Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-02-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] Thessaloniki Metro works to begin in May

[02] PM confers with new employment minister

[03] PASOK against poverty and cheap labor, Papandreou stresses

[04] Prime Minister briefed over Development ministry issues

[05] Russian FM letter of congratulations to new Greek counterpart Bakoyannis

[06] Shipowners ask court to rule seamen's strike illegal

[07] Amendment for top military appointments tabled in Parliament

[08] PM sends condolences for victims of Philippines natural disaster

[09] Stylianidis in Romania this week for bilateral talks

[10] Exploratory talks between Greece, Turkey on Wednesday

[11] Papoulias on hand for events marking Ioannina's liberation

[12] Egyptian press comments on scheduled visit by President Karolos Papoulias

[13] KKE leader announces party's candidates for local elections

[14] SYN leader Alavanos discusses gypsies' problems in Zefyri

[15] Coalition party representative, Thessaloniki mayor comment on George Karatzaferis's candidacy for Thessaloniki mayorship

[16] Probe continues into March '05 suicide of Vodafone exec

[17] Zagoritis, Papakosta to run for ND central committee sec't

[18] Greek current accounts deficit up 34.4 pct in 2005

[19] Greek farm minister pushes for EU aid to Greek poultry farmers

[20] Gov't: State telecom's early pension plan to go ahead as planned

[21] Consumer watchdog urges consumer boycott

[22] Public Gas Co. to double investment in 2006

[23] Building material cost index up 3.8 pct in January, yr/yr

[24] Ionian Hotels returned to profitability in 2005

[25] Athens Bourse Close Stocks rise

[26] Army helicopter crashes in N. Greece, two bodies located

[27] Washington positive towards Greece's efforts to combat bird flu

[28] Greek Veterinary Society comments on bird flu issue

[29] Thessaloniki University to discuses scientific and training cooperation with Cuban universities

[30] Boys more likely to be racially prejudiced than girls, survey finds

[31] Greek soccer results

[32] Austrian President: UN has the leading role in Cyprus efforts

[33] Austrian Parliament President: We support efforts for a Cyprus settlement

[34] Casini pledges to continue supporting Cyprus

[35] Christofias & Fassino agree on more EU involvement on Cyprus

[36] British diplomat says Papadopoulos-Annan meeting an important step

[01] Thessaloniki Metro works to begin in May

ATHENS, 21/2/2006 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, the Greek minister said the project was expected to be ready in 2012. It will feature 9.5 km of lines with 13 stations and will service around 250,000 passengers daily. The project is budgeted at 1.0 billion euros.

Souflias also said that Attiko Metro recently signed a contract for extending its lines from Egaleo to Haidari, in west Athens. The line from Monastiraki to Haidari will also envisage a station in Eleonas, where Panathinaikos FC is likely to build its new soccer stadium. The extension line from Monastiraki to Egaleo will be delivered in April 2007, while the line from Aegaleo to Haidari in 2008.

The Greek minister said an extension line from Aghios Dimitrios to Helliniko in southeastern coastal Athens, will have four in-between stations and will be ready in 2009. Souflias said Attiko Metro would present two new stations at the National Mint site and Holargos in autumn 2007 and another station in the Aghia Paraskevi district (northeastern Athens) in early 2008.

Thessaloniki mayor on Metro works: Thessaloniki Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos said Monday was an important day for the northern Greek city following the European Union's decision to okay the construction of the city's Metro.

"We expect the same favorable developments regarding the underwater tunnel. Thessaloniki can now look to the future with optimism," he said.

Work on the city's metro is expected to begin in May.

[02] PM confers with new employment minister

ATHENS, 21/2/2006 (ANA)

Tsitouridis told reporters after the meeting that the goal remained the fight against unemployment, and confrontation of the everyday problems of all the Greeks, and stressed the government policy's orientation to development.

The minister further stressed the need for expanded consultations and agreement and, in reply to a question on whether he supported the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE), he replied that "it is not necessary that we agree on everything in this country, but it is necessary that we communicate with each other".

