minister on EU's justice and internal affairs council

[07] Teachers to continue strike for fourth week

[08] Christodoulos again refers to Church-State relations

[09] Anti-racist rally in Athens

[10] Parts of Thessaloniki prefecture in state of emergency

[11] Police arrest antiquities smuggler in Halkidiki

[12] Arms smuggling ring disbanded

[13] Macedonian Struggle Day celebrated in Thessaloniki

[14] Slight earthquake in southern Evoikos Gulf

[15] Greece beats Norway 1-0 in Euro qualifier

[16] Irish president on official visit to Cyprus

[17] Papadopoulos calls for unity in DIKO

[18] Morphou holds 26th anti-occupation event

[01] Papadopoulos-Bakoyannis meet in Nicosia; FM on EU-Turkey ties

NICOSIA, 9/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Bakoyannis said the meeting focused on various issues, with the main one being relations between Europe and Turkey.

"Europe must, with calm and objectiveness, and in accordance with European criteria and the acquis communautaire, assess Turkey and its European course," she said.

Asked whether Turkey and the European Union are on a 'collision course', the foreign minister expressed the view that "it is premature for us to make such assessments."

Bakoyannis reiterated that Greece supports Turkey's European prospects "because it believes that the reforms and the changes the country will have to perform are in the strategic interest of Greece and Cyprus", adding that "it is a long course that will also pass through a solution to the issue of Cyprus."

Meanwhile, Bakoyannis warned in an interview published in a Sunday edition of an Athens daily that "time is running out for Turkey to implement the Ankara Protocol."

"We are entering an undoubtedly difficult period in relations between Europe and Turkey. The time that Turkey has at its disposal to implement the Ankara Protocol is running out," she stressed

The minister further said that "if Turkey does not fulfill its commitments, Europe cannot proceed as if nothing happened."

Bakoyannis also noted that there is no reason at all for early elections to be held in the country, adding that the government has a strong and effective prime minister and it has a mandate to rule.

The interview was published in the newspaper "Kathimerini".

The “joint defense doctrine” between Greece and Cyprus "not only exists, but is continuously being improved and updated", according to National Guard chief Lt. Gen. Constantine Bisbikas.

Speaking during a press conference on the occasion of the National Guard's "Nikiforos 2006" exercise, due to take place between Oct. 10-15, Bisbikas said the practice of implementing the doctrine includes communication for mutual briefing and coordination on a daily basis and it is extended to regular visits by staff member groups, joint staff training, frequent plan and procedure tests, coordination in carrying out exercises and the utilization of new operational possibilities.

[02] Papandreou addresses party rallies during Crete tour

ATHENS, 9/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

"An end must be put to the mockery, deceit and arbitrariness of the Karamanlis government," said Papandreou, a week ahead of next Sunday's local elections.

He also accused the New Democracy (ND) government of creating inequalities, unemployment, and operating in an autocratic manner.

Referring to the government's economic policy, the PASOK leader said it "writes-off taxes for the rich and imposes more taxes on the average Greek."

He said the "government over the past three years left pensioners vulnerable and is now is giving back to them half."

Papandreou also accused Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis of turning the state-appointed Competition Committee into a "breeding ground for blackmail and corruption."

Earlier, Papandreou addressed a rally in the municipality of Perama, saying that his party represents a "society of values".

He also accused the government of undermining democratic institutions, adding that the events of past days are not circumstantial, but have resulted from the conception being nursed by the ruling party.

Finally, in an interview published in an Athens daily ("Ethnos") on Sunday, Papandreou outlined his party's, expressing confidence that the next elections, whenever they are held, will be victorious for PASOK.

"PASOK's target is not a vote of protest, but a vote of hope for the day after the elections, based on a program of sincerity, seriousness and reliability," he said.

Referring to local elections this month, Papandreou said: "our target is further decentralization in accordance with European norms; the transfer of the social state, namely, to the level of local administration, meaning a social state at the service of the citizen."

Gov’t reaction

Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, commenting on Saturday evening on statements made by Papandreou in the city of Iraklio earlier in the day, criticized him for attempting to divide people in the country.

"Mr. Papandreou is now deliberately attempting to divide the Greeks. We will leave him alone along his downhill course," Roussopoulos said.

