Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-01-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis says '2005 is a year of major changes, of reforms everywhere'

[02] Greek aid to tsunami-stricken areas worth one million euros so far, foreign ministry says

[03] C-130 returns from relief mission to tsunami-stricken Southeast Asia

[04] State broadcaster ERT holds telethon for South Asia disaster

[05] PM Karamanlis as of Tuesday begins round of meetings with ministers and deputy ministers

[06] EU Commissioner and Greek environment minister discuss environmental issues in Greece

[07] FM Molyviatis visits Foreign Ministry's Cryptographic Service

[08] Turkish warplanes violate national air space

[09] Karamanlis briefed by economy minister; Alogoskoufis refers to critical 2005 budget

[10] Greek gov't seeks more efficient control of public spending

[11] Gov't aims to ensure fair competition in domestic markets

[12] Greek stocks welcome 2005 with 1.38-pct rise

[13] Athens Stock Exchange opening: New Year trading opens with profits

[14] Archbishop Christodoulos lashes out against 'corrupted' Christmas, pagan Santa

[15] Academic D. Nanopoulos appointed President of the National Council of Research and Technology

[16] Woman injured in mystery shooting in Sfakia, Crete

[17] Annual Red Cross hospitality program in its 11th year

[18] Al-Jazeera's broadcast editor guest speaker at Athens University seminar

[19] Local gov't association expresses opposition to stadium proposal for Goudi site

[20] Cypriots one of five missions of Doctors of the World in SE Asia

[01] PM Karamanlis says '2005 is a year of major changes, of reforms everywhere'

Athens, 04/01/2005 (ANA)

In statements to reporters on arrival at the reception, Karamanlis said:"2005 is a year of major changes, of reforms everywhere. In the Economy, the State, Education, in Health. We are carrying the burdens of yesterday, without shifting them on the citizens. With the 'housecleaning' and reorganization of the Economy, we are creating conditions for dynamic and stable development in all sectors, throughout the country.

"The basic aim is a competitive economy, which produces more and creates new jobs. An effective and reliable state close to the citizen.

"With the individual at the epicenter of our policy, we are working so that day by day the citizens ascertain tangible results in the improvement of their daily life."

EBEA hosts reception to herald the New Year

The Athens Commerce and Industry Chamber (EBEA) held a reception at a central Athens hotel on Monday to herald the New Year.

Present at the reception were President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, National Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni and many other officials.

In statements to reporters, Alogoskoufis appeared optimistic about the New Year. He noted that following the 2004 Olympic Games, 2005 would be a "crucial" year. He added, however, that "the target is economic growth and greater competitiveness in order to tackle the problems of unemployment and public finances." The economy minister also expressed optimism that "with the economic policy and the impetus of the economy, we will go well."

In reply to demands by the business world for greater efforts to be made in order to restrict state expenditures but also for reforms which will further strengthen private initiative, Alogoskoufis noted that the structural changes will proceed with moves by the government, such as tax reform and the development law which will help the private sector.

On his part, EBEA President Drakoulis Fountoukakos stressed that 2005 will be a milestone year for the Greek economy "because the policies which will be advanced and the speed with which they will be implemented will determine whether in the coming years the Greek economy, apart from the bet of fast growth, will manage to achieve substantial progressive steps in the sector of employment and competitiveness, sectors in which we have lagged behind all our other partners in the Euro-zone."

[02] Greek aid to tsunami-stricken areas worth one million euros so far, foreign ministry says

Athens, 04/01/2005 (ANA)

According to the ministry, Greece has provided one million euros worth of emergency aid, services and cash to stricken countries so far. The aid is being distributed based on the European Commission Humanitarian Office's prioritization as well as information provided by local diplomatic missions in the affected countries.

Additionally, two Hellenic Air Force C-130 "Hercules" transport planes have ferried physicians, rescue personnel, "Hellenic Aid" humanitarian aid (12 tones) and diplomatic staff to three countries -- the Maldives islands, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The effort was overseen by the ministry's international developmental cooperation office in coordination with the six NGOs. Among others, Athens has sent 25 members of the EMAK emergency and rescue unit to Thailand.