Asked if the government feared social unrest and strike action, Tsitouridis said "the government is not afraid, as there is a high sense of responsibility in everyone".

Policy of reforms to continue, new employment minister stresses: The change in faces does not signal a stop in the government's work, new Employment Minister Savvas Tsitouridis stressed during his first meeting with journalists covering labor issues on Monday.

Tsitouridis underlined that the ministry's new leadership remains dedicated to a policy of reforms, while noting that reforms with no social references were not feasible.

He said his efforts would fall under those for finding a rational way to combine both retaining the economic and social model of the European Union and the need to survive unrelenting competition.

Regarding the dispute between unions and banks, Tsitouridis reiterated that the government will proceed to politically encourage bankers to exhaust the possibilities for dialogue, while noting that all sides must act in a highly responsible way.

He also underlined that the government's self-evident position was that the employment ministry retained full responsibility for the social insurance system.

The present generation of politicians is answerable to the Greeks of the future and the government is shouldering this responsibility as there is no other choice, Tsitouridis noted.

At the same time, he said that no changes will be made during the current four-year term but dialogue on the social insurance system will be held on all levels: in Parliament between the parties, in the established ways between the social partners and at the Economic and Social Committee of Greece (OKE).

[03] PASOK against poverty and cheap labor, Papandreou stresses

ATHENS, 21/2/2006 (ANA)

"We want Greeks to hold their heads high," he told a rally during the second day of his tour in Argolida.

Papandreou particularly stressed his own and his party's opposition to cheap labor and second-class citizens, which he said ND considered an advantage.

"We are against poverty and the reduction of incomes. We are battling for a better future with democratic ethics, transparency and participation, to create a society of values," he said.

The main opposition leader again rapped the government for failing to make good on its pre-election promises, saying that unemployment, high prices, poverty had all risen since the elections, while farmers, pensioners and the provinces had been left to their fate.

"The rich have become richer and the poor poorer," he added, noting that the government, in lieu of cutting back on government wastefulness, had cut back funds for the provinces.

While traveling to Kranidi earlier on Monday, PASOK's leader had also stopped at the village of Lygourio near the theatre of Epidaurus, where local residents complained about the shortened span of the Epidaurus Festival and asked Papandreou to convey their complaints to the premier.

While speaking in Lygourio, where he accused the government of having abandoned culture, Papandreou also renewed a call for more participatory democracy in Greece, saying that it was not enough for the electorate's voice to be heard just once every four years.

Government reaction: "Inconsistency is more and more becoming a byword for the political arguments of PASOK and its leader with every passing day," government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos retorted in response to Papandreou's statements in Kranidi on Monday.

"Those who kept Greece behind and Greeks low are now saying they want Greeks to 'hold their heads up high'. Those who increased poverty by sacrificing the rights of the many to the interests of the few are now saying that they are 'against poverty and the reduction of incomes'. Those who led the provinces and farmers to desperation are now talking about 'abandonment of farmers and provinces. Those who made party-political partisanship and references to dividing lines synonymous with their policies are now talking about 'first and second-class citizens'," Roussopoulos said.

The electorate was able to judge, compare and assess people and political organizations by their works and their days and for this reason they support the "major reforms being implemented by the government in every aspect of public life," the spokesman added.

[04] Prime Minister briefed over Development ministry issues

ATHENS, 21/2/2006 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Sioufas said he briefed the Premier over efforts to speed up changes and reforms in the framework of a new development and economic policy.

The Greek minister stressed that procedures to deregulate the country's energy market were moving faster, while the ministry was creating a new framework for licensing of enterprises in the renewable energy sources' sector and promoting new technologies in the country.

Sioufas said the ministry was supporting an Institute of Innovation, Research and Technology in Thessaly and three new institutes in Patras, Ioannina and Xanthi.

[05] Russian FM letter of congratulations to new Greek counterpart Bakoyannis

ATHENS, 21/2/2006 (ANA)

Vdovin presented Bakoyannis, who was named foreign minister in last week's government reshuffle, with Lavrov's letter during a courtesy call held at the ambassador's request.