[03] PM, FinMin discuss 2007-2013 4th CSF strategy

ATHENS, 9/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Alogoskoufis stressed that "we are on a final stretch towards the finalization of a major strategic program concerning the development of the country. Regions in the provinces will receive over 80 percent of national and European Union funds from the 4th Community Support Framework."

The FinMin also said that major projects will be promoted to facilitate the completion of the country's infrastructures and, at the same time, emphasis will be placed on education, training and preparation, as well as on new technologies.

Alogoskoufis made it clear that the national strategy reference framework will move along these axes.

[04] KKE leader denounces mainstream parties

ATHENS, 9/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Speaking in an interview with the newspaper "Vima", Papariga said that in no way should they vote for candidates backed by New Democracy and PASOK.

The KKE leader denounced both parties, as well as the Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) party, for their policies in the local administration sector.

[05] Unionist's death due to respiratory, heart condition

ATHENS, 9/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

According to the medical examiner, the victim’s body also bore no signs of bruising.

The trade unionist died after quarreling with a former trade unionist of the ND-backed DAKE labour group and another person at a downtown Athens hotel where the Post Office Service (EL.TA) was holding elections.

Gov’t spokesman criticism: Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos on Saturday criticized main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou for his stance concerning the death of a trade unionist and following a new report by a medical examiner on the causes of his death.

"Mr. Papandreou and those who attempted to exploit in a petty partisan manner the death of a human being have now been exposed twice. They must realize, if they are not doing this deliberately, that tension and polarization harm the country seriously," Roussopoulos said.

"Two medical examiners yesterday and one today, the one appointed by the family of the deceased, leave no ground for misinterpretation as to the causes of the death of the EL.A trade unionist in their statements," he added.

According to the latest report made by a medical examiner on Saturday, the trade unionist died of inflammation of the lungs and of a myocardium condition.

PASOK reaction: Main opposition PASOK party spokesman Nikos Athanasakis on Saturday responded to comments made earlier in the day by Roussopoulos, stressing that "tension and polarization are caused by the policies and practices of the ND government."

[06] Justice Minister on EU's justice and internal affairs council

9/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

The Greek minister made a series of observations during the extensive discussion on the issue of the EU's agreement with the United States, regarding personal PNR data provided for the American authorities by airlines on passengers traveling to the United States, in the direction of preserving what has already been agreed and avoiding an increase in data provided.

According to the announcement, Papaligouras stressed in a statement that it is not a new agreement, the addition of new data on passengers traveling to the U.S. was averted and the agreement is temporary since it will be valid until July 31, 2007.

[07] Teachers to continue strike for fourth week

ATHENS, 9/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

According to an announcement issued by the Teachers’ Federation, the strike will take place between Oct. 9-12, while at noon on Monday a protest will be organized outside the education ministry.

On Wednesday October 11, a rally will be held at Syntagma Square in Athens. Similar rallies will be held in Thessaloniki and in other cities throughout the country.

[08] Christodoulos again refers to Church-State relations

ATHENS, 9/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Christodoulos reminded that "while other countries started with atheism, such as France for example, these countries have now started to re-evaluate the situation, because they see that without spiritualism, no people can progress."

"In our country so-called liberal reformers want to set us back and to create news situations, where Greece will be a completely secular state, with no prevailing religion and confession of faith."

[09] Anti-racist rally in Athens

ATHENS, 9/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

[10] Parts of Thessaloniki prefecture in state of emergency

9/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

The prime minister's office is also being briefed by the regional governor of Central Macedonia and by the Thessaloniki Prefect.

Traffic was disrupted in three places in the northern prefecture of Thessaloniki as a result of heavy rainfall, according to an announcement by police.

Man swept by floodwaters still missing: A driver who was swept by floodwaters in the village of Aghios Dimitrios in Argolida prefecture, northwest Peloponnese, on Saturday was still missing on Sunday night.

Efforts by rescue teams and police to locate the man, aged 25, have proved fruitless.

[11] Police arrest antiquities smuggler in Halkidiki

9/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

A search of his home in the city of Thessaloniki revealed 25 ancient coins, a bronze ring and a gas pistol. The antiquities were confiscated and handed over to the relevant antiquities service.

[12] Arms smuggling ring disbanded

TIRANA, 9/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Seven people were arrested during the operation on the Tirana-Elbasan motorway, including an Albanian police officer, while a large number of assault rifles were confiscated, as well as 10,000 euros and a quantity of explosives.

A Greek national is among those arrested, who is considered by police as being the supplier of the weapons. It was also ascertained that he was living in Albania lately.

[13] Macedonian Struggle Day celebrated in Thessaloniki

9/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

[14] Slight earthquake in southern Evoikos Gulf

ATHENS, 9/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Sports

[15] Greece beats Norway 1-0 in Euro qualifier

ATHENS, 9/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

In other matches played over the weekend for the same group, Turkey beat Hungary 1-0 away and Moldova and Bosnia-Herzegovina drew 2-2. Greece's next match will be away against Bosnia on Wednesday.

Standings after three games played:

Norway 6 points

Turkey 6 (2 games)

Greece 6 (2 games)

Bosnia 4

Hungary 3

Moldova 1

Malta 0 (2 games)

[16] Irish president on official visit to Cyprus

LARNACA, 9/10/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

McAleese arrived at Larnaca Airport on a special flight, where she received a red carpet welcome by Cypriot Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment Photis Photiou, the spouse of Foreign Minister George Lillikas, Barbara, Cyprus' Ambassador to Ireland Andreas Kakouris and Irish Ambassador to Cyprus Tom Brady.

McAleesse, escorted by President Papadopoulos, on Saturday visited the GSP Stadium in Nicosia, where they watched the football match between the national teams of Cyprus and Ireland for the qualifying round of the European Football Cup. Cyprus won 5-2.

On Sunday, McAleese visited Kykkos Monastery and the Tomb of Archbishop Makarios III at Throni.

McAleese attended a private dinner at President Papadopoulos' residence.

On Monday 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 Foreign Minister 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 Tuesday, 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.

[17] Papadopoulos calls for unity in DIKO

NICOSIA, 9/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Addressing the congress, which also heard speeches by the two candidates to succeed him in the leadership of the party, Nicos Kleanthous and Marios Karoyian, President Papadopoulos assured he would have no involvement in procedures to elect a new party president.

President Papadopoulos explained the reasons for his departure from the presidency of DIKO, mainly that his duties as President of the Republic did not allow him to fully respond to his duties as DIKO president, noting that ''I will always be with you, close to you, an active member in the party.''

He assured that he would continue to strive for a just settlement of the Cyprus problem, noting that the Greek Cypriot community had rejected a UN sponsored plan in a referendum in 2004, and called on everyone to consider if things would have been better had the plan have been accepted.

''Just think that 24 hours after the referendum, as the plan provided for, the Republic of Cyprus would have been dissolved and at the same time we would be waiting for Turkey to fulfill the obligations it was undertaking with the plan,'' he said, pointing out that two years later Turkey was still not meeting its obligations towards the EU.

[18] Morphou holds 26th anti-occupation event

NICOSIA, 9/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

He added that the Greek Cypriot side wishes to see Turkey progress in its EU accession course, since under preconditions it could work as a catalyst for a Cyprus settlement.

In a speech at the 26th Morphou Anti-occupation March, Christofias said ''we wish for Turkey to continue its European course and work towards democratization,'' noting that ''a Turkey that will function in the spirit of international law principles, creates prospects for a Cyprus settlement.''

The march, organized by the Turkish occupied municipality of Morphou in cooperation with Morphou organizations and communities, with the participation of foreign MPs and personalities, compliments various other events, which cover the cultural, social and enlightenment sectors.

Morphou Mayor Haralambos Pittas deplored the illegal exploitation of Greek Cypriot property in the occupied areas and called on the UN Secretary General to take all necessary measures to protect the rights of the legitimate owners from any illegal exploitation, which is leading Cyprus to division not reunification.

He said Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots alike wish to and can live united, and sent the message to the Turkish Cypriots that ''together we will struggle for the reunification of our homeland.''

During the event, a resolution to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan was adopted. It says the international community must exert pressure on Turkey to shift from its intransigent stance and work towards a just and viable settlement, which will be based on UN decisions and will not contradict EU principles.

The resolution says a solution of the Cyprus problem must guarantee the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus and the withdrawal of all Turkish troops and settlers.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

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