Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 09-04-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece, Albania sign continental shelf pact

[02] Greece, Albania have developed frendly relations in past years, PM Karamanlis says

[03] PM Karamanlis meets Albania Archbishop Anastasios

[04] Natassa Karamanlis visits Greek-Albanian College

[05] PM, Commission chief discuss crisis

[06] Barroso honored by Parliament, City of Athens

[07] DM Meimarakis holds talks with U.S. counterpart Robert Gates

[08] Valinakis at EU General Affairs Counicl

[09] Papoulias receives Bosnia's Radmanovic

[10] President Papoulias hosts dinner for Bosnia-Herzegovina Presidency chairman

[11] Deputy FM on foreign policy issues

[12] Papandreou addresses London School of Economics event

[13] PASOK on Barroso visit, Pavlidis case

[14] PASOK to seek recall of witnesses in Pavlidis case

[15] Appellate judges' plenum to convene over Vatopedi case

[16] Development Minister in Istanbul on Tues.

[17] Gov't unveils measures to support home building sector

[18] We are opening up to all of Russia, EOT president says

[19] No problem in Greece from swine flu, deputy Agriculture minister reassures

[20] Greek pension funds' assets up in 2006/07

[21] Nobel laureate Solow in Thessaloniki; cites econ crisis vis-a-vis countries such as Greece

[22] Mytilineos signs energy joint venture project with Motor Oil

[23] Healthcare services market grew average 16 pct in last seven years, report

[24] Agoudimos of GA Ferries charged for non-payment of salaries

[25] Stocks edge higher on Mon.

[26] ADEX closing report

[27] Greek bond market closing report

[28] Foreign Exchange rates - Tuesday

[29] Karamanlis opens biodiversity protection forum in Athens

[30] First day of biodiversity conference in Athens

[31] Health minister visits Athens airport medical services

[32] E- newspaper by interior ministry

[33] Trikala fort opens its gates to the public

[34] Greek Communities of Europe congress in Brussels

[35] Concert by Jose Carreras Club in support of juvenile patients

[36] Prefectures closed in protest on Wednesday

[37] Cloudy, rainy on Tuesday

[38] The Monday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

[39] President briefs party leaders on developments in Cyprus problem

[40] President decorates outgoing Chief of Staff

[41] EP calls for implementation of UN resolution on Famagusta Politics

[01] Greece, Albania sign continental shelf pact

Greece and Albania on Monday signed an agreement to delineate the continental shelf and maritime borders in the Ionian Sea, where the two neighbouring countries' frontiers converge, during a high-profile meeting here between visiting Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and his Albanian counterpart, Sali Berisha.

The agreement, based on provisions of the International Law of the Sea, was signed by the foreign ministers of Albania and Greece, Lulzim Basha and Dora Bakoyannis, respectively.

Both Berisha and Karamanlis later termed the agreement as particularly significant, while again terming bilateral relations between the now NATO Alliance partners as "excellent".

The Greek prime minister is also scheduled to address Albanian MPs in the country's Parliament on Monday afternoon.

""Both countries have taken important steps to create a climate of understanding and trust, and within this spirit, the ethnic Greek minority in Albania comprises a powerful and vital link between our two countries," Karamanlis added.

The Greek premier, who arrived in Tirana earlier on Monday, congratulated Berisha over Albania's recent NATO membership, while the Albania premier, on his part, thanked Athens for its support of Albania's course towards NATO and for Tirana's quest to join the European Union.

"We support and encourage Albania's and all of the western Balkan states' European prospects. With Mr. Berisha we discussed the commitments undertaken by Albania towards the EU. Implementation of criteria and prerequisites, based on European values, will facilitate its approach towards the European family.

The holding of elections based on international models, a state of law, combating corruption, respect for human rights and minority rights are all significant steps towards this direction," Karamanlis reiterated after the half-hour meeting.

On his part, the veteran Albanian leader referred to ethnic Greek community located in the country's south, saying that his government will aid in the improvement of living conditions for the community, something he said will contribute to the further strengthening of bilateral ties.

Karamanlis later met with the President of the Albanian parliament, Josephina Topali, and was received by President of the Republic Bamir Topi. He is also scheduled to meet later in the evening with Archbishop of Tirana and All Albania Anastasios as well as Greek minority community leaders.

[02] Greece, Albania have developed frendly relations in past years, PM Karamanlis says

Visiting Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis addressed the Albanian Parliament on Monday afternoon, stressing that over the past years Greece and Albania have developed relations of friendship, cooperation and good neighbourliness in a multidimensional and substantive way.

Karamanlis added that considerable and steadfast steps of progress have been taken for the creation and consolidation of a climate of mutual understanding and trust benefitting the two countries and their peoples, as well as the wider region. He also noted the significance of Albania's Greek National Minority, that constitutes a substantive and historic bridge of friendship between the two countries.

"In this climate of constructive cooperation, today's signing of the very important Agreement on the Delineation of sea zones and the continental shelf between Greece and Albania was made possible. In the same spirit, the Agreement of a moral and humanitarian importance on the Military Cemeteries of Greek soldiers who fell in fighting in Albania, during the Greek-Italian war in 1940-1941, was signed two months ago," the prime minister said.

"The favourable political climate prevailing in our bilateral relations also has very positive repercussions in the economic sector, a fact which is clearly reflected in the volume of Greek investments in the country. The dynamic presence of Greek businesses that are active and, I wish to stress, will continue to be active in Albania, despite the difficult and complicated international economic conjuncture, contributes decisively to the growth of the Albanian economy," he further said.

Karamanlis also said that "my visit is taking place at an excellent time, given that we welcomed Albania in the ranks of NATO's family only a few weeks ago. Allow me, once again, to congratulate from this rostrum as well you, the representatives of the Albanian people and, through you, the friendly Albanian people on the accession of your country to NATO."

The Greek prime minister stressed that "with the accession of the country to NATO, a new historic chapter is opening for the wider Balkan region as well, since Albania can now contribute constructively to the consolidation of an environment of peace, regional stability and security, fulfilling the terms of good neighbourliness that are necessary."

He further noted that "as you are aware, Greece is also a steadfast supporter of Albania's course towards the European Union. We were among the first EU member-states to encourage and support the clear European perspective of all the countries of the Western Balkans."

Karamanlis underlined that "Greek support is also reflected in our positive stance towards the prospect of the deregulation of the visa status as well. In this framework, my government is closely watching the progress that has been achieved so far in the implementation of the necessary reforms. Reforms that will allow the deregulation of the visa status, bringing the citizens of Albania closer to the European citizens."

The prime minister concluded his address, saying that "I came as a friend and I feel that I am among friends. You must know that Greece always nurses friendly feelings towards Albania and the Albanian nation and looks forward to mutually beneficial cooperations in the future. I wish to reassure you that Greece will remain a good neighbour, a trusted friend, a close ally in NATO and we hope, soon, a future partner in the EU."

[03] PM Karamanlis meets Albania Archbishop Anastasios

Visiting Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis held a 30-minute meeting with Archbishop of Tirana and All Albania Anastasios at the Archdiocese on Monday evening, as well as a meeting with the Greek minority's leadership, concluding his official visit to the neighbouring country.

Karamanlis received at his hotel, off the agenda of his official visit, the president of the Human Rights Union Party, Vangelis Doules, and of the minority Omonia organisation, Vassilis Bolanos, with whom he discussed problems concerning the Greek ethnic minority in Albania. The prime minister is due back in Athens on Tuesday.

[04] Natassa Karamanlis visits Greek-Albanian College

Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis's wife, Natassa, who is accompanying him on his visit to the Albanian capital, visited the Arsakio Greek-Albanian College of Tirana on Monday, as well as foundations and orphanages.

The prime minister's wife, who was accompanied by the Albanian prime minister's wife Lily Berisha during her visit to the Arsakio, where she was received by the director Mrs. Mazaraki and pupils, offered as a gift an electronic computer and a CD ROM with exhibits from Greek museums.

She then went to the "Agios Vlassis" orphanage of the Tirana Archdiocese, where 50 children aged between five and 18 are staying, who gave her a guided tour of the facility.

Lastly, Natassa visited a foundation for children, which is being operated by the wife of Berisha, where she donated an echosystem and a CD with works by composers Manos Hatzidakis, Mikis Theodorakis and Stamatis Spanoudakis.

[05] PM, Commission chief discuss crisis

Karamanlis said afterwards that the crisis has impacted all the EU member states, while many of the euro-zone economies were in recession.

The premier reiterated the fundamental aspects of the Greek plan against the crisis, which includes stabilisation of the public finances, reinforcement of long-term grown, assistance to those requiring it, and protection of jobs.

The target, he added, was to drastically reduce the fiscal deficits by end-2010.

The present conjuncture, he continued, not only did not postpone the government's reforms strategy but, on the contrary, rendered it more mandatory. "We know that there are problems, and that is why we are working intensively so as to increase the output of the public sector and combat tax evasion," he said.

Barroso, who is in Athens to receive the Gold Medal of the Hellenic Parliament, said that he endorsed the statement of the G& finance ministers that the severity of the financial crisis has started to diminish, opining that, after the commitments undertaken, "we are truly headed towards stabilisation".

"We support the materialisation of the commitments that have been assumed by the Greek government as regards the public finances," Barroso said, noting that up until 2013 Greece will receive 20.4 billion euros from European funding and thus projects will begin that will have an immediate positive impact on the economy.

The Commission chief further expressed his solidarity with Greece, noting that "we will do everything we can to support you in meeting these very significant challenges".

Barroso also said that the EU has taken the correct decisions, noting however that not all the member states can do the same things and that, wherever adjustments were required, the proper measures would be taken.

He stressed that additional initiatives would be taken by the European Commission.

Replying to a relevant question, Karamanlis said that he had a close friendship with Barroso, who he said "is a friend of Greece".

The premier described as "very constructive" their cooperation over the past years, and stressed that the European People's Party (PPE, the European Parliament group to which the ruling New Democracy party belongs) has unanimously decided to back Barroso's re-election to the Commission presidency.

[06] Barroso honored by Parliament, City of Athens

Conferring the medal upon Barroso at a special ceremony at the Parliament Building, Parliament President Dimitris Sioufas focused on the former's work "in the area of consensus between European institutions to reach important decisions."

Referring to the June 7 European Parliament elections, Sioufas pointed out that this "can and should be a new great opportunity for the European people to come closer to the European institutions."

Speaking in the presence of European Commissioner for the Environment Stavros Dimas, Greek government ministers, MPs and EU ambassadors, Barroso stressed that a strong dialogue has been put in operation between the members of the European Commission and the national parliaments affecting the entire spectrum of EU policies that has resulted to more than 500 meetings between European Commissioners and national parliaments.

He also underlined the importance of cooperation between representatives of different political parties based on the fundamental principles of freedom and solidarity.

City of Athens ceremony

The European Commission President was also honoured by Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis, who conferred upon him the City of Athens' Medal of Honor and Benefaction in a special ceremony at City Hall.

Barroso praised the municipality of Athens for its ambitious plan aimed at boosting social protection and cohesion, helping the financially weak, protecting the environment and efforts to create a "green" city.

On his part, Kaklamanis praised Barroso for his "continuous and consistent presence; he is not afraid to look major social problems, such as immigration, in the eye and deal with them in a serious fashion ... Because he undertook initiatives to deal with the international economic crisis and, at the same time, paid attention to the Union's social welfare.

"We need to protect our borders, not in a fearful manner but by presenting a comprehensive institutional framework which reinforces our social sensitivities but at the same time prevents illegal immigration ... Because a country which hopes to become a member of the European family in future - I am referring to Turkey - cannot, on the one hand, sign official treaties and, on the other hand, facilitate illegal immigration to Greece in various ways."

President Barroso thanked Kaklamanis for the distinction and noted:

"We all know Athens as the cradle of Western civilisation and the birthplace of Democracy. It is also central to economic, financial, industrial, political and cultural life in Greece, and a leading city in the European Union.

I am happy to see that the City of Athens is carrying out an ambitious operational plan - also through the Community Support Framework - to enhance social protection and cohesion, and also to help disadvantaged people, protect the environment and create a cleaner, greener city.

It serves as an exceptional example of how we can all work together in order to make the European vision a reality."

[07] DM Meimarakis holds talks with U.S. counterpart Robert Gates

Greek National Defence Minister Evangelos Meimarakis held 30-minute talks with his U.S. counterpart Robert Gates at the Pentagon on Monday.

"I had the opportunity of discussing with Mr. Gates and his associates all the issues that are preoccupying public opinion today, issues on global peace and on how, in a world that is constantly changing, we can jointly handle the new dangers being created. Because it is a fact that these new dangers cannot be handled by each country in an isolated fashion, but with overall action within the framework of international organisations. At the same time, I had the opportunity of presenting once again our views on the issue of Cyprus, on Greek-Turkish relations, on the enlargement of NATO and on the issue with Skopje (the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) and for better functioning and understanding in Greek-U.S. relations," the minister said after the meeting.

On Tuesday, Meimarakis will meet at the White House with president Barack Osama's National Security Advisor Gen. James Jones, after which he will deliver the key-note opening address at a high-level two-day Conference on "A New NATO, Euro-Atlantic Security and the Greek-US Partnership" organised jointly by the US think-tank Institute for Foreign Political Analysis (IFPA), the Hellenic Defense Ministry's Defense Analyses Institute and the Konstantinos Karamanlis Foundation, under the auspices of the Greek defense ministry, at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington.

On Wednesday, Meimarakis will meet with US undersecretary of state for political affairs William Burns.

Afterwards Meimarakis, together with Greek deputy foreign minister Miltiades Varvitsiotis, who is also on a visit to Washington, will meet with the leadership of Congress' Caucus on Hellenic Issues.

Meimarakis will later meet with Senate Armed Services Committee chairman Carl Levin, before attending the closing session of the Conference.

[08] Valinakis at EU General Affairs Counicl

Greece's Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis on Monday represented Greece at the EU General Affairs Council held in Luxembourg, which discussed a recent deadly swine fever epidemic, measures for illegal migration and the border disputes between Slovenia and Croatia.

Speaking after the meeting, Valinakis said the Council had examined the ways to speed up European collaboration for dealing with swine fever and promote closer collaboration between European and international health organisations, deciding to hold a meeting of EU health ministers in the next few days to better coordinate European policy.

On the issue of illegal migration, the minister said that Greece raised the issue together with Italy and Malta since all three countries were experiencing an increased flow of illegal immigrants. He underlined the sharp upward trend in migration flow, noting that public opinion was alarmed at the increase in the phenomenon and that the EU had to provide practical solutions.

Speaking for Greece, Valinakis particularly emphasised the problems with increased illegal immigration from the coast of Turkey, where the very long Greek coastline, the large number of Greek islands and the proximity between outlying Greek islands and the Turkish coast made the problems particularly acute.

He explained to EU ministers that islands like Agathonisi, Patmos and Leros were under extremely high pressure from incoming immigrants that was disproportionate to the number of their permanent inhabitants and had major repercussions on their daily life, security and health, in addition to all the other factors that concerned the EU and for which there should be European solidarity.

Valinakis stressed the need for patrols outside territorial waters along the length of EU borders in order to prevent illegal immigrants from entering and called for greater reinforcement of EU external border security agency FRONTEX, with an increase in patrols throughout the year to secure European borders. He also called for a series of other measures related to the pressures that the EU bring to bear on countries that were major sources of immigrant traffic, like Turkey, to uphold any agreements signed in this context.

On the dispute between Slovenia and Croatia, Valinakis said that Greece's support for any EU mediation effort, irrespective of Greece's positions and views on the crux of the problem, was conditional on the mediation effort observing EU principles, such as the need for solidarity between EU member-states, adherence to international law and maritime law, and that it had the consent of all parties involved.

The deputy minister also stressed that the dispute was not, as some supported, a bilateral difference but one that concerned all of Europe. Every country seeking to join the EU must fulfill promises and meet the terms and conditions set by the European side, Valinakis emphasised.

[09] Papoulias receives Bosnia's Radmanovic

After the meeting Papoulias stressed that talks focused on ways to further advance the bilateral relations between the two states, adding that a significant potential exists for further development in all sectors.

Referring to regional difference affecting Athens and another one-time Yugoslav republic, specifically the fYRoM "name issue", Papoulias said he reiterated that "Greece is positive on fYRoM's accession to Euro- Atlantic institutions, on the condition that a mutual acceptable solution on the name is reached".

Papoulias also congratulated Radmanovic for Bosnia's Stability Pact with the EU.

From his part, Radmanovic stressed that Athens' and Papoulias' positions vis-à-vis western Balkan countries' EU prospects are extremely important and are sending a positive message to peoples in the Balkans.

The Bosnia-Herzegovina statesman also called on Greek entrepreneurs to invest to his state. He also thanked Greece for its financial assistance towards the restoration of the Friendship Building in Sarajevo.

Radmanovic was also welcomed at the presidential mansion by Transport and Communications Minister Evripides Stylianidis and Deputy Employment Minister George Kondoyannis.

[10] President Papoulias hosts dinner for Bosnia-Herzegovina Presidency chairman

"These developments, without a doubt, constitute successes of strategic importance that bring your country closer to the Euroatlantic family, an approach that my country will undividedly support," President Papoulias said.

"Greece supported from the start with consistency and determination this approach, not only of Bosnia-Herzegovina, but of all the countries in the region. It is known that for the first time Greece had depicted in the Thessaloniki Agenda, during the Greek European Union Presidency, the European future of the entire region in the clearest way possible," he added.

President Papoulias further said that "I personally as well, throughout my entire political course, consider peace, stability and development in Southeastern Europe and the Middle East as a strategic issue for the international stabilising role of the European Union."

President Papoulias also referred to Serbia, saying that "it is my conviction that it constitutes a focal country for the stability of the region and it has proved its political will to become a full member of European institutions."

[11] Deputy FM on foreign policy issues

In an interview with the Sunday issue of Chora newspaper, Kassimis said in reply to a question on prime minister Costas Karamanlis' trips abroad that many of the outstanding Greek national issues were bogged down by the "unfortunately handlings of the past" but, despite that, today there were two positive aspects.

Firstly, the present government had set out a framework on the national issues and has made it clear in all directions where the "red line" was on each of those issues while the opposition,

Conversely, he continued, the opposition was not treating those issues with populism and, in certain instances, was backing the national strategy which, Kassimis stressed, strengthened Greece's positions.

On the Cyprus issue, he said, as affirmed during the prime minister's recent meeting with Cyprus president Demetris Christofias, there was absolute identity of views on the strategy being followed.

In Greek-Turkish affairs, he continued, the 'qualitative upgrading' of the aerial harassments (buzzing) by the neighboring country was not beneficial to the climate between the two countries. Greece was steadfastly continuing its good neighborhood policy, while at the same time pointing out Turkey's tactics to Greece's allies, thus gaining in credibility and responsibility, Kassimis said.

On relations with Europe, Kassimis said that Greece remained in the 'hard core' of the EU, strengthening its position with initiatives and a strong presence in every matter.

Regarding Athens' overture to Moscow, Kassimis said that both the EU and the new US administration have adopted Greece's position on its relations with Russia.

As for the FYROM issue, the deputy foreign minister said that Greece's allies and partners, almost in their entirety, have accepted the Greek positions and support the decisions taken jointly, acknowledging the fact that the name issue was directly linked with stability and security in the region.

To a question on whether there was some 'bitterness' over new US president Barack Obama's policy, Kassimis replied in the negative, noting that the new American administration was developing its foreign policy based on its own priorities and interests. Greece, on its part, was developing its own initiatives.

The Greek government believes that the environment today was more auspicious, with respect to policy, but also does not overlook the fluidity in the geo-political reality of the wider region, he explained.

"In all instances, we seek the support of our ally across the Atlantic, at least where no conflict of interests temporarily arises," Kassimis said, adding that "we must realise that, in foreign policy, there must be steadfastness in goals and aspirations, but that strategy must be adjusted in accordance with every given international reality".

On the balances in NATO, Kassimis said that Greece's allies in NATO had manifested the required solidarity and understanding, in the framework of the Alliance's principles, noting that this was why the decision on FYROM (to not extend an invitation for NATO membership to FYROM) had been unanimous.

[12] Papandreou addresses London School of Economics event

Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou outlined his aims while addressing students during an event held at the London School of Economics on Monday evening.

"My aim is to create in Greece a democratic governance model," Papandreou said and explained that what he wants is "the citizen to have rights and responsibilities, to enjoy his rights and not to be separated from power, in contrast to what is happening today where the citizen is distanced and isolated by a corrupt state."

Papandreou further said that "we must not wait, but act and indeed quickly." He stressed that he would not be making very big promises, but that he is confident that "we can and we must change the world."

He also referred to Greece, saying that he is seeing the situation getting worse and realises the indignation and anger of the young generations which took to the streets a few months ago to express their opposition to the present system, adding that there are thousands of reasons for young people to be indignant today.

Focusing on the international political system, Papandreou proposed the "radical modernisation of international governance". He stressed that policies must be shaped to enable the system to be more representative, more corporate and to guarantee that the citizen will be above all. Lastly, he noted that the new governance system was necessary "because communism and neo-liberalism failed".

[13] PASOK on Barroso visit, Pavlidis case

Referring to the visit of European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso to Athens, Papaconstantinou stated that it served as a promotional campaign for the prime minister.

On the Pavlidis case, Papaconstantinou commented that after the Bank of Greece auditors' report on Pavlidis' bank accounts was delivered the PASOK MPs participating in the preliminary examination committee asked for the re-examination of certain witnesses to clear up some very alarming gray spots.

Pavlidis, an MP for the Dodecanese islands and former minister, is under investigation for allegedly demanding a bribe from coastal shipowner Fotis Manoussis in order to award him a subsidised shipping line to remote islands.

Commenting on PASOK MP Andreas Loverdos' position that the party's Euro-MPs should be elected based on the "cross of preference" system, when voters mark a cross next to the name of the candidate or candidates they prefer, Papaconstantinou characterised it as interesting suggestion adding, however, that the existing procedure will not change.

Papaconstantinou attributed PASOK's lead to the opinion polls to its concrete proposals, the result of collective work, and to the fact that the people want a new government.

[14] PASOK to seek recall of witnesses in Pavlidis case

These include the former minister's brother Anastasios Pavlidis and the businessman Klearchos Routsis.

In statements to reporters, PASOK MPs said that serious questions had been raised by the analysis of the bank accounts of the two Pavlidis brothers, carried out by Bank of Greece experts. PASOK intended to ask for clarifications concerning deposits amounting to 324,000 euros paid into an account belonging to Anastasios Pavlidis by a person believed to be Routsis between 2002 and 2008.

They also pointed to consecutive deposits of 7,000 and 8,000 euros paid in on the same day, which raised suspicions that the person depositing the sums may have been trying to side-step laws that required banks to investigate the origin of deposits above a certain amount.

PASOK MPs want to ask questions regarding the relationship between Routsis and Anastasios Pavlidis and intend to ask for the original deposit slips in order to find out the exact time and date that these smaller sums were deposited.

Finally, the MPs raised questions about the file submitted by the former minister with documents relating to the repairs on his daughter's residence amounting to 65,000 euros. They point out the strange coincidence that small amounts were drawn from the accounts of Anastasios Pavlidis, amounting to 63,000 euros, between December 12, 2005 and February 28, 2006.

Doubts were also cast by PASOK on the way that Bank of Greece auditors had checked the accounts, pointing out that they had failed to raise these questions, while the National Bank of Greece (NBG) branch in Parliament had failed to carry out checks to determine whether the money being deposited was legally obtained.

Pavlidis, an MP for the Dodecanese islands, is under investigation for allegedly demanding a bribe from ship owner Fotis Manoussis in order to award him a subsidised shipping line to remote islands.

[15] Appellate judges' plenum to convene over Vatopedi case

Sanidas said that convening the plenum was necessary because of the seriousness of the case.

Karoutsos is expected to submit a request to convene the appellate court judges to the head of the Court of Appeals on Tuesday, who will set a date for convening the plenum in order to decide whether the case should be assigned to a special appellate magistrate.

Charges in connection with the case will be pressed after the judges plenum meets, so that they this is done at the appropriate level depending on their decision.

[16] Development Minister in Istanbul on Tues.

Hatzidakis will also be received by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I.

Financial News

[17] Gov't unveils measures to support home building sector

Under the plan, presented by Economy and Finance Minister Yiannis Papathanasiou, the Greek state will guarantee an additional 25 pct of mortgage loans, currently covered by consumers, raising the coverage of a mortgage loan to 100 pct of home prices instead of 75 pct currently. Also, the government doubled the tax deduction on mortgage loan interest payments to 40 pct from 20 pct and cut legal paper fees.

The minister, speaking to reporters, said the measures were aimed at supporting the home building sector and ensuring workers' income.

[18] We are opening up to all of Russia, EOT president says

"We are opening to Russia in its entirety, and not in Moscow only and this is a new factor," EOT's president said, stressing that "all of Russia is a market-target for Greece."

Tangible proof of this policy is also the third successive Visa Centre that is being inaugurated in Russia, after Moscow and Ekaterinburg, that are already operating, as well as the fact that for the first time a Greek official has reached Siberia's administrative and economic centre.

Hailing the opening of the Visa Centre, Kofinis said that "it will facilitate citizens of Novosibirsk, as well as of the regions around who wish to travel to Greece, since it is our aim to host as many Russian friends as possible in our country."

The governor of the region that is famed for its economic and scientific centres reacted in a most positive way to the invitation, expressing his confidence that the Visa Centre is only the beginning and will "contribute to the development of wider bilateral cooperation in the most different of sectors."

EOT's delegation found itself in Russia for the third time since the beginning of the year and before Novosibirsk it had contacts in Moscow with the most important Russian tourist agencies, agreeing for the first time on the joint advertising of Greece.

[19] No problem in Greece from swine flu, deputy Agriculture minister reassures

It was stressed during a meeting held at the ministry that Greece, and the European Union in general, are not in any immediate danger since, according to EU legislation, whatever imports of live pigs and pork from Mexico are forbidden.

Kiltidis underlined that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure that stockbreeding is safe and to be carried out in accordance with biosecurity rules.

On his part, Kyriakis suggested calm, pointing out that Europe and Greece have no problem from this specific part of the swine flu virus.

[20] Greek pension funds' assets up in 2006/07

Employment and Social Protection Minister Fani Palli-Petralia, presenting a report, said pension funds' assets grew in 2007 and stressed that she ordered a report on pension funds' assets in 2008 to be accelerated.

Social insurance funds' property and moveable assets totaled 31.286 billion euros at the end of 2007, from 29.213 billion euros a year ealier, for an increase of 7.09 pct.

More analytically, deposits in the Bank of Greece totaled 14.836 billion euros, up 14.7 pct, the value of securities owned totaled 15.049 billion euros (up 11.92 pct), while the value of money owed to funds totaled 86.495 billion euros (up 28.56 pct). The report said that the value of pension funds' real estate assets totaled 1.313 billion euros at the end of 2007.

[21] Nobel laureate Solow in Thessaloniki; cites econ crisis vis-a-vis countries such as Greece

Referring to countries like Greece and how they can better weather the ongoing international economic crisis, Solow stressed that "they should do everything possible to boost domestic demand, considering that protectionist practices will not be of any help." He also pointed out that "infrastructures should improve; light industry should be boosted while public investments and private capital should be combined with the adoption of measures aimed at attracting direct foreign investments."

"Additional taxes would not be advisable at this time," he added.

Solow rejected the idea of a 35-hour work week and opted for the creation of new jobs through internationally coordinated economic policies aimed at maintaining a more active labour market.

Solow stated that "we are not close to the adoption of a new global currency, as it would call for international and time-consuming negotiations similar to Bretton Woods," adding that it is hard to say if the SDRs (IMF currency reserve units Special Drawing Rights) will be the new currency, depending on whether the IMF will evolve into a major lender."

Referring to China's potential to become the strongest economy by the year 2020, he stated that "2020 is too soon for such a development" adding, however, that "some day China will be the strongest economy on the planet."

"The key-question is whether the Chinese economy will try to use its power for political gain, namely, if it will dominate politically over other regions of the world," he said, pointing out that this would have been a major problem. "The global crisis will most likely slow down this process as countries like the United States will be reluctant to borrow from China," he stated.

Solow described the redistribution of human talent as a positive development that could result from the crisis, referring to dropping numbers of Harvard graduates who opt for employment in the banking sector.

Solow received his Ph.D. from Harvard University and began teaching at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1949. He developed a mathematical model that could show the relative contributions of various factors to sustained national economic growth. He demonstrated that, contrary to traditional economic thinking, the rate of technological progress is more important to growth than capital accumulation or increases in labour. From the 1960s on, his studies were influential in persuading governments to invest in technological research and development.

In 1961, he was awarded the John Bates Clark Medal and in 1987 he received the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for his work on the theory of economic growth.

[22] Mytilineos signs energy joint venture project with Motor Oil

Mytilineos will hold a 65 pct stake in the joint venture, called Korinth Power SA, with Motor Oil the remaining 35 pct. Mytilineos fully covered a share capital increase by Korinth Power, worth 59.4 million euros.

Metka SA, a member of Mytilineos SA, will build the power station in 28 months, a project budgeted at 285 million euros.

[23] Healthcare services market grew average 16 pct in last seven years, report

The report said that healthcare services sector was characterised by very high entry hurdles, with high initial investment costs and high operating costs, although the sector also faced significant problems such as delays in debt payments by public social insurance agencies and huge needs in investment capital.

Hellastast said the economic crisis will have little affect on the healthcare sector, compared with other economic sectors, although it stressed that the crisis would raise demand towards the public healthcare system.

[24] Agoudimos of GA Ferries charged for non-payment of salaries

A date for a hearing in court will be set in the next few days, while the charges are for failing to promptly pay wages and three months back pay to Greek seamen working on the ferry boats "Marina", "Daliana", "Milena", "Romilda" and "Rodanthi".

The public prosecutor has asked that the indictment of GA Ferries' owner be treated as extremely urgent.

Meanwhile, the union federation PASENT, representing staff working in shipping and tourism, has supported a strike by GA Ferries employees, who are owed wages for January, February, March and their Easter bonus, criticising Agoudimos' decision to pay January salaries to staff that did not take part in the strike while refusing to settle with those striking for their backpay.

The union has arranged a meeting with Deputy Employment Minister Sofia Kalantzakou to discuss the problems faced by GA Ferries staff.

[25] Stocks edge higher on Mon.

Sector indices ended mixed, with the Technology (6.44 pct), Health (5.60 pct) and Insurance (4.85 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while Telecommunications (3.76 pct), Industrials (2.19 pct) and Financial Services (2.05 pct) suffered losses.

The FTSE 20 index eased 0.28 pct, the FTSE 40 index rose 0.62 pct and the FTSE 80 index ended 0.74 pct higher. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 142 to 85 with another 27 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +4.85%

Industrials: -2.19%

Commercial: +1.14%

Construction: +1.26%

Media: +2.38%

Oil & Gas: -0.81%

Personal & Household: +0.51%

Raw Materials: +1.98%

Travel & Leisure: +0.79%

Technology: +6.44%

Telecoms: -3.67%

Banks: -0.27%

Food & Beverages: +1.78%

Health: +5.60%

Utilities: +2.00%

Chemicals: +2.02%

Financial Services: -2.05%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (OTE), Vovos and Alapis.

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

Alpha Bank: 6.55

ATEbank: 1.20

Public Power Corp (PPC): 14.32

HBC Coca Cola: 11.70

Hellenic Petroleum: 6.87

National Bank of Greece: 14.35

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 5.61

Intralot: 4.30

OPAP: 22.10

OTE: 11.29

Bank of Piraeus: 6.26

Titan Cement Company: 18.00

[26] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 13,860 contracts worth 8.603 million euros, with investment interest focusing on National Bank's contracts (2,738), followed by OTE (1,077), Alpha Bank (1,032), GEK (903), Marfin Popular Bank (1,748), Intracom (777) and Eurobank (734).

[27] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates were largely unchanged. The 12-month Euribor rate was 1.75 pct, the six-month rate 1.58 pct, the three-month rate 1.39 pct and the one-month rate 0.98 pct.

[28] Foreign Exchange rates - Tuesday

U.S. dollar 1.323

Pound sterling 0.907

Danish kroner 7.508

Swedish kroner 10.813

Japanese yen 127.83

Swiss franc 1.519

Norwegian kroner 8.833

Canadian dollar 1.608

Australian dollar 1.854

General News

[29] Karamanlis opens biodiversity protection forum in Athens

"The world is today facing major and crucial challenges. The most serious of these is found in the vicious circle created by climate change and destruction of the environment," Karamanlis said, adding that the repercussions from the loss of biodiversity and the extinction of animal and plant species were not reversible.

"The destruction of nature robs future generations of the basic requirements for their prosperity and survival," he pointed out and stressed that any short-term benefits from unthinking use of natural resources added up to an unbearable medium-term cost.

The Greek premier added that the economic repercussions of biodiversity and ecosystems loss were estimated to reach as high as 6 percent of the gross global product annually after the year 2050.

Karamanlis underlined Greece's interest in environmental problems, pointing out that no other Mediterranean and European country had preserved such a high level of biodiversity.

"Nature is an inseparable part of our culture, our history, our identity. For all these reasons, even in today's period of economic crisis, protection of the environment is one of our main priorities. It is a matter of national importance," he said, adding that Greece was actively participating in efforts to deal with climate change through a comprehensive programme.

Karamanlis cited the fundamental directions of Greece's policy as preserving the important animal and plant species and ecosystems in the country, adapting to the repercussions of climate change, boosting international and inter-state cooperation in this area and investing in research on environmental issues, while at the same time keeping the public informed and raising sensitivity on these issues in order to achieve a constantly increasing effort in this direction.

"There can be no doubts. In a world burdened by climate change, waste of natural resources, desertification and water shortage, the protection of biodiversity is an exceptionally major challenge. There have, however, been important steps taken in our country in the last few years. There are still problems and shortcomings. But! Our direction is clear and our determination is given. We are steadfastly oriented to effective protection of our country's natural wealth," Karamanlis underlined.

Concluding, he stressed that environmental protection knew no geographical boundaries and was a global challenged faced equally by all countries and that the world had to re-evaluate its actions and strike a decisive course for the future, for which the Athens conference could be a starting point leading to a more ambitious policy for biodiversity protection.

[30] First day of biodiversity conference in Athens

Barroso outlined EU policy on protecting biodiversity, stressing that the problem was both major and urgent. He noted the conclusions that the EU was preparing to present at the UN climate change conference in Copenhagen at the end of the year, which cited climate change as the most serious threat to biodiversity.

According to the European Commission's president, the EU's efforts aimed to arrest biodiversity loss by 2010 and this goal could only be achieved if current efforts were stepped up.

Among measures to be taken, he listed a campaign to increase public awareness among Europeans that will cost three million euros, completing the NATURA 2000 network and better connections between protected areas.

Dimas emphasised the increasing rate of biodiversity loss, saying this was 1,000 times higher than natural rates, and stressed the need for more Community funding directed to action for protecting species and extending protection from protected areas to the rest of European territory. He stressed that the conclusions of the Athens conference will be important in deciding the future policy of the EU on biodiversity, while he did not fail to mention the major contribution for protecting nature in Greece made by Mrs. Niki Goulandris.

Greece's Parliament president spoke about the preparations made by the Greek Parliament for the conference, with MPs calling for greater support for research in this area and constant evaluation, as well as using new knowledge. He also emphasised the need to inform and increase participation in the overall effort by the public.

Speaking on behalf of the WWF, Leape cited the organisation's estimates that biodiversity had been reduced by 30 percent since 1970 and, in regions like tropical rainforests, by as much as 50 percent. He forecast that this rate would only accelerate as climate change progressed and stressed that saving species was vital, for economic, social and security reasons.

He said economics should find ways to incorporate protection of ecosystems and that law-makers and businessmen had to be convinced that protecting species was in their own interests, suggesting measures that would ensure land and water management that protected habitat health, ways to reward those producing products in a sustainable way and action on climate change that would help preserve biodiversity.

Other speakers on Monday morning included Czech Deputy Environment Minister Jan Dusik and Greece's Deputy Environment Minister Stavros Kalogiannis, who emphasised that Greece had especially high biodiversity and was home to 85 habitats of Community interest, of which 60 percent were in a satisfactory condition, with 163 special protection zones and 239 zones of European interest in the NATURA 2000 network.

Organised by the European Commission, the conference that began in Athens on Monday convenes all the main actors engaged in the development and implementation of EU biodiversity policy, together with international institutions and globally recognised experts. Its aim is to take stock of where Europe stands in terms of meeting targets in biodiversity policy for 2010, the year for fully evaluating the delivery of the EU Biodiversity Action Plan and the UN International Year for Biodiversity. It will also seek to start framing post-2010 biodiversity policy and preparing the strategy for the period ahead.

Participating in the conference are 230 delegates representing EU countries and non-government organisations, as well as European businesses and organisations.

[31] Health minister visits Athens airport medical services

Health Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos visited medical services at Athens airport at noon on Monday and was briefed by officials on preventive measures that are being taken and that concern passengers coming to Greece from regions where confirmed or possible swine flu cases have taken place.

The minister was informed of free printed material which will be distributed, as well as of the instructions that doctors are giving to passengers to contact the authorities in the event that they have any symptom related to swine flu within the first 10 days after their arrival in Greece.

Earlier, Avramopoulos had visited the Health ministry's National Operations Centre where he was briefed on the outcome of repeated meetings taking place over the past 48 hours in cooperation with the Agriculture ministry as well, to shield the country against the possibility of cases also appearing in European Union countries.

[32] E- newspaper by interior ministry

The public information may be used by private citizens or legal entities, within the restrictions of the law and protection of personal data, classified information, etc.

All public sector entities are ordered to field a specific web page on the Internet, which includes and provides information on their organisation and functions.

[33] Trikala fort opens its gates to the public

The old fort, which had suffered significant damage, dates back to the Classic and Hellenistic eras and was first restored in the 6th century AD, in the years of Emperor Justinian. It was last repaired by the Turks after the revolutions in Thessaly in 1854 and 1878. Inside the wall surrounding the fort, the Byzantine churches of Archangel Michael and the Transfiguration were built. An underground water-supply reservoir that starts from Kalambaka ends at the third and highest cornice of the fort. In the east side, the city clock-tower, built during the Turkish rule, was replaced in 1936, by another 33-meter-high clock-tower that was bombed during WWII. On the second cornice an open-air theatre hosts cultural events.

Located in the fertile plain of Thessaly in central Greece, modern Trikala is the Homeric Trikka (or Trikki), the birthplace of three of the Argonauts and one of the areas touted as the birthplace of Asclepius (Asklepios), who is more often said to have been born at Epidaurus, where his main temple was sited in antiquity. Ruins of an old sanctuary to the physician-god, an Asklepeion, or healing place, are located between the central square and the church of Saint Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos) in Trikala. It is the oldest Aesculapium of Greece - a kind of medical centre, from which the worship of Aesculapius gradually spread.

[34] Greek Communities of Europe congress in Brussels

Greek language education, the ongoing economic crisis and its consequences for expatriate Greeks in western Europe, together with social, political and employment issues affecting communities and individual expatriates were among the issues discussed at the second congress of the Greek Communities of Europe Federation, which convened last weekend here.

The congress was organised by the ethnic Greek community of Belgium.

"The most important outcome was that for the first time problems facing expatriate Greeks in Europe were discussed, as well as the fact that Greek expatriate organisations discussed issues that were up until now considered off limits," a Federations press release stated.

The next meeting of the executive secretariat will take place on June 13. A Greek parliamentary delegation was also on hand for the congress.

[35] Concert by Jose Carreras Club in support of juvenile patients

[36] Prefectures closed in protest on Wednesday

In a press conference on Monday, the head of the Greek prefectures union (ENAE), Messinia Prefect Dimitris Drakos, stressed that prefectures would lose several million euros as a result of the measure and were being deprived of funds that were crucial to their budgets.

ENAE's presidency is to have successive meetings on this issue on Tuesday with Economy and Finance Minister Yiannis Papathanassiou and Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos. Its board will then convene again to evaluate the government's proposals.

Weather Forecast

[37] Cloudy, rainy on Tuesday

[38] The Monday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Enough!! - Prime Minister's outburst in Kastoria, northwestern Greece".

APOGEVMATINI: "70 passengers from Mexico arrived on Sunday in Athens by plane- The country that was first stricken by the swine flu".

AVRIANI: "5 billion euros could go into state coffers from the legalisation of illegal immigrants".

CHORA: "Karamanlis' outburst - Scathing attack against Papandreou".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "Karamanlis: I'm not going anywhere - He clarified his position on Sunday, speaking at a general assembly of the Federation of Industrialists of Western Macedonia".

ELEFTHEROS: "Nightmare over Maximos mansion - 'I will not resign' says Pavlidis. via his attorney, to the newspaper".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "1.2 million credit cards debt 'bubble' - Overdue payments reach 1.3 billion euros in 2009".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Karamanlis accuses PASOK of scandal-mongering ".

ESTIA: "Unprecedented decadence in politics - The country is sinking in a swamp of scandals".

ETHNOS: "Karamanlis' 'Operation Polarisation' - Panic in Maximos mansion (government headquarters) ahead of the voting on Pavlidis case".

TA NEA: "Red alert over the swine flu - Suspicious cases detected in Europe".

VRADYNI: "Political clash to the extremes prompted by Vatopedi, Siemens and Pavlidis affairs".

Cyprus Affairs

[39] President briefs party leaders on developments in Cyprus problem

President of the Republic Demetris Christofias briefed the leaders of parliamentary political parties in depth on the developments in the Cyprus problem and other issues, during the first meeting of the informal party leaders' council, which took place on Monday.

Speaking after the meeting, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said President Christofias is expecting the views of the political parties, which will be submitted to the National Council.

Stephanou said a date had not yet been set for the National Council meeting, top advisory body to the president on the handling of the Cyprus problem, but would be announced soon.

He noted that there were important issues on which the views of the parties were requested, such as Turkey's EU accession course in the light of negotiations to solve the Cyprus problem.

He said the president also briefed the leaders on results of the recent official visit of Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis to Cyprus and the official talks held in Nicosia.

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

[40] President decorates outgoing Chief of Staff

President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias decorated on Monday outgoing Chief of Staff of the National Guard Lieutenant General Constantinos Bisbikas with the Medal of the Commander of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Cyprus, along with a certificate, noting the ''fraternal relationship'' between the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of Cyprus.

Speaking at a special ceremony at the Presidential Palace, President Christofias welcomed the new Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Petros

Tsalikides, expressing certainty that he would continue ''the tradition of close cooperation with the Minister of Defence, as outgoing Chief Bisbikas.''

President Christofias also referred to the excellent relations of cooperation, solidarity and support between Greece and Cyprus, and welcomed the presence of the Greek Ambassador in Nicosia at the ceremony.

Thanking the president for the honour, Bisbikas wished ''strength and courage'' to President Christofias so that his efforts to solve the Cyprus problem are successful.

He added that he was delivering ''a National Guard with a high standard of training, discipline and morale, a strong deterrent force, capable of meeting the demands of today and the challenges of tomorrow.''

[41] EP calls for implementation of UN resolution on Famagusta

The European Parliament has called for the implementation, by all parties concerned, of UN Security Council Resolution 550 (1984) on the Cyprus issue, which would lead to the full restoration of property to its legitimate owners in the Turkish occupied town of Famagusta.

The European Parliament approved on April 22 in Strasbourg the annual report on the deliberations of the Petitions Committee 2008.

Paragraph 23 of the EP resolution on the deliberations of the Committee on Petitions during the year 2008 notes that the EP "urges the implementation by all parties of UN Security Council Resolution 550 (1984) on the Cyprus issue, which would lead to the full restoration of property to its legitimate owners in Varosha; suggests that in the event that there are no visible results by the end of 2009, the committee responsible might consider bringing the issue of the Famagusta petitioners to plenary."

Famagusta is a city fenced-off after the 1974 Turkish invasion, which resulted in the occupation of 37 per cent of the island's territory.

Situated on the eastern coast of Cyprus, the city was a booming tourist resort and the main commercial port before the Turkish invasion. UN resolution 550 calls for "the transfer of this area to the administration of the United Nations'' and ''considers attempts to settle any part of Varosha by people other than its inhabitants as inadmissible.''

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