Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-03-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] Premier Karamanlis appeals for unity, calls on neighbouring countries to respect Int'l Law

[02] Antiquities returned to Greece by Getty Museum, PM lauds culture ministry efforts for repatriation of Parthenon Marbles

[03] FinMin addresses US congress on Greece's role in SE Europe

[04] PM Karamanlis meets with Commisssion vice-president Wallstrom

[05] Bakoyannis meets EU Commissioner Wallstrom

[06] Government on bond issue, fund assets

[07] Papandreou addresses PASOK's Youth Renewal Conference, calls for elections

[08] U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Burns discusses terrorism with former Greek public order minister

[09] Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos meets with European Commission delegation head

[10] Trial of former DEKA board members again postponed

[11] Deputy DM receives Cameroon armed forces chief

[12] PM to meet with ex-premier Mitsotakis on Friday

[13] Coalition party leader touring Pieria prefecture

[14] Judges/prosecutors' group criticises Synaspismos leader

[15] SAE President and interior minister discuss voting for overseas Greeks

[16] New York mayor honours Greek Independence Day

[17] Contract for C4I system signed, worth 245.6 mln euros

[18] EU Commissioner Hubner in Athens for talks with Greek leadership

[19] Commissioner Hubner bestowed Athens Municipality Medal

[20] Merchant marine minister holds talks with EU Commissioner Barrot

[21] European Commission report; broad band services in Greece

[22] Parliamentary Finance Committee briefed on social insurance funds' reserves

[23] EU commissioners address forum on EU's 50 years

[24] Development minister inaugurates 'Energy-TEC' exhibition, addresses conference

[25] Hellenic Aerospace Industry reports sharply improved 2006 results

[26] Hellas OnLine wins 88.7-mln-euro broadband project

[27] Industrial new orders up 13.8 pct in January, yr/yr

[28] NEL Lines reports sharply improved 2006 results

[29] Selonda buys 35% equity stake in Astraea for 1.1 mln euros

[30] Greek business delegation in Australia

[31] Protest marches Athens, Thessaloniki

[32] ASE members urge for widespread controls in bond market transactions

[33] Greek stocks up 1.35 pct on Thursday

[34] ADEX closing report

[35] Greek bond market closing report

[36] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

[37] Wallstrom stresses need for involved citizens in EU

[38] ESHEA on the sentencing of journalist and unionist Dimitris Trimis

[39] Man killed, five others injured in violence ahead of women's volleyball match

[40] Gov't spokesman, KKE, Synaspismos condemn hooliganism before match

[41] Debate on mass media and protection of personality

[42] Patriarch of Alexandria Theodoros extends best wishes on occasion of Muslim religious holiday

[43] Justice minister inaugurates new prison

[44] Trial of arrested protesters continues

[45] Fishing ban in the prefecture of Drama

[46] Mother and daughter arrested for drug possession

[47] Orientation sessions for Italians in Greece

[48] Illegal immigrants arrested on Samos

[49] Farkadona youths to represent Greece at event for road safety

[50] Unidentified individuals torched 8 cars early Thursday morning in the wider Athens region.

[51] Cloudy, windy on Friday

[52] The Thursday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

[53] SC permanent members call for rapid implementation of July agreement

[54] Foreign Minister hopes Turkish Cypriots to implement July 8 agreement

[55] Cypriot government always examining ways to assist Turkish Cypriots Politics

[01] Premier Karamanlis appeals for unity, calls on neighbouring countries to respect Int'l Law

"Greece, as a factor of peace, stability and cooperation in our broader region, calls on all its neighbours to adopt and prove in practice their respect to the institutional, economic and political acquis communautaire of the European Union, the principles and values of Europe and International Law," Karamanlis said.

The prime minister, having stressed with emphasis his certainty that the only objective which unites Greek society is "Greece of peace, growth and progress," said that "what we are all obliged to do, government, political forces, local government agencies and active citizens, forces of production, businesses and social partners, is to unite our forces to consolidate our gains.

To change things around us. To make challenges opportunities. To put into practice the vision of the fighters of freedom and of national dignity. A strong Greece with proud Greeks."

He said that "undisputably, in the past years, the state, to the degree of its potential, implemented special policies for growth, the full unification, it recognised however that the rate must be speeded up so that the greatest result to be achieved for the growth of the border and island Greece. For us, the great number of our islands and particularly the islands of the Archipelagos, is not a problem, but a valuable national capital, it is our great comparative advantage."

Karamanlis referred to the main policies which the government implemented in the first three years of its tenure for the Dodecanese.

The shaping of a special duties and taxation system

The reduced indicators of the Value Added Tax (VAT)

The special development law, whose validity concerned the islands of the eastern Aegean and the Dodecanese

[02] Antiquities returned to Greece by Getty Museum, PM lauds culture ministry efforts for repatriation of Parthenon Marbles

"Defending our cultural heritage using all legal means is a self-evident obligation. Claiming from foreign museums and collectors every Greek ancient artifact for which we have evidence that it was the product of antiquities-smuggling, illegal excavation or illegal trade is a matter of urgent priority," the Greek premier stressed.

Karamanlis was speaking to reporters after a handover ceremony marking the return of two important ancient Greek artifacts from the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, held at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, where the artifacts will be on display.

The artifacts are a 4th century B.C. gold funerary wreath from the northern Greek province of Macedonia and an archaic-era statue of a 'kore' (young woman) made of Parian marble. They are the last of four artifacts returned to Greece by the museum under an agreement announced a few months ago.

The agreement with the Getty Museum, where the antiquities were housed, was reached after the Greek govermnment contested the legality of their export from the country.

Karamanlis further said that a bill aimed at curbing the illegal trade and smuggling of antiquties would be tabled in parliament by the culture ministry in the near future.

"Policy is vindicated when it yields tangible results. Our goals become action, day by day," Karamanlis added.

The Greek premier also referred to the completion of the new Acropolis Museum and the return of two fragments of the Parthenon and the Erechtheum in 2006, noting that these "dismissed the spurious excuses put forward for not returning the Parthenon sculptures".

Culture minister on return of lost antiquities

Speaking after the premier, Culture Minister George Voulgarakis described the two ancient artifacts retrieved from the J. Paul Getty Museum as "masterpieces of Greek art".

The minister also emphasised the fact that all four items returned by the Getty were given back without any form of exchange and without intervention by a court.

"The era when stolen objects of great value could be bought on the 'grey' market is gone, never to return," Voulgarakis underlined.

