Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-08-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis unveils blueprint for social security overhaul, says reforms will continue

[02] PASOK leader Papandreou addresses rally in Karditsa

[03] KKE leader addresses party rally in Perissos

[04] Papariga tours sports secretariat

[05] Alavanos begins tour of Epirus region

[06] 'Cover-up' in bonds affair collapsing, PASOK spokesman charges

[07] ND spokesman on social security issue

[08] Caretaker ministers for interior, press ministries announced

[09] Athens allocates squares, pedestrian ways to parties for coming election

[10] Education ministry rebukes press reports claiming staff shortages

[11] Ecumenical Patriarchate on reopening of Halki Seminary

[12] Labour confederation addresses letter to PM, political parties

[13] TUV Hellas to inspect construction of natural gas pipeline

[14] OPAP's 1st half 2007 net profits up 25.1%

[15] Triple Greek interest for Bulgaria's 'Navibulgar'

[16] Post Office Saving Bank's net profits up 25.03%

[17] Aegean Airlines resisters 19% increase in passengers

[18] Greek Sugar Industry furnaces shut down until TIF

[19] Athens Stock Exchange: blue chips heavily traded

[20] ADEX closing report

[21] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

[22] Wildfire on Mt. Taygetus

[23] 20 individuals arrested during Thessaloniki disturbances to stand trial in Dec.

[24] Search for 15 missing illegal immigrants off Chios

[25] FM greets Kosovo children at city of Athens summer camp

[26] Russian children from Saint Petersburg hosted in Greece

[27] Holy Synod on Archbishop Christodoulos' health

[28] Man sought in Athens slaying gives himself up

[29] Major heroin trafficking arrrest in Athens

[30] High temperatures, windy on Friday

[31] The Thursday editions of Athens' dailies at a glance

[32] Spokesman: name of a solution not important, content is significant

[33] US: implementation of Gambari agreement is the next step Politics

[01] Karamanlis unveils blueprint for social security overhaul, says reforms will continue

In prefacing his proposals, Karamanlis ruled out three of the more painful measures feared by pensioners and unions, namely, an increase in retirement ages and contributions, or a decrease in pension levels.

Conversely, the prime minister said continuing growth in the country, in tandem with savings from trimming a wasteful and ineffective state, will generate enough resources to adequately fund the social security system in the long term.

In terms of proposals, Karamanlis unveiled no less than 11, including a radical restructuring of the numerous primary and supplementary pension funds in the country of 11 million, as well as mergers of funds, both in terms of sectors and between primary and supplementary funds. The latter, he said, will come only after dialogue with social partners, unions, the opposition etc.

Additionally, he cited better management of funds' assets; stepped up efforts to curb social security contribution evasion; tighter financial controls in the healthcare system; incentives for individuals to remain in the work force even after reaching retirement ages; stricter controls over procedures granting disability pensions; reform and restructuring of the "hazardous and heavy" occupations regime, as well as a high-profile proposal of matching the European Union average in wages and pensions within five to seven years.

In pointing to his government's accomplishments over the past three and a half years, Karamanlis reiterated that an increase in the low pension bonus (EKAS) to 230 euros and the base farmer's pension to 330 euros, by the end of 2008, has already been finalised via legislative acts.

"Citizens demand reforms; they demand that we move faster, more decisively; they demand a reinforced mandate for reforms via a strong popular mandate," he told members of ruling New Democracy's central committee.

Finally, Karamanlis reminded that education reforms will also take centre stage in his next government, including constitutional revision.

[02] PASOK leader Papandreou addresses rally in Karditsa

"In 25 days from today, Greece is turning a page, the Right is returning to its position: to the main opposition and the new change is coming. The river of victory does not turn back. I am not and will never become like (Prime Minister Costas) Karamanlis. I shall honor what I'm saying and will not hide at the Maximos Mansion (the prime minister's office)," the PASOK leader said.

"Today Greece is choosing, as it knows that there are options," said Papandreou, underlining that "Mr. Karamanlis did not choose the elections, as his policy collapsed and the government fell down from the weight of its own policies and sins."

The main opposition PASOK leader said "they (the New Democracy government) had only one plan. How to serve some major interests, clientele, to fulfill the ambitions of other followers and of course themselves, with the money of the Greek people."

Papandreou further said "the government increased the privileges and turned a blind eye to taxes which should have been imposed on the wealthier people and the powerful."

[03] KKE leader addresses party rally in Perissos

Referring to opinion polls publicised, Papariga noted that "we do not know if they live up to reality", adding that they are beginning to reveal the belief that there may not be a one-party government on the day after the elections.

Papariga stressed that what brings fear to the two mainstream parties is what benefits the people and pointed out that the people must not be afraid to weaken the two large parties and at the same time to strengthen KKE because the people will stand to benefit, as she said, and because they will be unable to take their antipopular measures out of the drawer the day after the elections.

[04] Papariga tours sports secretariat

"Don't let them scare you. They (the two main parties) want the highest degree of two-party rule as possible; comfortable government majorities in order to have the freedom and ease to squash, literally, the working class' rights, or what is left of them," Papariga said.

In touching on the state organisation's specific objective, she said that the communist party was against the "commercialisation" of sports and against the professional sports model, whereas it favors a "sports for the masses" approach and not a results-based system, i.e. championships, all-out competition etc.

Along those lines, she said that this the reason her party voted against a recent bill writing-off debts of pro football clubs.

"Let businessmen get out of the way so the people can subsidise sports for the masses," she proposed.

[05] Alavanos begins tour of Epirus region

Speaking in the town of Arta, NW Greece, on Thursday afternoon, Alavanos - who heads up the "radical left coalition (Syriza) formation for the coming Sept. 16 election - called for the government to immediately disclose a report on the country's social security system.

He also referred to billions of euros, as he said, that pension funds lose every year due to evasion and debts by the state and private employers to the funds.

Speaking earlier from the Ioannina airport, Alavanos again charged that the Karamanlis government was responsible for allowing the looting of pension funds, while saying a previous PASOK government did the same thing.

He will speak from a central square in Ioannina later in the day before touring nearby Preveza and Lefkada.

[06] 'Cover-up' in bonds affair collapsing, PASOK spokesman charges

Replying to a question regarding a remark by PASOK leader George Papandreou in the western city of Agrinio on Wednesday, namely, that "suitcases (filled with cash) have a name, surname and address (on them)," the spokesman said the PASOK leader's statements were based on newspaper accounts of ostensible excerpts of a recently filed report of findings by independent prosecutor George Zorbas.

He added that the real face of ND's policy is that of the "unacceptably low level" of statements by top ND cadre Nikos Karahalios against Papandreou and the "unacceptable cheap level of his political speech."

Commenting on the recent opinion polls to be published in the wake of the decision to call early elections, Ragoussis said it would be wise to limit statements on opinion polls taking place "over the summer."

However, he said PASOK has many reasons "to smile" with the results of two opinion polls released during separate Wednesday evening news broadcasts, with one recording a 1.6-percent lead for ruling New Democracy over PASOK and the other a 1.5-percent lead for ND.

Ragoussis said the party was also pleased with an "opinion poll" in Agrinio, a reference to Papandreou's outdoor address at a rally the same evening.

The two polls were conducted by the GPO and Metron Analysis firms.

[07] ND spokesman on social security issue

"We, with seriousness and responsibility and with the confidence of the Greek citizens, will be going ahead after the elections with a sincere dialogue of substance and positions, with all the political forces and all the social partners, to create a just, modern and viable social security system," Arvanitopoulos added.

[08] Caretaker ministers for interior, press ministries announced

Prof. Spyros Flogaitis will assume the interior & public administration ministry, as the specific ministry is charged with organising and managing the greater part of the election process.

Journalist Rodolfos Moronis was appointed as the new caretaker press minister.

Both men will be sworn-in by the president on Friday.

[09] Athens allocates squares, pedestrian ways to parties for coming election

Specifically, Syntagma square, across from the Greek Parliament, was given to ruling New Democracy party, as use of the historic square is customarily awarded to the ruling party.

Main opposition PASOK was granted use of Klafthmonos square, a few blocks away from Syntagma on Stadiou Avenue.

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) was granted use of Omonia Square, its main venue in previous elections as well, while a pedestrian way adjacent to the old Athens university building was granted to the radical left coalition (Syriza).

Finally, the out-of-Parliament Popular Orthodox Rally (LA.OS) party was granted use of a pedestrian way off Panepistimiou Boulevard (on Sina St.) whereas the newly formed Democratic Revival party an area in front of the old Parliament building on Stadiou Avenue.

[10] Education ministry rebukes press reports claiming staff shortages

"This year 2,174 permanent teachers were appointed, compared to 1,110 in the previous year, meaning 1,064 more teachers. For this year as well, 1,544 substitutes have already been hired," the announcement read.

"Teacher transfers have been carried out and both their needs and those of education have been satisfied, regarding 74 percent of applications from region to region of education and not 60 percent as the Teachers Federation of Greece is inaccurately claiming," the announcement stated.

[11] Ecumenical Patriarchate on reopening of Halki Seminary

Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos will reportedly broach a handful of crucial issues affecting the Ecumenical Patriarchate -- particularly the question of the reopening of the Halki School of Theology -- during any future meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"I am thinking of visiting the prime minister of Turkey in the autumn, on the occasion of his re-election ... as well as the education minister. And I will request from them to tell us sincerely whether they will finally permit the reopening of Halki," the Patriarch said, addressing the congregation at a cathedral on the northeastern Aegean island of Imvros (Imbros), where the Patriarch was born.

Vartholomeos presented to the congregation a group of clergymen from northern Greece and Mount Athos, all graduates of the Halki School of Theology, as he said.

"Our Patriarchate must find ways of replenishing its clergy, for today and tomorrow, because the Patriarchate is an institution that must survive; it must survive at all costs and continue its ecumenical mission and contribution as it has been doing ceaselessly for 17 centuries, by the Grace of God," the Ecumenical Patriarch said.

Financial News

[12] Labour confederation addresses letter to PM, political parties

GSEE noted that high levels of unemployment, the strengthening of labour flexibility, the deregulation of labour relations, the low level of remuneration, continuing privatisation policies, changes in the labour status in the public sector and extensive violations of labour and social security legislation constitute the main elements of reality faced by working people in the country.

The Confederation also referred to social inequality, underlining that the income of 20 percent of the wealthiest Greeks is now about six times the income of 20 percent of the less wealthier Greeks.

GSEE concluded by saying that it is expecting a meeting with the prime minister, in light of the TIF, to enable it to explain even further the main issues of interest to labour unions.

[13] TUV Hellas to inspect construction of natural gas pipeline

TUV Hellas, with a presence of 20 years, carries out inspections and grants certifications accredited from the German and Greek Council of Accreditation (TGA and ESYD).

Up to now, the presence of TUV Hellas has been linked with certain of the greatest infrastructure projects and constructions such as Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos", the Athens Tram, the Olympic Games projects (including the Calatrava roof at Athens' Olympic Stadium) and the Athens and Thessaloniki Concert Halls.

[14] OPAP's 1st half 2007 net profits up 25.1%

Net profit was up 25.1% to 285.3 million euros (H1 2006: 228.2m).

OPAP's revenues for the period grew to 2.37 billion euros, up 3.7% primarily due to KINO's very strong performance, throughout the period, which more than offset a reduction in Stihima's revenues in Q2 2007 as compared to Q2 2006, which at the time was particularly strong following the 2006 World Cup.

EBITDA for the period amounted to 396.9 million, increased by 20.6% compared to the corresponding period in 2006 due to reduced costs following the expiration of the contract with Intralot on January 29, 2007. EBITDA margin also increased to 16.7% from 14.4% in H1 2006 despite increased payouts to the winners of Stihima during the second quarter of the period, increased distribution costs and increased agents' commission for KINO as of January 1, 2007. EBITDA amounted to 201.1m during the second quarter, increased by 32.2% compared to Q2 2006, while the EBITDA margin increased to 16.4% from 12.2% for the same period in 2006.

Net profit for H1 2007 amounted to 285.3m, an increase of 25.1% over the respective period of 2006, while the net profit for Q2 2007 amounted to 141.9m an increase of 34.5% compared to Q2 2006.

[15] Triple Greek interest for Bulgaria's 'Navibulgar'

The candidate strategic investors hope to benefit from the position of "Navigation Maritime Bulgare (as is its official name) in the Black Sea, but also from its extended fleet.

The interested Greek companies are "Athenian Ship Carriers Ltd", "Chartworld Corporation" and the Bank of Piraeus through its presence on Sofia.

[16] Post Office Saving Bank's net profits up 25.03%

Borrowing marked a major increase to 15.4% on a six-month basis and amounted to 5,614.96 million euros and deposits marked a 3.56% increase, totaling 11,108.24 million euros.

[17] Aegean Airlines resisters 19% increase in passengers

In the country's interior, passenger traffic increased by 12% while by 35% in flights abroad.

Capacity amounted to 67% due to the increase of space per aircraft, while the average number of passengers per flight increased to 91 from 89.

The company's income during the same period increased by 22% and amounted to 209.02 million euros. The pre-tax profits increased by 45% to 29.1 million euros in the first half of 2007, from 20.1 million euros.

[18] Greek Sugar Industry furnaces shut down until TIF

The personnel, in a letter to the EBZ's board, are calling for guarantees for the securing of their labor rights, in view of the sugar industry's restructuring, while they are preparing to submit a memorandum to Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, on the occasion of his visit to Thessaloniki for the TIF.

Speaking to ANA-MPA, EBZ's deputy managing director Dimitris Darnakas expressed surprise by the personnel's strike action. He said that the workers are fully informed on all issues concerning the restructuring, the dialogue with them is constantly open and their labor rights are secured. He said the business plan has already been submitted to the Agricultural Development and Foods Ministry.

[19] Athens Stock Exchange: blue chips heavily traded

Most sector indices were up, with the biggest gains in Utilities (3.22 percent), Banks (1.91 percent) and Personal/Household Goods (1.57 percent). The biggest losses were recorded by Mass Media (-0.96 percent) and Technology (-0.63 percent).

The Big Cap index ended 1.53 pct up, the Mid Cap index was up by 0.97 pct and the Small cap index gained 0.49 pct.

Advancers out-paced decliners by 156 to 90 with another 56 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: -0.58%

Industrials: +1.06%

Commercial: -0.09%

Construction: -0.09%

Media: -1.82%

Oil & Gas: +1.03%

Personal & Household: +1.17%

Raw Materials: +0.03%

Travel & Leisure: +0.44%

Technology: -0.35%

Telecoms: -0.17%

Banks: +1.99%

Food & Beverages: -2.08%

Health: -1.66%

Utilities: +3.87%

Chemicals: +0.49%

Financial Services: +1.50%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 22.70

ATEbank: 3.70

Public Power Corp (PPC): 22.78

HBC Coca Cola: 34.00

Hellenic Petroleum: 10.60

Emporiki Bank: 19.38

National Bank of Greece: 42.98

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 24.96

Intralot: 25.00

Cosmote: 22.30

OPAP: 26.24

OTE: 23.20

Titan Cement Company: 37.02

[20] ADEX closing report

The September contract on the FTSE 20 index was traded at a discount of 1.20 pct while the August contract on the FTSE 40 index at a premium of 0.15 percent.

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totaled 8,959 contracts worth 113.200 million euros, with 43,469 open positions in the market, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 604 contracts worth 18.893 million euros, with 1,077 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 10,715 contracts worth 18.199 million euros, with investment interest focusing on the Post Office Savings Bank (1,327), followed by National Bank (1,050), Public Power Corporation (894), Bank of Piraeus (846), Intracom (755), Atebank (645) Alpha Bank (608), OPAP (369), Viochalko (336), Marfin Popular Bak (315), ELTEX (295) Attica (246) GEK (225), EXAE (189) Mytilineos (187), Eurobank (144), Bank of Cyprus (138) and Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (95).

[21] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

U.S. dollar 1.368

Pound sterling 0.681

Danish kroner 7.501

Swedish kroner 9.444

Japanese yen 159.53

Swiss franc 1.651

Norwegian kroner 8.028

Cyprus pound 0.588

Canadian dollar 1.436

Australian dollar 1.668

General News

[22] Wildfire on Mt. Taygetus

Firefighters from the prefectures of Laconia and Messinia were battling the blaze, while firefightng aircraft were also dispatched.

Other wildfires broke out during the day at the Tropea site, in Arcadia prefecture of the central Peloponnese and in the extreme south Peloponnese region of Mani, Laconia prefecture. Another fire was reportedly raging at Geraki in Laconia.

In another development, two people were held for questioning in relation to a fire on Wednesday near the village of Kokla, in Messinia prefecture.

[23] 20 individuals arrested during Thessaloniki disturbances to stand trial in Dec.

A trial was set for Dec. 5, 2007. All 20 suspects were released.

[24] Search for 15 missing illegal immigrants off Chios

The search, being carried out by a Super Puma helicopter, two port authority boats and ships sailing in the area, was launched after a Mauritanian illegal immigrant rescued said that 15 other people were also with him in the boat that had set out from the coast of Turkey.

[25] FM greets Kosovo children at city of Athens summer camp

[26] Russian children from Saint Petersburg hosted in Greece

This time round, it concerns children from Saint Petersburg who have a talent in music and songs.

Music professor Tatiana Holontika, speaking to ANA-MPA, said that it involves children up to the age of 11, who have special musical talent. "Maybe, one day the international community of the Friends of Music will admire these children. We chose the children from many music academies of Saint Petersburg and we reward them with this trip."

The initiative of the program to host in Greece the children with special talent belongs to the Association of Friends of the European Idea.

At a press conference given on Wednesday, also present were the Consul General of Russia in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, Michail Hatkevic and the president of the Black Sea Centre of Hellenic Culture, Christina Kelesidou.

[27] Holy Synod on Archbishop Christodoulos' health

The Archbishop has also been registered on a transplant waiting list. Consequently, he will remain at a private residence pending the transplant surgery.

[28] Man sought in Athens slaying gives himself up

The slaying occurred when the Albanian ran into his former companion and her new boyfriend in the street and rushed at her in a rage. The victim tried to stop him and calm him down but received a fatal stab in the chest from the Albanian who then fled the scene.

Police launched a manhunt but were unable to detect the perpetrator until 15:30, when the Albanian turned up at the police precinct of Agios Panteleimonas and gave himself up.

[29] Major heroin trafficking arrrest in Athens

Acting on a tipoff, police located a parked vehicle in the Athens district of Helliniko for about a month. After finding the packaged heroin in the car, they staked out the vehicle, leading to the arrest.

Weather Forecast

[30] High temperatures, windy on Friday

[31] The Thursday editions of Athens' dailies at a glance

APOGEVMATINI: "ND government desired by 41.6 percent of respondents, in latest opinion poll"

AVGI: "Two-party system receding"

AVRIANI: "George (Papandreou, the main opposition PASOK leader) lost the opinion poll battle. Only 15.9 percent (of respondents in a recent poll) believe in PASOK election victory"

CHORA: "Innuendos over (independent prosecutor George) Zorbas' reports"

ELEFTHERI ORA: The newspaper banners a front-page headline playing on the last name of prosecutor Zorbas and the real-life Zorbas popularised by writer Nikos Kazantzakis.

ELEFTHEROS: "Cocktail of political fanaticism by prosecutor Zorbas"

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "First opinion polls have (Prime Minister Costas) Karamanlis as the favorite"

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Shock: Second (prosecutor's report on structured bond affair) coming"

ESTIA: "Tardy accusers over bonds affair: PASOK's stance amusing"

ETHNOS: "They've declared war on Zorbas"

KATHIMERINI: "Clash over bonds affair, ND leading"

LOGOS: "ND ahead in latest opinion polls"

NIKI: "Guilty silence. Coordinated effort to downgrade Zorbas report"

RIZOSPASTIS: "Candidates for people, youth"

TA NEA: "Now they're trying to make Zorbas appear insane"

VIMA: "Majority of the ungovernable. Five-party scenario for Parliament"

VRADYNI: "Four felony counts for George's (Papandreou) 'right hand man'. Indictment filed against PASOK recently resigned general director"

Cyprus Affairs

[32] Spokesman: name of a solution not important, content is significant

Government Spokesman Vasilis Palmas has stressed that the content and not the name of a political settlement in Cyprus is important.

He also said that the government aims at a bizonal bicommunal federation "with the right content," a solution that will be lasting and functional.

"I believe that all political parties agree that the content of the solution in Cyprus must secure its viability and functionality," the spokesman said, pointing out that "we should not be so concerned about the title of the solution, but rather about its contents."

His comments come in the wake of statements and counterstatements by the political leadership regarding a bizonal bicommunal federation.

The spate of remarks was sparked by comments made by the head of the Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus who appeared critical of those advocating a bizonal bicommunal federation without defining its specific contents.

He also suggested that such circles are trying to bring back a UN-proposed solution plan, the Annan plan, which was rejected in a referendum in April 2004, but do not dare say so in so many words.

Party leaders followed suit in their comments on the Archbishop's speech, with some of them urging him to keep out of the political arena and others saying he has the right to air his views on the question of Cyprus.

"There should not be any differences and I do not think there are any among the parties with regard to the contents of the solution," the Government Spokesman said, noting that in the past few days there have been confrontational statements on the matter.

Palmas also said that everybody agrees on the content of a solution, namely that it should be viable and functional.

"I believe this must be the objective and not the name of the solution," he stressed.

In the 1970s the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities agreed on a bicommunal federation, a decision which the government of Cyprus says is a painful compromise but one that has to be accepted.

[33] US: implementation of Gambari agreement is the next step

The US has called for the resumption of the UN good offices mission in Cyprus and said that the final settlement on this divided island should be a bizonal bicommunal federation.

Speaking at his press briefing, Acting US State Department Spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos said US policy on Cyprus has not changed.

"This economic controversy that you talked about points to the need for all parties to focus on restarting the UN's Good Offices Mission to forge a comprehensive Cyprus settlement that reunites the island in a bizonal bicommunal federation,," he said when asked to comment on the political aspect of oil exploration in Cyprus' exclusive economic zone and Turkeys reaction to this.

The next step should be to implement the agreement brokered by UN Under Secretary General Imbrahim Gambari on July 8th last year.

"Final settlement will enable all Cypriots to benefit from the island's resources," he added.

Earlier on he had pointed out that the Republic of Cyprus is a sovereign nation and has the right to invite bids for oil exploration within its own economic zone. He also said that the involvement of US firms in investment, such as the exploitation of hydrocarbon deposits in the eastern Mediterranean, is a business decision, not a political one.

Turkey, which does not recongise the Republic of Cyprus and occupies since 1974 the island's northern part, had sent out search vessels in the sea area, off Cyprus, in response to the Republic's efforts to explore possible oil and natural gas reserves in its economic zone and said that the self-styled Turkish Cypriot regime in occupied Cyprus should also be involved in this process.

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