Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-11-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] Athens replies to Gul's 'blackmail' statements

[02] No need for early elections, reforms to continue, PM Karamanlis tells Reuters

[03] Foreign ministry regarding U.S. position on minorities, U.S.-Greek relations

[04] PM confers with interior minister

[05] Bakoyannis to accompany PM on trip to London, visits Russia

[06] Gov't on issue involving sub, tank contracts

[07] Deputy FM Kassimis visits New York

[08] Deputy FM Kassimis to visit Toronto and Montreal on November 19-23

[09] Greek, Turkish National Defense General Staff chiefs meet on sidelines of NATO Military Committee session

[10] NATO electronic means warfare exercise completed with success

[11] Parliament budget ratified unanimously

[12] Education minister briefs Parliament on violence in schools

[13] President Karolos Papoulias comments in message on Polytechnic uprising

[14] Message marking 88th anniversary of KKE's founding

[15] Greek inflation unchanged at 3.1 pct in October, Eurostat

[16] Sioufas addresses Organic Products and Services exhibition

[17] Development minister inaugurates PPC's new Plant 5 at Lavrio

[18] PASOK criticizes government on Barroso's letter of reply on 3rd CSF

[19] Fiscal budget target feasible, bank says

[20] OTE sells Armenian operator

[21] Port of Piraeus tenders container terminal

[22] "Cyprus Airways" links Thessaloniki with Paris

[23] Greece, Serbia business council to meet

[24] 'Philoxenia Tourism Awards' presented in Thessaloniki

[25] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise

[26] Cases of HIV increase in Greece

[27] PM Karamanlis inaugurates painting exhibition by Yiannis Moralis

[28] 47th Thessaloniki Film Festival beginning on Friday night

[29] Spokesman: Talat's statements leave no prospects for Finnish efforts to succeed

[30] Eurocontrol concerned about illegal airport in occupied Cyprus

[01] Athens replies to Gul's 'blackmail' statements

ATHENS, 17/11/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The comment was made in response to statements about alleged “European blackmail” made by Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul on Wednesday.

“Turkey will not give in to European blackmail on Cyprus and will not proceed with customs union for as long as the international isolation of northern Cyprus continues”, Gul had said during his visit to the Turkish-occupied sections of Nicosia to attend events for the 23rd anniversary since the creation of the Turkish-Cypriot pseudo-state, which is recognized only by Ankara.

The Greek foreign ministry, meanwhile, dismissed Gul's statements and stressed that the EU did not blackmail candidate-countries but had clear terms and policies regarding enlargement that were based on a specific rationale.

The conditions set for candidate-countries had to be satisfied, he added.

Asked what the Greek side hoped would be achieved during an upcoming visit by Gul on December 7-8, the spokesman said that it was too soon to give a specific answer but that Athens was expecting to make decisions that will further enrich existing Confidence-Building Measures.

Regarding the Finnish EU presidency's proposal for a regulation that would allow direct trade with the occupied sections of Cyprus in the north and lift the impasse over customs union with Turkey, Koumoutsakos said it was hard to be optimistic when a proposal for an informal meeting by the sides involved in Helsinki proved impossible to arrange.

He said the Finnish presidency had asked for additional time to continue its efforts and that the EU member-states believed this effort will have concluded before the EU General Affairs Council on December 11.

Athens' goal was that the effort will have been completed before the Council, the spokesman added.

[02] No need for early elections, reforms to continue, PM Karamanlis tells Reuters

ATHENS, 17/11/2006 (ANA/MPA)

According to the agency, Karamanlis's government has reined in bulging budget deficits and overseen the euro zone's fastest growing economy, stirring speculation he might call snap polls to capitalize on Greece's strong performance.

"I don't see any reason for early elections," the 50-year-old leader told Reuters, saying his government would probably finish its full term, which ends in March 2008.

He reiterated that Greece could see its economy expand by over 4 percent this year and bring its budget deficit well within the European Union's ceiling of 3 percent of gross domestic product for the first time since joining the euro.

Karamanlis said Greece had made strides in his 2-1/2 years in power but could not let up on the reform drive.

"It takes a lot of care and attention to stay on course and to avoid loopholes, such as putting the economy in an electoral cycle, or to step back from the necessary reforms. On this policy we insist and we continue insisting," he said.

Karamanlis vowed to pursue the government's privatization drive. Greece expects to raise 1.7 billion euros ($2.18 billion) next year from selloffs, aiming mainly to pay down public debt -- second highest in the euro zone after Italy's as a percentage of GDP.