Lavrov also invited Bakoyannis to visit Moscow at a time that will be decided upon via diplomatic channels.

In closing, Lavrov assured Bakoyannis that Russia will continue to see Greece as a reliable partner with whom he hopes to further develop relations of friendship and mutual respect.

Danish Foreign Minister Per Stig Moller also communicated with Bakoyannis to congratulate her and to wish her success as foreign minister.

He also took the opportunity to brief Bakoyannis on his country's views and concerns following the consequences caused by the publication of cartoons in the Danish press involving the Prophet Mohammed.

He called on the Greek minister to help soothe tensions, given Greece's traditional good relations with the Arab world.

Finally, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Prime Minister Vlado Buchkovski also communicated with Bakoyannis to congratulate her on her appointment.

Alexandria Patriarch congratulates new FM: Alexandria Patriarch Theodoros II congratulated Dora Bakoyannis on her appointment as Foreign Minister in a letter he sent to her on Monday.

In his letter, Theodoros made reference to Bakoyannis' experience and "valuable contribution" in various areas of public life, as well as to her know-how and love for the Greek people, saying that these comprise the requirements necessary for her to succeed in her new post.

[06] Shipowners ask court to rule seamen's strike illegal

ATHENS, 21/2/2006 (ANA)

The Athens Court of First Instance is to hear the case on Tuesday brought by the Union of Passenger Ferry Owners, who claim their members have been hurt financially by the stoppage.

Authorities have reported that hundreds of trucks are backed up in the country's ports, many carrying perishable goods destined to or from the islands. Congestion was also reported in the ports of Ancona and Bari in Italy as trucks carrying goods for Patras and Igoumenitsa were stranded in dock.

The seamen's umbrella union on Sunday extended its nationwide strike until dawn on Wednesday.

According to the Panhellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO), a fresh extension of the stoppage that began on February 16 may be called next week if its members' demands are not met.

Talks so far with Merchant Marine Minister Manolis Kefaloyiannis have resulted in deadlock, union representatives said.

The strike affecting all categories of vessel was originally due to end on Saturday but was extended for the first time by 48 hours until Monday.

The union asked for understanding from passengers.

Gov't backs talks with strikers: Kefaloyiannis told reporters on Monday that he backed certain strikers' demands including a lump-sum pension payment and tax demands.

"Seamen receive a very low one-off payment when they retire at about three million drachmas. We have awarded an increase of 25% and our aim is to reach six million drachmas," the minister said.

The ministry was in contact with the finance ministry on the tax status of seamen, he noted.

At the same time, the PNO's demand of a constitutionally stated right to work could not be met, and no other country had taken the measure.

Earlier, Kefaloyiannis met representatives of truck owners and transport unions to discuss the fallout from the seamen's strike.

"Our sector has been hurt very badly due to the strike. About 2,500 trucks destined for the islands are blockaded. Only to the Dodecanese, we're talking about about 400 vehicles," said the president of the truck owners' union, Dimitrios Koltsakis.

Government spokesman's comments: Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, commenting on Monday on the ongoing strike called by the Panhellenic Maritime Federation (PNO), said the government has requested from the Panhellenic Seamens Federation to allow the movement of one or two ships from every port, "since whenever and wherever a strike takes place there is always a provision for security staff."

Roussopoulos added that "this does not concern the government exclusively. It concerns working people, not only in the shipping sector, but also the producers of farm products and it concerns the country."

The spokesman further said that there are perishable products which are being destroyed, adding that Merchant Marine Minister Manolis Kefaloyiannis is already in contact with PNO.

"The institutional demands of the Panhellenic Seamens Federation have almost all been met. The economic demands remain which, however, are being jointly examined with the finance ministry. I hope the Panhellenic Seamens Federation will reconsider our request since it is necessary for the security staff to function because there is also a problem referring to human lives," the spokesman said.

[07] Amendment for top military appointments tabled in Parliament

ATHENS, 21/2/2006 (ANA)

The law previously required that the chief of the Armed Forces General Staff be selected three months before his appointment, while the Airforce, Army and Navy general staff chiefs had to be selected at least one month previously.

The amendment was included in a bill that ratifies a military cooperation agreement between Greece and Bulgaria.

The reasons given for doing away with the waiting period were that it had gave rise to a period of inactivity within the armed forces, because both the outgoing chiefs and their staff tended to postpone making decisions, even important ones, until the time when the new chiefs took over.

[08] PM sends condolences for victims of Philippines natural disaster

ATHENS, 21/2/2006 (ANA)

[09] Stylianidis in Romania this week for bilateral talks

ATHENS, 21/2/2006 (ANA)

Stylianidis will also preside over the 18th Greece-Romania inter-ministerial committee session and meet with Romanian Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Matters Gheorghe Pogea; Secretary of State of Public Finance Istvan Jakab; State Secretary for European affairs Lucian Leustean, and Minister Delegate for Commerce Iuliu Winkler.

[10] Exploratory talks between Greece, Turkey on Wednesday

ATHENS, 21/2/2006 (ANA)

Referring to press reports that Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis is looking to get back on track exploratory talks between the two countries regarding the Aegean continental shelf issue by summer in order to solve all other pending Aegean-related issues, Koumoutsakos said: "It is well known that after the March 7, 2004 elections the Greek government continued and continues the process of exploratory talks between Greece and Turkey, within the context of a continuous and consistent policy regarding efforts to normalize Greek-Turkish relations."

[11] Papoulias on hand for events marking Ioannina's liberation

ATHENS, 21/2/2006 (ANA)

In the afternoon, Papoulias inaugurated a building housing state archives and the Epirus Historical Archive. The Greek president, who is a native of the Ioannina district, will be honored at a reception later in the evening hosted by the city's mayor.

A handful of ministers and government officials will also be on hand for the various events this week, including new Defense Minister Vangelis Meimarakis.

In the evening President Papoulias attended an official dinner given in his honor on the occasion of the 93rd anniversary of the city of Ioannina's liberation during the 1912-1913 Balkan Wars.

"Regional development is one of the leading challenges of the era. A strong Greece without strong regions is inconceivable and cannot be," President Papoulias said in his address.

The president added that "the villages that are abandoned in winter, the unavoidable flight of young people to the capital and the scourge of unemployment hurt us and oblige us to intensify our efforts so that the 'other Greece' will not be Greece of abandonment but Greece of progress and prosperity."

President Papoulias further said:"The people of Ioannina have proved historically that they are in the forefront of culture, creation and contribution. I am confident that in the future our city will give even more impressive examples with its dynamism and creativity."

[12] Egyptian press comments on scheduled visit by President Karolos Papoulias

CAIRO, 21/2/2006 (ANA-MPA - N. Katsikas)

President Papoulias will be attending the inauguration of an impressive cathedral in Alexandria and the inauguration of the renovated patriarchal mansion.

The press also referred to events marking the 100th anniversary of the Greek community in Cairo, that are also expected to be attended by President Papoulias.

It was added that "after the visit by Mr. Papoulias, a business Forum is expected to take place in Egypt, while Greek businessmen will be visiting the country for a briefing on investment opportunities in Egypt and to examine ways of increasing cooperation with Egyptian businessmen."

Lastly, the local press said that "the visit to Egypt by the Greek businessmen will take place in the framework of the interest being shown by Greece in economic reforms being carried out in the country of the Nile."

[13] KKE leader announces party's candidates for local elections

ATHENS, 21/2/2006 (ANA)

"All who have been proposed have given examinations. They are a guarantee of consistency between words and acts," she said.

Papariga said the first thing she wished to announce was cooperation on a nationwide scale in the municipal and prefecture elections with the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) party. She also announced cooperation between her party and the "Communist Renewal" and the "Intervention of Leftist Citizens."

Candidates announced include Spyros Halvatzis, a member of KKE's Political Bureau, for Athens mayor, Elpida Pantelaki for Piraeus mayor and Agapios Sahinis for Thessaloniki mayor.

Moreover, Ilias Nikolopoulos will run for the post of Athens prefect, Yiannis Manousoyiannakis for Piraeus prefect and Yiannis Ziogas for Thessaloniki prefect, while George Pantzas will be the candidate for prefect of Eastern Attica and Costas Papapolychroniou for prefect of Western Attica.

Papariga ruled out any cooperation with the mainstream New Democracy and PASOK parties, stressing that the party does not judge tickets according to persons but according to strategic options.

[14] SYN leader Alavanos discusses gypsies' problems in Zefyri

ATHENS, 21/2/2006 (ANA)

The representatives said that the gypsies face serious problems in education, health, employment and housing.

"I believe that the housing problems, the problems of education, the problems of employment and of health, have already reached the level of alarm. What is needed is immediate and positive action so that gypsies to feel and be equal Greek citizens along with all the other Greeks," Alavanos said after his visit to the area.

[15] Coalition party representative, Thessaloniki mayor comment on George Karatzaferis's candidacy for Thessaloniki mayorship

ATHENS, 21/2/2006 (ANA)

Voutsis added that "the extreme and conservative values of Mr. Karatzaferis are combined with scheduled fishing in the murky waters of effusive populism, nationalism, intolerance and of generalized disdain of the political stage."

Referring to the same issue, Thessaloniki Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos said "the 'candidate of Athens' is underestimating the intelligence of the people of Thessaloniki and is provoking with the continuous exploitation of the sacred issue of our Macedonia", adding that "I call on the people of Thessaloniki, regardless of what party they belong to, to isolate fully such phenomena as that of the 'candidate of Athens'."

On his part, Government Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, when asked by reporters if Karatzaferis' candidacy "troubles" the government, answered negatively.

[16] Probe continues into March '05 suicide of Vodafone exec

ATHENS, 21/2/2006 (ANA)

Prosecutor Yiannis Diotis, who headed up much of the initial investigations that led to the eradication of the "November 17" terrorist group, is also expected to visit the Vodafone head offices where network design and planning manager Costas Tsalikidis worked.

[17] Zagoritis, Papakosta to run for ND central committee sec't

ATHENS, 21/2/2006 (ANA)

The two MPs officially announced they will run on Monday evening.

In speaking to reporters, Papakosta said she would like the election to be postponed so that candidates would have more time to prepare. She also said that she would like to see the party respond more to society's needs.

Yiannis Manolis, Michalis Papadopoulos and Panos Kammenos who had initially expressed an interest in running for the post, decided not to.

Manolis said that he had proposed a debate be launched into the party's 'character.' His request was turned down which led him to decide against running.

Kammenos said he would have liked to have been a candidate if he had everyone's support, while Papadopoulos said that the majority of the central committee had already made its decision and that conditions did not favor his running for secretary.

[18] Greek current accounts deficit up 34.4 pct in 2005

ATHENS, 21/2/2006 (ANA)

The central bank's governor, Nikos Garganas had sounded the alarm bell last Friday over developments in the current accounts balance saying "it highlighted serious competitiveness problems facing the Greek economy".

The worsening balance mainly reflected high spending to servicing the public debt, with the outflow of interest, dividends and profits up 25.5 percent to more than 8.0 billion euros, from 6.34 billion euros in 2004. As a result, the incomes balance showed a deficit of 1.263 billion euros in 2005, up 30.5 pct from 2004.

The trade deficit rose 8.2 pct last year despite a jump in international oil prices. Excluding oil and ships, the trade deficit fell by 341 million euros in 2005.

The services balance showed a surplus of 231 million euros, with gross revenues from travel services up 6.7 pct to 689 million euros, with gross payments rose 5.9 pct to 135 million euros.

Net revenues from transport services rose by 55 million euros, while the financial transactions' balance recorded a net outflow of 979 million euros in 2005, from a net inflow of 600 million euros in the previous year. This development reflected mainly a net outflow of 767 million euros for direct investments abroad and to inflows of 212 million euros by foreign direct investments.

The portfolio investment category recorded a net inflow of 7.323 billion euros, the central bank said.

[19] Greek farm minister pushes for EU aid to Greek poultry farmers

BRUSSELS, 21/2/2006 (ANA - M. Aroni)

The Greek minister said that specific Community measures should be taken immediately for Greek poultry farmers in particular, such as withdrawing existing stockpiles and payment of compensation to producers, as well as return on exports for the export of poultry meat to Balkan countries.

The Greek side additionally called for the funding of action to inform the public and consumers concerning the safety and quality of poultry-trade products and the adoption of measures that will support all those affected by the crisis.

Bassiakos briefed the Council on the precautions and safety measures taken by Greece to contain the deadly H5N1 strain of the bird flu virus after it was detected in wild fowl and to prevent its spread to domestic poultry.

The Council president, Austrian agriculture minister Josef Proell, clarified that discussion of compensation for poultry farmers would be take place during the afternoon session of the Council and that it would be set individually for each EU member-state, based on the drop in sales. He also noted that the EU had currently decided to compensate farmers if they were obliged to destroy eggs or slaughter their chickens because of an H5N1 infection.

European Commissioner for Health Markos Kyprianou, meanwhile, said further study was needed before proceeding with precautionary inoculation programs that some EU member-states wished to begin.

According to Kyprianou, scientists entertained doubts about the plan because there was a possibility that inoculated birds might still be carriers without showing symptoms, while the cost would be huge.

The ministers also discussed a Commission announcement on biofuels, with Bassiakos noting a need for EU measures that will ensure competitive production of biofuels in all EU countries, such as increasing incentives and land-coverage subsidies, that would reduce dependence on energy imports and contribute to growth.

The Greek minister called for incentives to increase production of biomass and the option of using biofuels in farming activities, as well as to cover the energy needs of urban areas.

[20] Gov't: State telecom's early pension plan to go ahead as planned

ATHENS, 21/2/2006 (ANA)

Addressing parliament, Doukas noted that the scheme would total 1.1 billion euros on the basis of a financial study by an independent international consultancy.

He was replying to a question by a deputy of the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology, Athanasios Leventis.

[21] Consumer watchdog urges consumer boycott

ATHENS, 21/2/2006 (ANA)

The consumer watchdog group noted in a statement that problems in the market were repeated price hikes, a decline in product quality, and a drop in household income.

[22] Public Gas Co. to double investment in 2006

ATHENS, 21/2/2006 (ANA)

This year's figure will almost treble the state company's investment in 2004, making it one of the largest domestic groups in terms of investment, Sioufas told a meeting arranged by DEPA.

A milestone for the firm in 2006 will be completion of a natural gas pipeline between Greece and Turkey, he noted.

Finally, a proposal had been made to the finance minister that DEPA should join the Athens bourse, the minister added.

[23] Building material cost index up 3.8 pct in January, yr/yr

ATHENS, 21/2/2006 (ANA)

NSS, in its report, said the index rose 0.3 percent in January from December 2005, reflecting a 2.0 pct increase in marble product prices, a 0.8 pct rise in heating materials and a 0.9 pct increase in elevator prices.

[24] Ionian Hotels returned to profitability in 2005

ATHENS, 21/2/2006 (ANA)

Pre-tax, interest and amortization earnings totaled 10.8 million euros in 2005, down from 12.8 million euros in 2004, while turnover fell to 43.2 mln euros from 47.3 mln euros over the same period.

Ionian Hotels' board said it was searching to sell its Hilton Rhodes hotel and said it would not pay a dividend to shareholders.

[25] Athens Bourse Close Stocks rise

ATHENS, 21/2/2006 (ANA)

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.91% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.59% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 1.77% up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 196 to 82 with 40 remaining unchanged.

Stock Futures: