Athens News Agency: News Bulletin in English, 07-02-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM spokesman: Kosovo negotiations process will be 'difficult'

[02] Parliament passes 53 proposals for revising Constitution with 151 votes

[03] Government denies imposing party line in vote on Constitution

[04] SYN leader on the constitution revision

[05] President Papoulias meets with visiting Cyprus President Papadopoulos

[06] Foreign ministry spokesman: Greece has 'clear policy and strategy' on Cyprus issue

[07] PACE president urges faster pace on Cyprus issue; Erdogan says EU 'broken

[08] State Department, foreign ministry confirm no agreement with Greece on anti-missile mechanism

[09] Foreign ministry spokesman on statements by Russian general

[10] Gov't dismisses reports citing under funding of higher education sector

[11] Protest march against university reforms again held in Athens

[12] Recognition of university degrees from Serbia temporarily halted

[13] Greece concerned over perceived flaws in Albanian elections, spokesman says

[14] KKE leader to visit Patras on Friday

[15] EU employment ministers reach political agreement on European Commission's reports

[16] Four consortia express interest in power production tender

[17] Development Minister Sioufas briefs Greek Eurodeputies

[18] Greek govt unveils new higher objective real estate prices

[19] PASOK, SYN deputies on objective real estate prices

[20] Greek exports up 18.2 pct in 2006, FinMin says

[21] Survey on course of Greek exports per region

[22] FinMin Alogoskoufis addresses Economics Faculty of Athens University

[23] European Commission publicises report on innovation in EU

[24] National Bank presents 2007-2009 business plan

[25] Greek Tourist Organisation to participate in travel exhibition in Manhattan

[26] Greek tourism performance satisfactory, report

[27] Agriculture Minister Basiakos addresses OPE event

[28] Attica Holdings says EBITDA down 28 pct in 2006

[29] Greek trade deficit up 9.4 pct in 2006

[30] Emporiki Bank repors 234.7-mln-euro loss in 2006

[31] Intrakat signs 1.0 mln euros contract with municipality of Katerini

[32] Cosmote increases all economic indicators in 2006

[33] Germanos Group reports improved 2006 results

[34] Natgas fuel option extended to all vehicle classes in Greece

[35] Pasal Development applies for ASE listing

[36] Greek stocks jump 1.19% on Thursday

[37] ADEX closing report

[38] Greek bond market closing report

[39] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

[40] Pavlopoulos meets with Lebanon's public administration minister

[41] Deputy FMs' upcoming itinerary released

[42] Canadian walks around the planet for children

[43] International escort service provided call girls to costumers via the internet

[44] Police disarm enraged man threatening to commit suicide

[45] Environment protection inspires student exhibition

[46] Foreign national charged with taking part in campus riots

[47] Three teenagers charged with vandalising school

[48] Student driver arrested for electronically-assisted cheating in written test

[49] ND local party offices torched

[50] Weather forecast: Showers, storms on Friday

[51] Cypriot President describes as ''excellent'' his Athens talks

[52] PACE President asks for the implementation of July 8 agreement

[53] Drug and human trafficking part of casinos in occupied north

[01] FM spokesman: Kosovo negotiations process will be 'difficult'

"The negotiations process that began yesterday (Wednesday) in Kosovo is expected to be a difficult one, given that the two sides are setting out from completely diffe-rent starting points," Koumoutsakos explained, and, synopsising the positions of the two sides, said that "Belgrade wants anything other than independence, while Pristina wants nothing other than independence".

Asked during a regular press briefing to comment on "the Serbian Orthodox Church's pressure on the international community for the Ahtisaari Plan to not come to pass", Koumoutsakos said that "each of the two sides -- Belgrade and Pristina -- wants to create a negotiations atmosphere that benefits its own priorities. This also holds true for the initiatives of the Serbian Church".

Regarding the recent violence against Serbs in Pristina and the destruction of an Orthodox church, Koumoutsakos said that Greece has stressed, both inside and outside the EU, that the two sides concerned must refrain from unilateral actions, or from actions that could create a non-positive atmosphere for the negotiation".

With respect to the protection of the historical and religious monuments, Koumoutsakos recalled that the Greek foreign ministry "has repeatedly put forward and stressed the cruciality of the issue during all its meetings, both with Mr. Ahtisaar and with the countries of the region, as well as with the two sides in the discussions we had in Belgrade and Pristina".

In addition, he said, "on the part of the Greek side -- not formally by the foreign ministry -- at the initial stages of the negotiation, a research foundation had presented a very detailed proposal for the protection of these sites, which was also conveyed to Mr. Ahtisaari and has taken its course".

[02] Parliament passes 53 proposals for revising Constitution with 151 votes

After PASOK and the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) refused to take part in the vote, there were only 171 MPs present during the proceedings, making it impossible for the proposals to be passed with a two-thirds majority, or 180 votes.

As a result, the proposed changes will now require a two-thirds majority of 180 votes in the next Parliament arising after the next general elections in order to be carried out. If they had been passed by 180 votes in the present Parliament, conversely, they would have needed only 151 votes in order to go into effect during the term of the next government.

Among the proposed revisions passed during Thursday's vote is one for controversial revision of Article 16 of the Constitution in order to remove barriers to establishing private universities in Greece, a prospect that is vehemently opposed by student groups and a large portion of the academic community. Another proposal that garnered a simple majority is revision of Article 24 on forest protection, which failed to pass at the Committee level after a marred vote - a development cited by PASOK as the main reason for withdrawing from the Constitutional revision process.

Three out of 46 proposals made by ruling New Democracy were not passed during Thursday's vote, including a proposal to increase the number of state deputies and to extend the rights of civil servants and members of the military to stand for election. Parliament also rejected 23 out of 29 proposed changes made by the main opposition. Among the six passed was a change to the Constitutional article referring to 'main shareholders' in the media, following objections raised by the European Commis-sion.

