Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-03-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] Reforms will continue, PM Karamanlis affirms at ND parliamentary group session

[02] FinMin comments on reforms at Research and Communication Policy Centre

[03] PASOK presents 3rd 'Book of Government Unreliability'

[04] Gov't responds to PASOK criticism

[05] FM Dora Bakoyannis addresses conference on European security and defence

[06] Interior minister on ministry's work over the past three years

[07] PASOK leader, education minister address Parliament on university education

[08] Alavanos-Kaklamanis meeting focuses on local gov't issues

[09] Independent MP Papathemelis to run with own party

[10] Justice minister discusses issue of transferring foreign prison inmates to countries of origin

[11] New III Army Corps commander assumes post

[12] Bulgarian PM Stanishev in Athens for pipeline deal next week

[13] Tourist development minister visits Berlin International Tourism Exhibition

[14] Transport minister visits Lianokladi-Domokos rail works

[15] Bank of Greece monetary policy interim report

[16] Marfin Popular Bank says not interested in acquiring Bank of Cyprus

[17] IT initiative in tourism sector

[18] OTE telecoms privatization gets extension

[19] Attica Bank presents three-year business plan

[20] Larisa farmers suspend mobilizations

[21] Greek household debt at 44.1 pct of GDP in 2006

[22] ETEM reports improved 2006 results

[23] Motor Oil to pay 1.15 euros per shared dividend

[24] Lufthansa awards distinction to Greek company Goldair Handling

[25] '7th Int'l Wine Competition' ends in Thessaloniki

[26] Greek stocks jump 1.46 pct on Wednesday

[27] ADEX closing report

[28] Greek bond market closing report

[29] Foreign Exchange Rates - Thursday

[30] Bakoyannis signs Francophonie organisation memorandum

[31] MPs appeal for restoration of Venetian-era fortress on Crete

[32] Fifteen injured when KTEL bus veered off the road

[33] Authorities pick up 25 illegal immigrants on Samos, more sought

[34] 'Homecoming' for Zack Snyder's '300' on Wednesday in Sparta

[35] Greek Cinema Festival to be held in Los Angeles

[36] Greek women and new technologies

[37] Messages on World Women's Day

[38] Supreme Court prosecutor orders probe into AGB case

[39] Police cite yet another case of ex-boyfriend uploading x-rated images of former lover

[40] Event for US embassy's new webpage on pop culture, technology on Thursday

[41] Fair, slightly cloudy on Thursday

[42] City of Athens to honor Michel Platini on Thursday

[43] The Wednesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

[44] Spokesman: EU trade regulation should promote reunification

[45] CMP investigates fate of boy missing since 1974, says spokesman

[46] US Ambassador reiterates July 8 agreement should be implemented Politics

[01] Reforms will continue, PM Karamanlis affirms at ND parliamentary group session

Karamanlis' high-profile comments came during an address to his ruling New Democracy party's Parliamentary group marking the third anniver-sary of ND's assumption of the government.

"Greece (since 2004) has entered a steady and secure orbit of changes and reforms", which were "now the universal demand of the citizens," he said.

"The reforms we commenced are continuing with a four-year timetable. The reforms we drafted will also continue after the 2008 general elections," Karamanlis said, adding that the ND government has already planned a structured dialogue on the major institutional changes in the following period, which concern Constitutional revision, reforms in the country's administrative structure, the social insurance system and social protection against poverty.

In focusing on the course of the economy, Karamanlis noted that the deficit had been contained at below 3 percentage points of GDP, while growth rates achieved were double the Eurozone average, adding that "development today is not limited to the state-supported sectors, and is not founded on borrowing and debts".

"This is the crucial policy difference. Nearly two-thirds of the development is attributed to investments and exports," the premier explained.

Turning to each sector of governmental work in turn, Karamanlis said "the commitments we undertook are turning into action, day to day" with the backing of the citizens, who "demand changes and reforms that lead far away from the practices and mentalities of the past This was why undermining actions are in vain. This is why our position becomes increasingly stronger. And this position is not negotiable. Reforms are continuing," he said.

Foreign policy

Turning to foreign policy, Karamanlis reiterated that Greece encouraged neighbouring Turkey's European orientation, in such a way that its full implementation of EU criteria would finally result in its full accession, although he warned that "this, however, is conditional, first of all to its (Ankara's) compliance with the commitments it has undertaken towards the European Union Commitments that are judged and will be judged at every further step by all the EU member states".

Regarding FYROM, the prime minister said Greece sought "a full normalisation of our relations with FYROM, with a mutually acceptable name, for the facilitation, therefore, of its course towards Euro-Atlantic institutions as well".

Karamanlis said that, in the context of Greece's incorporation into a global energy charter, a three-way interstate agreement between Greece, Russia and Bulgaria for the construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline will be signed in the second half of March in Athens.

Education reforms

On the education front, he said that among the ideas being examined was the separation of secondary education from a nationwide college admissions process, a planned change that would be based on extensive dialogue beforehand.

Referring more specifically to provisions in a framework-law on higher education, Karamanlis said it encouraged the self-administration and autonomy of universities, and that it "effectively safeguards the academic asylum and ensures the free dissemination of ideas, which today is being violated by the uncontrolled violence".

Touching on dialogue carried out on the important issues concerning society, Karamanlis said the government was not claiming infallibility, although he stressed that ND had not made, nor would it make, choices that sacrifice the interests of the many or undermine the country's future.

Karamanlis further referred to a "broad social alliance" forged by ND:

"The relationship of confidence we created with the citizens has consolidated a new governance. The pact we made with the Greek people is being fully applied. We must, however, be totally frank. In some instances the dialogue with those immediately concerned lasted longer than society desired. In some instances mistakes may have been made. We do not reject criticism that aims at improvements. We have not claimed, nor are we claiming, infallibility. However, choices that sacrifice the interests of the many, choices that undermine the country's future, choices that put forward party interests at the expense of the collective good have not been made, and are not being made, and will not be made," he emphasised.

"This is why we say 'no' to facile promises. This is why we say 'no' to acrimony. This is why we say 'no' to barren rejection. We are bound by the confidence of the citizens. We our bound by our duty to the Greece of the future. We are bound by the concerns and dreams of thousands of youths who are struggling for a better tomorrow. We our bound by the demands of society for solutions to the problems. We are bound by the people's mandate for political change. This is why we are persisting with the strategy of reforms. We are continuing with even greater determination," Karamanlis continued.

Regarding the "fair and important demands" put forward by society, the premier said that the course that has led the Greek economy to a better position "required difficult, but absolutely necessary, decisions", adding that it was "more than certain" that the major impasses have been left behind. "We won battles, which improve the present. We are creating conditions that guarantee a better tomorrow. For all the citizens. Throughout the entire country," Karamanlis stressed.

Particularly regarding the reforms being advanced by his government, Karamanlis said the citizens perceive the needs of the times.

"They demand changes and reforms that lead far away from the practices and mentalities of the past; changes and reforms for a better prospect. This is why the barren reactions are doomed. This is why the attempts at undermining are in vain. This is why our position is becoming increasingly stronger. And this position is not negotiable. The reforms are continuing. The reforms are becoming action, with the backing of the citizens. They are being made for the present and the future. And this concerns, first of all, education," the premier continued.

Turning to the need for presentation of the political parties' platform positions, Karamanlis said that society demands from everyone replies on the "what" and "how", but warned, however, that society rejects the rationale of "highest-bidder" pledges.

In an indirect but clear reference to main opposition PASOK party, Karamanlis said that "some are feigning today that they never governed this country and are pledging, as the opposition, all that they had refused as government".

"They accuse others for what they themselves are to blame. They have forgotten what they themselves had said about their identification with the State and the partisanship that razed everything. They have forgotten that they left behind the debts and the deficits, high prices and unemployment, corruption and poverty. Some think that they can mislead with cheap words. They think that they can underestimate the citizens' intelli-gence. They believe that they benefit from fanaticism, acri-mony and polarisation. Some oppose every reform, manufacturing flimsy pretexts. They are attempting to under-mine even the highest parliamentary procedure, which concerns the Constitutional revision. They turn their backs on the interest of the country. I don't know whether they think that's how to rally themselves together, or exorcise their fear. What is certain, however, is that they are trying to turn their weakness into a problem of the country. What is certain is that they remain captives of the past, and to the minorities of inertia. They say and unsay. The promise and retract. They speak of the future but turn back to the past. Confusion is their permanent counsel. This acts dangerously both for them and for the country. The former is, naturally, their own problem, but the latter concerns all of us," Karamanlis said.

"Our decision," he continued, "is to leave them by themselves, in the extremes and extremities they have opted for. Our decision is to carry on with the changes, together with the citizens. Our decision is to firmly continue the strategy that rids the country from the bonds of inertia" Karamanlis stressed.

The citizens "choose the path of reforms, growth and progress. The road that leads to our common goal: A better life for all the citizens. This was the road selected by the Greek people on March 7, 2004. And it is on this road that we are continuing, firmly and without deviation, with self-confidence and optimism, and with certainty," the premier concluded.

KKE

"The prime minister's speech was, in essence, a response to PASOK within the framework of their power struggle, a fact that in itself undermines the interest of the people," the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) said in announcement issued by its press office.

The statement also stressed that both the ruling party and the main opposition share an "anti-popular" policy being in the "service of capitalists."

Alavanos

"The government policy is in conflict with the interests of the vast majority of the people," Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) president Alekos Alavanos later said in reference to the premier's address.

Alavanos stated that the government policy is in conflict with the social state and in order to impose itself it resorts to "unconstitutional moves like the framework law on education."

On the likelihood of early elections, Alavanos said elections are the government's initiative and his party is ready.

On the government side, Development Minister Dimitris Siou-fas said the prime minister's speech "lays the ground for a third term in the country's government."

"The premier's speech marking the three-year anniversary of the new governance of changes and reforms confirms that the government has the people's mandate to continue on the same path of changes and reforms in a decisive, uncompromising and firm manner toward the realization of the remaining com-mitments included in its programme," said Sioufas.

Defence Minister Evangelos Meimarakis commented that ND still has a lot of work to do, adding that it has proceeded with the implementation of the necessary reforms and will serve its entire term in government.

[02] FinMin comments on reforms at Research and Communication Policy Centre

The minister criticised previous PASOK governments, saying that they "remained attached to the past, with policies leading with mathematical precision to a considerable economic and social crisis."

He said that over 20 years were lost, referring to the period after 1980, and outlined the targets of government policy so that the next 20 years until 2020 will not be lost and Greece will have covered the lost ground.

Referring to the policy followed by the government, Alogoskoufis said that targeted reforms are a one-way path and called on the main opposition PASOK party, as well as on the other parties, to participate in the dialogue on reforms that must take place in the Greek economy.

"There must be, in the face of common challenges, a minimum degree of responsibility, understanding and consensus between the two biggest parties, as well as between all the parties. It is inconceivable that, for petty-partisan expediencies, the effort being made by the entire country for a better future to be undermined," he said.

[03] PASOK presents 3rd 'Book of Government Unreliability'

PASOK has issued a similar book, usually running to several hundred pages, on each anniversary since the ruling New Democracy government came to power in 2004.

PASOK National Council Secretary Nikos Athanassakis stressed that this year's book would be the last, since PASOK would be in power by next year.

Launching the presentation by asking whether Greek citizens were better off now than they were three years ago, Athanassakis answered with a resounding 'no' and underlined the ND might today be celebrating its third year in power, but the Greek people had no reason to celebrate "being deceived" by the government.

Less extensive than in past years, the theme of 'deception' was repeated throughout the book's 14 chapters, which outlined 60 points where PASOK says that basic pre-election pledges were not carried out.

These included promises to increase funding for education, Internet access for young people, increase farming incomes and stamp out bureaucracy.

Among those that the present government allegedly deceived, according to Athanassakis, were the media that supported the ruling party in the run-up to the elections.

He stressed that the smaller size of this year's book was not because ND had carried out its promises since last year but because listing them all, as well as and problems caused by ND's policies, would require a volume the size of an encyclopaedia. A detailed list for each sector had been posted on the Internet for all to see, he added.

Also presenting the book with Athanassakis was PASOK spokesman Petros Efthymiou and the party's Parliamentary Group Secretary Dimitris Reppas, who echoed the calls for immediate elections.

Commenting on the speech made by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis to ND's Parliamentary Group on Wednesday, Reppas said it was an "apology and an admission of failure" and that the government would be judged by the truth of its actions rather than its words.

Reppas criticised the government's handling of the public-sector contract worker issue, saying that the majority ended up on unemployment, as well as on farm issues and rising prices that had burdened each family with an additional 245 euros a month. He said that public debt had rocketed from 183 billion euros to 234 billion euros, while the upward revision of Greek GDP by 25 pct was "an insult to the citizens' intelligence".

In the book, the government also came under fire for redistributing wealth from the poor to the well-off through an unfair tax system that increased indirect taxation.

Asked to comment on Karamanlis' criticism of PASOK's programme and whether the two main parties were competing in the proclamation of handouts, Athanassakis responded by calling Karamanlis' government "the worst since democracy was re-established [after a military junta was toppled in 1974]".

Regarding Greece's ailing social insurance system, Athanassakis said that this was a problem that could and should be solved, while Reppas accused the government of deliberately trying to trigger a crisis in social insurance, health and education through its policies so that it could then invoke the crisis to justify privatisations in these areas.

Though not an issue addressed in the book, criticism was also levelled against the government on foreign policy and in connection with recent press reports claiming disagreements between Karamanlis and Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, the Akropolis brokerage affair and other issues.

[04] Gov't responds to PASOK criticism

"It suits PASOK, as a party with lengthy expertise in unreliability, to publish books, such as the one today," Minister of State and government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said.

"In any case, one can with difficulty find, however much he searches, greater proof of unreliability and irresponsibility from the recent back-tracking by (PASOK leader George) Mr. Papandreou on the issue of the revision of Article 16," Roussopoulos added.

The Interior, Public Administration and Decentralisation Ministry in a statement said that "PASOK simply reiterated today the Black Book' of disinformation about the work of the government, mainly so as to hide the non-existence of counter-proposals and policy on its part."

Employment and Social Protection Minister Savvas Tsitouridis attributed to PASOK "ignorance of economic and social reality or attempt to deceive the Greek people with false data."

Defending the government's work, Tsitouridis said "unemploy-ment is being reduced, employment is increasing and social cohesion is being strengthened." He added that "we are continuing our policy and its results, which are tangible and countable, will become all the more apparent to all the more Greeks."

[05] FM Dora Bakoyannis addresses conference on European security and defence

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis said on Wednesday, expres-sing her views on Europe's defence policy, that the "great challenge for Europe is to succeed in speaking with one voice on defence and security issues, whether it agrees or not with its partners all over the world and on the other side of the Atlantic."

Bakoyannis was speaking at a conference on security and defence in Europe and France, organised by the French centre-right Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) party, at the invitation of its President Nicolas Sarkozy, who is also a candidate for the country's presidency.

The foreign minister stressed that the European Union is far from being a federal entity. The sense of the "United States of Europe" remains a distant idea, she said.

In her view, three elements must be taken into consideration for European security and defence:The role of the Atlantic Alliance, the contribution of the "moderate" European force and the need for a budget for European defence.

Referring to the Atlantic Alliance in particular, Bakoyannis said that 25 of the 27 European countries are participating in it and stressed that NATO incarnates a supra-Atlantic relation which is alive and full of strength and which remains of paramount importance.

She added that, in parallel, it constitutes a multiple forum through which certain countries have developed close ties with the United States. This fact, she further said, can lead to superficial dilemmas, placing the policy of NATO on one side and the European defence policy on the other. "These are mistaken dilemmas," the minister pointed out.

In her view, the events on September 11, as well as all that followed the war in Iraq, proved the needs and the limits of Europe. They proved the need for an even greater strengthening of cooperation with the United States.

"What we call 'soft power' is a desirable element that could offset the military power of the United States," she said.

Bakoyannis further pointed out that Europe must develop its own military force, as it is already doing gradually. Such a force is essential in regions where Europe alone is accepted as a mediator.

"We very often sacrifice European solidarity in order to support secondary national interests. Even worse, indeed, we are influenced by third parties sometimes," the minister said.

Lastly, Bakoyannis noted that "when we speak of defence, we must pass on to a new level of conscience, there where ideals meet realism in order to create tangible results."

[06] Interior minister on ministry's work over the past three years

"The government, contrary to the practices of the PASOK governments, having completed three years of governance, puts into practice its commitments, such as these foreseen in the government's programme which remains steadfast and orientated towards improving the daily life of the citizens," Pavlopoulos said.

"The interior ministry's work these past three years includes innovations which cover public administration (central and regional), local government, the consolidation of transparency, the strengthening of civil protection, equality of opportunities for women and men, as well as the promotion the policy on immigration ," he said.

"All these sectors, which over the past years were stable in the first positions of the black list' on the part of evaluation by the citizens, are now categorized by the citizens as positive points and results of the implementation of the government's policy and definitely in those sectors which present fewer problems for the citizens," the interior minister added.

"For the first time, local government authorities will be called on to manage, in the context of the 4th Community Support Framework (CSF), along with national resources, 36.5 billion euros and the government is doing whatever it can to prepare the infrastructure required for their better absorption," Pavlopoulos said. He also referred to "the successful" THISEAS programme, the voting of the Municipalities and Communities Code, with the consensus of the Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece (KEDKE) and also the preparation of the Prefectures' Local Government Code.

[07] PASOK leader, education minister address Parliament on university education

"You have shown your limits in the education sector. There is no substantive hope. The struggles to overturn the bill are not enough, it is time for the people to speak today, the government to change, for a wide understanding to be reached with the academic community and society, for a substantive reform," he said.

Responding to Papandreou, Education Minister Marietta Yiannakou said "the proposals by Mr. Papandreou at the Committee were four generalised points on replacing the bill that we brought, which replaces 600 pages of laws that preceded" and stressed that "Mr. Papandreou had shown that he agrees with the four-year planning for universities and had maintained that universities must do whatever planning they want. Would he agree if rectors were elected by regular professors only? Yes, I suppose, in accordance with what he says."

As regards problems facing the Assessment Authority, Yiannakou said "I do not think that it is correct for the main opposition party leader to be disinformed to such a degree."

[08] Alavanos-Kaklamanis meeting focuses on local gov't issues

Alavanos stressed that more state funds should be earmarked for local governments and supported a new "metropolitan" model of urban administration, stressing that the City of Athens should confront what he called the "major real estate interests" active in the greater Athens area.

The Synaspismos president was also favored the continuation of a home assistance programme for the elderly and needy citizens. In addition, he suggested that the metro network and bus service be extended into the late night hours.

Kaklamanis said his and Alavanos' viewpoints coincide on a number of issues.

[09] Independent MP Papathemelis to run with own party

Unveiling his new party manifesto during a press conference at the Zappion Building in central Athens, Papathemelis said the "new electoral law might possibly not give a self-contained majority", while hinting that a few of the 'old guard' at main opposition PASOK might be running on his party's ticket.

The new party's guiding principles were to "put national interests first, the defence of which requires patriotism," Papathemelis said.

He stressed that foreign policy should be based on national interests, actively seeking allies to promote common goals and neutralise common threats, and he underlined the need "to find ourselves again, our traditional social standards, the great values of Greek culture".

The MP also dismissed the notions of Right and Left in politics, saying that they were "rigidities of the '60s, '70s and '80s", while noting that the greatest threat to democracy was indifference, apathy and non-participation.

Among his party's proposals were "bold and generous" incentives to raise birth rates, while he underlined the special relationship between the Orthodox Church of Greece and the Greek State, saying that the role of the Orthodox faith in Greek culture "puts us in a position entirely different to that of other European countries".

Papathemelis also strongly denied rumours that his party was running in the elections in order to attract votes away from the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) party led by George Karatzaferis, so that the latter would not get into Parliament.

[10] Justice minister discusses issue of transferring foreign prison inmates to countries of origin

According to an announcement by the ministry on Wednesday, Papaligouras met with Council of Europe General Secretary Terry Davis, General Director Philippe Boillat and presidents of relevant experts committees and analysed the advantages of the initiative he has undertaken since the autumn of 2006 on the social rehabilitation of foreign prison inmates, that can only be achieved with their living in their familiar enironment, where their language is spoken, and where preconditions for their legal employment will be created after their release from prison.

Half the population of Greek prisons is composed of foreigners (4,000 prison inmates), the majority of whom come from Council of Europe member-states, while the country's existing prisons only have a capacity of 6,000 prison inmates.

[11] New III Army Corps commander assumes post

Financial News

[12] Bulgarian PM Stanishev in Athens for pipeline deal next week

Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev will be heading his country's delegation at the signing, in Athens next week, of the final three-country agreement for the construction of the Bourgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline.

The agreement will be signed by Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas on behalf of the Greek government, Russian Industry and Energy Minister Viktor Khristenko and Bulgarian Regional Development and Public Works Minister Assen Gagaouzov.

According to an announcement by the press office of the Bulgarian government, 700 million dollars are to be invested in this pipeline project.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will also be present at the signining ceremony according to a Kremlin announcement late Tuesday evening.

[13] Tourist development minister visits Berlin International Tourism Exhibition

Tourist Development Minister Fani Palli-Petralia inaugurated the Greek pavilion at the International Tourism Exhibition that opened here on Wednesday, calling for a "new start" to Greece's tourist development and active contribution to the shaping of an even more improved image abroad.

The Greek pavilion, that hosts over 70 exhibitors, is divided into attractive stands for the official representation of Greek regions, hotel businesses, travel agencies and special destinations.

The minister, addressing her audience, placed emphasis on the content of the general advertising campaign whose main slogan is "Explore your senses in Greece", and its German version "Entdecke deine Sinne in Griechenland", and on the significance of advertising in Germany that constitutes a traditional and dynamic tourist market.

Petralia focused on the economic aspect of the advertising campaign, expected to reach five million euros in Germany, stressing the profitability of the expenditure for the benefit of Greek tourism.

[14] Transport minister visits Lianokladi-Domokos rail works

The new line will allow trains to reach speeds of up to 160km per hour, which along with the two-kilometre reduction in its length will reduce journey times but about 30 minutes.

The project is budgeted at 702 million euros and is 50 pct funded by the European Regional Development Fund and 50 pct by public investment. It is expected to be complete, with electrically powered trains, by 2013.

Liapis said his visit, along with other inspections of transport works, aimed to speed up processes for their completion so that there was greater absorption of EU funds. He noted that the projects were running according to schedule and stressed that the modernisation of the rail network was the "greatest project since the time of [19th-century Greek prime minister] Harilaos Trikoupis".

He announced that the reconstruction of the network will be followed by an upgrade of trains and rail services, renewal of rolling stock that would be on a par with that in Europe and a reduction of the journey time from Athens to Thessaloniki to under 3.5 hours.

The modernisation of the Athens-Thessaloniki rail network is expected to cost 2.3 billion euros, while more than one billion euros is earmarked for the modernisation of rolling stock.

[15] Bank of Greece monetary policy interim report

The imminent report and the Bank of Greece's financial statement dominated were the focus of talks during a meeting Wednesday between National Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis and Garganas.

[16] Marfin Popular Bank says not interested in acquiring Bank of Cyprus

A bank's official, speaking to reporters, said MPB was right now interested in establishing a friendly partnership with the Bank of Cyprus.

On Tuesday, Piraeus Bank announced a deal to sell its 8.7 pct equity stake in Bank of Cyprus to Marfin Popular Bank for a gain of 170 million euros.

[17] IT initiative in tourism sector

The project comes within the framework of a European Commission initiative aimed at enhancing cooperation between ICT suppliers and SMEs at regional level.

[18] OTE telecoms privatization gets extension

The ministry's decision to give an extension provides more freedom of time to asses the foreign investors' interest in the OTE telecoms privatization.

[19] Attica Bank presents three-year business plan

The rights issue envisages three new shares for every five existing ones. Speaking to reporters, Tryfon Kallintzas, the bank's chairman and chief executive, said Attica Bank's three-year business plan for the period 2007-2009 would focus on cutting the delay time in loans, restructuring its finances, labour relations and introducing updated information and risk management systems.

The business plan envisages an average increase of saving deposits by 21 pct, loans by 25 pct, business loans by 20 pct, consumer loans by 30 pct and housing loans by 35 pct in the 2007-2009 period. It also envisages the creation of a real estate management company and expanding the bank's branch network to 90 units by 2009 from 65 currently.

Attica Bank expects that the share capital increase plan will allow the bank to be included among the big capitalization stocks of the Athens Stock Exchange.

[20] Larisa farmers suspend mobilizations

The decision was reached on Wednesday morning and already the farmers who had gathered with their tractors at the Sykourio junction are leaving the area.

On Tuesday, protesting farmers attempted to drive tractors toward a toll station at the Tempi site, central Greece, but they were blocked by riot police after a prosecutor on the scene threatened to file charges of obstruction of traffic.

Farmers were demanding reduced production costs, higher VAT returns and the creation of a farmers' registry.

[21] Greek household debt at 44.1 pct of GDP in 2006

The central bank, in a report, said that combined debt by Greek households and businesses to banks totaled 176.5 billion euros last year, or 90.6 percent of GDP, for an increase of 16 percent compared with 2005.

Credit expansion, including both the private and public sector, slowed last year to 14.5 pct, from 17 pct in 2005, reflecting a net 3.0 pct decline in funding towards the public sector, while funding to businesses grew by 20.6 percent last year.

Household debt from housing and consumer loans grew to 16.5 billion euros in 2006, with monthly household debt rising by 1.4 billion euros.

Housing loans grew 25.8 pct in December 2006, down from a 33.5 pct in December 2005. Outstanding value of housing loans, including securitized loans, totaled 57.145 billion euros last year.

Consumer loans grew 21.9 pct to 26.596 billion euros, down from a 28.7 pct growth rate in December 2005. Personal loans grew by 33.6 pct last year to 17.881 billion euros, while credit card debt grew by 3.2 pct to 8.716 billion euros.

Corporate loans grew by 7.5 pct in December to 76.660 billion euros, with corporate bonds rising 44.5 pct to 14.052 billion euros in the same period.

Foreign investors' participation in ASE rose to 49.56 pct in February

Foreign investors raised their participation in the Greek stock market to 49.56 percent in February, while Greek investors were net sellers in the month, official figures showed on Wednesday.

Foreign investment capital inflows to the Athens Stock Exchange totalled 1.107 billion euros in February, reflecting increased inflows from the US (530.4 mln euros) and Luxembourg (143.2 mln euros), while inflows so far this year totalled 2.296 billion euros, or 42 percent of total inflows in 2006 (5.521 billion euros).

On the other hand, Greek investors were net sellers in February, with outflows totalling 1.254 billion euros, of which 655.4 mln euros were private investors, 204 mln euros were mutual funds and 272 mln euros were financial institutions. Outflows in the first two months of the year totalled 1.642 billion euros.

Turnover in the Athens Stock Exchange totalled 9.547 billion euros in February, while average daily turnover (monthly) totalled 502.46 mln euros, up 16.2 percent from January (432.31 mln euros). Foreign investors' participation in February turnover totalled 61.93 percent in bids and 50.33 pct in calls for total listed enterprises in the Greek market.

ASE capitalisation reached 167.5 billion euros at the end of February. Capitalisation for shares in the FTSE/Athex 20 index was 113.9 billion euros (or 68 pct of total capitalisation), for the FTSE/Athex Mid 40 was 23.9 billion euros (14.3 pct of total capitalisation) and for the FTSE/Athex SmallCap 80 was 6.84 billion euros (4.1 percent of total capitalisation).

[22] ETEM reports improved 2006 results

Consolidated pre-tax, interest and amortization earnings (EBITDA) jumped 21.8 pct to 16.2 mln euros, from 13.3 mln euros in 2005, while consolidated net after-tax and minorities profits rose 5.3 pct to 4.0 mln euros.

Parent sales jumped 40 pct to 99.5 mln euros and net after-tax profits rose 64 pct to 2.3 mln euros. The company plans to pay a 0.050 euros per share dividend to its shareholders.

[23] Motor Oil to pay 1.15 euros per shared dividend

Pre-tax, interest and amortization earnings (EBITDA) also rose to 258.6 million euros in 2006, from 218.7 million in 2005, pre-tax profits rose slightly to 189.6 mln from 188.5 mln, while after tax profits rose to 137.7 mln euros from 130.7 million euros over the same period, respectively.

[24] Lufthansa awards distinction to Greek company Goldair Handling

Lufthansa chose Goldair Handling as the best agency of ground servicing for 2006 in its world network, for the quality of its services and the satisfaction of its passengers.

Goldair Handling serves 90 airline companies. Goldair will continue to cooperate with Lufthansa for another five years at Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos".

[25] '7th Int'l Wine Competition' ends in Thessaloniki

A total of 683 samples of wines competed from Greece, France, Cyprus, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Canada, Brazil and Mexico.

The competition, the results of which will be officially announced on Friday, is the only international one held in Greece in the wine sector. It is organised by the Ampelona Wine Producing Union of Northern Greece, in cooperation with Helexpo, in the framework of the DETROP-OENOS exhibition.

[26] Greek stocks jump 1.46 pct on Wednesday

Sector indices ended mostly up, with the Telecommunications (3.81 pct), Oil (2.19 pct) and Travel (1.79 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while the Utilities (0.77 pct), Chemicals (0.70 pct) and Personal/Home Products (0.38 pct) suffered losses.

The Big Cap index jumped 1.70 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 0.28 pct and the Small Cap index was 0.56 pct higher.

AEGEK (13.21 pct), Allatini Ceramics (11.70 pct) and Alter (10.0 pct) were top gainers, while Lanakam (7.72 pct), Lyberis Publications (5.17 pct) and Revoil (4.66 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 159 to 87 with another 59 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +0.59%

Industrials: +1.17%

Commercial: +1.56%

Construction: +0.27%

Media: +0.93%

Oil & Gas: +2.19%

Personal & Household: -0.38%

Raw Materials: +0.14%

Travel & Leisure: +1.79%

Technology: +1.23%

Telecoms: +3.81%

Banks: +1.57%

Food & Beverages: +0.61%

Health: -0.27%

Utilities: -0.77%

Chemicals: -0.70%

Financial Services: +2.18%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 22.00

ATEbank: 3.84

Public Power Corp (PPC): 19.58

HBC Coca Cola: 30.28

Hellenic Petroleum: 10.20

Emporiki Bank: 21.50

National Bank of Greece: 38.94

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 28.22

Intralot: 23.62

Cosmote: 21.34

OPAP: 27.00

OTE: 21.40

Titan Cement Company: 41.70

[27] ADEX closing report

The March contract on the FTSE 20 index was traded at a discount of 1.50 pct and on the FTSE 40 index at a discount of 0.51 pct.

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totaled 14,430 contracts worth 172.176 million euros, with 27,889 open positions in the market, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 540 contracts worth 14.570 million euros with 1,197 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 15,274 contracts worth 11.927 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Intracom's contracts (2,419), followed by OTE (776), National Bank (1,411), Alpha Bank (971), ATEbank (1,393), Mytilineos (900) and Hellenic Petroleum (1,896).

Volume in stock repos was 778 contracts and in reverse stock repos 7,698 contracts.

[28] Greek bond market closing report

The five-year benchmark bond (April 20, 2010) was the most heavily traded security with a turnover of 1.471 billion euros, followed by the 10-year bond (July 20, 2017) with a turnover of 1.015 billion euros.

The yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German bonds fell to 0.225 percent, with the Greek bond yielding 4.17 pct and the German Bund 3.95 pct.

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were mixed. National Bank's overnight rate fell to 3.56 pct from 3.57 pct on Tuesday, the two-day rate was 3.57 pct, the one-month rate rose to 3.80 pct from 3.79 pct and the 12-month rate rose to 4.04 pct from 4.03 pct.

[29] Foreign Exchange Rates - Thursday

U.S. dollar 1.324

Pound sterling 0.686

Danish kroner 7.507

Swedish kroner 9.338

Japanese yen 154.03

Swiss franc 1.617

Norwegian kroner 8.212

Cyprus pound 0.584

Canadian dollar 1.557

Australian dollar 1.700

General News

[30] Bakoyannis signs Francophonie organisation memorandum

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis on Wednesday signed a memorandum of cooperation for the support of the French language at the seat of the international Francophonie Organisation in Paris, in the presence of the organisation's Secretary-General Abdou Diouf.

In the memorandum, Greece makes a commitment to promote the teaching of French to 300 civil servants and members of the military monitoring European issues. Greek authorities are obliged to present an annual education programme outlining the number and position of the civil servants taking part by November 30 of each year.

Speaking to reporters after signing the agreement, Bakoyannis expressed her satisfaction over Greece's participation "in an organisation whose goal it is to spread the French language but also the principles and values that link all the countries that believe in democracy and human rights."

She said that Greece stood to gain a great deal from its membership of the Francophonie organisation, since it joined a group of countries that were particularly important in Africa, with which Greece had good relations but wanted to develop closer ties.

Francophonie has 55 member-states and 13 observers. Greece became a full member in September 2006. In November 2004, the organisation laid down a 'road map' for spreading the French language but also to promote democracy, peace and human rights, for a period of 10 years.

[31] MPs appeal for restoration of Venetian-era fortress on Crete

MPs called on the ministry of culture as well as the ministries of finance, interior and defence to allocate funds for the restoration of the monument, which has been abandoned over the past few years after it ceased to serve as a storage depot for the navy.

The Izzedin Fortress, known under by Turkish name, was built by the Venetians and rebuilt in 1866 by the Ottoman administration on the island at the time.

[32] Fifteen injured when KTEL bus veered off the road

The accident occurred on the Polygyros- Thessaloniki motor-way at the Lakkia intersection on Wednesday morning.

According to traffic police, a car driven by a 71-year-old man crashed into a parked vehicle and the KTEL bus moving on the opposite lane was able to avoid the two cars at the last minute thanks to its driver's speedy reaction, who veered away from the crashed cars.

The 71-year-old driver was arrested.

[33] Authorities pick up 25 illegal immigrants on Samos, more sought

Most of the illegal immigrants picked up on Wednesday were from Afghanistan and Somalia. They were taken to the island's increasingly crowded immigrant detention centre after a precautionary medical examination.

Meanwhile, three Turks arrested on Samos for immigrant smuggling were remanded in custody after appearing before an examining magistrate on Tuesday. They were caught while letting off some 40 illegal immigrants that they had transported to the island from the Turkish coast.

[34] 'Homecoming' for Zack Snyder's '300' on Wednesday in Sparta

"The film '300' isn't a historical movie but an artistic one, the visualisation of a comics novel. If you distinguish this crucial point, then you'll be liberated; if you see it (the film) differently, then you'll have several objections," exhibition director Panos Papadolias, himself a native of modern-day Sparta, said.

Anticipation for the Warner Bros. production has been brewing in the east Mediterranean country for months, with an "avant premiere" Tuesday evening of the film shown on all 15 screens of an upscale Athenian mall's cineplex. Press reports on Wednesday cited figures of up to 15,000 tickets sold for Thursday's nationwide debut of the unabashedly gory and at times surrealistic account of Leonidas' last stand before the immense army led by Persian emperor Xerxes at Thermopylae, central Greece, in 480 BC.

Meanwhile in Sparta, the distinctly laidback seat of Laconia prefecture in the extreme southeast of the Peloponnese, local officials hope the film will spark increased interest and more tourist arrivals through their inland town.

"It's an opportunity to promote Laconia and Sparta and to show that ancient Sparta was not just a war machine, as depicted in the film, but that it also had its own civilisation, poetry, music and culture," prefect Constantinos Fourlas told an Athens daily on Wednesday.

In response to criticism over the movie's colossal doses of violence and historical inaccuracies, Sparta Mayor Sarantos Antonakos said the movie still qualifies as a distinct honor for the area, despite occasional divergences from the actual battle, "which is sacred for us and for all humanity."

The exhibition on Frank Miller features large stills of his works displayed along a pedestrian way adjacent to Sparta's archeological museum.

[35] Greek Cinema Festival to be held in Los Angeles

A Greek Cinema Festival will be held in Los Angeles this coming summer with the support of established Hollywood actors and directors of Greek origin.

As assessed by the region's Greek-Americans who are participating in this initiative, it is an important effort for the people of the American cinema industry to become acquainted with noteworthy examples of Greek cinema.

Members of the festival's council are Fox studio president Jim Yiannopoulos, American Cinema Academy president Sid Ganis, photography director Phaedon Papamichail, film director and Oscar winner Alexander Payne, actress Nia Vardalos and Oscar winner actress Olympia Doukakis.

The festival's programme will include films from Greece, Cyprus and overseas Hellenism.

In the context of the festival, lectures and events on personalities of the Greek cinema will be held, while awards will be given for Greek productions.

The aim of the organisers is for the festival to become an institution.

[36] Greek women and new technologies

As regards the use of mobile phones, the percentage among Greek women in 2006 remained steadily high, while Greek women's use of the Internet reached 21 percent in 2006.

An examination of the use of the Internet by the female population at Greek regional level revealed a percentage of 21 all over the country, while regions having a high level of use, compared to other regions, are the prefecture of Attica, that includes Athens, with 28.1 percent, followed by the Ionian Islands with 23.7 and Epirus with 22.2.

The study, taking place for the second consecutive year, was carried out during the October-December period last year and included a total of 8,026 contacts.

[37] Messages on World Women's Day

He referred to the "enormous contribution of Greek women in all the nation's struggles."

Directing himself to the women serving in the Armed Forces, he confirmed that initiatives would be taken for the improvement of their duty conditions and their promotion.

Messages were also sent by Interior, Public Administration and Decentralisation Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos, the Commu-nist Party of Greece (KKE) and the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos).

[38] Supreme Court prosecutor orders probe into AGB case

The high court prosecutor issued the order due to the gravity of the case, given the fact that allegations concern the operation of television stations and related ad revenues.

Felony charges have been filed against the AGB Hellas president, the managing director and a member of its board of directors for fraud and false statements.

AGB Hellas officials are accused of filing false statements regarding the company's financial links to local advertising firms and television stations, whereas the fraud charges refer to damage incurred by television stations from the contracts they hold with the ratings firm.

[39] Police cite yet another case of ex-boyfriend uploading x-rated images of former lover

Police raided the suspect's residence after tracing his electronic "footprint" and reportedly apprehended him as he was uploading sexually explicit material on a website.

A total of 34 similar cases have been reported over the past six months in Greece, mostly involving disgruntled former boyfriends

[40] Event for US embassy's new webpage on pop culture, technology on Thursday

Weather forecast

[41] Fair, slightly cloudy on Thursday

Soccer

[42] City of Athens to honor Michel Platini on Thursday

The medal is being conferred on the French soccer great in recognition of his significant contribution to football and sport, in general.

[43] The Wednesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Putin (Russian president) coming (to Athens) for the (Burgas-Alexandroupolis) oil pipeline - The signature (of the final agreement between Greece, Russia and Georgia for construction of the pipeline) next week".

ANO KATO: "We're moving ahead with the reforms - The government will implement its commitments, that's why it has society at its side - Karamanlis (prime minister) address today (Wednesday, to the ND parliamentary group) on the 3 years of ND (ruling New Democracy party) governance".

APOGEVMATINI: "7,092 opportunities for work - All the new positions".

AVGHI: "The government submerging the universities into a crisis - It's voting alone, with Manos (independent MP), for the reactionary bill (framework-law on higher education)".

AVRIANI: "The banking sector scenery changing with the historic agreement between Sallas (Piraeus Bank chairman) and Vgenopoulos (MPB chief executive)".

CHORA: "The advantageous settlement of debts to IKA (state-run Social Insurance Foundation) extended to April 2, by decision of employment minister".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "Three years of (ND) governmental work are completed today (Wednesday) and...ND cuts (anniversary) cake, the farmers cut Greece in two".

ELEFTHEROS: "What has changed in the economy in the three years under ND - The disaster-mongering developed by PASOK (main opposition party) after the (Athens 2004) Olympic Games has collapsed".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "The entrants into the AEI and TEI - Analytical distribution of the seats via School".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Where and how many (entrants) in each AEI-TEI School - Nationwide examinations (to take place) in second half of May".

ESTIA: "Review of the three years - Substantial progress in the Greek economy".

ETHNOS: "Closed doors for 80,000 youths - Thousands of vacant seats in the AEI-TEI, despite the alchemy with the (number of) entrants".

KATHIMERINI: "Deforestation...of urban TEI in favour of the provinces - The total number of entrants in the AEI-TEI for 2007 is reduced by 874 positions".

LOGOS: "The (protesting farmers') tractors waiting with engines switched on - ELAS (Greek Police) prevented the farmers from heading to Tempi - Protest over VAT and subsidies".

NIKI: "(Anniversary cake) Candles with scandals - The 'Black Book' on the three years of (ND) government being presented by PASOK".

RIZOSPASTIS: "Escalation of the struggle for free public higher education - Discussion in parliament on the framework-law".

TA NEA: "They're reducing the number of positions, cutting transfers - One in two candidates to be left out of the AEI-TEI".

TO VIMA: "Prosecutor investigation into the Funds' management".

VRADYNI: "3 years of efficient work - March 7: Greece in the development orbit".

Cyprus Affairs

[44] Spokesman: EU trade regulation should promote reunification

Any measures which instead of reunification tend to consolidate the division and facilitate the political upgrading of the occupation regime will not be accepted by the Republic of Cyprus, Government Spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardis reiterated here on Wednesday.

Replying to questions after a meeting of the Council of Mi-nisters, one day after a meeting between Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs George Lillikas and EU Enlargement Commis-sioner Olli Rehn in Brussels, Pashiardis said that in its efforts for financial support to the Turkish Cypriots, the Cypriot government ''elaborates proposals that we will submit to the EU Presidency and the Commission.''

Pashiardis pointed out that if the aim and rationale behind the Commission's regulation is the financial support of the Turkish Cypriots, ''it will be hard for our proposals to be rejected and even harder to corroborate a possible rejection.''

According to Pashiardis, the Cypriot minister reiterated to Rehn Cyprus' ''well known and immovable position.''

''When Mr. Rehn insists that the EU should fulfill its commitment of 2004, we just remind that this commitment exclusively refers to the financial support of the Turkish Cypriots and does not refer to direct trade and certainly has no political dimension,'' Pashiardis added.

Regarding a statement by Rehn's Spokeswoman Christina Nagy that the Enlargement Commissioner found references in the Cypriot press over his positions on the issue of trade as insulting, Pashiardis said the Cypriot government does not share any insulting references.

''Rehn should be aware that no censorship is applied in Cyprus and that the freedom of expression is absolutely respected by the authorities as one of the principles and values of the EU,'' he concluded.

According to the conclusions of 26th April 2004 there should be trade with the areas of the Republic of Cyprus on which the government does not exercise effective control.

Cyprus, an EU member state since 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

[45] CMP investigates fate of boy missing since 1974, says spokesman

The case of five-year-old Christakis Georgiou, missing since the 1974 Turkish invasion, is subject to responsible investiga-tion by the Committee for the Missing Persons (CMP), Government Spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardis has said.

Pashiardis assured that the Greek Cypriot side both for the particular case and for the issue of the missing persons as a whole is exerting every possible effort with a view to ascertain the fate of each and every one of the missing persons.

Replying to questions, after a meeting of the Council of Ministers, on the case of Christakis Georgiou, Pashiardis said that ''all the fresh evidence and details that emerged recently in this particular case will be conveyed from the CMP to the Turkish Cypriot side, which is responsible to investigate the issue and give a detailed report,'' pointing out that ''the Turkish Cypriot side, contrary to the CMP, is entitled to access in Turkey so as to investigate the issue.''

The spokesman also noted that the Greek Cypriot side could request Turkish classified documents, doubting however that Turkey would respond to such a request.

Pashiardis said that the CMP's mandate is exhausted to investigations in Cyprus' territory and not Turkey.

''The Committee does not have access to Turkey and that is a serious disadvantage in carrying out its work,'' he added.

According to Pashiardis, ''the special case of missing Christakis Georgiou resurfaces once more with evidence that the then young missing person was carried to Turkey.''

He added that this is not the first time that this case is raised and that it was referred to the CMP many times in the past, noting that now there is new evidence and solid proof.

Pashiardis also called for ''prudent handling of the delicate issue without jabbering and unnecessary noise.''

The spokesman also said that the missing persons issue is being examined by the Council of Europe in its general sense as a humanitarian issue, which is pending ''for so many years and consequently extending the pain and anxiety of the relatives of the missing persons.''

Christakis Georgiou, missing since the 1974 Turkish invasion, was wounded by a stray bullet during the fighting. He was transferred for medical treatment to Turkey and has not been seen ever since.

Speaking to CNA, a Turkish ministry of foreign affairs spokesman asserted that there are ''no missing persons from Cyprus in Turkey''.

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

[46] US Ambassador reiterates July 8 agreement should be implemented

US Ambassador in Nicosia Ronald Schlicher reiterated on Wednesday that all sides concerned in the Cyprus problem

should take the next step in the 8 July 2006 agreement.

''It has been since July that we had the agreement, that we had the basic framework, so now I think that it is time to take the next step forward and produce some progress because that is what everybody needs, that is what everybody wants,'' Schlicher said in statements after a meeting with Democratic Party (DIKO) President Marios Karoyian.

According to Schlicher, the two communities should ''work with Mr. Moller to find a way to get those technical committees and get those bicommunal working groups started.''

He also said that he has heard that there are ''maybe some new ideas in that regard,'' expressing hope that the communities and the UN Secretary General's Special Representative in Cyprus Michael Moller ''will take whatever new ideas may be presented by one side or the other and find ways forward because we all want progress on this process.''

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

On 8 July 2006, Cypriot President Tassos 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.

36, TSOCHA ST. ATHENS 115 21 GREECE * TEL: 64.00.560-63 * FAX: 64.00.581-2 INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.ana-mpa.gr * e-mail: anabul@ana gr * GENERAL DIRECTOR: GEORGE TAMBAKOPOULOS

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