He noted that the deal would allow Greece to claim the things that rightfully belonged to it, provided there was proof that it had been illegally obtained and exported from the country.

According to the minister, meanwhile, the international community's "shift to respecting international law and ethics" was not incompatible with the "healthy interests of great museums".

Apart from the golden wreath and the kore, the Los Angeles-based Getty museum had in August 2006 returned a 4th-century B.C. black limestone stele - grave marker - and a 6th-century B.C. marble votive relief from Thasos that also went on display at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.

The stele was unearthed during an illegal dig in the 1990s near the city of Thebes while the votive relief was stolen almost a century ago from the French Archaeological School warehouse on the Aegean island of Thasos.

[03] FinMin addresses US congress on Greece's role in SE Europe

Greece's national economy and finance minister George Alogoskoufis on Wednesday outlined the role played by Greece in the wider region of SE Europe, speaking in the US Congress at an event organised by the Hellenic American Heritage Council.

As a member of the European Union, the eurozone and NATO, Greece contributed substantially to the economic stability of its neighbouring countries during the difficult years of transition to a free economy, at the same time supporting the process of development of democratic institutions in those countries, Alogoskoufis explained, adding that Greece backs the EU accession of Turkey and other countries in the region, provided, however, that those countries respect the rules and terms that have been set out by the EU.

He further underlined the important role played by Greek businesses, which have invested more than 15 billion dollars in the region.

Regarding the positive achievements of the Greek economy, and focusing mainly on the fiscal adjustment and the economy's high growth rates with a parallel reduction of unemployment, Alogoskoufis said that Greece was now ready to capitalise on its geopolitical position at the crossroads of three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa.

Greece, he said, can offer American businessmen direct access to those markets, providing the political, economic and fiscal stability required.

The event was attended by a plethora of US Senators, House of Representatives members, members of the diplomatic corps, businessmen and mass media representatives.

Alogoskoufis also met Wednesday with World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz, after which he said his purpose was to give the message that Greece now ranked among the developed countries of Europe and was able to contribute to the aid programmes of significant international organisations to the countries of the Third World.

"We have now reached the point that our country can gradually increase its contribution to successful international organisations, such as the World Bank, and more specifically to aid programmes for very poor countries, mainly in Africa, which are the World Bank's priority today," Alogoskoufis said, referring to the issues discussed with Wolfowitz.

Greece currently contributes an amount corresponding to 0.12 percent of its GDP on an annual basis to the World Bank, he noted.

Other topics discussed included assistance programmes for the Balkan countries, as well as the course of the Greek economy.

On Thursday, Alogoskoufis is scheduled to meet Federal Reserve Chairman Dr. Ben Bernanke, followed by successive meetings with Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmit and Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns.

During his stay in Washington, the Greek finance minister is also expected to grant interviews to the U.S. media and hold a press conference for Greek journalists.

[04] PM Karamanlis meets with Commisssion vice-president Wallstrom

The two officials discussed issues relating to the European Union. No statements were made after the meeting.

[05] Bakoyannis meets EU Commissioner Wallstrom

"Plan D" - standing for Democracy, Dialogue, Debate - seeks to stimulate a wider debate between European citizens and the EU institutions. At the same time, it weighs the concerns and wishes of the EU peoples that must be taken into consideration in drawing up the European Constitution "road map" expected at the end of the German EU Presidency, said Valinakis.

In statements made during a discussion held at an Athens bookstore in the presence of Commissioner Wallstrom, Valinakis stressed that the Greek government is a strong supporter of "Plan D", even though Greece has already ratified the European Constitution. The foreign ministry holds a number of events nationwide within this framework, said Valinakis, has set up the website www.europe4me.gr and organized a series of events to take place in Athens on May 9 - Europe Day.

Greece plays a leading part in a number of initiatives on the future of Europe, like the European maritime policy currently drawn up and a meeting of EU European Affairs Ministers scheduled to take place in Rhodes on April 19-20, said Valinakis. The goal is to contribute to the adoption of a comprehensive maritime policy in Europe aimed at economic growth, environmental protection, research and innovation, he concluded.

Speaking with the students, Commissioner Wallstrom agreed that youth unemployment was very high. Referring to the Berlin Declaration, she said that the fact that late 2009 was set as the end date for the ratification of the European Constitution is a binding commitment and a good step.

Later at noon, Commissioner Wallstrom attended a formal luncheon given in her honour by Foreign Minister Bakoyannis.

Press conference

Meanwhile, in a later press conference, Wallstrom stressed that the manner in which Greece, Spain and Portugal used the European framework consolidated democracy in those countries, serving as a major achievement for both new and older member-states.

She also said, in relation to a question, that she could not image a Europe without Greece, as it serves as a geographical bridge and allows the rest of the continent, for instance, to improve its knowledge regarding Turkey.

Finally, she said the Commission's legal recourse against Greece over the so-called "Primary Shareholder's" law will be dropped if Athens adheres to Brussels' opinion.

[06] Government on bond issue, fund assets

The spokesman presented figures showing that the total assets of social insurance funds had increased by over 42 percent since New Democracy came into power in 2004, while also drawing an unfavourable comparison to the funds' financial performance under PASOK governments:

"In the period 1999-2001 - when the well-known games on the stock market were taking place and funds were buying securities acting on illegal instructions - there arose a net loss exceeding two billion euros. It would be better, therefore, if PASOK explained to workers, the insured and pensioners where this two billion euros went," he said.

Commenting on reports that 17 bonds had been sold to social insurance funds in the last two years, Antonaros repeated that funds made investment decisions of this sort "autonomously and independently" for up to 23 percent of their assets, while further investments could then be made with the approval of the employment minister and the Bank of Greece governor.

This restriction did not apply to the purchase of bonds, however, which required only a decision of the fund's board, he added.

According to Antonaros, the legality of investment in securities was checked by a special committee for supervising investments by social insurance bodies based in the Bank of Greece. He noted that the relevant law had been amended twice under PASOK governments, without making bond purchases subject to monitoring by either the employment ministry or the Bank of Greece.

"This collection of laws not only created an express exception for bonds [from control from the Investments Management Committee] but, in a 2002 amendment, removed from the Committee the obligation to provide approval for these investments," he noted.

As a result, the purchase and sale of Greek state bonds based on the existing legal framework is not subject to the approval of the appropriate ministry, Antonaros added.

Regarding the financial health of the social insurance funds that had invested in the high-risk bonds, the spokesman clarified that the bonds performance was judged after they had matured.

"One keeps these bonds in one's portfolio until they come to the end of their course, until they mature - that is when their yield is calculated," he said.

Regarding the state bond acquired by a supplementary pension fund for civil servants - on terms that prompted intervention by the Capital Markets Commission and launched an investigation that revealed similar deals involving other funds - Antonaros stressed that the Greek state had issued a bond worth 280 million euros, had received 280 million euros in state coffers and thus owed 280 million euros.

"Four funds bought shares in this bond. When this expires, they will receive what they paid and, in the meantime, they will also have received the interest," Antonaros pointed out. Regarding an alleged 42 million euros lost from the initial purchase of the bond to its acquisition by the funds, the spokesman simply stated that it was not the government's business to know what the funds were buying nor to follow the fate of the bonds.

Meanwhile, he denied a PASOK claim that the present legal framework was set up based on conditions in 2005, before investments in high-risk complex bonds were taking place.

"Greek state bonds and bank bonds with fluctuating interest rates are new investment products, whose yields will be judged in the coming years. Despite what PASOK says, bonds with fluctuating interest rates were also bought in its time," Antonaros told reporters.

He also criticised past PASOK administrations for failing to require social insurance funds to keep proper accounts, draw up budgets and produce end-of-year reports, and failing to properly supervise their management.

"The present government has defined the goals of transparency in the management of insurance fund assets - which is done in practice by posting these on the Internet - and of measurable and safe returns in the management of assets, without affecting the legally established status of autonomy for social insurance organisations. At the same time, fund boards are required to submit balance sheets, actuarial reports and investment plans or face removal," the spokesman underlined.

[07] Papandreou addresses PASOK's Youth Renewal Conference, calls for elections

Papandreou said "the new generation is ahead again and is putting an end to the right-wing parenthesis, the black three-year period of right-wing governance."

The PASOK leader called on young people to "make the downfall of the government their own cause", while speaking of "wretched governance" and, referring to the issue of social insurance funds, accusing the government "of being responsible for the looting of the funds and the seizure of the toils of your parents."

Papandreou also extended his condolences to the family of a young man killed in clashes that took place in an Athens suburb in the afternoon before a women's volleyball match was due to begin between arch rivals Olympiakos Piraeus and Panathinaikos Athens, stressing that "a society of blind violence does not suit us."

He further said in his address that in front of "a world of war, insecurity, fear, racism, social exclusion, the state of 'our friends', guided knowledge and vicious individualism, we claim the right to free the great forces that our country and our people have and create a just society and a strong Greece with them."

Papandreou also committed himself to equal access for young immigrants everywhere and stressed that "every child that is born anywhere in Greece, from whatever parents will be by right and automatically a Greek citizen, without any exception."

The 6,000 delegates participating in the Conference resulted from election processes in which, according to an announcement by the Conference's Organising Committee, 90,663 young men and women and members and friends of PASOK participated.

PASOK's Youth Policy chief Costas Skandalidis "delivered" procedures to the Conference, that proceeded with the election of its 15-member directorate in which women delegates have the majority with nine seats.

The Conference will continue on Friday with proposals on political positions, the charter and an address by PASOK's National Council secretary Nikos Athanasakis.

On Saturday, the Conference will continue with second addresses by rapporteurs, as well as by Skandalidis, while voting will take place on issues contained in the agenda.

The Congress will come to an end on Sunday with voting for the election of the PASOK Youth sector's new bodies.

[08] U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Burns discusses terrorism with former Greek public order minister

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Nicholas Burns and main opposition PASOK party Deputy and former public order minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis discussed issues concerning domestic and international terrorism, the abolition of visas for Greek citizens and developments in Kosovo during a luncheon hosted by the former at the State Department and attended by Greek Ambassador to Washington Alexandros Mallias.

Burns later said that "Mr. Chrysohoidis is a personal friend and a friend of my country and he was my guest. We have great respect for his person and for all that he did as public order minister to crack down on the problem of terrorism in Greece. He showed leadership and courage and all his friends do not forget what he did. We spoke about all issues and about our support for strong bilateral relations between Greece and the United States."

Chrysohoidis termed the meeting "friendly and informal", adding that Burns is "a person with whom I have close ties from the time of his tenure in Athens. He plays an important role in his country and all over the world and we discussed a series of issues of mutual concern."

[09] Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos meets with European Commission delegation head

Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos met on Thursday with the new head of the delegation of the European Commission to Turkey, ambassador Marc Pierini, at the Fanar, Istanbul.

They discussed Turkey's European prospect as well as issues pertaining to the ethnic Greeks living in Istanbul and the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

[10] Trial of former DEKA board members again postponed

Even though the court on Thursday rejected the reasons cited by the defence to request the postponement, it then adjourned the proceedings in order so that other outstanding problems might be settled.

In statements after the hearing was adjourned, Former New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert, who is one of the witnesseses for the prosecution in the trial, stressed that he was prepared to wait.

"One million Greeks have a right to know where the money they invested in the stock market has gone," he said.

On trial are seven members of DEKA's board in the year 2000, who face charges of breach of faith with aggravating circumstances related to the law on embezzling public funds.

The seven are accused of using DEKA funds from March until April 2000 to purchase large quantities of blue-chip stocks in largely state-controlled enterprises, such as the National Bank of Greece (NBG), Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (OTE) and others, in order to drive up the Athens stock market in the run-up to the 2000 general elections, incurring significant losses for DEKA when share prices on the Greek bourse later slumped.

An appeals court ruling one year ago had allowed the accused to walk away from the charges by converting them to misdemeanours, for which the statute of limitations had expired, on the grounds that DEKA was a societe anonyme company with legal autonomy from the state.

This decision was later reversed by the Supreme Court, however, which found it was based on a misinterpretation and wrongly applied statutes concerning embezzlement of state assets, since DEKA's property was simultaneously the property of the Greek State.

The initial indictment referred to losses of millions of euros in DEKA assets due to transactions carried out ahead of the April 2000 elections.

Main opposition PASOK had narrowly defeated New Democracy in that election, forming another government under Costas Simitis.

The repeat trial was originally scheduled to begin in October 2006 and was postponed until March 19 because one of the defence lawyers was unable to attend.

[11] Deputy DM receives Cameroon armed forces chief

Mihaloliakos expressed to Meka the undivided support of the European Union for efforts aimed at peace, stability and development in the countries of Africa, stressing that Greece is following an "open doors" policy towards every country that respects international law.

The issue of extending military cooperation between the two countries was also examined by Meka and National Defence General Staff chief Panayiotis Hinofotis.

Visits to military units, training centres, military training foundations, the 424 military hospital and installations of the Greek defence industry by Meka, who is due to leave the country on March 31, are also part of this framework.

[12] PM to meet with ex-premier Mitsotakis on Friday

[13] Coalition party leader touring Pieria prefecture

Speaking during his visit to the town of Litohoro, in the prefecture of Pieria, Macedonia, Alavanos called for the assessment of money that, as he said, has been "stolen" and should be returned to the insured.

He also said that it is not possible for proposals to be made to working people for an increase in contributions or of pensioning age limits at a time when social insurance funds are being "looted."

Lastly, Alavanos said that an in-depth investigation must be made and repeated his proposal for the creation of a factfinding committee.

[14] Judges/prosecutors' group criticises Synaspismos leader

"We express our regret over recent statements made by Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology leader Alekos Alavanos against Appeals Court Prosecutor Isidoros Dogiakos," an announcement read, adding "that rash and groundless attacks against court officers who perform their duties by honouring their oath, as Mr. Dogiakos does, are unacceptable, since they not only insult the afflicted person but also the institution he serves".

[15] SAE President and interior minister discuss voting for overseas Greeks

The preparation of the bill was announced by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis at SAE's 6th Regular Assembly.

An initial approach was agreed upon during the meeting between Pavlopoulos and Tamvakis on the way with which overseas Greeks will be exercising their voting rights.

Tamvakis conveyed to the minister the trend emerging in overseas Greeks' views, following publication of the draft law and the creation of an "ad hoc" committee was agreed that will cooperate with SAE, presenting the final proposals to the minister.

[16] New York mayor honours Greek Independence Day

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Thursday hosted a reception at the Cultural Centre of the Alexander Onassis Foundation, in Manhattan, in honour of the anniversary of Greece's National Independence Day on March 25.

During the event, Bloomberg presented to the president of the New York Federation of Greek Associations, Nikos Diamantidis, the established declaration for the "Day of Greek Independence".

The mayor of New York hailed the contribution of the Greek-American community in the city's social and economic life.

Present at the reception were Archbishop of America Demetrios, Consul General of Greece in New York, Ekaterini Boura and the Consul General of Cyprus, Martha Mavrommati.

Financial News

[17] Contract for C4I system signed, worth 245.6 mln euros

The contract was signed in the presence of Public Order Minister Vyron Polydoras, SAIC's chief legal counsel Grant Clark and US ambassador to Athens Charles Ries, among others.

In statements afterwards, Polydoras said the final agreement leaves Greece with huge advantages in the security and law enforcement sector, while at the same time serving as a model of legality, both in terms of international and national law.

On his part, Ries said both sides were satisfied with the outcome of negotiations and the signing of the contract.

The Greek minister put the final price tag for the C4I system at 245.6 million euros, following five amendments to the contract as well as technical upgrades requested by Athens.

SAIC will also reportedly assume the responsibility to repair whatever glitches have been detected in the system and cameras so far.

[18] EU Commissioner Hubner in Athens for talks with Greek leadership

The Commissioner was also received by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, while she is scheduled to meet with other top Greek leaders.

Expectedly, energy-related issues - renewable, alternative sources and energy networks -- also came up during discussions, as Sioufas holds the energy portfolio during a period when the Greek government has termed energy as a strategic priority.

Hübner praised Athens' recent efforts to boost competitiveness and entrepreneurship. R&D and efforts to expand the use of Internet were also discussed.

The EU Commissioner from Poland later gave a lecture at the foreign ministry detailing the Union's regional policy goals and perspective, where she stressed that regions within the EU have a supreme role in implementing growth-oriented policies, "rather than investment being decided and run centrally."

The lecture was sponsored by the Hellenic Foundation for European & Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP).

[19] Commissioner Hubner bestowed Athens Municipality Medal

Present at the ceremony were Deputy Economy and Finance Minister Christos Folias, the secretary-general of the finance ministry's investments and development department Constantine Mousouroulis, New Democracy (ND) party deputy and president of Parliament's permanent regions committee Athanasios Karasmanis, Poland's Ambassador to Greece Michal Klinger and director of the European Parliament's office in Athens George Kasimatis.

In his address, the mayor of Athens referred to Commissioner Hubner's activities and efforts "to put in order the extremely complex regional landscape of the European Union."

The Athens Municipality, in recognition of her contribution in the sector of social and economic growth of Europe's regions, decided to award Commissioner Hubner, Kaklamanis noted.

European Commission vice president addresses Parliamentary European and Social Affairs Committees

European Commission vice president and Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot appeared before the Parlimentary European and Social Affairs Committees on Thursday and, referring to the Olympic Airlines, said that "state subsidies bother, while Greece has given an initial response, of course, but the ball is still in its court."

Replying to a question by independent Deputy Stefanos Manos, Barrot said that the adulteration of competition is against the principles of the European Union and this "must be understood:If we do not do this, the European Court will."

The Commissioner further said that on the issue of the Greek public air carrier "we have shown some understanding, since there was also the precedent of the Belgian Sabena, but I cannot take decisions in the place of the Greek government. I am a moderate Commissioner and the only thing I can do is to respect European legislation. The European member-states respect European legislation and clauses concerning competition and there are also companies that respect legislation and competition."

Lastly, Barrot said that "when there are state subsidies, this does not help competition. However, I am speaking with the Greek government on this issue."

[20] Merchant marine minister holds talks with EU Commissioner Barrot

Barrot expressed his satisfaction over measures taken by the Greek government on coastal shipping issues and stressed that now there was no question of referring Greece to the European Court.

He also agreed that "the path has opened" to enable the subsidisation of coastal shipping vessels' hotel equipment for upgraded services to be provided for insular Greece, particularly for small and remote islands.

Also discussed was the issue of subsidising seaplanes and free transportation to remote islands such as Antikithira, Anafi and Psara.

[21] European Commission report; broad band services in Greece

The European Commission's 12th report on the telecommunications markets was made public in Brussels on Thursday.

The conclusions drawn were that European consumers continue to benefit from the low prices and from the innovative services, resulting in the progress achieved in the implementation of European Union rules on telecommunications.

However, the report states that still further competition is needed, but also regulatory authorities with greater independence, so that the consumers and the right holders to fully benefit from the EU's domestic market.

Regarding Greece, the report ascertained the speedy growth of broad band services, which increased by 229% in 2006 compared to 2005. However, the country is still placed in last position in the EU of the "25". Subscriptions of broad band services in Greece was 3.3% of the total in 2006, with the average EU standing at 15.7%.

[22] Parliamentary Finance Committee briefed on social insurance funds' reserves

Doukas reiterated that social insurance funds themselves have the exclusive responsibility of managing their reserves and accused the main opposition PASOK party of "making a disinformation effort".

Pilavios revealed that the Committee is already carrying out checks on the past five years and added that similar infringing attitudes were also ascertained in other stockbroker companies in past years.

Kouris said on his part that the main reason that the media want to present him as being involved is because "I am a prosecution witness in the trial of DEKA," pointing out that "DEKA placed 370 billion euros in the stock exchange and, from this amount, placed the 55 billion euros on the Friday two days before the elections in 2004."

[23] EU commissioners address forum on EU's 50 years

European Commission Vice-president and Communication Strategy Commissioner Margot Wallstrom and Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas also addressed the forum.

Daskalopoulos said that the EU crerated opportunities and challenges for Greece, strengthening democratic institutions, improving infrastructures and constituting a vital factor of wealth for all.

However, he added that Greece was facing problems with increasing tension, compared to the EU, such as the social insurance and demographic issues, poverty and the new inequalities that are being created by globalisation.

The general conclusion reached at the Open Forum was that Greece's participation in the EU and EMU is the focal factor shaping developments in the country, as well as the day-to-day lives of citizens.

Making an account of the creation of the EU and its 50-year course, European Commission Vice-president and Communication Strategy Commissioner Margot Wallstrom stressed that enlargement renders the reforming of institutions necessary, to enable them to meet the needs being created by the increase in member-states to 27.

Referring to Greece in particular, Wallstrom pointed out that Greece has received EU funds exceeding 50 billion euros, while in the coming years it is expected to receive 20.4 billion euros.

Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas referred on his part to the Commission's work on protecting the environment and combatting climatic changes and stressed that the EU is committed, through the Kyoto Protocol, to reducing industrial pollution by 8 percent by the year 2012.

Focusing on Greece, he pointed out that the country must achieve the Kyoto goal. He also added that in order to achieve this goal, the state will contribute with measures that it must implement, as well as businesses and citizens with actions that will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

[24] Development minister inaugurates 'Energy-TEC' exhibition, addresses conference

Sioufas stressed that "it is estimated that by 2010, investments which will be made in our country's energy sector, along with the international links in the sector of oil, electricity and natural gas, will reach more than 4.5 billion euros."

Referring to the government's objectives until 2010, Sioufas noted that "at the end of the current year the installed renewable sources of energy systems will reach 1,150 MW, against 750 MW at the end of 2006."

[25] Hellenic Aerospace Industry reports sharply improved 2006 results

Presenting the company's results, Tasos Filipakos, its chief executive, said EAB reported a significant reduction in its cashflow deficit last year to 48 million euros, from 59 million in 2005 and 70 million in 2004 and stressed the company aimed to cut the deficit to below 20 million euros.

Filipakos said the management signed six significant contracts with EADS, Lockheed Martin, Thales, Finmeccanica, BAe and Indra, worth 963 million euros, last year. He noted that a contract with Lockheed Martin Aero envisages that EAB manufactured 30 pct of F-16 aircraft parts, up from 18 pct three years ago, and noted that the deal secured 200 job positions for the next six years.

Hellenic Aerospace Industry said the value of civil aircraft maintenance services jumped to 878,000 euros last year, from 386,000 in 2005 and 180,000 in 2004, and sales from satellite applications soared to 343,000 euros in 2006, from 115,000 in 2005, with the aim to reach 2.0 million euros this year.

Filipakos said EAB could become profitable in the next three years, based on international accounting standards, if it continued to boost its competitiveness, seek international partnerships and improving its economic situation.

[26] Hellas OnLine wins 88.7-mln-euro broadband project

Hellas OnLine will develop a broadband network in the regions of Thessaly, Central Greece, Epirus, Northern Peloponese, Cyclades and Ionian Islands. Under the agreement, Hellas OnLine will cover 50 percent of the budget.

[27] Industrial new orders up 13.8 pct in January, yr/yr

The statistics service said the turnover composite index in the industrial sector rose 9.1 pct in January 2007, from January 2006, while the producers' price index was up 0.2 pct in February 2007 compared with the corresponding month last year.

[28] NEL Lines reports sharply improved 2006 results

Pre-tax, interest and amortization earnings (EBITDA) soared to 43.8 million euros in 2006, from 1.1 million euros in 2005, while group assets totaled 201.5 million euros from 171.3 million euros over the same periods, respectively.

NEL Lines said its net positions jumped 128.8 pct to 58.7 million euros in 2006, from 25.7 million euros in 2005.

[29] Selonda buys 35% equity stake in Astraea for 1.1 mln euros

Astraea reported a turnover of 37.46 million euros and profits of 748,000 euros last year and expects this year's sales to exceed 40 million euros.

Selonda also announced that its subsidiary, Interfish, was absorbing Lesvos Acquculture, while it was merging two other subsidiaries, Koronis SA and Stephanou SA.

[30] Greek business delegation in Australia

According to a schedule of events, coordinated by Nikos Drosos, president of the Hellenic Export Promotion Organisation (HEPO), the delegation will hold a "mini" exhibition of Greek products and a series of meetings with Australian businesspeople and government officials.

[31] Protest marches Athens, Thessaloniki

[32] ASE members urge for widespread controls in bond market transactions

In a letter sent to Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, SMEHA said the minister's comments this past week regarding "greedy stockbrokers" were mistaken, adding that guilt was ascribes to "entire industry for one securities firm's alleged wrongdoing". SMEHA also called on the minister to retract his comments.

In the letter, SMEHA said securities firms, although with a very small share in the domestic bond market (0.5-1.0 pct), were well regulated by the Capital Markets Commission, whereas banks (both Greek and foreign), which are the main issuers and managers of bonds, remained under no supervisory regime. The association also noted that several pension funds have bought structured bonds of the Greek state, whose value has dropped by 20-30 percent compared with their purchase price.

[33] Greek stocks up 1.35 pct on Thursday

The Big Cap index jumped 1.43 percent, the Mid Cap index was 0.87 pct up and the Small Cap index rose 1.34 pct. The FTSE/ATHEX International index rose 1.34 pct.

All shares in the Big Cap index, with the exception of Intralot (-0.78 pct), moved higher, with Viohalco (3.82 pct), Alpha Bank (3.44 pct), OPAP (2.70 pct) and Eurobank (2.07 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance +1.41 pct

Industrial Products and Services +3.10

Commerce +0.49

Construction +0.80

Media +1.25

Oil and Natural Gas +1.03

Personal/Home Products +0.76

Raw Materials +0.56

Travel +1.73

Technology +1.29

Telecoms +0.57

Banks +1.61

Food/Beverage +0.92

Healthcare +1.85

Chemicals +0.91

Utilities +0.73

Financial Services +0.37

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 165 to 68 with another 68 issues unchanged. Technical Olympic (11.11 pct), Mohlos (9.52 pct), Interfish (9.35 pct) and Desmos (8.7 pct) were top gainers, while Vivere (12.12 pct), Delta Project (3.74 pct) and Rilken (3.67 pct) were top losers.

Turnover was 311.490 million euros of which 49.775 million euros were block traded. Halcor, OTE and Alpha Bank were the most heavily traded stocks. ASE' s capitalization totaled 172.701 billion euros.

Big Cap' s shares ended as follows:

ALPHA BANK: 23.48

ATEBANK: 3.86

VIOHALCO: 11.42

ÅLTECH: 10.86

PPC: 19.00

COCA COLA: 32.00

HELLENIC PETROLEUM: 10.74

ÅMPORIKI BANK: 20.86

NATIONAL BANK: 40.26

ÅUROBANK: 30.50

CYPRUS BANK: 11.32

ÉNTRALOT: 22.86

POSTAL SAVINGS BANK: 18.76

COSMOTE: 22.90

MOTOR OIL: 20.60

ÏPAP: 28.96

ÏÔÅ: 20.46

PIRAEUS BANK: 26.22

ÔÉÔÁÍ GROUP: 41.00

FOLLI FOLLIE: 26.20

[34] ADEX closing report

The June contract on the FTSE 20 index was traded at a discount of 2.67 pct, while the April contract on the FTSE 40 index at a discount of 0.67 pct.

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index was 7,354 contracts worth 88.739 million euros, with 26,673 open positions in the market, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 357 contracts worth 10.262 million euros, with 1,267 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 4,437 contracts worth 5.423 million euros, with investment interest focusing on GEK's contracts (582), followed by OTE (217), PPC (203), National Bank (230), Alpha Bank (315), Intracom (220), Mytilineos (514) and Postal Savings Bank (405).

Volume in stock repos was 530 contracts and in reverse stock repos 1,243 contracts.

[35] Greek bond market closing report

The 10-year benchmark bond (July 20, 2017) was the most heavily traded security with a turnover of 980 million euros. The yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German bonds was 0.24 pct, with the Greek bond yielding 4.29 pct and the German Bund 4.05 pct.

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates moved higher. National Bank's overnight rate rose to 3.83 pct from 3.82 pct on Wednesday, the two-day rate rose to 3.88 pct from 3.82 pct, the one-month rate was 3.86 pct and the 12-month rate rose to 4.17 pct from 4.15 pct.

[36] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

U.S. dollar 1.345

Pound sterling 0.684

Danish kroner 7.509

Swedish kroner 9.411

Japanese yen 158.0

Swiss franc 1.634

Norwegian kroner 8.166

Cyprus pound 0.585

Canadian dollar 1.561

Australian dollar 1.663

General News

[37] Wallstrom stresses need for involved citizens in EU

The Commissioner underlined that local mobilization of citizens was a factor for growth, cohesion, protection of the environment and participatory democracy.

She was speaking during an event organized in Athens on "Europe and the role of civil society" organised by a group of Greek NGOs.

During her address, Wallstrom said that the values of solidarity, sustainability and accountability adopted within the EU should underpin state authorities and actions in member-states and civil society organizations.

She also said that communication networks with European citizens already operate and that the Commission wanted to contribute to seeking and establishing new ways of communication and coordination between the NGOs currently active in European societies.

In response to questions, Wallstrom stressed the important role played by NGOs in ensuring transparency, pointing out that they were often a source of criticism or different viewpoints from that of governments, while noting that the Commission hoped to encourage member-states to promote citizen involvement, including countries and cultures where this was not well-developed.

In terms of public funding for NGOs, however, she pointed to the danger of undermining their independence and said that they should be encouraged to self-finance, at least in part. As a way of counteracting possible pressures from political parties, meanwhile, she called for establishing strict factual criteria for public funding, such as size of membership or geographical range.

On the ratification of the European Constitutional Treaty, specifically by the Netherlands and Sweden, Wallstrom said that the Swedish government had signaled its desire to be constructive - possibly by settling the issue through Parliament rather than a referendum - while suggested that a way to overcome Dutch objections might be to remove the word 'Constitution' from the title and other symbolic elements while retaining the core, negotiated elements that were actually more important.

"This is now for the German presidency to handle in the most skillful way," she added.

Finally, in reference to the three initiatives she has launched while a commissioner - the White Paper on a European Communication Policy, Plan D and the Action Plan - she said that an overall proposal would be prepared by June, while she reiterated concerns over the lack of a legal basis for EU communication policy.

The event was attended by representatives of dozens of NGOs and was organised by the Citizens' Movement in collaboration with the Citizens Union for Intervention 'Paremvasi', European Expression, Mediterranean Information Office for the Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development (MIO-ECSDE), PRAKSIS, WWF Hellas and ELIAMEP.

[38] ESHEA on the sentencing of journalist and unionist Dimitris Trimis

Dimitris Trimis, the ESHEA general secretary, was found guilty of exercising "illegal force" on "SKAI 100.3" radio senior executives and owner Ioannis Alafouzos who attempted to break the strike in July 2004, read an ESHEA-issued statement.

According to ESHEA, the radio station executives used various strike-breaking mechanisms reacting in an aggressive manner to the union's efforts to protect and safeguard the journalists' labor rights.

Trimis will appeal against the court ruling.

EFJ president Arne Konig commented that through the court ruling an attempt is being made to penalize unionist action.

On behalf of the profession, we believe that the Court of Appeals will overturn all accusations against Dimitris Trimis displaying due respect to union rights, concluded Konig.

[39] Man killed, five others injured in violence ahead of women's volleyball match

The tragic event occurred in Lavriou avenue in the Athens suburb of Peania and the young man, who died before an ambulance could arrive to rush him to hospital, was run over by a car during scuffling in the motorway. Five other people were injured and taken to an Athens hospital for treatment.

According to eyewitnesses, two people were riding in the car and its driver increased its speed and plowed through the scuffle in his effort to get away when his car was beginning to be bashed. Both the driver and the passenger were arrested.

One of the persons injured is a 22-year-old soccer player of fourth division club Marko, who had nothing to do with the incident, but who was attecked by Olympiakos fans outside a toys shop because his shirt was green (the colour of the Panathinaikos club). The perpetrators stabbed him in the thigh in a car and snatched his mobile phone from him.

Three shops in the area were damaged during the disturbances, as well as two cars, while 18 people were held for questioning.

[40] Gov't spokesman, KKE, Synaspismos condemn hooliganism before match

"The grievous disturbances, earlier today in Peania, which resulted in the loss of life of a young person and the injury of many others, have nothing to do with sport. They have no room in Greece of the Olympic spirit and culture. They are categorically condemned by the government, every serious citizen, by the whole of society," Roussopoulos said.

The KKE in an announcement said "the dead youth and the other seriously injured, as a result of organised violence, which is growing in the field of sport, proves the great hypocrisy and the enormous responsibilities of the New Democracy government and those parties which for years support the commercialisation and the active role of entrepreneurs and 'sponsors'."

The KKE announcement added that "the violence in the field of sport is not due to some 'mindless individuals' as claimed by the government and entrepreneurs, but is due to those who 'create' and use the 'mindless individuals', to those who exploit sport and teams to become wealthy and promote their interests."

The Synaspismos announcement said that "we express our deep grief over the loss of the young person and our support to his family. The dead youth and the tens of injured is the expected result of the absolute commercialisation of Greek sport and the conversion of stadiums in fields of reactionary ideas, hate and violent acts."

[41] Debate on mass media and protection of personality

The event, held at the General Secretariat of Communication and Information, was organised by the Association of Graduates of the Athens University Law Faculty.

Coordinator was Athens Bar Association vice-president Michalis Zafiropoulos.

Roussopoulos stressed that "in Greece, there are institutional arrangements and laws which regulate the matters of the protection of the personality. However, they are violated many times, resulting in people being humiliated."

On her part, Diamantopoulou said that the "the mass media are businesses and should adhere to rules and checks," adding that "the state has not achieved what it should have for the institutional framework of the functioning of the mass media."

Also present at the event was alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros.

[42] Patriarch of Alexandria Theodoros extends best wishes on occasion of Muslim religious holiday

Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Theodoros II on Thursday extended his best wishes to the Muslim faithful here on the occasion of the commemoration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, which will be celebrated on March 31 this year.

Theodoros, the highest-ranking Orthodox Christian leader on the African continent, expressed a wish that the "peaceful co-existence and excellent cooperation between Muslims and Christians always be fruitful".

He also stressed that Egypt serves as an enlightening example of this peaceful co-existence between Christians and Muslims.

Finally, Theodoros extended his warmest salutations to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and other Egyptian leaders.

[43] Justice minister inaugurates new prison

More than 600 inmates who are currently scattered in the country's various prisons will gradually be transferred to the new prison.

The complex is 18,000 square metres and has been constructed in an expanse of about 26 acres.

"We have adopted and are implementing a correctional policy aimed at decongesting the country's prisons and the creation of a correctional system with a human face," Papaligouras said.

On his part, Parliament's 4th vice-president and former justice minister Philippos Petsalnikos in an announcement said that "today I'm particularly pleased because the justice minister inaugurated yet another project, the new correctional centre of Fthiotida, the second in a row after the new correctional centre of Trikala, which was studied, financed and started being built by the PASOK government in 2003."

[44] Trial of arrested protesters continues

The 49 are among 61 suspects taken into custody on March 8 during a protest rally, where police were attacked by hooded demonstrators hurling rocks, fire bombs and various other objects.

The trial continues.

[45] Fishing ban in the prefecture of Drama

The decision was reached within the framework of the measures taken to protect the reproduction of aquatic life and fish production in local rivers.

[46] Mother and daughter arrested for drug possession

A total of 141.9 grams of heroin and a precision scale were also found and seized by police in their house.

[47] Orientation sessions for Italians in Greece

Beginning on April 18, and every Wednesday afternoon, Italian nationals will be offered free "orientation sessions" at the Italian Consulate in Athens and have the opportunity to receive support and useful information by psychologists and lawyers both Greek and Italian.

Those interested can find further information at http://www.consatene.esteri.it.

[48] Illegal immigrants arrested on Samos

[49] Farkadona youths to represent Greece at event for road safety

On September 27, 2004, seven high school students were killed and 30 were injured after a container truck veered into the opposite lane and rammed into a bus carrying high school pupils from Farkadona in Trikala, central Greece, to attend the Paralympic Games in Athens.

According to Liapis, among the measures aimed at reducing the number of road accidents is the launch of an information and awareness campaign targeting the people while, at the same time, seeking international cooperation.

The 1st World Week on Road Safety scheduled to be held on April 23-29, 2007 under the auspices of the UN and WHO is also placed among the initiatives targeting young drivers.

[50] Unidentified individuals torched 8 cars early Thursday morning in the wider Athens region.

Remnants of a plastic can possibly used to carry liquid fuel were found underneath one of the torched cars parked in the vicinity of Attiki Square. A police investigation is underway.

Weather Forecast

[51] Cloudy, windy on Friday

[52] The Thursday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Pension increases for 200,000 OGA beneficiaries - Larger revenues through arrangement for debts to the addition insurance".

ANO KATO: "The (preceding) PASOK governments were the champions of graft - Roussopoulos (minister of state and government spokesman) uncovers the hypocrites, with data".

APOGEVMATINI: "The inquitous PASOK (main opposition party) raises its head - It was the main opposition party, when it was in government, that 'inaugurated' the policy of 'gambling' with the Funds' reserves".

AVGHI: "Alogoskoufis (national economy and finance minister) 'restores' Tsitouridis (employment minister) over the bonds".

AVRIANI: "Greece and Cyprus a 'laundry' for the cocaine cartel - The Americans believe that 70 percent of the capital inflows into Greece in recent years emanate from the drug trade and illicit dealings of the Russian mafia".

CHORA: "OGA pensions to increase for 200,000 debtors - THe road opens for the settlement of old debts".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "The money-laundering watchdog and the examining magistrate on the trail of the route and iniquitous 'journeys' of the secret bond".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "They were charging 90-year-old man with contributions (to social insurance fund) - Charges by the Ombudsman".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "The journey of the 'black' 4.2 million euros - Zorbas (head of the independent money-laundering watchdog) uncovered how they reached (businessman) Priniotakis (Akropolis stock brokerage and consultants firm owner)".

ESTIA: "Political damage from the bonds - Unfortunate handling of the issue by the government".

ETHNOS: "Battle of the bonds - Ping-pong of blame between Alogoskoufis and Tsitouridis over the scandal".

KATHIMERINI: "Greek youths less delinquent - The role played by the traditional family an important deterrent - Europe-wide study".

LOGOS: "We are safeguarding the interests of the working people, Tsitouridis insists - The government covered up Alogoskoufis' insinuations".

NIKI: "The ministers irresponsible - PASOK targets Alogoskoufis and Tsitouridis on 'mega scandal' ".

RIZOSPASTIS: "PAME call: Strike today for the branch collective labour agreements".

TA NEA: "Striptease of the graft ring - The inquitous 4.2 million euro check".

TO VIMA: "Penal action over the bonds after Easter - The graft ring".

VRADYNI: "Auspicious arrangements for all the pension funds".

Cyprus Affairs

[53] SC permanent members call for rapid implementation of July agreement

Ambassadors of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council in Nicosia have called for the rapid implementation of the 8 July agreement and progress towards a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus.

On Thursday, the five ambassadors in Nicosia together called on the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Mehmet Ali Talat at his request and called for the rapid implementation of the agreement of 8 July 2006 and the re-launch of the UN-sponsored search for a comprehensive settlement.

The five ambassadors expressed concern at the difficulties which had arisen in the process, aimed at starting talks based on the 8 July Agreement and Mr Gambari's November suggestions. They recalled that over a year had passed in which the sides, under the auspices of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, had worked diligently towards reaching an understanding.

The five permanent members ''encourage both leaders to continue to show bold political will and to capitalise on the positive momentum which had been created, by engaging immediately in the 8 July process. In this regard, they reaffirmed their readiness to assist the parties to reach a lasting and comprehensive settlement,'' the press release concluded.

Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat agreed on 8 July 2006, during a meeting in Nicosia in the presence of 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 comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem.

In a statement, the 15 members of the Security Council ''urge both communities to work with the UN to open Ledra Street crossing and to

implement the July 8 agreement in particular through the immediate creation of bicommunal working groups and technical committees in order to prepare the ground for fully fledged negotiations leading to a comprehensive and durable settlement.''

[54] Foreign Minister hopes Turkish Cypriots to implement July 8 agreement

Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs George Lillikas said on Thursday that the UN Security Council statement regarding the July 8 agreement was in the right direction, and expressed hope that the Turkish Cypriot side would show the necessary good will in order to implement the agreement.

Speaking after a meeting with a Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry delegation, Lillikas said efforts should focus on implementing the agreement and pointed out that this is what the Security Council was requesting.

Asked if there were any indications that the Turkish Cypriot side would proceed with the implementation of the July 8 agreement, Lillikas said there were not.

''The statement of the Security Council is in the right direction and we hope that there will be the necessary good will, after the appeal and statement of the Security Council, in order to implement the July 8 agreement,'' he added.

Asked about information that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side were in the process of preparing a new set of ideas or a solution plan for the Cyprus problem, and asked if the government was ready to handle such an eventuality, Lillikas said it was wrong to begin a public dialogue on the issue.

''We have before us an agreement, signed by the leaders of the two communities, we have a process which UN Undersecretary General, Mr.

Gambari, proposed and was accepted by the leaders of the two communities. I believe this is what we should focus our effort and attention on, and I think this is what the Security Council itself appealed to us for, to all the sides,'' Lillikas pointed out.

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

The National Guard, the island's army, removed on March 8 the wall in Ledra Street, which was erected soon after the Turkish invasion. The government of Cyprus clarified that the demolition of the wall does not mean the opening of the crossing point to and from the Turkish occupied areas, unless security issues are addressed.

[55] Cypriot government always examining ways to assist Turkish Cypriots

Lillikas noted that the aim of the government is to assist the economic development of the Turkish Cypriots, in the direction of reuniting the island.

President of KEVE Manthos Mavrommatis said the Chamber, due to its involvement in issues concerning trade between the two sides on the

island, believes that the best way to financially support the Turkish Cypriot community is through the relevant EU Regulation and is moving in this direction.

Lillikas said his meeting with KEVE was ''constructive'' and focused on his upcoming official visit to Russia on April 10, accompanied by a Chamber delegation.

''We will have discussions on the economic cooperation between Cyprus and Russia, which we consider important, especially in the context of our cooperation so far,'' Lillikas noted.

He expressed satisfaction over the fact that he will be accompanied by a KEVE delegation and noted that during the visit technocrats of the Ministry of Commerce and other specialists from the Republic of Cyprus will present the Republic's tender regarding search for oil deposits in Cyprus' exclusive economic zone.

Mavrommatis said KEVE considers the economic relations between Cyprus and Russia important ''in many sectors,'' adding that ''there is a large number of Russian companies active and registered in Cyprus, there are very good prospects in the tourism sector from the Russian market, so issues such as visas and other issues were discussed during the meeting.''

''We are on a good track, we believe we will have positive results, so that this close economic relation can be further strengthened,'' Mavrommatis pointed out and added that President Tassos Papadopoulos will address an official dinner on May 24 in Nicosia, organised by the Cyprus-Russia Business Association.

Asked if during their meeting they discussed the issue of trade between EU and the areas of the Republic not under the effective control of the government, Lillikas said he briefed KEVE on the issue of the relevant regulation and exchanged views with the delegation.

Mavrommatis said KEVE, due to its involvement in issues concerning trade between the two sides on the island, ''believes sincerely that the best way to financially support the Turkish Cypriot community is through the Green Line trade, and is moving in this direction.''

Replying to questions, Lillikas said ''the Cypriot government has announced and is already implementing a series of measures to support the Turkish Cypriots, and has never ceased examining other measures.''

''Our aim is to assist the economic development of the Turkish Cypriots but always in a direction that will help towards the reunification of Cyprus and not in the direction of division,'' he added.

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