Athens News Agency: News Bulletin in English, 07-02-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis: 'Education reforms backed by citizens', education minister details proposals

[02] Framework law for universities the government's 'final proposal', spokesman says

[03] FM Dora Bakoyannis warns Turkey over Cyprus oil exploitation rights

[04] DM: Cypriot President's meetings in Athens will be at top level

[05] PASOK leader calls for Parliamentary debate on 'social cohesion'

[06] Mitsotakis urges broader proposals for Constitutional revision

[07] EU environment ministers decide on reduction of CO2 emissions by 20%

[08] Foreign ministry spokesman comments on local Albanian elections

[09] Arson attack in Athens

[10] GSEE, PASOK condemn attack by hooded assailants

[11] Govt to present draft bill on consumer protection next month

[12] Greek pension funds' assets at 28.9 bln euros

[13] Agriculture minister says farmers' incomes increased by 2.5%

[14] Deputy finance minister approves 10 million euros for Macedonia-Thrace ministry

[15] Central bank urges banks to reduce bad loans

[16] Greek industry turnover index up 3.3 pct in December 2006, yr/yr

[17] Greek economic sentiment index up in January

[18] Marfin Popular Bank buys 57 pct of Hilton Cyprus for 51.9 mln euros

[19] Greece the third biggest investor in Bulgaria

[20] Mytilineos Group to build 412MW electricity production station

[21] Ionian Hotels says 2006 pre-tax profits at 2.3 million euros

[22] Cyclon Hellas starts subsidiary in Romania

[23] Protesters demand back pay for wildfire prevention works

[24] Deputy finance minister comments on tourist investment in Messinia prefecture

[25] Egyptian cuisine, culture week in Athens

[26] Greek stocks end 0.76 pct higher

[27] Greek bond market closing report

[28] Foreign Exchange Rates - Wednesday

[29] Culture minister reviews past work, future plans

[30] EU aid for 2006 flood damages in Evros

[31] Ioannina celebrates 94th liberation anniversary

[32] Events marking birth centennial of poet Engonopoulos

[33] Paraplegic mother who witnessed son's shooting by father dies

[34] Suspect in Vartholomeos homicide files for divorce

[35] Overseas Greeks facilitated in obtaining passports

[36] Ministry offices targeted by thieves

[37] Houvardas named new director of National Theatre

[38] Train service time schedule changes

[39] Weather forecast: Showers, storms on Wednesday

[40] Papadopoulos to discuss Cyprus question with Greek political leadership

[41] PACE President meets President Papadopoulos

[42] Italian President briefed on Cyprus issue

[01] Karamanlis: 'Education reforms backed by citizens', education minister details proposals

In brief televised comments immediately afterwards, Karamanlis said the four primary axes envisioned, among others, encourage universities' autonomy and the independent management of their finances; promote their wider role in society; upgrade degrees bestowed by Greek higher education institutions and, especially, curtail political parties' influence in rectors' elections by mandating a vote by all registered students.

"There are no margins for deadlock and stagnation. Citizens, young people and their families want changes," he stressed, adding: "Now is the time for decisions. Mature reforms for a mature society. We have exhausted all margins for dialogue."

In touching on the heated opposition to the prospects of such reforms, spearheaded primarily by the university professors' union (POSDEP) and the leftist opposition, Karamanlis noted that "certain minority opinions are reacting to change."

"The goal is to upgrade state universities, for Greek degrees to become more prestigious and for degree-holders to find employment corresponding to their qualifications," the premier added.

In terms of the contentious university asylum regime, Karamanlis said that not only was the asylum law "not being abolished, but instead it is being upgraded to safeguard the free exchange of ideas, something that is today being impeded by unrestrained violence."

In addressing her counterparts at the Inner Cabinet meeting, Education and Religious Affairs Minister Marietta Yiannakou outlined the draft bill's provisions.

In terms of the Constitutional revision process and the government's stated intent to eventually revise Article XVI in order to allow the establishment and operation of recognised non-state universities in the country, Parliament is slated to hold its first vote on Thursday on which relevant articles will be eligible for revision by the Parliament plenum to arise from the next general elections, which will be a revisionary Parliament. A second vote is scheduled to come at the end of March.

Education minister details draft bill

In a subsequent wide-ranging press conference, Yiannakou detailed the provisions of the draft bill first outlined by Karamanlis, as well as fielding press questions during a conference carried live by the state-run broadcaster and other television stations.

In reply to a bevy of questions regarding the university asylum regime - a taboo subject for much of the opposition ' Yiannakou said the draft bill envisions that each university's council of rectors -- or the administrative council at the tertiary Technical Educational Institutes (TEIs) -- will be responsible for deciding when the need arises to lift the asylum, a decision that will also necessitate the presence of a judicial officer.

"Academic asylum exists to serve the freedom of (exchange of) ideas and not to facilitate criminal behaviour. The state is creating flexible conditions so that university officials have the responsibility to autonomously protect the real meaning of asylum and the students who want to learn without hindrance, as well as state university campuses, which are the property of the Greek people," Yiannakou emphasised.

She also noted that it was up to university boards themselves to define what areas of their campuses will enjoy asylum status, which at present expressly forbids the presence of law enforcement personnel and uniformed military officers in higher education facilities.

Regarding the controversial issue of "eternal undergraduates", she said an eight-year ceiling is proposed for students to finish four-year degree programmes, with at another two semesters possibly granted if extenuating circumstances arise. She said this measure is expected to come into effect for new admissions during the fall semester (September), whereas undergraduates can suspend their studies -- and by extension, their collegiate status - and retain the right of re-admission into the same programme.

Selection of a school's rector and its two vice-rectors, according to Yiannakou, is expected to be realised via election by the entire registered student body and not by representatives of political party-affiliated student groups, as is the case now.

The education minister, a psychiatrist by training, said the proposed charges in rectors' elections even comes amid opposition by the ruling New Democracy party's own affiliated students' group, DAP, which regularly wins the majority of seats in student elections at most tertiary institutes around the country, as she said.

Other high-profile proposals include:

ü Election and appointment of tenured university researchers exclusively by the school's organs, with the education ministry limited to validating the legality of the relevant appointments.

ü Allocation of at least one free textbook per lesson, and the obligatory provision, by professors/lecturers, of a bibliography and syllabus for each lesson.

ü Availability of financial aid to eligible students via interest-free loans as well as scholarships in return

for on-campus employment.

ü Universities' obligation to list detailed information regarding academic programmes, administrative issues and their finances on dedicated websites.

ü Buttressing tertiary education institutions' financial and administrative autonomy with the tabling of four-year development plans outlining their academic, research and organisational needs over the period.

In response to other questions, Yiannakou dismissed the possibility that the heated issue of education reform will lead to early elections, saying merely that the "government is behaving institutionally, in contrast to other governments we witnessed in the past. The government has no reason to call early elections over this matter".

Debate on the draft bill will begin next week in Parliament's education affairs committee.

[02] Framework law for universities the government's 'final proposal', spokesman says

He had been asked whether the government was open to incorporating changes into the draft law, which had been unanimously approved by the cabinet earlier the same day.

The spokesman also clarified that the draft law will be tabled and voted on in accordance with ordinary Parliamentary procedure.

"Reform to education is going ahead, it is a government pledge and a demand made by the citizens," Antonaros said, announcing the cabinet's decision.

His statement was echoed by Education Minister Marietta Yiannakou as she emerged from the cabinet meeting, who said that the draft bill prepared by her ministry was a "very important reform for the educational sector, that concerned the future of the entire Greek people".

Statements were also made by several other ministers, who described the measures as long overdue and said that they expressed the "government's active interest in upgrading state universities".

National Defence Minister Evangelos Meimarakis stressed that the time allowed for dialogue on the proposed reforms had been "more than sufficient" and expressed conviction that they would be widely supported by the public.

Environment Minister George Souflias, meanwhile, said that possible reactions to the proposed changes would not have any effect on when the next elections are held.

Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos said that the measures were the government's answer to those who had doubted its desire to support state universities.

He stressed that the government's proposal for private, non-profit universities, which was linked to the revision of the Constitution, was an attempt to put a stop to the financial exploitation that had spread to universities and for which past governments were responsible.

According to Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, meanwhile, the proposed draft law was an important step toward establishing "better universities that the students deserve".

Draft education bill a 'communications gimmick', Papandreou says

Main opposition leader George Papandreou dismissed a draft framework bill for higher education reform unveiled by the government on Tuesday as a "communications gimmick" with which to end its term in office.

The government's proposals lacked daring and barely addressed the serious problems faced by Greek universities and the education system, the head of PASOK stressed.

"The government has proved that on this important issue, also, it has nothing to offer. PASOK is the guarantor of a progressive and substantial proposal for changing state education," he added.

Responding to statements made by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, Papandreou also accused the government of not exploiting the preceding months of dialogue to achieve the greatest possible consensus, stressing that he would have been ready to contribute "if the government had dared".

PASOK's leader criticised the measures outlined on Tuesday by Education Minister Marietta Yiannakou as "sloppy and fragmentary" and said that measures to boost university autonomy, in particular, did not go far enough and continued a logic of state control.

Commenting on measures for rectors' elections proposed by the government, he said there was "no serious plan" for the reorganisation of universities, which would lead to their domination by party politics and encourage jobbery in relations between teachers and students.

Selection of a school's rector and its two vice-rectors, according to Yiannakou, is expected to be realised via election by the entire registered student body and not by representatives of political party-affiliated student groups, as is the case now.

The main opposition leader also debunked other sections of the proposed framework law as inadequate and unable to achieve the aims in view, including a system for scholarships and low-cost loans for students, measures to restrict so-called 'eternal students' that extended undergraduate studies into decades, university asylum and others.

Papandreou, who had earlier chaired a meeting of PASOK's Parliamentary Council, finally accused the government of downgrading and under funding state universities, while handling education issues autocratically and by imposing partisanship.