The country's largest telecoms company OTE tops the 2007 privatization agenda. The state has said it wants to sell part of its 38 percent stake, preferably to a European peer that would participate in the management.

"OTE needs to be privatized, which means a larger part of it in private hands," Karamanlis said.

Also on the list is troubled Olympic Airlines, under EU fire over state handouts and closely watched by European airlines eager for more room in the crowded sector.

Karamanlis said investors were interested in the airline.

"We've made good progress in terms of private interest to acquire Olympic, but there are still some serious legal issues to be clarified with the European Commission," he said. "What is important to know is that there is interest in buying Olympic."

[03] Foreign ministry regarding U.S. position on minorities, U.S.-Greek relations

ATHENS, 17/11/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Koumoutsakos did not, however, confirm McCormack's assertion that this was among issues raised during a visit by Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis to the U.S. in late September.

Regarding Greek-U.S. relations in general, Koumoutsakos said that these had now entered a "period of maturity" and were the relations of two allied countries that cooperated within international bodies and could have convergent or divergent views. He stressed, however, that these were not harmful for Greek interests since these were adequately protected by Greek foreign policy, which was in accordance with international law, the principles of democracy and respect for human rights.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, McCormack said that the "U.S. definition of minorities is different from the definition used by Greece and some other European states".

The U.S. State Department spokesman also noted that "Greece has a strong record of integrating migrant workers" and said that the U.S. and Greece will continue working together to pursue common interests in the region and beyond.

"Our relationship with Greece has never been better," McCormack added.

He had been asked to comment on positions expressed by the U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission in Athens, Thomas Countryman, who said in an interview with a local reporter that Greece was being "inconsistent" by not recognizing sections of the Moslem minority in northern Greece as Turkish, while describing the Lausanne Treaty on which the Greek position is based as a "milestone" but "not the last word in international law", indicating that it had been to some extent superseded by later treaties, such as the Helsinki Final Act of 1975.

[04] PM confers with interior minister

ATHENS, 17/11/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Pavlopoulos told reporters afterwards that the next meeting with KEDKE and ENAE will be held in December before the voting on the 2007 state budget, while he refused to comment on the contract workers issue.

On the rumors that arose after Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister George Souflias’ absence from Tuesday's Cabinet meeting on the state budget, Pavlopoulos responded that Souflias had "a health problem and nothing more".

Pavlopoulos, responding to a question on whether he was satisfied with the funds earmarked in the draft 2007 state budget for the interior ministry, said that cooperation with the finance minister was excellent.

[05] Bakoyannis to accompany PM on trip to London, visits Russia

ATHENS, 17/11/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Bakoyannis' next stop will be Russia on November 22-23 for talks with her Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, Russian Security Council Secretary Igor Ivanov and other officials, including a meeting in Saint Petersburg with Governor Valentina Matviyenko.

Foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said the agenda for Bakoyannis' talks in Moscow and Saint Petersburg included bilateral relations with Russia, bilateral economic ties and the entire range of EU-Russia relations, with Greece a firm supporter of EU-Russia cooperation, in addition to energy issues.

On November 28-29, the foreign minister is scheduled to take part in the NATO summit taking place in Riga, Latvia.

[06] Gov't on issue involving sub, tank contracts

ATHENS, 17/11/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"These are orders and contracts made by the previous government, and the current government is, appropriately, checking the absolute fulfillment of conditions in the relevant contracts," alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros said in response to numerous questions during his regular press briefing.

Antonaros also clarified that the issues involving the submarine and the tanks are separate, "there is the issue of the submarine, where negotiations were held that did not generate desired results, therefore, the government's position still stands, namely, that it will not accept delivery of the submarine unless operational and technical specifications are fulfilled".

The spokesman said the case involving the MBTs is in the "preliminary stages, tests are underway that have not been completed."

The submarine in question, the "Papanikolis" (named after a celebrated WWII Greek submarine) was constructed at the HDW shipyards in Kiel, Germany. The latter is part of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, which emerged following a merger between ThyssenKrupp Werften and HDW. The marine systems division is a subsidiary of ThyssenKrupp Technologies.

Another two submarines in the Papanikolis class (type 214) are being constructed at the Hellenic Shipyards in Skaramangas (west of Athens), an industrial complex that is part of the ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems group.

[07] Deputy FM Kassimis visits New York

ATHENS, 17/11/2006 (ANA/MPA)

He later met with Archbishop Dimitrios of America and briefed him on his US visit. The two men also discussed joint actions by the Greek State and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, while the Archbishop underlined the importance of visits made by Greek State officials handling expatriate Greek issues.