The proposals for revision that were not passed by even a simple majority on Thursday must now wait until for the Parliament arising after the next two general elections in order to go into effect -- even if they achieve a two-thirds majority in the next Parliament.

The 53 proposals that passed muster will be put to the vote again at the end of March in the present Parliament, as ordained by Parliamentary procedure, in a bid to gain a two-thirds majority. At present, however, the abstention of PASOK and KKE makes this impossible.

[03] Government denies imposing party line in vote on Constitution

"The position and vote of each MP on issues of revising the Constitution is a matter for his or her own conscience," alter-nate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros said.

He was replying to press questions regarding a report that ND Parliamentary group general secretary Apostolos Stavrou had sent out a document outlining the stance that ND MPs should adopt in the vote on revising articles of the Constitution that took place on Thursday.

The spokesman said he was unaware of any such document and stressed that there was "no line or suggestion and MPs voted according to their conscience".

[04] SYN leader on the constitution revision

Commenting after the vote in parliament on revising the Constitution, he stressed that the feisty, persistent, and brave resistance of the student movement and university teachers to private universities was brought into Parliament by SYN deputies.

Alavanos concluded that the struggle to stop the ND-sponsored framework law from being passed continues with the aim of forming the right conditions for free public universities open to all those who wish to continue their education.

[05] President Papoulias meets with visiting Cyprus President Papadopoulos

Meanwhile, alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros said that the policy being exercised by the government in the field of foreign policy "is a responsible policy, safeguards the national interests, and advances our positions at all levels" while, domestically "it is discussed at many levels".

The spokesman's statement came in reply to main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou's statement after his meeting Wednesday with Papadopoulos that there was a need for a national policy on the Cyprus issue.

Asked whether Athens considered as a "burden" on its policy Nicosia's initiative to explore for oil deposits -- prompted by a statement by Papadopoulos that he did not want to burden the Greek government with Cypriot burdens -- Antonaros reiterated that "the Republic of Cyprus is an independent and sovereign state and, as such, has the inalienable right to undertake initiatives".

[06] Foreign ministry spokesman: Greece has 'clear policy and strategy' on Cyprus issue

He had been asked to comment on a statement by main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou, following the latter's meeting with visiting Cyprus president Tassos Papadopoulos on Wednesday, in which Papandreou said there was a need for a national policy on the Cyprus issue.

Asked whether Cyprus' tactics in signing an accord for an exclusive economic zone with Lebanon - of which Athens was only informed after the fact - had "made things easier" for Greece, Koumoutsakos stressed that Cyprus' handling "was not an issue" for Athens.

"The statements by the prime minister (Costas Karamanlis) and the President of the Republic of Cyprus (Papadopoulos) give a clear-cut framework that does not allow for doubts or misinterpretations," the spokesman added.

Asked why Greece was not also proceeding with the delineation of 'exclusive economic zones' with Cyprus and with Egypt, Koumoutsakos said that "there is no specific develop-ment at this time -- and I stress 'at this tiime' -- and therefore we cannot discuss this here, in this room".

[07] PACE president urges faster pace on Cyprus issue; Erdogan says EU 'broken

The President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Rene van der Linden on Thursday urged Cypriot politicians on both sides to take "courageous steps" toward a solution of the Cyprus problem.

"We are losing time," he told reporters during a press conference that wrapped up his three-day visit to Cyprus.

Van der Linden was particularly critical of the slow progress in fulfilling the UN-brokered 8th July Agreement, which calls for the start of talks between the two communities on technical everyday issues, noting that "up until now the working groups have not been working in the proper way".

He also asked that Ledra Street be reopened, saying that there was no reason for "excuses".

The PACE president denied that he had ever spoken of a "neighbourly relation" between the two communities but only of a reunited Cyprus.

According to an ANA-MPA report from Istanbul, meanwhile, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan apparently accused the European Union of "not being honest" regarding the Cyprus issue.

Turkey had done its duty regarding the Cyprus issue and had persuaded Turkish-Cypriots to vote in favour of the Annan plan during the twin referenda held on the island, overcoming the difficulties that this presented, he said. The EU, conversely, had failed to ensure the same on the Greek-Cypriot side and was continuing to blame Turkey, he added.

"Our European friends told us that they would sort things out with the Greek Cypriots. This is what I was told by Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi," Erdogan told an economic conference held in Istanbul. The same promises had been made by EU enlargement Commissioner Guenter Verheugen, he said.

"We kept our promises. If the other side had also kept the promises that it made there would no longer be a Cyprus problem. Cyprus would all be a part of the EU and there would be a climate of friendship on the island," he said.

(See also Cyprus Affairs)

[08] State Department, foreign ministry confirm no agreement with Greece on anti-missile mechanism

"There is no such issue," Koumoutsakos added.

Replying to questions during a regular press briefing in Washington on Wednesday, Casey said that there was no agreement whatsoever for Greece's participation in the anti-missile systems installation mechanism, noting that the US intended to install 10 anti-missile systems in Poland and the Czech Republic, which systems would be part of the wider US plan for the establishment of anti-missile defence.

There was no such agreement whatsoever for Greece's partici-pation in that mechanism, Casey clarified.

Replying to further questions, Casey said that it would be up to the Greek government to decide whether or not int would be interested in hosting such a progamme, but added that he was not aware of any such efforts or initiatives.

Casey noted that in recent years there have been extensive briefings on anti-missile defence of all the NATO allies, in the framework of which Greece has also been briefed.