In terms of providing assistance to Greek nationals in the stricken areas, the ministry reminded that a chartered Olympic Airways passenger jet was the first airplane dispatched by a foreign government to reach the Thai resort of Phuket - a statement aimed directly at criticism by certain opposition newspapers last week.

Greek NGOs active in the aid efforts include the Church of Greece's Allilegii (solidarity); Doctors of the Heart; Doctors of the World; Evropaiki Prooptiki (European Prospect); the Thessaloniki Rescue Unit and the Volunteer Society of Greek Fire-fighters and Conservationists.

Finally, the ministry notes, the next step is to coordinate efforts with NGOs at collecting private donors' aid and a television marathon on Tuesday aired by Greece's state-run radio-television network.

[03] C-130 returns from relief mission to tsunami-stricken Southeast Asia

Athens, 04/01/2005 (ANA)

"We feel lucky and happy that we were able to provide some assistance to those devastated in Southeast Asia," the C-130 pilot said.

Among those returning was Father Ignatius, representing "Solidarity", a non-government organization of the Church of Greece. Ignatius called on the Greek people "to continue supporting our fellow human beings who need it and who are now facing a new enemy - epidemics." Ignatius also emphasized the excellent coordination achieved by the Foreign Ministry and Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis, in gathering and distributing humanitarian aid.

[04] State broadcaster ERT holds telethon for South Asia disaster

Athens, 04/01/2005 (ANA)

From 5:45 a.m. on Tuesday all programs broadcast by ERT will be adapted to form part of the telethon, with frequent trailers showing the numbers of the accounts that ERT has opened to collect aid for the victims of the disaster, while the entire state broadcaster's staff has been enlisted to aid in the effort.

The money collected will be delivered to the foreign ministry, which will send it to the United Nations via bilateral and multilateral agreements. Radio stations operated by the state broadcaster will also contribute to the effort, with NET 105.8 taking part throughout the day, with link-ups to the Second Program 103.7, ERA SPORT, ERA Local Stations and ERA 5 in shortwave.

Donations can also be sent via a cell phone using an SMS message, with each SMS costing one euro. Senders should type in the world 'Asia' and send their SMS to the number 4536. Thousands of viewers have already been in touch with ERT and have sent one or more SMS messages. Alternatively, donations can be deposited at the following bank accounts:

Emporiki Bank - 84977667

National Bank of Greece - 180 / 47047032

ALPHA BANK - 115-00-2002-018887.

Donations can either be deposited directly or the offers can first be announced on NET television or the radio station NET 105.8.

Viewers can call to make offers in the telethon at the call centre 210-95.56.400. At Syntagma Square and Athens airport, meanwhile, NET will set up special pavilions where members of the public can make donations.

Attica municipalities donate 15,000 euros for victims of SE Asia disaster

The Local Union of Municipalities and Communities of Attica (TEDKNA) on Monday announced that it will donate 15,000 euros for the relief of residents in Southeast Asian countries struck by the earthquake and tsunami in the Indian Ocean on December 26.

[05] PM Karamanlis as of Tuesday begins round of meetings with ministers and deputy ministers

Athens, 04/01/2005 (ANA)

On Tuesday, Karamanlis will meet with the political leadership of the Internal Affairs, Public Administration and Decentralization Ministry, on Wednesday with Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, National Bank of Greece Governor Takis Arapoglou and with the political leadership of the Foreign Ministry, on Friday with the political leadership of the Economy and Finance Ministry and on Monday with the minister and deputy ministers of the Development Ministry.

On Wednesday afternoon, the prime minister will depart for the island of Karpathos where the following day he will attend the Epiphany Day celebrations.

On Monday, Karamanlis communicated by phone with Environment Minister Dimitris Sioufas to exchange best wishes for the New Year and they agreed to meet in the coming days.

[06] EU Commissioner and Greek environment minister discuss environmental issues in Greece

Athens, 04/01/2005 (ANA)

After the meeting, Souflias said they had an extremely important and constructive discussion during which they had agreed to cooperate closely to tackle important environmental problems.

Asked whether Greece conformed to the dictates of the Kyoto Treaty that came into effect on January 1, he said that Greece is currently waiting for EU approval of a greenhouse gas emissions distribution plan that it submitted to the European Union last week and would implement any improvements suggested.

Responding to other questions, meanwhile, he told reporters the ministry had started looking into setting up a warning system for tsunamis in Greece but noted that there was only a single recorded case of a tsunami in Greek seas, during the 1950s.

Dimas described his meeting with Souflias as constructive, providing an opportunity to exchange ideas on how environmental problems could best be tackled, especially with regard to the national plan for the distribution of greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity issues, protection of wildlife, protection of the Zakynthos national park and the Caretta Caretta sea turtle and problems with open dumps that needed to be solved and primarily concerned local government.

[07] FM Molyviatis visits Foreign Ministry's Cryptographic Service

Athens, 04/01/2005 (ANA)

On the occasion of his visit, he expressed his appreciation to all the ministry's staff for their work and contribution in the effective handling of the emergency situation following the devastating earthquake and tsunamis which struck Southeast Asia on December 26.

[08] Turkish warplanes violate national air space

Athens, 04/01/2005 (ANA)

According to press reports, five formations of Turkish warplanes entered the Aegean on Monday without submitting flight plans and in nine cases violated the national air space in the North and Central Aegean and between the islands of Rhodes and Megisti.

In all cases, the 16 Turkish aircraft were recognized and intercepted by corresponding Greek fighter jets.

It was reported that two of the Turkish aircraft were armed.

[09] Karamanlis briefed by economy minister; Alogoskoufis refers to critical 2005 budget

Athens, 04/01/2005 (ANA)

Afterwards, Alogoskoufis told reporters that the challenge for 2005 will be to continue to record high growth rates in the post-Olympics period "in order to deal with unemployment and social problems".

Moreover, in an indirect criticism of the previous PASOK governments and following continued "finger-pointing" between the government and the main opposition over a high-profile fiscal audit, Alogoskoufis underlined the importance of successfully implementing the 2005 budget. He said the 2005 budget's significance lies in the fact that for the first time Greece will record a deficit within the framework mandated by the European Union.

[10] Greek gov't seeks more efficient control of public spending

Athens, 04/01/2005 (ANA)

A ministry circular said that credit handouts to all programs funded by the European Union and included in the government's regular budget should be approved with great care and noted that public spending on community programs were approved on the precondition of securing community funds first. The ministry underlined that any program that was not timely implemented it would lose its state credit line.

The Greek government is seeking to achieve both a more efficient absorption of EU funds and to better control public spending.

[11] Gov't aims to ensure fair competition in domestic markets

Athens, 04/01/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Economy and Finance Deputy Minister Adam Regouzas, Development ministry officials and representatives of businesses and small- and medium-sized enterprises, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas said the government was poised to show that "the state is present and monitors the market".

Commercial and manufacturing agencies are complaining over the impact on the businesses by a huge inflow of illegally imported foreign goods into the country.

[12] Greek stocks welcome 2005 with 1.38-pct rise

Athens, 04/01/2005 (ANA)

Buying focused on blue chip stocks, particularly in the bank and telecommunications sectors, with turnover an improved 138.9 million euros. The composite index ended at 2,824.67 points, up 1.38 percent; the FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 1.76 percent; the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.64 percent higher and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index fell 0.88 percent.

Sector indices ended mixed. Publications suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day (-1.65 pct), followed by IT Solutions and Textiles (1.37 pct and 1.26 pct, respectively). On the other hand, the telecoms sector jumped 2.37 percent, followed by the banks (2.19 pct) and Insurances (1.44 pct).

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 204 to 84 with another 57 issues unchanged.

[13] Athens Stock Exchange opening: New Year trading opens with profits

Athens, 04/01/2005 (ANA)

Individual sector indices were mixed, with the biggest gains in Telecoms, up 1.33 percent; Banking, up 0.53 percent. The biggest losses were IT Solutions, down 0.98 percent, and Textiles, down 0.91 percent.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks was up 0.62 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index was up 0.28 percent, and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index was up 0.26 percent.

Of the stocks moved, 67 were up, 49 were down, and 47 were unchanged.

Equity Index Futures: