Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-01-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis heaps praise on Croatia's Euro-Atlantic progress, meets with PM Sanader

[02] PM Karamanlis on hand for Slovenia's commemoration of euro-zone accession

[03] PM: Uncompromising in fight against terrorism

[04] Terror strike investigation yields new clues, police say

[05] PASOK spokesman criticises gov't on handling of terrorism

[06] Papandreou in Naoussa; slams government policies at home and abroad

[07] Gov't raps main opposition

[08] Tourism, interior ministries set up joint committee

[09] Petralia on US embassy attack

[10] KKE leader holds press conference on education

[11] Former Syn party leader calls for formula allowing release of names implicated in illegal conscription exemptions

[12] Evgenia Tsoumani attends int'l forum in Jordan on the role of women in the economy

[13] FinMin praises statistical service upgraded, improved role

[14] FinMin to visit Australia in April

[15] Rise in business activity normal, industry says

[16] Greece's participation in Vienna's Int'l Tourism Exhibition leaves best impressions

[17] Daskalopoulos: '2007 a pre-election or even an election year'

[18] IOBE survey on Greek construction sector

[19] Intralot buys 50.1% of Argentina's Techno Accion

[20] Farm cooperatives need revitalisation

[21] Informer in share buyback

[22] Gov't finances olive investments

[23] Greek stocks end 0.5% higher on Monday

[24] Derivatives Market Close: ATEbank top in stock futures trade

[25] Foreign Exchange Rates

[26] Activities of the Organisation for the Projection of Greek Culture for 2007

[27] Culture ministry publication to fund scholarships

[28] Greek Cultural Week in Madrid

[29] Andreas Papandreou archives given to Greek Parliament library

[30] Helen Glygatzi-Arvehler proclaimed honourary professor of Thessaloniki University

[31] Greeks prefer Greece to any other EU member-state, Eurobarometre shows

[32] N17 arch-assassin Koufodinas makes closing statement in appeals trial

[33] Former Getty Museum curator True free on bail

[34] Turkish General Consul in Komotini visits Drama mayor

[35] Exhibition inaugurated on work of Technology and Research Foundation

[36] Exhibition of sculptures and lithographs by Dali at Byzantine Museum

[37] Over 360 drug trafficking-related arrests in Thessaloniki in 2006

[38] Drug arrests in Thessaloniki

[39] Turkish national, 84 illegals intercepted on Samos

[40] ATMs, tax office torched in Thessaloniki

[41] Weather Forecast: Fair on Tuesday

[42] The Athens dailies at a glance

[43] FM hopes efforts to open Ledra Street checkpoint will bear fruit

[01] Karamanlis heaps praise on Croatia's Euro-Atlantic progress, meets with PM Sanader

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Monday reiterated Greece's support for Croatia's Euro-Atlantic course, after a meeting here with Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader.

Karamanlis, who arrived in Zagreb on Sunday night on the first leg of a visit to Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia, said bilateral political relations between Greece and Croatia were excellent, while calling for additional efforts so that bilateral trade ties reach the excellent level of political relations.

Croatia, Karamanlis said, was ahead of western Balkan countries in the course towards incorporation into Euro-Atlantic institutions.

Greece, he added, stood at the side of Croatia on its road to European Union accession, and considered "significant" the progress and reforms that Croatia has made in order to complete its accession negotiations.

With respect to the membership criteria for joining NATO, Karamanlis said Croatia has made substantial progress, adding that Greece looks forward to the prospect of an invitation being extended to Croatia during the next NATO summit in 2008.

He also said that he and Sanader discussed developments in the Balkans, with a particular emphasis on Kosovo, noting that Croatia's role was acquiring particular importance at this time, as it currently chaired the SE Europe Cooperation Process (SEECP).

"Looking back on Croatia's 15-year course, from its establish-ment during the turbulent period of the break-up of Yugoslavia to the present, which finds Croatia on the threshold of the European Union, I cannot but express my admiration and congratulations for the progress accomplished," Karamanlis said.

Sanader, in turn, said Greece was a firm supporter of Croatia's Euro-Atlantic prospects, and that premier Karamanlis had committed himself to backing Croatia for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Sanader also said he accepted an invitation by Karamanlis to visit Greece in the first half of 2008, stressing that he would be accompanied by entrepreneurs on that visit.

Finally, the Croatian prime minister further stressed to Kara-manlis that his country will complete preparations for joining the EU and NATO by the end of 2008.

Karamanlis later met with Croatian president Stjepe Mesic, while afterwards he addressed a panegyric meeting of the Croatian cabinet marking the 15th anniversary of the country's independence.

[02] PM Karamanlis on hand for Slovenia's commemoration of euro-zone accession

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis arrived here early Monday afternoon -- following his official visit to neighbouring Croatia -- to attend celebratory events commemorating Slovenia's highly prized entrance into the euro-zone, as the one-time former Yugoslav republic on Jan. 1, 2007 became the 13th member-state to introduce the single European currency.

Karamanlis joined European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, German Chancellor Angela Merkel -- whose country currently holds the EU presidency -- and European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet, among others, at a reception hosted by Slovenian Premier Janez Jansa. Slovenia's euro-zone membership also coincided with the 15th anniversary of the country's independence.

"This development (Slovenia's euro-zone entry) sends a message that continuing European integration is more attractive than ever. It is a very significant message in the current junction vis-à-vis the blueprint for the European edifice, whereas it is also a positive message of confidence in the European economy and currency," he said in his address.

The Greek PM also stressed that Slovenia serves as an example for all the countries aspiring to join the Union and wishing to "share with us the benefits of European integration".

Karamanlis, in fact, indirectly touched on neighbouring Turkey's increasingly complicated EU course, as he noted that Slovenia's case is an "example that clearly demonstrates that our Union is open to all those that adopt its rules and fulfil all the conditions and criteria (for membership)."

Finally, Karamanlis congratulated the Slovenian people and leadership over the country's historic membership in the euro-zone, reminding that Athens vigorously backed the country's accession as the 13th euro-zone member.

The country of two million introduced the euro on Jan. 1, becoming the first of the 10 countries to join the bloc two years ago that satisfied economic criteria needed to join the euro zone.

[03] PM: Uncompromising in fight against terrorism

Greece's prime minister Costas Karamanlis, currently in Croatia, in reply to a press question on the rocket attack against the US embassy in Athens early Friday, which caused minor material damage but no injuries, stressed that "the fight against terrorism requires seriousness and a sense of responsibility, and above all unity".

Karamanlis added that "we are uncompromising and merciless in this fight, just as every democrtically aware citizen".

[04] Terror strike investigation yields new clues, police say

Alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros confirmed that Greek law enforcement authorities, while in charge of the investigation, were collaborating with foreign agencies as they had done in the past.

Echoing statements by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis in Zagreb, the spokesman underlined that Greek authorities would be "relentless in the struggle to combat terrorism" though no-ting that "similar, isolated events cannot be ruled out". He also pointed out that "it is the obligation of the Greek State to do all that it can to offer protection measures to foreign diplomatic missions".

Regarding the use of possible clues recorded by cameras monitoring traffic flow, which is currently blocked by a ruling issued by the Authority for the Protection of Personal Data, Antonaros said a decision by Greece's supreme administrative court was still pending, after an application filed by the govern-ment.

Meanwhile, the Greek anti-terrorist squad announced that it was working closely with FBI agents in Athens, based on an action plan developed by Scotland Yard, to uncover clues concerning the rocket-propelled missile fired against the U.S. Embassy on Friday morning.

Apart from the flyer, which urges potential witnesses to contact the police if they remember seeing something unusual in the days or weeks leading up to the attack, investigating officers have also interviewed more than 4,000 people living in the area around the embassy and examined approximately 10,000 vehicles.

So far, none of the vehicles examined appears to have been used by the terrorists, who are suspected of reaching the site from which the missile was fired in a closed goods vehicle or van.

Witness accounts also report that three men and a woman were seen moving away from the site where the missile was fired on Lampsakou street heading toward nearby Mihalakopoulou street, while avoiding Vassilis Sofias Avenue where the Embassy is located.

Digital analysis of the three figures recorded by an embassy camera, meanwhile, indicates that they most likely belong to two men and a woman.

Police say the recordings are very unclear, so that it is impossible to identify the features of the three figures, but digital analysis makes it possible to accurately identify their body type and certain biometric data. These can narrow down the number of possible suspects and possibly help solve the case through the use of databases of known criminals or the passport office. They pointed out, however, that this would only yield results if the individuals have criminal records or recently had a new passport issued.

Other witness accounts of a couple seen frequenting the same site in days leading up to the attack are now being cross-checked with footage taken by embassy security cameras that U.S. authorities are gradually handing over to Greek investigators.

The investigation is also following up possible leads to determine the origin of the anti-tank grenade-launcher used in the attack. Since this was a Chinese copy of the Russian RPG 7, investigators consider that it most likely came from Albania, which bought weapons from China in the '70s and had its military stores looted in 1997.

So far, there has been no official announcement about whether any organisation had claimed responsibility for the attack through a proclamation but the anti-terrorist squad believe that the "Revolutionary Struggle" is responsible for the strike, as was claimed in an anonymous call to the security firm in charge of protecting the embassy shortly after the hit.

[05] PASOK spokesman criticises gov't on handling of terrorism

Addressing reporters Monday on the issue of terrorism, Efthymiou noted that "only for the New Democracy is there confusion between the safeguarding of fundamental and constitutional liberties and the security of the country."

"With the existing institutional framework - as it is guaranteed by the Constitution, international conventions and the legislation - it is possible to fully safeguard fundamental rights and democratic and individual freedoms, and at the same time, in the case of a criminal act, have the possibility to process evidence, with the support of the judiciary naturally," Efthy-miou added.

"Therefore, what counts is the effectiveness of state apparatuses for preventing and not only cracking down on criminal acts, including of course terrorism," he said.

Responding to a quetion regarding the use of traffic cameras, the PASOK spokesman said that "our position is categorical: wherever cameras are installed for security reasons relating either to public or private agencies, like banks, these should be installed after permission of the Personal Data Pretection Authority and function under express guarantees that protect individual and collective rights."

On her part, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) General Secretary Aleka Papariga, said in a press conference that her party was against the use of any camera for security reasons.

[06] Papandreou in Naoussa; slams government policies at home and abroad

"The government has missed enormous opportunities in Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue. This is something that burdens our country's agenda abroad and, of course, this has repercussions on the economy, social policy and trade," he said.

Regarding local concerns about the dispute between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) over FYROM's use of the name 'Macedonia' - also shared with the geographical area spanning almost the entire breadth of northern Greece - Papandreou said concern over the government's views on the handling of foreign policy issues, especially the lack of initiatives, was shared by all of Greece.

Noting that Greece had lost its former lead in the Balkan region, Papandreou stressed that this was more serious for Macedonia, which was adjacent to the new EU member-states, Bulgaria and Romania, whose borders had now opened and for which Greece should a carefully studied policy.

This lack of planning also extended to domestic issues, where there was a lack of comprehensive and planned policies to promote development and benefit the citizens, he added.

During his visit to the city, Papandreou met Naousa Mayor Tassos Karabatzos and other local officials, who outlined problems arising from the city's deindustrialisation and the resulting high unemployment, as well as problems faced by farmers, hoteliers and businesses.

Challenged by local workers made redundant by the Klostiria Naousis textile plant over PASOK's failure to back a government bill introducing measures for the relief of those who lost their jobs, Papandreou said his party was against "charity" and wanted a comprehensive policy for the region.

"Our own proposal is different from that implemented today by New Democracy. We believe in another way, which is a comprehensive approach for reconstruction of the region," he said.

[07] Gov't raps main opposition

"(PASOK leader) George Papandreou and his party have been slow to remember problems in the Greek regions. It would be interesting if he explained in Naoussa why PASOK voted down a very important government initiative that gave respite to an area with problems dating back to a PASOK government," Tsitouridis said.

He was referring to criticism of the government that Papandreou made in a visit to Naoussa.

[08] Tourism, interior ministries set up joint committee

The purpose of the committee will be to tackle problems created by the overlapping authorities of the two ministries, the problems concerning local government, hotels, and the tourism sector in general, Petralia explained, adding that the role of the local governments was decisive for the country's tourism image, and consequently it was considered that the cooperation between the ministries needed to be constant and coordinated.

Pavlopoulos, in turn, stressed the contribution of the tourism sector to the national economy, but also the country's projection abroad.

He added that the committee, in addition to monitoring the problems and the progress in their solution, would also be able to submit proposals for the resolution.

The joint effort with the tourism development ministry, Pavlo-poulos continued, aimed at normalising the economic relations of the local government with the hotel enterprises, so that they would know what their obligations were, and so that the local government organisations would be deprived of any of their revenues.

Aimed at tackling the chronic problems, the institutional framework has changed on the basis of the new municipal and community code, and will be completed with the new prefectural government code that was due to be submited by June, Pavlopoulos added.

[09] Petralia on US embassy attack

In fact, she said, the first tourism movement figures since October to the present indicated a very good number of reservations, particularly in the area of yachting.

Replying to a question on whether a travel directive had been issued by the US concerning Greece, Petralia said that there was no travel directive by the US, but just a note.

Petralia has spoken with US ambassador to Greece Charles Ries and US president George Bush's security advisor, as well as with representatives of travel agencies in the US.

[10] KKE leader holds press conference on education

Outlining her party's positions, Papariga proposed that all young people receive a general education up until age 18 with radical changes to the curriculum, the books and the way that schools operate.

She demanded the withdrawal of the new books and programmes in primary and middle schools, describing them as "reactionary, anti-pedagogic and unscientific", while noting that they had been designed by the main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) and completed by New Democracy.

She also proposed that the operation of senior high-schools or lyceums be made independent of the university selection process so as to remove class barriers and the premature selection of students and called for the introduction of public and free vocational schools for students completing lyceum studies, which would issue certificates that allowed holders to exercise a profession without any additional training.

Papariga called for economic and scientific upgrades for teaching staff and greater democracy in the education system, with the abolition of "autocratic measures that prevent collective procedures and cancel free thought and action".

KKE's leader also stressed the party's complete opposition to the foundation of private universities, proposing steady work with full rights for all, measures to support unemployed students and a reduction in the minimum age of retirement.

[11] Former Syn party leader calls for formula allowing release of names implicated in illegal conscription exemptions

Constantopoulos, in fact, called for a formula that will allow the release of the names of individuals that illegally obtained such exemptions over the past few years -- a development that has been blocked so far by the independent Hellenic Data Protection Authority -- while at the same time ensuring that rulings regarding personal data are observed.

[12] Evgenia Tsoumani attends int'l forum in Jordan on the role of women in the economy

Tsoumani's participation is within the framework of Greece's economic cooperation with Jordan.

The forum was organised in cooperation with the World Bank and was held under the presidency of Queen Rania, while Jordanian Prime Minister Maruf Bakhet also attended.

Addressing the forum, Tsoumani noted that Jordan constitutes a priority in the context of Greece's National Programme for developmental cooperation, while she also referred to the measures which have been taken in Greece for the promotion of women's participation in the economy and the securing of equal opportunities in the labour market.

Financial News

[13] FinMin praises statistical service upgraded, improved role

Addressing an event to celebrate the New Year, Alogoskoufis said over the last few years efforts were made to restore fiscal transparency, with significant efforts made to better measure economic data and help draft a more credible economic policy.

'Credibility,' he said, 'is a vital element of economic policy and we will insist on this'.

The Greek minister noted that the statistical service has managed to restore the country's fiscal credibility, but stressed there was still room for improvement.

'There are things in the economy going well, but also weaknesses in the structure of the economy and society,' he said, citing tax-evasion, unfair practices and poverty.

[14] FinMin to visit Australia in April

The Greek minister briefed Theophanous over his upcoming official visit to Australia in April, heading a business delegation, to promote bilateral economic ties.

[15] Rise in business activity normal, industry says

More developments were likely in all sectors of the economy involving higher capital stemming from greater inflows into the Athens bourse, coupled with inflows for mergers and acquisitions and across-the-board investment, Daskalopoulos noted.

[16] Greece's participation in Vienna's Int'l Tourism Exhibition leaves best impressions

Greece took part in the four-day International Tourism Exhibition of Vienna which ended on Sunday and its partici-pation was particularly successful.

Greece's participation left a positive impression and Austria's tourist flow to Greece this year appears particulary favourable. It is foreseen that there will be a great demand and a significant increase, surpassing by far last year's 600,000 arrivals to Greece by Austrian tourists.

Last Friday's terrorist attack at the U.S. Embassy in Athens left completely indifferent the Austrian public and entrepreneurs in the tourism sector.

The large and impressive pavilion of the Greek National Tourist Organisation (GNTO) and of its co- exhibitors from various regions of Greece attracted more than 120,000 visitors who showed particular interest for holidays and relevant bookings in Greece, without making the slightest comment on the rocket attack last Friday against the U.S. Embassy in Athens.

[17] Daskalopoulos: '2007 a pre-election or even an election year'

Dimitris Daskalopoulos, president of the Federation of Greek Industries, again criticized the country's Competition Authority for its handling of a probe into the fresh milk market, noting that there were legal gaps in a recommendation issued by the authority. The authority has ruled that a "cartel" is active in the sector.

The Greek industry leader said he hoped all enterprises cited in the case would be wholly exonerated by an ongoing judicial investigation.

[18] IOBE survey on Greek construction sector

IOBE, in a survey, said prospects were positive based on expectations of high absorption rates of community funds by Greece, totalling 20.1 billion euros for the period 2007-2013.

The survey said funds earmarked for infrastructure projects in the period 2007-2008 totalled 28.42 billion euros, while projecting an increase in absorption rates this year, although the institute warned of a risk of losing funds because delays still existed.

Private building activity was the second most important factor for the sector's prospects. The survey said house prices soared by 134.02 percent in the period 1995-2004, for an average annual growth rate of 9.91 pct in urban areas around the country. It noted, however, that households' debt burden remain lower compared with Eurozone average rates. IOBE predicted a slight decline in demand for new homes, as well as for a consolidation in home purchase prices. The survey forecast that the construction sector would continue growing by 2013 on the condition that both the state and private sector would be able to effectively deal with all the afore-mentioned challenges.

The construction sector grew on an average annual rate of 5.6 pct in the period 1995-2004 (in added value terms in fixed prices) raising the sector's participation in the country's GDP to 6.4 percent. Larger construction firms almost tripled their turnover in the 10-year period.

The survey said the domestic construction sector did not show any signs of integration, with the five largest companies accounting for 7.8 pct of total turnover in the country. Exactly 77.96 pct of firms were personal companies, while 97.69 pct of all enterprises employed less than five workers and 92.31 pct reported a turnover of less than 150,000 euros.

The public works sector, however, was largely integrated, with the five largest companies accounting for 32.9 pct of turnover. The sector accounted for 7.2 pct of total employment in the country.

[19] Intralot buys 50.1% of Argentina's Techno Accion

The deal further strengthens Intralot's position in Latin America, as the company is already active in Chile, Peru and Colombia.

Techno Accion offers integrated lottery and gaming systems solutions in Argentina and it is the second largest such company in the country.

Intralot purchased a 50.1-pct stake in the company, with the remaining acquired by HAPSA, the operator of the horse racing concession in Buenos Aires and of the Casino Club.

The deal values the company at 22 million US dollars. Techno Accion's net cash flow position is 3.5 million US dollars.

Commenting on the deal, Constantinos Antonopoulos, Intralot's chief executive, said "Argentina's gaming and lottery market is very interesting, with very favourable growth prospects for the next years".

Argentina's gaming and lottery market totals 3.7 billion US dollars, 30 US dollars per capita, or 0.2 pct of per capita GDP.

[20] Farm cooperatives need revitalisation

"Wherever cooperatives operate effectively, the differential between production and consumer prices is narrower," Kontos told a seminar in the northern port city of Thessaloniki.

"Only viable and strong cooperatives can back the drive for growth and competitiveness in Greek agriculture and livestock breeding," Kontos noted.

[21] Informer in share buyback

The buyback price range will be two-five euros per share, the company said in a statement.

The deadline is January 14, 2008, the statement added.

[22] Gov't finances olive investments

Measures taken by the government and a publicity campaign had led to a major rise in olive oil for export, the minister noted.

In January-August 2006, olive oil exports jumped by 47.7% against the same period a year earlier, he stated.

[23] Greek stocks end 0.5% higher on Monday

Sector indices ended higher with the Chemicals (4.08 pct), Financial Services (3.08 pct) and Oil (1.64 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while the Media (0.55 pct), Telecoms (0.51 pct) and Technology (0.33 pct) suffered losses.

The Big Cap index rose 0.50 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 1.09 pct higher and the Small Cap index rose 0.75 pct. Hitech (20 pct), Hellenic Acquaculture (12.07 pct), Epilektos (9.88 pct) were top gainers, while Vis (19.55 pct), Tria Alpha (17.88 pct) and Varvaressos (9.32 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 150 to 107 with another 54 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +0.63%

Industrials: +0.21%

Commercial: +1.11%

Construction: +0.28%

Media: -0.55%

Oil & Gas: +1.64%

Personal & Household: +0.28%

Raw Materials: +1.48%

Travel & Leisure: +0.01%

Technology: -0.33%

Telecoms: -0.51%

Banks: +0.89%

Food & Beverages: -0.06%

Health: +0.34%

Utilities: -0.20%

Chemicals: +4.08%

Financial Services: +3.08%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, Alpha Bank, Marfin Popular Bank, Piraeus Bank, and Bank of Cyprus.

Selected shares from the FTSE/ASE-20 index closed in euros as follows:

Alpha Bank: 25.24

ATEbank: 4.36

Public Power Corp (PPC): 20.64

HBC Coca Cola: 29.90

Hellenic Petroleum: 10.88

Emporiki Bank: 22.98

National Bank of Greece: 37.18

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 30.00

Intralot: 27.48

Cosmote: 23.34

OPAP: 29.60

OTE: 23.90

Titan Cement Company: 42.10

[24] Derivatives Market Close: ATEbank top in stock futures trade