Kassimis also had the opportunity to visit two Greek community schools in Flushing and Astoria in New York, home to approximately 500,000 Greek Americans, and referring to the Greek community schools during his meeting with the Archbishop praised the work they do.

[08] Deputy FM Kassimis to visit Toronto and Montreal on November 19-23

17/11/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The deputy foreign minister will arrive in Toronto on November 19 and meet with Greek community representatives as well as federal and local politicians. On November 20, he will visit the Holy Metropolis of Canada and attend a dinner given by the SAE-Canada Coordinating Committee, while he will also meet with Greek Canadian mass media and visit the Greek Studies Department at York University.

Kassimis is scheduled to arrive in Montreal on November 21 but his formal visit will begin on November 22. He is to meet with the presidents of the Greek communities in Montreal and Laval, while he will also visit Greek community schools and attend an open reception held by the general consulate and the Greek Community in Montreal.

On Thursday, Kassimis will meet with local politicians and representatives of McGill University, Universite de Montreal and Concordia University to be briefed on the McGill University Modern Greek Studies Inter-University Center and Greek Language Department issue.

[09] Greek, Turkish National Defense General Staff chiefs meet on sidelines of NATO Military Committee session

17/11/2006 (ANA/MPA)

According to the Greek National Defense General Staff, the meeting focused on a discussion on "the procedure for processing the military details of the issues probed" during their recent meeting in Athens on increasing mutual trust and understanding, "provided that they are agreed upon by the foreign ministries of the two countries."

General Buyukanit paid an official visit to Greece two weeks ago.

[10] NATO electronic means warfare exercise completed with success

17/11/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Speaking at Andravida airport on Thursday, Assistant NATO Secretary General Marshal Bilinski said that "we were pleased with the splendid work done by Greece and these results will be presented at the NATO summit in Riga."

He said that new means were used for the first time, as well as new methods and practices, adding that new scenarios for confronting terrorists were examined and that "terrorists must be afraid of us."

In addition, he said that NATO is focusing in what is being recorded in Afghanistan and pointed out that an organized plan must exist to handle asymmetrical threats, while one of the exercise's scenarios included an attack by terrorists using remote-controlled weapons.

The purpose of the exercise was to test the ability of NATO countries to collect and process electronic emission data of weaponry systems, such as radar emissions, with the purpose of supporting electronic warfare operations.

The exercise was carried out between November 9-15 with the participation of staff and equipment from 12 countries (England, France, Germany, Greece, the United States, Italy, Canada, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Poland). About 1,500 people participated in it.

[11] Parliament budget ratified unanimously

ATHENS, 17/11/2006 (ANA/MPA)

[12] Education minister briefs Parliament on violence in schools

ATHENS, 17/11/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"Aggressive and violent behavior occurs in all schools, regardless of the economic and social status of the parents," Yiannakou said.

Listing programs designed to increase awareness among teachers regarding phenomena of violence, she nevertheless noted that these were likely to have minimal effect because of weaknesses in schools, families and the media.

"No matter how expert a teacher and however many psychologists you place in schools, the current family environment (one-parent families, lack of an extended family etc) does not allow adequate handling of the problem," the minister claimed.

She also called on the media to establish a code of conduct regarding the way such cases were presented.

"Whether we like it or not, children today watch a lot of television. Greek television is very interesting, lively and varied but does not help in handling such problems," she added.

Speakers for main opposition PASOK linked the phenomena of violence to a loosening of family ties with parents, who did not impose limits and values on their children due to guilt. An MP for the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) said that violence in schools could not be seen in isolation from social phenomena, while the head of the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) party Alekos Alavanos urged that a proposed ban on mobile phones in schools be instead replaced with their use for educational purposes.

[13] President Karolos Papoulias comments in message on Polytechnic uprising

ATHENS, 17/11/2006 (ANA/MPA)

President Papoulias said that the message of the uprising lasts through time, adding that "every year on such days the Greek people have the moral obligation to honor the insurgents of '73 and the possibility to ponder, be inspired and wonder whether bread, education and freedom are sufficient for all."

The president further said that "the same slogan is always heard in manifestations for the anniversary:'The Polytechnic lives'. And it must live in the thoughts of every active citizen, every democrat and every fighter who gives a struggle for his personal dignity and, at the same time, for the welfare of all of society."

Lastly, President Papoulias noted that the message of the anniversary "is certainly one that teaches, particularly for the younger generation, it teaches a way of thought and of life. It teaches a position towards things. It teaches internal reaction to injustice, egocentrism and the deification of material."