[09] Foreign ministry spokesman on statements by Russian general

'As you know, within the framework of NATO there is an institutionalized political and military dialogue of cooperation between Russia and the member-states of the Atlantic Alliance. It's a very useful and substantial dialogue. In a period in which its further support is sought, statements such as these which you refer to and which are turned against specific states do not help. On the contrary, they influence negatively this dialogue which is beneficial for all by contributing decisively to the stability and security of Europe,' Koumoutsakos said.

[10] Gov't dismisses reports citing under funding of higher education sector

The reports, mostly in opposition newspapers, came days after the government unveiled its much-anticipated higher education reforms draft bill.

Spokesman Evangelos Antonaros said that during the 2004-2006 period, funding for education increased by a total of 1.4 billion euros; 1.6 billion was the increase between 1998-2004, he said.

Antonaros charged that this figure proves that the current ND government increased spending at roughly the same levels in half the time previous governments managed, while he referred to a "disinformation campaign" by those claiming that higher education is underfunded.

[11] Protest march against university reforms again held in Athens

Protesters marched to the education ministry building and the Parliament declaring their opposition to the government-sponsored framework draft law on higher education. Unions representing primary and secondary education teachers also called a strike on Thursday in solidarity.

In Thessaloniki, students and teachers held a protest march on the occasion of the 24-hour strike declared by the teachers' federations.

The government's stated position of pushing through with reforms in universities - greater administrative, academic and financial transparency; altering the law on asylum; curbing the phenomenon of "eternal students"; instituting an evaluation process for faculties and research departments, changing the "one-text-book-lesson" regime etc. - has generated heated opposition, mainly amongst leftist political forces and their affiliated student groups.

Tension eases outside Athens Polytechnic

Students, accompanied by other youths, started a march to the Attica General Police Department in Alexandras Avenue on Thursday night, calling for the release of a student arrested during incidents that occurred in front of the House of Parliament at noon.

Meanwhile, tension began to ease outside the Athens Poly-technic in Patission street, where incidents had been transferred after the students' rally in downtown Athens earlier in the day.

Students had gone to the Polytechnic for a meeting of the Coordinating Body, as well as groups of youths who had participated in the incidents outside Parliament who started to throw firebombs, stones and other objects against police forces deployed in Stournari and Patission streets.

Police made extensive use of tear gas, while the youths turned the Polytechnic into a stronghold for many hours, continuing stone-throwing and destruction.

A shop in Stournari street was set ablaze during the incidents, while cars were damaged. The situation began to ease after the students appealed for an end to the use of tear gas and immediately afterwards the march to the Attica General Police Department began.

POSDEP

The Panhellenic Federation of Teachers' Organisations and University Research Personnel (POSDEP) in an announcement on Thursday evening referred to the student rally which was held earlier in the day in Athens.

The announcement said that "the large rally in Athens demon-strated the opposition of students, tutors and working people to the unconditional submission of education to the government and to private interests."

It added:"As Article 16 was not revised, thus this bill will also not pass. The government yet again attempted to quell the spirit and the decisiveness of the education movement. It did not succeed."

[12] Recognition of university degrees from Serbia temporarily halted

The decision, which went into effect on Wednesday, was made after an urgent order by the education ministry.

The decision follows the arrest of Serbia's deputy education minister and officials at the Kragujevac University on charges of complicity in a fake diploma ring.

According to later statements by Deputy Education Minister Spyros Taliadouros, DOATAP was also ordered to recheck all degrees submitted for recognition from Serbian universities over the past few years, as the ministry has information that certain professors implicated in the case taught at other Serbian universities.

He added that DOATAP does not recognise Kragujevac's medical school as equal or equivalent to Greek medical schools; the same stands for the medical, dental and pharmacology schools at Novi Sad University as well as all schools and departments at the university in Priština.

[13] Greece concerned over perceived flaws in Albanian elections, spokesman says

He said Athens' assessment coincided with that of international observers in the area.

The southern coastal district of Himare in Albania is a region that is home to a sizeable portion of the country's ethnic Greek minority and where serious problems have also plagued past elections.

Koumoutsakos declined to comment on celebrations by the victorious party in Himare and said that Greece had adopted a position in the wake of strong indications "that basic demo-cratic principles were not fully respected during the voting and on ascertaining a violation of very fundamental democratic rules that must characterise the voting process and ballot counting."

[14] KKE leader to visit Patras on Friday

Papariga will give a press conference on the three-month KKE party campaign on Education after addressing a teachers' meeting at a technological institute.

Later in the afternoon on the same day, Papariga is scheduled to meet with University of Patras faculty members and personnel.

Financial News

[15] EU employment ministers reach political agreement on European Commission's reports

The European Union's employment ministers reached a political agreement here on Thursday on the European Com-mission's reports on employment, social protection and social integration, preparing the way for the spring European Council on March 8-9.

Employment and Social Solidarity Minister Savvas Tsitouridis indicated from Brussels that the pensioning age "was and will remain a case for each country and will be determined on the basis of the social and economic possibilities, particularities and parametres of every country."

Addressing the Council, the Greek employment minister supported the proposal by the German Presidency on strengthening social protection, pointing out to his counterparts that "the Lisbon Strategy must have an explicit and dynamic social character."

As regards the Commission's report on employment, Tsitouridis mentioned that the Greek government, in this sector, has carried out "positive work with obvious and measurable progress" and has scheduled reforms aimed at promoting employment, handling unemployment and combatting poverty and social exclusion.

[16] Four consortia express interest in power production tender

The four parties that participated in the tender organised by the Hellenic Transmission System Operator are:

Electroproduction Thisvi SA, Enelco, Thermoelectric SA-Gek SA and Corinth Power SA.

Commenting on the event, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas said that the deregulation of the electric energy market with rules will result in attracting investments running into hundreds of millions of euros, the creation of many new jobs and securing the country's energy adequacy.

The minister added that the tender "signals the implementation of our policy commitment on the deregulation of the electric energy market with rules and strengthening competition for the benefit of household, industrial and commercial consumers."

Sioufas further said that "the participation of all investors having licences anticipated by legislation, also in cooeration with European energy groups of an international calibre, indicates in the most explicit way the business community's confidence in the new energy policy."

Lastly, the minister stressed that the Public Power Corporation (DEH) will continue to play a leading role in the new competitive environment as well, while reminding that as of July 1 all electric energy consumers, including households, will have the right to choose a supplier freely.

[17] Development Minister Sioufas briefs Greek Eurodeputies

According to Sioufas, the meeting with the Eurodeputies at the development ministry 'has become an institution.'

The minister said:"We meet with the Greek Eurodeputies once a year, here in Athens and of course at every opportunity, in Brussels, but this meeting, such as tonight's, is held every year so as to have a briefing on all of the development ministry's programs which are in progress, what exactly happened the previous year and which plans we have for the coming period.'

Sioufas stressed that the development ministry views the briefing of the Greek Eurodeputies 'as being of great importance so that they can be able, knowing the country's development plans on all levels, to support Greece even further from the European Parliament and from all the fora in which they participate.'

[18] Greek govt unveils new higher objective real estate prices

Under the new system, average objective real estate prices will rise by 16 percent, while objective prices for real estate beyond city limits will rise an average 37 percent.

The Finance ministry also raised the tax-exempt ceiling for the purchase of first home by 20 percent, and raised by 20-33 pct all wealth tax factors for inheritance, grants and parental offerings.

The ministry also published a list for new average objective real estate prices in the country.

Attica 17%, Thessaloniki 18%, Kilkis 18%, Pella 17%, Pieria 30%, Serres 12%, Chalkidiki 18%, Imathia 22%, Kavala 28%, Xanthi 26%, Rodopi 25%, Drama 23%, Evros 19%, Karditsa 10,8%, Larissa 10%, Magnesia 12,5%, Trikala 10,5%, Thesprotia 5%, Ioannina 11,25%, Preveza 7,80%, Arta 12,40%, Corfu 20%, Kephalinia 18%, Lefkada 14%, Zakynthos 22%, Kozani 13%, Florina 13%, Grevena 13%, Kastoria 13%, Korinthia 13,50%, Lakonia 13%, Messinia 13%, Argolis 13,5%, Arkadia 16%, Cyclades 13,45%, Dodecanese 12,80%, Lasithi 11,50%, Rethymno 10%, Chania 11%, Heraclio 10%, Lesvos 23,50%, Samos 15,75%, Chios 25,35%, Fthiotida 14%, Fokida 20%, Viotia 22,40%, Evritania 19%, Evia 14,25%, Aetoloakarnania 13%, Achaia 16% and Ilia 13%.

[19] PASOK, SYN deputies on objective real estate prices

Under the new system, average objective real estate prices will rise by 16 percent, while objective prices for real estate beyond city limits will rise an average 37 percent.

'The increase of the objective real estate prices which reaches up to 86.67 per cent, burdens the whole of the taxes which accompany construction, as well as the minimum price of construction. It also burdens the bills of the Public Power Corporation (PPC), due to the increase of the dues for real estate,' Vasso Papandreou said.

On his part, member of the Political Bureau and head of the Economy and Social Policy Department of the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos), Panagiotis Lafazanis, stated that 'the government, at the same time that it is attempting to abolish the asylum of universities, maintains for itself the absolute asylum to impose savage tax raids.'

Lafazanis added that 'the great increase of the objective prices for urban real estate, along with the unprecedented increase of the objective prices for real estate beyond city limits, will mainly affect the working class.'

[20] Greek exports up 18.2 pct in 2006, FinMin says

Addressing an event organised by Hellenic Export Promotion Organisation (HEPO) at an Athens hotel to present is action programme, the minister said "we know we can do better", while he referred to a new model of economic growth adopted by the government, which includes distinct support for export activity.

Economic growth depended mainly on public spending and public borrowing over the last decades, but it now comes from export activity, improved competitiveness and efficiency, he noted.

Alogoskoufis said HEPO served as a "dynamic nucleus of export activity" in the country.

Agricultural Development and Foods Minister Evangelos Basiakos said Greek farm produce exports grew 24 pct in 2005 and were up 29 pct in the 8-month period from January to August 2006.

[21] Survey on course of Greek exports per region

Overall, the prefectures of Attica and Thessaloniki represented 61.70 per cent of Greek exports, SEBE president Vassilis Thomaidis and the federation's general manager Sakis Papakonstantinou said on Thursday.

SEBE's board proposed for an integrated regional marketing program to be established for every prefecture of the country.

Speaking on the work of the Greek Export Promotion Organisation (OPE), SEBE president Thomaidis said that 'its role is necessary as a central coordinator for the course and promotion of Greek exports, however, it is of urgent need for parallel actions to be implemented on a regional level as well.'

[22] FinMin Alogoskoufis addresses Economics Faculty of Athens University

'The Greek society supports the reforms, because the citizens are aware of the need for demagogy to stop and for a new course to start, which, through the necessary oversteppings, will create benefits which will spread to all the citizens and mainly to the young generation,' Alogoskoufis said.

The minister named as the major problems 'inherited' from the previous main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) government, 'the high public debt, for the serving of which the country spends almost 10 billion euros a year, as well as the low competitiveness'. The minister added that 'due to the monetary policy expansion followed by the PASOK governments, our country's competitiveness every year marked a stable worsening.' He stressed that 'the reduction of compe-titiveness and the increase of the debt reflect high unemploy-ment, especially of youth.'

Alogoskoufis criticized PASOK that 'it left a series of structural problems behind it, such as high unemployment, the non-existence of foreign investments, endless bureaucracy, lack in infrastructures, distortions in the market of products and services, a problematic situation in education and big problems in the functioning of the social state and the social insurance system.'

[23] European Commission publicises report on innovation in EU

The European Commission publicised the results of the fourth European Union report on innovation, carried out in the 27 member-states, on Thursday and according to which 36 percent of businesses in Greece, having over 10 employees, participated in innovative activities over the 2002-2004 period. The EU's average is 42 percent.

According to Eurostat, innovative activities are initiatives leading to the promotion of a new or an improved product or a new or improved service in the market.

As regards the performance of member-states in the innovation sector, the European Commission ranks Greece in the category of member-states "that are covering lost ground", together with Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Portugal, Poland, Latvia, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania.

Focusing on Greece in particular and the trend being shaped concerning initiatives aimed at promoting innovation, the Commission notes that Greece is characterised by positive trends in the sectors of entrepreneurship and applications in innovation.

According to the Commission, the sales of new innovative products and services and employment in high technology services are showing an upward trend in Greece.

[24] National Bank presents 2007-2009 business plan

Speaking to reporters, ahead of a presentation of a three-year business plan of the bank for the period 2007-2009 to foreign institutional investors in London, the Greek banker said National Bank aimed at raising its branch network in Greece and abroad to more than 2,000 by 2009, from 1,400 currently, and its workforce to 33,000 from 26,000 currently. Arapoglou said the business plan did not envisage a voluntary early retirement plan and said the bank would hire one new employee for every two or three retired employees.

Arapoglou said the bank did not intend to seek any large acquisition since its priority was the integrate recent acquisitions to the Group, although he noted that "exceptions are always in life". National Bank will not pay well above the book value for the purchase any banks in new markets and stressed that the bank would not return capital to its shareholders since the biggest part of a share capital increase was spent for the bank's development. Arapoglou said its subsidiaries AGET and General Warehouses were up for sale when the right opportunity arose.

The Greek banker particularly emphasized on the significant contribution of its subsidiary in Turkey, Finansbank, saying that the bank's revenues were expected to grow an annual average of 25 percent and profits by 28 percent in the next three years, covering 30 percent of total profits in the Group. Finansbank also planned to raise its network to 550 branches from 309 currently.

The three-year business plan projects profits to more than double by 2009 with an annual profit growth of around 22 percent in the 2007-2009 period. Arapoglou said the plan did not envisage a share capital increase and noted that the bank's loan portfolio would rise by 17 pct in Greece, 30 percent in Turkey and 35 percent in Southeastern Europe.

National Bank's shareholders composition is: foreign institu-tional investors 49.6 pct, private investors 20 pct, pension funds 13.8 pct, National Bank's funds 5.7 pct and Greek institutional investors 2.8 pct.

[25] Greek Tourist Organisation to participate in travel exhibition in Manhattan

Greece will be the theme country in this year's travel exhibition of the "New York Times", whose inauguration will be carried out on Friday at the Jacob K. Javits convention centre in Manhattan.

The Greek Tourist Organisation (EOT), which is a main sponsor of the exhibition, will be represented at the inau-guration ceremony by the director of its offices in the United States and Canada, George Tambakis.

A pavilion of EOT will be found on the premises of the exhibition, as is the case every year, highlighting the image of modern-day Greece, with the main message being "Greece:Explore your senses."

A Greek culinary event will also be held on Saturday, titled "Greece:Authentic cuisine is the soul of a culture", that will be addressed by Rosemary Baron, the author of the known book "Flavours of Greece" and Costas Spiliadis, owner of Greek restaurants.

A Greek cultural event by EOT will also be presented on the same day, with the cooperation of the "Hellenic American Ballet Theater." Olympic rhythmic gymnastics athlete Irini Aidinli will be participating in the performance.

Lastly, on Sunday, on the last day of the travel exhibition, traditional Greek songs will be presented by the artist Grigoris Maninakis and the "Mikrokosmos" orchestra.

[26] Greek tourism performance satisfactory, report

ITEP said foreign tourists arrivals in Greek airports rose 7.7 pct last year, compared with a 4.5-pct increase in world tourism, 3.9 pct in Europe and 4.2 pct in Mediterranean Europe. The report said the 2006 increase was an optimistic message, and called for vigilance and intensified efforts to support a long-term dynamism for Greek tourism.

The report, however, noted that foreign exchange revenues lagged behind the growth rate of tourist arrivals (5.1 pct and 7.7 pct, respectively) last year and attributed this phenomenon partly to the impact of an increasing trend for all-inclusive tourism package in Greece.

[27] Agriculture Minister Basiakos addresses OPE event

Basiakos was speaking at an event organized by the Export Promotion Organisation (OPE) on the programs of its actions.

'We are implementing many programs for the projection and promotion of our quality agricultural products in the domestic and foreign markets,' Basiakos said.

[28] Attica Holdings says EBITDA down 28 pct in 2006

Pre-tax, interest and amortizatione earnings (EBITDA) fell 28 percent to 71.53 million euros, from 99.10 million euros in 2005, reflecting the termination of activities in three Superfast ferries (Superfast VII, Superfast VIII and Superfast IX), which were sold in April 2006. The Greek-listed company said its results were also burdened by a 22 percent increase in fuel prices during 2006.

Attica Holdings will hold its annual regular shareholders' meeting in May 16. The board will seek shareholders' approval to a plan for a dividend payment of 8.33 million euros.

[29] Greek trade deficit up 9.4 pct in 2006

The statistics service, in a report, said the value of import-arrivals totalled 3.661 billion euros in December 2006, from 3.762 billion euros in December 2005, a decline of 2.7 pct, while the value of export-deliveries totalled 1.434 billion euros from 1.327 billion euros, over the same period respectively, for an increase of 8.1 percent.

The trade deficit in the January-December 2006 period widened by 9.4 pct, compared with the corresponding period in 2005. The trade deficit was 31.349 billion euros in the 12-month period, from 28.656 billion euros in 2005.

[30] Emporiki Bank repors 234.7-mln-euro loss in 2006

Net revenues rose 19.6 pct, while operating cost was up 14.5 pct last year. Emporiki Bank said its pre-provision, tax and extraordinary results earnings jumped 45.6 pct, reflecting a 19.3 pct increase in net interest revenues, an one percent expansion of the bank's share in the consumer credit market, and a stable presence in the housing credit market.

Net interest revenues totaled 727.6 million euros, net revenues from commissions rose 7.2 pct to 156.6 million euros and net revenues from insurance services were up 17.2 pct to 19.8 million euros. Personnel spending rose 15.6 pct.

Emporiki Bank said loans totaled 17.2 billion euros last year, from 15.4 billion in 2005, for an increase of 11.8 percent, with housing and consumer loans accounting for 44.1 pct of the bank's loan portfolio in 2006, from 38.6 pct in 2005.

[31] Intrakat signs 1.0 mln euros contract with municipality of Katerini

The works will cover an area of 11.5 km and completion is expected by the end of 2007.

[32] Cosmote increases all economic indicators in 2006

The unified revenues of Cosmote increased by 32.5 percent in the past year, while the increase in the fourth quarter of 2006 amounted to 48.8 percent. Not including the unification of Germanos, the increase in turnover is about 23 percent.

The Group's pre-tax, interest and depreciation profits (EBITDA) totalled 876.2 million euros, with all companies, with the exception of Cosmote Romania, contributing positively to EBITDA profit-making.

Cosmote Greece achieved an increase of 9.8 percent, registering an annual record profit-making margin of 43.1 percent.

Not including Germanos, the Group's pre-tax, interest and depreciation profits amounted to about 861 million, increasing by 14 percent compared to 2005. The Group's net profits totalled 360.5 million, increasing by 6.1 percent.

During 2006, the total investments of the Cosmote Group amounted to about 437 million euros, while the Group's net loan-receiving for 2006 amounted to about 2.4 billion euros, including about 1.5 billion euros that were spent on buying out Germanos.

[33] Germanos Group reports improved 2006 results

Retail revenues totaled 532.7 million euros last year, from 506.9 million in 2005, an increase of 5.1 pct. Pre-tax, interest and amortization earnings (EBITDA), however, fell 31.4 percent to 64.6 million euros, from 94.3 million in 2005, while pre-tax profits jumped 119.68 percent to 180.3 million euros.

Total after tax earnings were 134.5 million euros last year, from 63.1 million euros in 2005, an increase of 113.3 percent. Earnings per share jumped 112 pct to 1.65 euros in 2006, from 0.78 euros in 2005, reflecting gains from the sale of equity participations in Silkway and Duty Free Shops.

Germanos said it planned to pay a 0.022 euros per share dividend to shareholders.

[34] Natgas fuel option extended to all vehicle classes in Greece

Vehicles using CNG as a fuel will have to be ECE R-110 certified. Regulation No. 110 from the UN Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) specifies standards for the components used in vehicles with CNG-based propulsion systems.

Liapis stressed that the use of CNG will benefit both motorists and the environment by limiting air pollution.

[35] Pasal Development applies for ASE listing

The company, founded in 1991, has a real estate portfolio value of more than 80 million euros.

Sotiris Theodoridis, Pasal Development's chairman and chief executive, said the listing of its shares on the Athens bourse would strengthen the company's corporate structure and lay the foundations for long-term growth in the sector.

National Bank will act as consultant and main underwriter of the issue.

[36] Greek stocks jump 1.19% on Thursday

Sector indices ended higher with the Raw Materials (2.63 pct), Banks (2.22 pct) and Industrial Products (1.58 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while Insurance (2.39 pct), Constructions (1.29 pct) and Telecoms (0.38 pct) suffered losses.

The Big Cap index rose 1.33 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 1.28 pct higher and the Small Cap index ended 1.09 pct up.

Quality (20 pct), Elviemek (13.99 pct) and Desmos (11.54 pct) were top gainers, while Viosol (11.11 pct), Euroholdings (6.67 pct) and Xylemporia (6.25 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 169 to 83 with another 57 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: -2.39%

Industrials: +1.58%

Commercial: +0.35%

Construction: -1.29%

Media: +0.71%

Oil & Gas: +0.13%

Personal & Household: +1.46%

Raw Materials: +2.63%

Travel & Leisure: +0.59%

Technology: +0.59%

Telecoms: -0.38%

Banks: +2.22%

Food & Beverages: -0.01%

Health: +0.50%

Utilities: +1.09%

Chemicals: +0.26%

Financial Services: +1.25%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, OTE, Alpha Bank and Piraeus Bank.

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

Alpha Bank: 25.00

ATEbank: 4.06

Public Power Corp (PPC): 21.40

HBC Coca Cola: 30.80

Hellenic Petroleum: 11.12

Emporiki Bank: 21.40

National Bank of Greece: 41.46

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 30.10

Intralot: 26.20

Cosmote: 22.60

OPAP: 28.50

OTE: 21.68

Titan Cement Company: 44.62

[37] ADEX closing report

The March contract on the FTSE 20 index was traded at a discount of 0.37 pct and on the FTSE 40 index at a discount of 0.83 pct.

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totaled 9,582 contracts worth 122.215 million euros, with 24,573 open positions in the market, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 1,001 contracts worth 28.818 million euros with 1,317 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 8,955 contracts worth 6.632 million euros with investment interest focusing on National Bank's contracts (1,765), followed by OTE (1,168), PPC (818), Piraeus Bank (300), Alpha Bank (543), Intracom (516), ATEbank (798) and Mytilineos (476).

Volume in stock repos was five contracts and in reverse stock repos 2,426 contracts.

[38] Greek bond market closing report

The 10-year benchmark bond (July 20, 2017) was the most heavily traded security with a turnover of 507 million euros, while the Greek bond yielded 4.32 percent.

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were slightly higher. National Bank's overnight rate was 3.58 pct, the two-day rate was 3.58 pct, the one-week rate 3.59 pct, the one-month rate 3.70 pct, the three-month rate 3.84 pct, the six-month rate 3.96 pct and the 12-month rate 4.11 pct.

[39] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

U.S. dollar 1.321

Pound sterling 0.677

Danish kroner 7.515

Swedish kroner 9.39

Japanese yen 160.27

Swiss franc 1.641

Norwegian kroner 8.128

Cyprus pound 0.583

Canadian dollar 1.533

Australian dollar 1.674

General News

[40] Pavlopoulos meets with Lebanon's public administration minister

Afterwards, both ministers referred to assistance by Athens regarding public administration sector data processing and computerisation, restructuring as well as Athens' pledge - made during the Paris summit on the reconstruction of Lebanon - to rebuild several bridges in the country destroyed during last year's warfare.

[41] Deputy FMs' upcoming itinerary released

IMO general secretary Efthymios Mitropoulos will give a lecture on March 27 outlining the organisation's role, which is of particular importance to Greece given the significant portion of ocean-going vessels owned by Greek interests.

Deputy Minister Evripides Stylianidis, moreover, will be the keynote speaker at an event organised by the Athens financial daily "Naftemporiki" on Feb. 24 on the issue of "Thrace: In Greece's Corner - In the Centre of Developments".

On Feb. 25 Stylianidis will meet with the deputy executive director of the World Food Programme, John Powell, within the framework of cooperation between the ministry's Hellenic Aid programme and the WFP.

Finally, Deputy Minister Theodoros Kassimis will travel to Istanbul on Feb. 24 to represent the Greek government at the celebration of Orthodox Sunday mass at the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

On Feb. 28, Kassimis will meet with Israeli Deputy Defence Minister Efraim Sne, who will be in Greece on an official visit.

[42] Canadian walks around the planet for children

The 51-year-old Canadian has already travelled through Central and South America, Africa and Central Europe. He reached the Balkans after covering a distance of 40,700 km and wearing out 32 pairs of shoes.

His 'companion' on this journey is a three wheeled stroller carrying essentials such as food, clothing, a First Aid kit, a small tent and a sleeping bag.

Beliveau, who has already covered half of the distance, commented that the world is a big university where you can learn a lot from the people, their culture and customs.

His next stop will be Istanbul, Turkey where he will meet with his wife for the first time in the past year.

After completing his journey in five years, in accordance with the United Nations proclamation: 2001-2010 - International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World, he plans to write a book on his endeavor.

[43] International escort service provided call girls to costumers via the internet

The two young models from Poland arrived by plane in Thessaloniki from Zurich at the customer's expense and were due to depart from Greece after their 'rendezvous'.

The investigation revealed that the customer had selected the young females from an internet site with photos and information on call girls provided by an international escort service. Those interested would select the girls they wanted, setting a date in luxury hotels after paying by credit card for both the services provided and air transportation for the call girls.

[44] Police disarm enraged man threatening to commit suicide

Late on Wednesday evening, the 45-year-old worker took a hunting riffle from his parents' house in Kastoria prefecture, northwestern Greece, and after climbing up the local water supply reservoir began shooting into the air and threatened to commit suicide, claiming that his estranged wife would not allow him to see his children.

[45] Environment protection inspires student exhibition

The exhibition entitled 'Wind save the birds' is the result of the environmental education programme the students attended during the previous school year that included visits to lakes Koronia and Volvi, which are faced with major ecological problems.

[46] Foreign national charged with taking part in campus riots

He is to appear before an examining magistrate on Friday to answer to charges of possessing explosives, causing an explosion and resisting arrest.

The 31-year-old, who is visiting Thessaloniki, has been accused of throwing a firebomb during the rioting, which broke out after the end of a student protest over planned reforms in higher education.

[47] Three teenagers charged with vandalising school

The three are accused of breaking into the teachers' office, setting two desks on fire, destroying a pc, a photocopier, three libraries and causing other damage estimated at 4,000 euros, while they also destroyed school documents and stole 3,000 euros from the students' treasury.

According to the charges, they made and used 12 petrol bombs and the 17-year-old even attempted to set the school's heating oil tank on fire using matches but he was prevented by the other two.

[48] Student driver arrested for electronically-assisted cheating in written test

The Athens prefect informed police on Wednesday that according to a tip-off a prospective driver would attempt to use electronic means as an elaborate 'crib note' to cheat in the written test.

The man was taken into custody while an investigation is underway for the arrest of his accomplice.

[49] ND local party offices torched

[50] Weather forecast: Showers, storms on Friday

Cyprus Affairs

[51] Cypriot President describes as ''excellent'' his Athens talks

Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos on Thursday described as "excellent" the meeting he had in Athens with Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Wednesday.

At the same time, he expressed his gratitude to Greek President Karolos Papoulias for the interest and love he shows for Cyprus.

Speaking at Larnaca Airport on his return from Athens after talks in the Greek capital, President Papadopoulos said the visit was part of his regular contacts with the Greek government.

"The visit took place in the usual, excellent climate of understanding and there was agreement on all issues which were examined" the president said.

He said President Papoulias interrupted his visit to Ioannina to return to Athens to meet with Papadopoulos.

"He asked to be fully informed where the issue of the implementation of the July 8 Agreement stands and which are the obstacles preventing it", the president said.

The president also said that the issue of property was not examined in his talks in Athens while the Greek government was informed on the issue of Cyprus' intention to explore and exploit possible hydrocarbon deposits off its coast.

Answering questions, President Papadopoulos said neither he nor the Greek government believe that Turkish Cypriot Ferdi Sabit Soyer was invited to Brussels in his capacity as so called prime minister of the illegal regime in the Turkish occupied north of Cyprus.

Asked whether the government has submitted its position to the German government for the issue of direct trade with the occupied north,

President Papadopoulos replied in the negative, adding that "our positions are known. We are trying to reach a conclusion, if there is, which will satisfy both aspects of the decision of 26th April 2004, which provides for the economic strength-ening of the Turkish Cypriots and the lifting of the so called embargo, which we do not agree that there is such an embargo".

The president said that what is equally important in the decision is to achieve economic "integration which will promote the reunification of our country. We want it to be an arrangement which will succeed in both aims and avert the encouragement of secessionist trends", he added.

President Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat agreed on 8 July 2006, during a meeting in Nicosia in the presence of senior UN official Ibrahim Gambari, to begin a process of bicommunal discussions on issues that affect the day-to-day life of the people and concurrently those that concern substantive issues, both contributing to a compre-hensive settlement to the Cyprus problem.

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

[52] PACE President asks for the implementation of July 8 agreement

President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Renee van der Linden said it is not understandable that there has been no progress so far regarding the July 8th, 2006, agreement to prepare the ground for the Cyprus talks.

"We have to take the agreement of 8th of July extremely serious. It is un-understandable that until now there is no progress. In the agreement both communities said that the status quo is unacceptable'', he said, noting that ''you have to work on a solution and this asks for concessions on both sides, and painful concessions in some sectors. But this is worth-while", he stressed.

In statements during a press conference marking the conclusion of his visit here on Thursday, van der Linden called upon the politicians in Cyprus to take bold steps.

He also asked for the opening of the Ledra street crossing point, saying that there is no reason "for excuses".

"There is no reason at all to wait any longer for the opening of the Ledras street. It has to open immediately and not to use arguments and excuses to wait. It is for the interest of both communities", he said and encouraged both communities to continue opening more crossing points.

Responding to questions, he said that he never spoke about a neighbourhood relation between both communities, but on a reunified Cyprus.

Referring to his meetings here, he said he was very pleased that the Cypriot political leaders, the NGOs and the religious leaders of both communities in Cyprus accepted his invitation to meet.

Regarding the meeting between the Archbishop of Cyprus Chrysostomos II and the Turkish Cypriot director of religious affairs Ahmed Yonluer he said it was a friendly and constru-ctive meeting.

"They agreed to become more involved in the protection of the cultural heritage", he noted.

He emphasized on the need to strengthen and support the work of the Non Governmental Organizations, saying that they represent the people and their work which is very important.

"I would say, turn the buffer zone from a symbol of division to a symbol of cooperation. We need bold steps. Bring more human interest in the discussion and perhaps a bit less political interest", he added.

Van der Linden also asked that the so called universities in the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus, be part of the Bologna declaration.

"I urge to support and strengthen the investment on human capital in the northern part and investments of human capital's indication are the universities. Bring universities under the Bologna process,'' he added.

The Bologna Declaration of June 1999 has put in motion a series of reforms needed for the European Higher Education.

[53] Drug and human trafficking part of casinos in occupied north

The annual income of casinos in the Turkish occupied north comes to 500 million US dollars, of which 200 million end up in a form of "taxation" in the illegal regime's funds, said here Thursday House of Representatives Watchdog Committee chairman Rikos Erotocritou.

He noted that Greek Cypriots contribute to these funds since they visit the north regularly to play at the local casinos.

Erotocritou made the statement after a discussion before the committee for the operation of casinos in the north, the fact that Greek Cypriots play at these casinos and the need to legislate in order to protect the Cypriot society.

He said that Turkish Cypriot academic Zeki Besikteli has evidence after personal research on what is happening in the casinos in the north.

The information he has provided the committee is "shattering", said Erotocritou, noting that what can be summed up is that the activities of the casinos in the north are associated with activities of the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot mafia which are protecting the casinos in the occupied areas. These activities include the trafficking of drugs and people, said Erotocritou.

According to the T/C academic's information which was obtained from known members and Turkish Cypriot army officials, the sum of 15 billion US dollars in the form of drugs, especially heroin, is being circulated within and from Cyprus.

Erotocritou said that according to the information, to a certain extent Turkish occupation army mechanisms are involved in this trafficking.

He also said that the annual income of the 21 casinos in the north is 500 million dollars, of which 200 million ends up in funds belonging to the illegal regime. Erotocritou said that Greek Cypriots who act in a conscienceless manner contribute to these amounts by visiting the casinos in the north on a daily basis.

Erotocritou also said that according to Besikteli's information, 2 percent of the so called taxation ends up in the pockets of a certain so called minister and his party as a gratuity or bribe for granting licences for the operation and profits of the casinos.

On his part, Besikteli said that 80 percent of the families in the north are against the operation of the casinos. He further added that because of its EU course, there cannot be casinos in Turkey, but in the occupied areas there is nobody to control the situation.

"Casinos are a triangle. On one part there is the mafia and on the other the drugs", he added.

Asked if his life is in danger, the Turkish Cypriot academic said that everything he has said is being said on television by people who are fighting to have the casinos close down and protect young people.

Asked if he would be willing to appear before the House again, Besikteli said "Cyprus is my country and I am a member of the Republic of Cyprus. No problem".

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the islandÔs northern third.

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