Government spokesman

Minister of State and government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, commenting on statements made by main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou, said on Tuesday that "after underlining his will to support the revision of article 16 for months and at every possible level, Papandreou ultimately chose PASOK's easy and usual solution of absence."

"Today, while the government is submitting responsibly the draft law on the reforming of third-stage education, PASOK, after abstaining from dialogue for months, is proving once again that it doesn't have a specific proposal to contribute even now. In any case, the citizens will draw their conclusions," Roussopoulos said.

Communist Party joins in opposing framework bill for education

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) on Tuesday joined in a chorus of opposition that greeted the government's draft bill for reforming higher education, unveiled earlier the same day.

"The framework law for tertiary education that the government has, once again, submitted must be rejected," KKE Political Bureau member Dimitris Arvanitakis said.

The draft framework law was unanimously approved during an inner cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Tuesday. The government announced that the draft bill, which is due to be tabled in Parliament for processing under normal Parliamentary proceedings, represents its final proposals for higher education reform.

Commenting on a regime of four-year individual agreements for educational institutes that are introduced under the government's framework law, Arvanitakis said that these gave an official stamp to the efforts of big business to fully control study courses and university research.

"This is pure privatisation and downgrading of universities. It strives to deal a critical blow to university asylum, the student movement, free trade union and political action," Arvanitakis added.

Coalition party asks government to withdraw framework law

Reacting to the framework law unveiled on Tuesday, Coalition of the Left, of Movements and Ecology (SYN) party leader Alekos Alavanos accused the government of "operating under a syndrome of vengeance and defeat". He asked the government "not to proceed with tabling the bill and listen to the voice of reason".

He said the government move was "lighting a new fire within universities" when these were on the verge of opening, after the positive outcome of protests by students and academics against revising article 16 of the Constitution.

Alavanos, who is also a vociferous opponent of revising article 16 and of plans to allow private universities to be established in Greece, warned that the government would face strenuous opposition if it chose a path of confrontation:

"It will find it everywhere. Inside universities, in society and on the streets. The new framework law will have the same fate as article 16," he underlined.

Government plans to get the go-ahead for revising article 16 of the Constitution in the present Parliament were scuppered when main opposition PASOK announced that it was withdrawing from the revision process. Article 16 currently stipulates that all universities and higher education institutes in Greece must belong to the state sector.

ND's Evert underlines need for educational reforms

The reforms introduced by the government's draft framework law for higher education are absolutely necessary, former New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert stressed on Tuesday. The Greek education system had sunk to very low standards, with most university schools unable to do their job and the problems had also spread to high school education, he claimed.

"It was and is necessary for the government to shoulder its responsibilities and put an end to the anarchy that prevails," Evert underlined.

He was speaking shortly after the inner cabinet unanimously approved a bill introducing a series of reforms to the operation of universities and technological educational institutes prepared by the education ministry.

He stressed that some academics seem to have forgotten their fundamental mission - teaching and research - and devoted all their time to non-university activities, while producing almost no research results or scientific papers.

Evert additionally referred to the need to stop the abuse of university asylum laws, which allowed acts of vandalism or the takeover of universities by small minorities of students.

According to data quoted in a UNICEF report on child wellbeing that was released on February 14, Greek 15-year-olds ranked last in a group of 25 developed countries in reading, mathematical and scientific literacy.

Framework law for education has mixed reception in academia

The government's decision to push through a draft framework law for reforming higher education had a mixed reception in the academic community on Tuesday.

Top echelons in university trade union movement accused the government of playing "political games" and rushing to submit its proposals after promising to allow time for dialogue.

Other academics, such as Macedonia University rector Ilias Kouskouvelis, however, were more positively disposed to the proposals in the framework law and said that measures to boost the administrative and financial independence of universities were moving in the right direction.

The president of the Pan-Hellenic Federation of University Teachers' Associations (POSDEP) Lazaros Apekis, speaking at an event in Thessaloniki regarding a protest, said the government had struck another blow against public education while attempting political manoeuvres for its own ends.

[03] FM Dora Bakoyannis warns Turkey over Cyprus oil exploitation rights

Bakoyannis, who was briefing the members of the relevant Parliamentary Committee on developments regarding foreign policy issues, pointed out to Turkey that it must respect and respond fully to European criteria, placing emphasis on good neighbourliness.

"I believe and hope that Turkey will not close it eyes to the prospect of a better future for itself. That, despite upsurges of fanaticism, it will remain bent on peace. We realise that it is experiencing an election period. However, it will not be an alibi for the creation of a climate of tension without a cause. It cannot be an excuse for non-stability," the foreign minister said.

Focusing on the issue of Cyprus, Bakoyannis said that "our position was and is that Cyprus has the right to conclude agreements in the framework of international rules."

The foreign minister also sent a double message to both Albania, on the occasion of its local elections and developments in Himare, and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), regarding its intransigent stance on the issue of its name.

"Just like the OSCE and the EU, Greece also ascertains phenomena of malfunctioning and irregularity in Himare, something that is causing particular concern for us," she said.

Bakoyannis was also critical of FYROM for its decision to change the name of its capital's airport to "Alexander the Great", saying that "it is not an act of good neighbourlinesss, it is historically stale, counter-productive and violates the interim agreement of 1995."

Lastly, referring to developments in Kosovo, Bakoyannis underlined Greece's support for the Ahtisaari proposals and called on both sides to avoid unilateral actions.

[04] DM: Cypriot President's meetings in Athens will be at top level

Asked whether there was fear over possible reactions by Turkey, Meimarakis said that "we fear nothing", but added that "we are obliged, however, to examine and analyse every action so as to preventively face every move".

Foreign minister Dora Bakoyannis, asked why she has not been invited to the dinner in honour of Papadopoulos that prime minister Costas Karamanlis will be hosting at his home in Rafina, Bakoyannis said that "naturally I have not been invited to a dinner that is between the two leaders".

The foreign ministry, she added, has prepared the itinerary of the discussions that will take place Wednesday.

Bakoyannis stressed that cooperation with the Cypriot side is "continuous and good".

Papadopoulos arrived in Athens on Tuesday evening for a two-day working visit and talks with the political leadership in Greece to discuss the latest developments concerning the Cyprus issue.

He is due to meet on Wednesday with premier Karamanlis, which will be followed by a joint press conference. Karamanlis will earlier hold a working session with foreign minister Bakoyannis.

The talks with Karamanlis will also cover the oil exploration and exploitation rights in the sea area south of Cyprus.

The Cyprus president will receive the leaders of the Greek political parties separately on Wednesday afternoon.

On Thursday, Papadopoulos is scheduled to meet with President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias, before returning to Cyprus.

Later, during a regular press briefing, alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros said that Cypriot President Papadopoulos will hold deliverations with President Papoulias, prime minister Karamanlis and the leaders of the political parties in Athens on Wednesday and Thursday.

To a question on the dinner at Karamanlis' home, Antonaros replied that "everything has been arranged in full cooperation with the foreign ministry".

To another question, the spokesman replied that before the meeting at the Maximos Mansion government headquarters with the Cypriot delegation, Karamanlis would confer with foreign minister Bakoyannis.

[05] PASOK leader calls for Parliamentary debate on 'social cohesion'

In a letter he sent to Parliament President Anna Benaki-Psarouda, the PASOK leader said that 'after three years of the country's governance by the New Democracy, the government's hidden agenda has been revealed and despite its pre-election commitments, the policy it is following excessively burdens the low and middle incomes, while with a multitude of favourable provisions, it serves the interests of the few and the economically strong and makes social inequality acute.'

He further noted that 'the reduction of the Greek economy's competitiveness, the conscious disdain of state-run businesses and their granting to foreign interests, leads to the shrinking of the country's productive basis, to the increase of unemployment and the undermining of the country's role and prospects.'

[06] Mitsotakis urges broader proposals for Constitutional revision

At the same time, he was deeply critical of PASOK leader George Papandreou for pulling his party out of the revision process, saying the decision was a "major political mistake" and confirmed that Papandreou was not ready to lead a big party with hopes to govern.

Given the main opposition's withdrawal, however, and the fact that any change to the Constitution would have to be made by the next Parliament with a larger majority, Mitsotakis said that ND should take steps to include revisions proposed by PASOK and the left-wing parties while at the same time insisting on proposals for the management of public funds so as to solve the problem of rising deficits and public debt.

The former premier also underlined a need to change laws giving government ministers almost total immunity from prosecution for ordinary criminal offences while in office, saying that Greece was the "only country in the civilised world" where this was the case.

[07] EU environment ministers decide on reduction of CO2 emissions by 20%

The EU Council of Environment Ministers convened in Brussels on Tuesday and reached an in principle political agreement for the European Union (EU) to unilaterally undertake commitment for the reduction of the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) by at least 20 per cent (in relation to 1990 levels) until 2020.

The Council also supported the need for the achievement of an international agreement which will lead to the reduction by 30 per cent of CO2 emissions by developed countries until 2020.

Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas termed as an 'encouraging factor the support expressed by all the EU member-states to the European Commission's proposals,' at the same time noting 'the leading role which the EU should play in dealing with climatic changes.'

Commenting on the Council's decision, Dimas said 'the EU showed its decisiveness regarding the undertaking of the unilateral commitment for the reduction of emissions' and expressed conviction that 'a compromise solution will be found among the member-states on the manner of distribution of the reduction of emissions.'

German Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel termed the Council's decision as an 'ambitious plan.'

He said during a press conference that 'the 27 ministers of the EU's member-states in principle support the proposal for the unilateral reduction on the part of the EU of CO2 emissions by 20 per cent until 2020 and by 30 per cent if other industrialized countries as well proceed in corresponding reductions." Gabriel added that this is expected to be the negotiating line of the Europeans, when talks begin for a new international treaty which will replace the Kyoto Protocol.

[08] Foreign ministry spokesman comments on local Albanian elections

"The great delay being observed in the completion of the counting of ballots, particularly in the region of Himare (a stronghold of the ethnic Greek community), where obstruction in the counting is causing justified wonder and concern, is continuing to trouble us," he said.

Koumoutsakos added that "we are also keeping to the first assessment made by international observers and the ODIHR that the way that the elections were held was 'yet another lost opportunity'," and pointed out that "we hope that, in the end, the results will reflect the real will of the voters, since the holding of free and democratic elections constitutes a basic term for closer relations of cooperation between Albania and the EU."

[09] Arson attack in Athens

The same individuals set a telephone network box on fire putting out of order a surveillance camera outside the building.

[10] GSEE, PASOK condemn attack by hooded assailants

"With sledgehammers, stones and molotov bombs, literally unobstructed by the police, they caused damage to the building, placing the lives of employees and trade union officials on the premises at the time in grave danger," GSEE said in an announcement.

PASOK's spokesman Petros Efthymiou deplored the attack and linked it absolutely to the attack on former GSEE president Christos Polyzogopoulos a few months ago, while expressing the party's solidarity to the Confederation's elected representatives.

Financial News

[11] Govt to present draft bill on consumer protection next month

The Greek minister, speaking to reporters, said a National Consumer Council meeting in Nafplio (next Friday and Saturday) would discuss elements of a draft bill on consumer protection, including air travellers' rights, banks' abusive terms, the winter sales season and operation of retail stores three Sundays each year.

Papathanasiou announced that a new price list for pharmaceutical products would be issued this month.

[12] Greek pension funds' assets at 28.9 bln euros

The minister told reporters that the government's spending on social insurance would total 10.8 billion euros this year, up from 9.663 billion euros in 2006, an increase of 11.7 percent. Tsitouridis said spending accounted for 5.17 pct of the country's Gross Domestic Product this year, up from 4.96 percent in 2006. He also noted that the government's policy laid the foundations for a restructuring of social insurance funds, allowing the next government to implement all necessary reforms amid a transition period.

Tsitouridis added, however, that ruling ND party does not seek to raise retirement ages, nor does it intend to raise social contributions or cut pensions. Tsitouridis also announced a series of legislative initiatives aimed to cut contribution evasion, restructure health care costs and to rein in spending by pension funds.

Finally, he unveiled a new website (www.periousia.gr) that will list the assets of social insurance funds.

[13] Agriculture minister says farmers' incomes increased by 2.5%

Basiakos recalled that the 'European Union's new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which we are obliged to implement, was approved in June 2003 (PASOK government).'

Basiakos was responding to statements by the head of the Agricultural Development Section of PASOK's Parliamentary Council, Vengelis Argyris.

Argyris had said that 'the Greek farmers today feel disappointment, insecurity and fear.' He was speaking during Tuesday's meeting of the party's Parliamentary Council.

According to Argyris, 'the farmers feel disappointed because (Prime Minister Costas) Karamanlis and his government forgot all their pre-election commitments, insecurity because they cannot make ends meet and their income has dropped more than 17 per cent these past three years, but also fear about the future.'

[14] Deputy finance minister approves 10 million euros for Macedonia-Thrace ministry

The decision, also signed by Minister of Macedonia and Thrace, George Kalantzis, anticipates that money orders required for these expenditures will be issued in the name of local administration bodies, as well as in the name of other beneficiary agencies.

[15] Central bank urges banks to reduce bad loans

Nikos Garganas, the Bank of Greece's governor, urged Greek bankers to intensify efforts to cut the current 6 percent rate of delayed loans to around 3-3.5 pct, currently the EU average.

The problem with delayed loans is a "hot topic" in Greek banking sector, not only because of the high rate recorded by Greek banks, but also because of a new regulatory framework implemented by the Basel II rules. The new framework calls on financial institutions' board to determine the ceiling of accepted delayed loans and to report it to the central bank.

The central banker also urged Greek banks to adopt a unified system of recording bad debt in their quarterly balance sheets.

Under International Accounting Standards, banks are not obliged to record interest on loans delayed for more than six months (excluding mortgage loans).

The Bank of Greece also called on local banks to implement a more efficient control of pricing of services, such as credit transfer payments and commissions.

[16] Greek industry turnover index up 3.3 pct in December 2006, yr/yr

The turnover index in the manufacturing sector rose 3.3 pct in December, while the index in the mining sector grew 3.8 pct over the same month.

The new orders index (measuring both the domestic and foreign markets) rose slightly by 0.6 pct in December 2006.

[17] Greek economic sentiment index up in January

IOBE said a steady improvement since mid-2005 has led the index to high levels, surpassing the country's long-term average level.

The report attributed the January improvement to an improvement in business climate, reflecting more positive forecasts for the current activity and more favourable prospects for the coming months. On the other hand, however, consumers were more pessimistic in January over their forecasts for the country's and their households' economic conditions.

The business expectations index in manufacturing rose to 104.5 points in January, from 102 in December, significantly higher compared with 99.3 points in January 2006.

The business expectations index in constructions rebounded after three months of declines to 106 points in January form 104.5 in December and 87.9 in January 2006.

The business expectations index in the retail sector jumped to 127.2 in January from 120.9 in December.

The business expectations index in the services sector rose to 111.4 points in January from 109.2 in December.

The consumer confidence index fell to -31 in January from -28 in December.

[18] Marfin Popular Bank buys 57 pct of Hilton Cyprus for 51.9 mln euros

Under the agreement, the Investment Bank of Greece (a member of Marfin Popular Bank Group) will buy 1,709,889 shares of KETA, owner of Hilton Cyprus in Nicosia for 51.9 million euros or 30.47 euros per share.

Louis plc will maintain a 20 percent equity stake in the hotel and a representation in KETA, while Clin Company Ltd, the main shareholder of Louis plc will sell an additional 218,798 shares, or 7.3 pct in KETA.

Completion of the agreement is due diligence and needs shareholders' approval. The deal is the first step towards a closer cooperation between the two groups in Southeastern Mediterranean.

[19] Greece the third biggest investor in Bulgaria

Greece has been the third biggest investor in Bulgaria over the past 15 years, as was announced during the recent annual exhibition titled "Banks, investments, money", that was held in Plovdiv.

In the framework of the exhibition, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Bulgaria Ivajlo Kalfin gave Greece's Ambassador to Sofia, Danai-Magdalini Koumanakou, a relevant award during a special formal ceremony.

According to Dimitris Zomas, an adviser at the Greek embassy in Sofia, the total amount of Greek capital investments in Bulgaria have reached one billion euros.

Speaking to the ANA-MPA, Zomas underlined the dynamic presence of five banks of Greek concern in the Bulgarian market, as well as the successful activation of big and small and medium-size Greek businesses in most sectors of the Bulgarian economy.

[20] Mytilineos Group to build 412MW electricity production station

The 412 MW station will be build by MPGS SA, a subsidiary of Mytilineos Group. The energy station will use combined cycle technology with natural gas and will have an annual production capacity of around 2,500 GWh. The project is budgeted at 215 million euros.

Building will begin in March and completion is project in June 2009. The project completes the first stage of an Energy Center Plan in Aghios Nikolaos, unveiled in 2005. The combined project has a power capacity of 742 MW and will add significantly to the southern electricity grid of the country.

[21] Ionian Hotels says 2006 pre-tax profits at 2.3 million euros

Pre-tax, interest and amortization earnings (EBITDA) rose to 12.5 million euros in 2006, from 10.8 million in 2005, while turnover rose to 48.7 million euros from 43.2 million euros over the same period. The company said it would skip dividend payment to shareholders.

[22] Cyclon Hellas starts subsidiary in Romania

Cyclon Hellas and Arcelia Holdings Ltd will hold a 5.0-pct equity stake each, while Bulvaria AP Ltd will control 95 pct of the new company's shares. The new company will distribute Cyclon's oil products and lubricants in the Romanian market.

[23] Protesters demand back pay for wildfire prevention works

The protesters demanded three months back pay for approximately 70 colleagues employed in forest fire protection works after last summer's devastating wildfires in verdant Halkidiki prefecture of northern Greece.

[24] Deputy finance minister comments on tourist investment in Messinia prefecture

Speaking during the processing of the relevant bill in Parliament, Folias called for support from all sides in Parliament for an investment submitted 10 years ago, that was promoted by the previous government and "unblocked" by the present one.

[25] Egyptian cuisine, culture week in Athens

Based on official figures presented at a press conference, a total of nine million tourists visited the country last year.

In a related development, Greece and Egypt are in the process of forging two agreements, on information exchange and the establishment of a tourism professionals' training institute in Egypt. In addition, a tripartite agreement has been signed between Greece, Egypt and Cyprus aimed at attracting tourists from the Far East.

[26] Greek stocks end 0.76 pct higher

Sector indices moved higher, with the Raw Materials (4.76 pct), Industrial Products (3.17 pct) and Technology (3.16 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while Travel (0.40 pct), Food-Beverage (0.31 pct) and Commerce (0.13 pct) suffered losses.

The Big Cap index rose 0.42 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 1.66 pct higher and the Small Cap index ended 1.22 pct up.

Varvaressos (17.44 pct), Forthnet (13.13 pct) and Viokarpet (13.0 pct) were top gainers, while Allatini Ceramics (12.84 pct), Tasoglou (7.06 pct) and Desmos (6.9 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 169 to 77 with another 62 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +1.17%

Industrials: +3.17%

Commercial: -0.13%

Construction: +2.17%

Media: +0.60%

Oil & Gas: +1.01%

Personal & Household: +1.29%

Raw Materials: +4.76%

Travel & Leisure: -0.40%

Technology: +3.16%

Telecoms: +0.91%

Banks: +0.15%

Food & Beverages: -0.31%

Health: +1.13%

Utilities: +2.05%

Chemicals: -0.12%

Financial Services: +0.81%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, OTE, OPAP and Eurobank.

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

Alpha Bank: 24.64

ATEbank: 4.08

Public Power Corp (PPC): 22.16

HBC Coca Cola: 31.10

Hellenic Petroleum: 11.12

Emporiki Bank: 21.90

National Bank of Greece: 40.36

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 30.10

Intralot: 25.60

Cosmote: 22.88

OPAP: 28.36

OTE: 22.48

Titan Cement Company: 46.52

[27] Greek bond market closing report

The 10-year benchmark bond (July 20, 2016) was the most heavily traded security with a turnover of 865 million euros, while the yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German bonds was unchanged at 0.23 percent. The Greek bond yielded 4.33 pct and the German Bund 4.10 pct.

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were mixed. National Bank's overnight rate was 3.58 pct, the two-day rate was 3.58 pct, the one-month rate rose to 3.67 pct from 3.65 pct on Friday and the 12-month rate rose to 4.11 pct from 4.10 pct over the same period, respectively.

[28] Foreign Exchange Rates - Wednesday

U.S. dollar 1.325

Pound sterling 0.678

Danish kroner 7.515

Swedish kroner 9.327

Japanese yen 159.27

Swiss franc 1.638

Norwegian kroner 8.105

Cyprus pound 0.583

Canadian dollar 1.544

Australian dollar 1.684

General News

[29] Culture minister reviews past work, future plans

Among these he listed attempts to speed up developments in the area of modern and contemporary culture in order to improve the regulatory framework and infrastructure.

He also referred to ministry efforts to record and preserve the former royal estate at Tatoi, which includes buildings, grounds and movable objects, such as paintings.

Work is currently underway to video and register the smaller objects, which should be completed in two weeks time, while the ministry is conducting studies for the repair and preservation of the buildings and items at Tatoi, Voulgarakis said.

During the press conference, the minister listed a series of successes achieved in the past year, such as the return of four important Greek antiquities held at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles and of fragments removed from the Parthenon and Erechtheion on the Athens Acropolis, or a UN resolution for the return of cultural goods to their country of origin.

He announced that the ministry was close to signing bilateral agreements with Italy and China on protecting cultural treasures and stamping out antiquities-smuggling.

Among complaints voiced by the minister were "inflexibility and slow reactions" among lower-level staff at the ministry, citing as an example the failure of ministry staff to inform him of the recent discovery of an ancient theatre in the Athens district of Menidi, which he claimed to have first learned from the mass media.

[30] EU aid for 2006 flood damages in Evros

EU Commissioner Danuta Hubner, responsible for regional policy, said the decision is proof of EU solidarity toward a region hit by floods.

The European Commission pointed out that apart from the damage caused to agriculture, the flooding was responsible for serious damage to transportation infrastructure and water supply networks, estimated at 372 million euros. The Commission also stressed that flooding in 2005 and 2006 was the worst of the past 50 years.

[31] Ioannina celebrates 94th liberation anniversary

The municipality of Ioannina gave a formal dinner on Tuesday evening in honor of the president, who delivered a commemorative speech following an address by the city mayor.

'Today's anniversary is a day of memory and reflection. It reminds us that those who forget are forgotten. We attribute honor to the national gains of the past so as to have a creative present and a hopeful future,' Papoulias said in his address.

The president will attend a morning service at the Agios Athanasios Cathedral on Wednesday before visiting the 8th Army Division headquarters, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Bizani Fighters Monument.

A formal dinner at the Army Officers' Club will be given in honor of the President after the completion of a military and student parade.

President Papoulias is scheduled to inaugurate the 'Balkan Wars 1912-13' and 'Epirotes in Venice, 16th and 19th century' exhibitions held at the 'Kostas Frontzos' Folkloric Art Museum, while he will also visit the 'Alexander the Great' exhibition at the Municipal Library.

[32] Events marking birth centennial of poet Engonopoulos

The exhibition of documentaries about the poet is being hosted at the special hall of Athens International Airport 'Eleftherios Venizelos'.

The dedication to Engonopoulos is comprised of a series of events which will be held in various parts of Athens and the provinces and will last throughout the year.

[33] Paraplegic mother who witnessed son's shooting by father dies

The woman, 45, felt ill at dawn and was rushed to a nearby hospital in the city of Volos, where she died. The oldest child of the family, an eight-year-old boy, had escaped the shooting spree by jumping out of a window. He is still hospitalised in Athens for observation.

The suspect, who in the past was reportedly treated for severe mental disorders at various psychiatric wards, was also slightly injured on Thursday when he turned a shotgun on himself.

A coroner's report on the exact causes of the death is pending.

[34] Suspect in Vartholomeos homicide files for divorce

The divorce petition will be discussed in court on Jan. 7, 2008.

Dimitris Vrakatselis maintains in his petition that his wife, Thomais, is responsible for the collapse of their marriage (i.e. infidelity).

The attorney representing the woman stated that his client intends to take similar action.

[35] Overseas Greeks facilitated in obtaining passports

According to an announcement by the public order ministry, the aim is to facilitate and serve overseas Greeks, as well as providing assistance for the work of consular employees in connection with the filling in, receiving and expediting of supporting documents for the issuing of passports of the new type.

Consular authorities that will be supported for three months with the decision in question include the general consulates of Brussels, London, New York, Munich, Stuttgart and Frankfurt, Greek embassy in Stockholm.

[36] Ministry offices targeted by thieves

According to police, the thieves used a ground floor window for the break-in and an investigation is underway for their arrest.

[37] Houvardas named new director of National Theatre

Houvardas takes the place of former popular actor and long-time director of the National Theatre, Nikos Kourkoulos, who died earlier this month.

[38] Train service time schedule changes

Beginning on Thursday, Feb.22, 2007, the 614 passenger train will depart from Alexandroupolis Station at 8:36 pm instead of 8:26 pm with scheduled arrival time at Pithio at 10:24 pm instead of 10:14 pm. The train's departure time from Pithio remains unchanged at 10:29 pm.

[39] Weather forecast: Showers, storms on Wednesday

Cyprus Affairs

[40] Papadopoulos to discuss Cyprus question with Greek political leadership

Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos has said that the issue of the implementation of the July 8 agreement will be at the epicenter of a meeting he will have Wednesday with the Greek government, adding that "it is natural to discuss the current situation.''

He added that "we insist and wish for the commencement of the work of both groups, committees, with a full observance of the July 8 agreement."

Papadopoulos was speaking to the press at Larnaca Airport Tuesday before leaving for a visit to Greece, where he will meet with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias and leaders of political parties.

He also noted that the visit is being paid "in the framework of the frequent briefing between the two governments and the exchange of views."

Invited to say if he will discuss with the Greek government the issue of research in the Eastern Mediterranean for oil deposits, President Papadopoulos said that this issue is not included in the agenda he has in mind.

He added though that "every time that we meet with the Greek government, all current issues are discussed and it would be unnatural not to refer to this issue."

As regards the issue of the EU regulation on special conditions for trade with the areas of the Republic of Cyprus in which the government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control, President Papadopoulos said that the government continues to make efforts to reach an acceptable settlement, that will allow the implementation of the second leg of the regulation, which says that its objective is to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus.

Replying to a question on the position of German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel as regards the promotion of this regulation, President Papadopoulos recalled that this issue is pending since 2004.

He added that this issue "surely is binding for us," adding that, according to the EU norms, "a regulation that has been submitted by the European Commission needs unanimity of the member states to change it, therefore any member state can come up with an objection to the changing of the regulation, as it has been submitted by the EU, and in that case the veto lies with the other side and not with us."

The president assured that "we continue efforts to reach an acceptable settlement, that will allow the second leg of the regulation, which some forget quite frequently, to come into force."

President Papadopoulos recalled that this leg says that ''the aim of the regulation is to achieve financial integration that will facilitate the reunification of the country, and not arrangements that will underline the diversity and divisive situations, pursued by the Turkish Cypriot side."

He referred to the decision of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, on 11 December 2006, which said that work regarding trade with areas of the Republic of Cyprus in which the government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control, will continue.

On 8 July 2006, President Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat met in the presence of senior UN official Imbrahim Gambari and agreed to begin a process of bicommunal discussions on issues that affect the day-to-day life of the people and those that concern substantive issues.

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

[41] PACE President meets President Papadopoulos

President of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) Rene van der Linden exchanged here Wednesday views with Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos on how the Council of Europe could facilitate contacts between the two sides in Cyprus.

Van der Linden, who is currently visiting Cyprus at the invitation of House of Representatives President Demetris Christofias, said after his meeting with President Papadopoulos that ''we had a long exchange of views especially on how the Council of Europe can contribute to a process of encouraging the human dimension.''

He said he made some suggestions ''especially when it comes to students and also when it comes to the organising of a meeting of people from the two sides of Cyprus, the Turkish and the Greek side.''

''That is the best way to overcome each other's misunderstandings,'' he added.

Van der Linden also met Wednesday with Christofias. No statements were made after the meeting.

[42] Italian President briefed on Cyprus issue

The Cyprus issue, EU-Turkey relations and the European Convention were among the issues that were discussed between President of Italy Giorgio Napolitano and new Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Rome Athina Mavronikola.

Presenting her credentials, Mavronikola briefed the Italian President on developments regarding the Cyprus question and explained Nicosia's views on the Turkish allegations for the so called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots.

Napolitano illustrated his country's positions regarding the EU Convention and said that he was pleased with Cyprus, which was one of the first EU countries to have ratified the Convention.

During their meeting, they also discussed EU-Turkey relations as well as the preconditions that Ankara has to meet for the smooth conclusion of its EU accession course.

The Republic of Cyprus entered the EU in May 2004. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

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