Deputy education minister lays wreath at Athens Polytechnic memorial: Deputy Education Minister Spyros Taliadouros laid a wreath at the Athens Polytechnic memorial on Thursday, paying tribute to the students' uprising, representing the government and the ruling New Democracy party.

"We honor the struggles of the Greeks for freedom and democracy. This anniversary reminds all of us that democracy is not self-evident. A continuous effort is necessary with adherence to the principles of measure and respect for the different view, for progress, social justice and the prosperity of our country," Taliadouros said afterwards.

Athenians of all ages have been visiting the Polytechnic since Thursday morning leaving a flower at the memorial.

The General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) was represented with the laying of a wreath by its Deputy President Alekos Kalyvis, while a delegation of the Civil Servants Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY) also laid a wreath.

Main opposition PASOK party Secretary Mariliza Xenoyiannakopoulou, heading a party delegation, laid a wreath and stated afterwards that "the message of the Polytechnic is strong and opportune today. It signals, towards a class-oriented and authoritarian policy that is harming young people and social cohesion, the continuous struggle for the deepening of democracy and social solidarity. It signals the struggle of the new generation for the upgrading of education, for a fair society of values, without discrimination, with equal rights and opportunities for all."

Friday is the last day of the three-day celebrations and as of Thursday night downtown Athens, particularly locations where university faculties are to be found, will be closely guarded. Over 5,000 police will be guarding Athens until the usual march to the U.S. embassy in Athens will be over, while 1,500 will be provided to guard in Thessaloniki, the country's second biggest city.

The main event is expected to come to an end at 2 p.m. and then the march to the embassy will begin.

PASOK party leader issues message on anniversary of Polytechnic uprising: Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou on Thursday issued a message on the anniversary of the uprising at the Athens Polytechnic on November 17, 1973, stressing that the "Greek people honor the fighters who gave their lives in the struggle against the dictatorship and today, 33 years later, Greek women and men can feel proud of the country's course since, with the messages of the November uprising as a guide, great goals have been achieved."

Papandreou further said that a "strong democracy was established with the struggles and sacrifices of the people and Greece was led from the sidelines to the centre of developments in Europe and the international stage."

Lastly, he stressed that PASOK, "together with the Greek people, will always be in the front line of the effort to confront the challenges of the new era to which it has led the country."

[14] Message marking 88th anniversary of KKE's founding

ATHENS, 17/11/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The message by the KKE's Central Committee further notes:"The developments in our country and in the world confirm that socialism is necessary and timely. The worldwide back turn which came as a result of the victory of the counter revolution (1989-1991), is temporary. The new era which opened and was sealed by the great October socialist revolution in Russia (1917), was and remains an era of transition from capitalism to socialism."

"The social contradictions of capitalism remain and deepen. Imperialism is its last stage. The social explosions, which are increasing throughout the world are an omen of the great revolutions which, by necessity will be born, for the wheel of history and social progress to proceed."

[15] Greek inflation unchanged at 3.1 pct in October, Eurostat

BRUSSELS, 17/11/2006 (ANA-MPA/V.Demiris)

Luxembourg (0.6 pct), the Czech Republic (0.8 pct) and Finland (0.9 pct) recorded the lowest inflation rates in October, while Hungary (6.3 pct), Latvia (5.6 pct) and Estonia (3.8 pct) recorded the highest inflation rates in the month.

Eurostat said the consumer price index rose in four member-states in October, it fell in 16 and was unchanged in five member-states.

[16] Sioufas addresses Organic Products and Services exhibition

ATHENS, 17/11/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The minister was speaking at the opening of the 9th Exhibition of Organic Products and Services - ECOFESTIVAL 2006 organized by the Inspection and Certification Organization of Organic Products.

Sioufas stressed that the public is concerned about water pollution and the destruction of natural resources and sensitive eco-systems, while consumers are adopting a more environment-friendly stance by preferring organic products. In addition, the fear of genetically modified foods makes consumers willing to pay more for quality products and offer economic backing to the organic products’ sector, he added.

Sioufas concluded that several initiatives and incentives offered by the new legislation on development and the development ministry sponsored “Competitiveness” Program are aimed at offering further support to the specific sector.

[17] Development minister inaugurates PPC's new Plant 5 at Lavrio

ATHENS, 17/11/2006 (ANA/MPA)

In his speech, Sioufas referred to the multi-sided efforts which were made by the relevant ministries, state services, the PPC's board and employees, and local agencies in order for the new ultra-modern plant to become a reality.

PPC board president Constantine Kyriakopoulos noted that the Public Power Corporation is proceeding with firm and methodical steps on the road of modernization.

PPC director Dimitris Maniatakis referred to the new strategic multi-sided growth which the corporation is following, with emphasis on new investments for modernization and expansion.

[18] PASOK criticizes government on Barroso's letter of reply on 3rd CSF

ATHENS, 17/11/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Athanassakis was responding to a letter of reply on Tuesday by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso to Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis regarding Greece's request for an additional year in which to absorb funds from the 3rd CSF.

Barroso's letter counter-proposed a series of measures to be recorded in a "memorandum of understanding", which call for a revision of Greek programs, joint funding by the Commission of uncompleted programs until the year 2008 and others.

According to Barroso, the measures listed would bring a total benefit of some 2.7 billion euros to Greece with respect to its Community contribution, which in general lines would be equivalent to an additional year of implementation of the 3rd CSF, while they will also assist in the speedier absorption during the remaining years until the end of 2008.

"1.7 billion euros less in the 3rd CSF mean thousands of jobs less or the equivalent for the building of 17 hospitals," Athanassakis said.

[19] Fiscal budget target feasible, bank says

ATHENS, 17/11/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Attaining a reduction in 2006 of the general government deficit to 2.6% of GDP is expected to help bring Greece out of a European Union excessive deficit process in the first half of next year, said the quarterly report entitled Greece: Macro Monitor.

[20] OTE sells Armenian operator

ATHENS, 17/11/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The sale price for the stake in the Armenian telecoms operator was Euro 342 million, implying an enterprise value of Euro 420 million for 100% of the company, including estimated net financial debt, tax liabilities and other liabilities of approximately Euro 40 million.

HSBC Bank plc was the financial adviser to OTE in the sale.

[21] Port of Piraeus tenders container terminal

ATHENS, 17/11/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The first phase of the tender covers expressions of interest and pre-selection, the firm said in a statement.

Management of the state-owned authority wants to further develop, expand and modernize the terminal's existing infrastructure and superstructure in terms of planning, financing, construction and maintenance.

Under the concession, the winner of the tender will operate and exploit the terminal for 25 years with an option for a further five years.

The total area for concession is the existing port space, projects under development, and future projects covering 1,000,000 sq.m. and including existing buildings, equipments, IT systems etc., the statement said.

[22] "Cyprus Airways" links Thessaloniki with Paris

17/11/2006 (ANA/MPA)

“Cyprus Airways” senior executives stated in a press conference in Thessaloniki on Wednesday that the company’s objective is to contribute to the rise of tourist flow to Thessaloniki and the wider region in northern Greece.

“Cyprus Airways” serves 28 destinations in Europe, Middle East and the Persian Gulf with scheduled flights and in 2005 alone it transported a total of 1,588,000 passengers. Meanwhile, “Eurocypria” airline, a member of the Cyprus Airways Group that operates mainly charter flights from European destinations to Cyprus, transported approximately 560,000 passengers last year.

“Cyprus Airways” cooperates with a number of airline companies, KLM, Alitalia, Gulf Air, Syrianair, Aeroflot, LOT, EL-AL, SN Brussels, Olympic Airlines (Athens-Larnaca and Thessaloniki-Larnaca flights), Royal Jordanian and Aerosvit Airlines.

[23] Greece, Serbia business council to meet

17/11/2006 (ANA/MPA)

As part of the meeting, the Federation of Greek Industry are to sign an agreement with Serbia's employers trade group.

Topics for debate will include opportunities for smaller firms to trade and forge alliances, and the planned, phased construction of a European-network road to link the northern port city of Thessaloniki to Salzburg in Austria.

[24] 'Philoxenia Tourism Awards' presented in Thessaloniki

17/11/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Among the winners of the Greek tourism awards were:

- Halkidiki, best coastal destination

- Pilio, best mountainous countryside destination

- Thessaloniki, best urban destination

- Santorini, most romantic destination

- Mykonos, best destination for entertainment

- Porto Katsiki, Lefkada, most beautiful beech

- Zagorohoria, most beautiful traditional settlement

- Parnassos, best ski centre

- Italy, best tourist destination abroad

- Hyatt Regency in Thessaloniki, best city hotel

- Porto Carras Grand Resort in Halkidi, best holiday resort hotel

- Hotel Spa Montana at Karpenisi, Evritania, best mountainous or countryside hotel

- Grande Bretagne hotel in Athens, most luxurious hotel

[25] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise

ATHENS, 17/11/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalisation shares ended 0.07% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks 0.22% lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.86% down.

Stock Futures: