Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 11-01-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM, Erdogan hold talks in Erzurum

[02] Papandreou and Erdogan inaugurate Erzurum's new stadium

[03] PM details bilateral problems, prospects in high-profile address to Turkish diplomatic corps

[04] PM addresses press conference with Turkish counterpart

[05] Turkish FM: Papandreou, Droutsas participation in Turkish ambassadors' conference "historic"

[06] PM holds telephone conversation with Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos

[07] Reactions to PM's visit to Erzurum

[08] PM interview to Dow Jones Newswire

[09] Gov't on Greek-Turkish relations; Evros fence

[10] Gov't: 'Evros fence will be built'

[11] Bill ssylum ratified by relevant com't

[12] French minister urges EU help for Greece on illegal migration problem

[13] Former army camps to be used as illegal migrant detention centres

[14] ND attacks government over recession, party-political 'games'

[15] Barnier at joint meeting of Parliament com'ts this month

[16] Amendment on cram schools tabled in parliament

[17] Greece must trim 1.3 billion euro in health care costs, minister says

[18] Greek banks: Economic recovery nearing

[19] Energy investments

[20] GDP shrinks 4.6% in Q3

[21] Vehicle registrations down 37.1% in 2010

[22] Local businessman wanted in connection with 'black market' warehouse

[23] Stocks recover on Fri.

[24] Greek bond market closing report

[25] ADEX closing report

[26] Public debate on presidential decree for protection of Lake Pamvotida

[27] Bodies of two illegal migrants recovered from Evros River

[28] Foreign nationals arrested for armed robbery following police chase

[29] New public transport stoppages on Monday

[30] German reporter arrested for entering restricted border area

[31] Four arrests for burglaries in Ioannina

[32] Woman perishes in apartment fire

[33] Cloudy on Saturday

[34] The Friday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance Politics

[01] PM, Erdogan hold talks in Erzurum

Bilateral relations, including air space violations above Greek islands by the Turkish military and illegal migration issues, were discussed during a meeting between Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the Turkish city of Erzurum on Friday.

The two premiers held two hours of private talks over a working breakfast in the northeast Anatolian city, before they were joined by Greek and Turkish foreign ministers Dimitris Droutsas and Ahmet Davutoglu, respectively. Papandreou was in Erzurum to address a Turkish ambassadors' conference, alongside Erdogan, following a formal invitation.

Diplomatic sources said that the talks between Erdogan and Papandreou focused mainly on the problems caused by Turkish military plane flights above the Aegean, while migration issues were touched on after the meeting was joined by Droutsas and Davutoglu. They stressed that the meeting in Erzurum did not aim to make decisions on specific issues, such as that of the Aegean continental shelf that is currently being discussed in exploratory talks between the two sides, but to create a framework for promoting good relations between Greece and Turkey through the mechanisms already set up, such as the High-Level Cooperation Council whose next meeting will prepare for an upcoming visit by Davutoglu to Athens in March.

After the meeting, which lasted longer than initially planned, the two prime ministers were also due to inaugurate the Erzurum Stadium that will host the upcoming World University Games (Universiade), in which university athletic teams from 75 countries will compete.

Afterwards, Papandreou will address the third annual Turkish ambassadors' conference, entitled "Visionary Diplomacy: Global and Regional Order from Turkey's Perspective". The meeting, which will also be addressed by Erdogan, is chaired by Foreign Minister Davutoglu and attended by 180 Turkish diplomats serving abroad and at the country's foreign ministry. The week-long session opened in Ankara on Monday and will continue in Erzurum.

The purpose of the conference is coordination of the ambassadors representing Turkey abroad, as well as an exchange of views between technocrats and the political authority.

Papandreou's presence is considered of particular significance, according to Turkish commentators.

The invitation to Papandreou reciprocates the Greek premier's invitation two months earlier to Erdogan to attend an international environmental meeting in Athens.

In statements to Turkey's Anadolu news agency on Friday, the Turkish foreign minister stressed that the fact that Papandreou and Droutsas will address the Turkish ambassadors' conference was "historic" and proof of the high level of relations between the two countries.

"Turkey always responds to sincere intentions of friendship, and when it is approached in such a way. That is our policy in the Balkans and the Middle East," he added.

[02] Papandreou and Erdogan inaugurate Erzurum's new stadium

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou on Friday joined his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in inaugurating the new Cemal Gursel stadium in the city of Erzurum in Eastern Anatolia, to rousing applause from the crowd of local residents attending the official opening.

Erzurum's new stadium will host the XXV Winter Universiade, or Winter World University Games, where athletic teams from universities in 75 countries will compete in 2011.

In a brief address, the Greek premier conveyed a message of peace and friendship from the Greek people and said that the two sides, while respecting their history, "have decided to overcome the prejudices of the past".

"We have taken bold initiatives to break the barriers of prejudice that divide our two peoples," he stressed.

The crowd was also addressed by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who thanked all the Turkish ministers that had contributed to building the new stadium and Papandreou.

Afterwards, Papandreou will address the third annual Turkish ambassadors' conference, entitled "Visionary Diplomacy: Global and Regional Order from Turkey's Perspective". The meeting, which will also be addressed by Erdogan, is chaired by Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and attended by 180 Turkish diplomats serving abroad and at the country's foreign ministry. The week-long session opened in Ankara on Monday and will continue in Erzurum.

Earlier on Friday, Papandreou and Erdogan held talks on bilateral issues over a working breakfast.

[03] PM details bilateral problems, prospects in high-profile address to Turkish diplomatic corps

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou on Friday covered the gamut of Greek-Turkish relations, differences and whatever prospects for resolution, speaking during a closely watched address at a conference here of Turkey's top diplomats and leadership.

In opening his address in the northeastern Anatolia city of Erzurum, Papandreou referred to an opportunity to "speak frankly and openly about our future. Will this be a future of peace or confrontation?"

The one-time Greek foreign minister, credited with initiating the so-called "earthquake rapprochement" of 1999 with the late Turkish FM Ismail Cem, referred directly to the challenges and day-to-day problems affecting bilateral relations, while he noted that his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has chosen to contribute to a new relationship of peace and cooperation.

"Nevertheless, trust is difficult to develop," he stressed, citing a provocation that occurred as late as Wednesday with the overflight of eight Turkish warplanes of "a small Greek isle (Agathonissi) with 150 inhabitants."

"... What's the meaning behind this violation of Greek sovereignty? These types of actions do not change the (legal) status in the Aegean, you can be certain of that. They (overflights) may have become routine for Turkey, but do not believe they are routine for Greece. Every such action is a reminder to Greeks that Turkey has not decided to establish different relations with Greece," he emphasised.

Conversely, he underlined that he doesn't believe "the actions of one day" can undermine the careful and systematic work conducted over years. Moreover, he called on Erdogan, whom he referred to as a "reliable interlocutor", to consolidate the "trust between us and, in the end, to build a stable peace".

In further touching on bilateral relations, he said ties should not be left to chance or to fate.

"We need to consolidate rules in our relations; principles and international law, agreements and rule of law. That's why it's a dangerous luxury to not solve the continental shelf delineation issue. This difference marked the beginning of the Greek-Turkish confrontation in the early 1970s and continues to be a major problem in our bilateral relations," he said, adding:

"Since 2002, with the exploratory contacts, we have attempted to ascertain whether there is common ground that could lead to an agreed to resolution ... We are obliged to make every effort at finding a mutually acceptable solution. If we don't achieve this within a reasonable amount of time, we must then seek recourse to international justice for a judgement based on international law. In the interim, steps must be taken to reduce tension."

At this point Papandreou again reiterated that "if Turkey truly means that it seeks peace they (overflights) must cease."

In a statement to most of his audience, top Turkish diplomats and envoys, he said:

"You are experienced diplomats and know very well that in today's world the threat of war has no place, nor does it solve problems. Certainly not by a Turkey that states that it wants zero problems with its neighbours," he said.

In reference to the long-standing Cyprus problem, Papandreou was equally succinct and direct.

"The time will come to have an open and substantive discussion between us over Turkey (EU's) candidacy. My vision has always been a Cyprus that will serve as a model for the peaceful and democratic cohabitation of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, Christians and Muslims. Of course, the Cyprus issue never had as its basis religious dimensions.

"However, there should be no illusions. The international community will not legalise an invasion. Turkey's European course will not be completed as long as the occupation (of one-third of Cyprus by Turkey) continues. A new effort is needed," he said, while adding that Cyprus President Demetris Christofias is the leader that can produce a solution on the part of the Greek Cypriots.

[04] PM addresses press conference with Turkish counterpart

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou on Friday reiterated his determination for relations between Turkey and Greece to forge ahead, speaking at a press conference that he held with his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan, in Erzurum, following his address at the 3rd annual conference of Turkish ambassadors.

Papandreou stressed that great progress has been achieved in relations between the two countries, despite the problems existing between the two countries.

Referring to the Turkish prime minister, Papandreou said "I know that both of us want a good atmosphere to be created between Greece and Turkey," while not omitting to refer to the problems that are obstructing further development.

The Greek prime minister, replying to a question, confirmed the excellent personal relations that he has with the Turkish prime minister and noted that these relations also facilitate the two countries' relations.

"I can say that I call him a brother," the Greek prime minister said characteristically and added that Erdogan is straightforward and sincere.

[05] Turkish FM: Papandreou, Droutsas participation in Turkish ambassadors' conference "historic"

Greek prime minister George Papandreou's and foreign minister Dimitris Droutsas' participation in the annual conference of Turkish ambassadors, currently taking place in Erzurum, is proof of the high level of the relations between the two countries, Turkish foreign minister Ahmet Davutoglu said in Friday.

In statements to Turkey's Anadolu news agency, Davutoglu described as "historic" the fact that Papandreou and Droutsas will address the Turkish ambassadors.

"Turkey always responds to sincere intentions of friendship, and when it is approached in such a way. That is our policy in the Balkans and the Middle East," Davutoglu added.

[06] PM holds telephone conversation with Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos

Papandreou briefed Vartholomeos on his discussions in Turkey on Friday.

[07] Reactions to PM's visit to Erzurum

According to Avramopoulos, "it is certain that the prime minister was dragged to this meeting, without diplomatic preparation and a specific agenda."

Gov't spokesman

On his part, government spokesman Giorgos Petalotis called on the main opposition New Democracy party "to read, even elementarily, the prime minister's address at the conference of Turkish ambassadors," adding that "with audacity is ascertaining queries and unfortunate diplomatic moves in the visit by Mr. Papandreou to Turkey", as well as the opposition parties "that discover 'secret diplomacy'," as he said.

LA.OS

Opposition Popular Orthodox Rally (LA.OS) leader George Karatzaferis on Friday referred to the Greek foreign policy moves as being "unthinkable" and expressed opposition to the visit of Papandreou to Erzurum.

Speaking to private television, Karatzaferis stressed that a new opportunity is being created in the energy sector of the greater area, adding that an alternative front by Qatar, Egypt, Israel and Greece can be created. "We are given an opportunity to lead ourselves out of the dead end that followed the shutting down of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline," he stressed.

He also maintained that Turkey creates "fait accompli conditions through diplomacy" and stressed that Greece's future passes through the exploitation of its mineral resources.

Finally, the Coalition of the Left (SYN) Political Bureau on Friday accused Papandreou of "continuing a policy of secret diplomacy" referring to his meeting with his Turkish counterpart in Erzurum.

[08] PM interview to Dow Jones Newswire

Prime Minister George Papandreou, speaking in an interview with the Dow Jones Newswires agency and published in the Wall Street Journal newspaper, said that Greece does not discuss the restructuring of its debt that is held by private individuals and will return to the bonds markets this year, provided that conditions permit.

"We do not do such discussions (on the restructuring of the debt). Looking forward to growth, fiscal adjustment, the reforms we are doing and to the fact that we have a strong European support mechanism, we believe that we will have no problem in paying off the debt," the prime minister said.

Referring to the moves made for the new European stability mechanism that will be valid as of 2013, the prime minister noted that they created great unrest with the holders of bonds of the eurozone countries with a weaker fiscal position.

[09] Gov't on Greek-Turkish relations; Evros fence

Speaking to a private radio station, Petalotis made the comment in response to opposition party accusations alleging "secret diplomacy".

Petalotis rejected the accusations made by Communist Party (KKE) General Secretary Aleka Papariga on a joint exploitation of the Aegean with Turkey that presupposes ceding sovereign rights, characterising them as "fiction". He underlined that "the government has proved that it serves the national interests in the best way".

As regards a fence to be built along a stretch of Greece's land border with Turkey in the Evros prefecture, Petalotis stated that "this is an issue that had to be dealt with years ago ... had to be made a European issue, which was achieved through Frontex and other solutions that will help reduce the number of illegal migrants entering the country".

[10] Gov't: 'Evros fence will be built'

"Greece cannot handle more illegal migrants on its territory and is determined to take all necessary measures to protect the borders, including the construction of the fence along a stretch of its land border with Turkey in Evros prefecture. At the same time, the goal set is that no illegal migrant will be left in the country," he stressed.

Papoutsis made the statement after submitting an amendment in Parliament providing that former army camps will be used as first reception centres for refugees and illegal migrants.

The amendment is included in the draft law on the establishment of an asylum service and a first reception service and harmonisation of Greek legislation to the 2008/115/EC Directive on common standards and procedures in member-states for returning illegally staying third country nationals.

Papoutsis stressed that "aside from the fence, infrared cameras and all advance technology means that we'll use in Evros and our borders, the draft law we are voting today also brings order to the whole situation that plagues our country for years and is an insult to Greece and the European law and order. Based on the draft law, those eligible will be granted asylum and international protection?but those who are in our country illegally, particularly, those who participate in illegal and violent actions will leave Greece?either through voluntary repatriation or through deportation. Greece can not take it anymore; the Greek society can not take it anymore. We have crossed our limits despite the fact that we are a democratic and tolerant society, the most tolerant in Europe."

Responding to a question on the construction cost of the fence, Papoutsis said the comparison should be made with the price paid by Greece when 200 illegal migrants, equal to the population of a small village, cross its borders on a daily basis.

[11] Bill ssylum ratified by relevant com't

[12] French minister urges EU help for Greece on illegal migration problem

French European Affairs minister Laurent Wauquiez called for EU support to Greece to help it stem the flow of illegal migration at its Evros border.

Wauquiez called on the EU to discuss Greece's proposal for a 'fence' at the Evros border. "The Europeans must realise that those borders are our common borders," he said.

In an interview appearing in the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung on Friday, Wauquiez noted that 70 percent of the illegal immigrants in Europe enter the EU through the Evros border between Greece and Turkey.

"That is exceptionally difficult for Athens. Europe must help," he said, adding that "when Greece proposes a fence...it must be discussed".

[13] Former army camps to be used as illegal migrant detention centres

The amendment is included in the draft law on the establishment of an asylum service and a first reception service and harmonisation of Greek legislation to the 2008/115/EC Directive on common standards and procedures in member-states for returning illegally staying third country nationals.

The defense ministry will allow the former army campsites and their facilities to be utilised by the citizen protection ministry and as detention centres.

[14] ND attacks government over recession, party-political 'games'

He noted that ND had early on indicated the way that the economy might be reordered to bring growth, making specific proposals, while Prime Minister George Papandreou was "pretending to hear nothing and continuing on a course that leads to a dead end".

In response to announcements by Interior Minister Yiannis Ragoussis about changes in political party funding and the requirement for MPs to declare the source of income and assets, Panagiotopoulos accused the government of playing party-political 'games' and trying to mislead public opinion.

The ND spokesman accused Ragoussis of overturning decisions taken by the political party leaders during a meeting chaired by the president and converting a cross-party effort to cleanse the political system and strike at corruption into a bid to impress the public.

"ND has proposals that can be immediately implemented that are capable of dealing with the problem effectively," he stressed, adding that the main opposition insists on the need to rise above parties in order to achieve the greatest possible social and political consensus for the effort to reform the political system.

[15] Barnier at joint meeting of Parliament com'ts this month

[16] Amendment on cram schools tabled in parliament

The amendment was prepared for the harmonisation of Greek legislation to the 2006/123/EC Directive on services in the internal market.

The necessary preconditions a legal entity will have to meet include: being based in an EU state, clearly stating in its charter that offering education services is among its purposes and not being declared bankrupt.

Financial News

[17] Greece must trim 1.3 billion euro in health care costs, minister says

"We are the 6th-highest country on the planet for spending on public and private health. We spend 10 percent of our GDP, 25 billion euro a year, on public and private health care. Do we have services to match? Of course not," the minister said.

The minister said that total cuts in spending on health from the start of the year until the end of 2011 would have to reach 1.3 billion euro and that the measures that would achieve these savings must be decided by the end of January and announced to the public by February 5, before the EU-IMF inspection team arrived on February 10 to check Greece's public finances.

He also stressed that the government programme to cut back on wasteful spending in health had to succeed because otherwise it would have to be replaced by other, horizontal measures that would be unjust and unpalatable for everyone.

"If all goes well we will have an unobstructed course toward the 15 billion euro we are due to receive in March. If things do not go well I don't know what precise complications we will have," he added.

Concerning hospital mergers, the minister clarified that this essentially meant that one governor would be in charge of more than one hospital and that nearby hospitals would be asked to pool and share resources, such as staff or units.

[18] Greek banks: Economic recovery nearing

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Finance Minister George Papaconstantinou and Regional Development & Competitiveness Minister Mihalis Chryssohoidis, representatives of the Hellenic Bank Association acknowledged that pressure on Greek state bonds was making it harder for the economy to exit the crisis.

The meeting, part of a regular monthly contact, focused on developments in the banking system and in the Greek and global economy.

The meeting also discussed the distribution, by the Bank of Greece, of state guarantees worth 25 billion euros among Greek financial institutions. This is the third liquidity pylon offered to Greek banks as part of a government plan to boost liquidity in the local market.

Meanwhile, Chryssohoidis also briefed the banking sector representatives that the government will launch tenders for new programmes worth 4.0 billion euros in March, as part of a new development law.

He also cited the ministry's policy priorities in the first three months of the year and noted that the ministry will begin talks with the European Investment Bank over a loan, worth 2.0 billion euros, to finance business programmes, while a new Business Fund was expected to begin operating by the end of January - with a capital of 1.4 billion euros - aimed at supporting liquidity in the Greek market.

[19] Energy investments

The investments concern infrastructure projects by the Public Power Corporation (PPC) and the National Natural Gas System Manager (DESFA), which included expansion of electricity and natural gas transport and distribution networks.

[20] GDP shrinks 4.6% in Q3

The EU executive's statistics service, in a report, said Greece recorded the worse economic recession in the EU-27, where the average GDP grew by 0.5 pct in the third quarter, on a quarterly basis, and by 2.2 pct on an annual basis.

[21] Vehicle registrations down 37.1% in 2010

The statistics service, in a report, said that total vehicle registrations (including cars, buses and trucks) were down 57.9 pct in December and 35.1 pct in the year.

New car registrations totaled 183,877 in 2010, down 35.1 pct on 2009, after falling by 18.4 pct in the previous 12-month period. Motorcycle registrations totaled 61,763 in 2010, down 15.5 pct from the previous year, after a recording a decline of 28.9 pct in 2009. December registrations were down 44.5 pct.

The Federation of Car Importers and Dealers (SEAA) said the Greek car market had fallen to 1990 levels and stressed that car sales were down 62.6 pct in the second half of 2010, compared with the six-year average figure.

SEAA said that the crisis hitting the sector has led to 15,000 jobs been lost in the sector since early 2009, or 17 pct of the workforce in the car sector and reiterated a call to the government to adopt measures aimed at supporting the market.

[22] Local businessman wanted in connection with 'black market' warehouse

The name of the businessman was found in ledgers and invoices seized in the third-floor warehouse, a space that contained roughly 200,000 belts, all knock-off brands, packaged and ready to be sold.

An investigation is underway to determine if the seized products were destined to be sold in stores as genuine.

[23] Stocks recover on Fri.

The Big Cap index rose 1.11 pct, the Mid Cap index eased 1.30 pct and the Small Cap index ended 0.35 pct higher. OTE (4.62 pct), Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling (3.90 pct), Mytilineos (3.83 pct) and Cyprus Bank (3.0 pct) were top gainers among blue chip stocks, while Piraeus Bank (2.91 pct), Alpha Bank (1.64 pct) and MIG (1.54 pct) were top losers.

The Commerce (8.65 pct), Telecoms (4.62 pct) and Food (3.84 pct) scored the biggest percentage gains of the day, while Health (4.61 pct) and Financial Services (0.94 pct) suffered losses. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 78 to 72 with another 52 issues unchanged. Mohlos (11.11 pct), Hellenic Sugar (10.61 pct) and Ideal (10 pct) were top gainers, while Allatini Ceramics (18.87 pct), AXON Holdings (14.81 pct) and Sanyo Hellas (14.29 pct) were top losers.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +1.56%

Industrials: -0.92%

Commercial: +8.65%

Construction: -0.66%

Media: +1.13%

Oil & Gas: +0.03%

Personal & Household: +0.75%

Raw Materials: +2.89%

Travel & Leisure: -0.81%

Technology: +0.32%

Telecoms: +4.62%

Banks: +0.48%

Food & Beverages: +3.84%

Health: -4.61%

Utilities: +1.14%

Chemicals: +2.13%

Financial Services: -0.94%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 3.59

ATEbank: 0.67

Public Power Corp (PPC): 10.35

HBC Coca Cola: 20.00

Hellenic Petroleum: 5.71

National Bank of Greece: 6.04

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 3.60

OPAP: 12.30

OTE: 6.80

Bank of Piraeus: 3.00

Titan: 15.89

[24] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates were largely unchanged. The 12-month rate was 1.50 pct, the six-month rate 1.22 pct, the three-month 1.0 pct and the one-month rate 0.76 pct.

[25] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 15,148 contracts worth 6.202 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Piraeus Bank's contracts (4,607), followed by Eurobank (1,599), MIG (521), OTE (899), National Bank (3,171), Alpha Bank (1,579), Marfin Popular Bank (765), Cyprus Bank (359) and Hellenic Postbank (194).

General News

[26] Public debate on presidential decree for protection of Lake Pamvotida

The greater lake region is described as an "eco-development" region that will undergo active management aimed at ensuring the preservation of protected habitats and animal species.

Different views on the institutional framework for the protection of the lake can be presented on the internet by citizens and institutions alike at: www.opengov.gr <http://www.opengov.gr>.

[27] Bodies of two illegal migrants recovered from Evros River

One of the bodies was found on the shore of the Evros river, near the Xirodentro observatory, while the second body was found floating in the water nearby.

Authorities believe that the two men attempted to swim across the Evros River to Greece and died of hypothermia due to the subzero temperatures in the area in recent days.

The bodies were taken to the Alexandroupolis General University Hospital for post-mortems to determine the precise causes of the deaths.

[28] Foreign nationals arrested for armed robbery following police chase

According to reports, three of the four suspects entered the super market armed with assault rifles and pistols, seizing an unknown amount of money and fleeing in a stolen car driven by a fourth accomplice.

They were detected by a police patrol car, however, and an ensuing chase led to a collision of the suspects' vehicle with another car.

The suspects were subsequently chased on foot and finally arrested in the courtyard of a home. The weapons and the money from the heist were recovered and confiscated.

[29] New public transport stoppages on Monday

The unions of Metro and Athens Electric Trains (ISAP) train drivers have called a four-hour work stoppage on Monday beginning at 12:00 noon to hold a general assembly in order to determine the further course of their mobilisations.

At the same time, bus and trolleys will not be running from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday due to a five-hour stoppage.

Tram employees are expected to follow in the footsteps of their bus and trolley colleagues, although no formal announcement has yet been made on their intentions.

Commuters are advised that the public transportation means will not be picking up and letting off passengers at least half an hour before and half an hour after the stoppage hours, given that time is required for drivers to deliver and pick up the vehicles before and after the stoppage.

[30] German reporter arrested for entering restricted border area

The reporter, 46, was detected while traveling in a car in the restricted border district, according to a police announcement.

Authorities said that the man "did not observe anticipated rules of access and procedures of journalistic coverage, which have been publicised and require a special permit from Greek authorities."

The reporter, identified as Jorg Uwe Heuer, is accused of violating the law on security measures for restricted areas. Heuer is reportedly a correspondent of the paper Hamburger Abendblatt and for other publications.

[31] Four arrests for burglaries in Ioannina

In Ioannina, two women posing as customers entered a jeweler store and with the method of distraction stole a case containing jeweler worth 20,000 euros.

[32] Woman perishes in apartment fire

A strong team of eight fire engines distinguished the fire, which completely destroyed the apartment, before it spread to other apartments.

Weather Forecast

[33] Cloudy on Saturday

[34] The Friday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "The 'source of wealth' of politicians to be put through sieve".

AVRIANI: "Retire four years earlier".

ELEFTHEROS: "Admire them! Big waste by ministries, public organisations, in time of sacrifices".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "They 'broke' the threshold of the 739.40 euro minimum salary".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Chaos with the tolls".

ETHNOS: "Tax hunt for large-scale debts to state".

ESTIA: "Why the markets are hesitant".

IMERISSIA: "Payment of debts to the Funds in 60 installments".

NAFTEMPORIKI: "Additional revenues of 2.5 billion euros sought for 2012".

TA NEA: "VAT will be paid (by businessmen) with three installments per month".

VRADYNI: "Freeze on foreclosures to June 30 for debts up to 200,000 euros".

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

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