Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-01-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece to follow EU rules on farm subsidies

[02] PM meets with Minister of the Interior

[03] PM's schedule for the coming week

[04] Justice minister meets Council of Europe legal affairs director general Guy de Vel

[05] New US ambassador Charles Ries arrives in Athens - Arrival statement

[06] PASOK leader Papandreou launches stinging attack against the government

[07] New armaments procurement bill to be tabled end of January

[08] Gov't condemns violence at Sunday's match between Panionios-Olympiakos

[09] Greek liaison office in Skopje debuts new, streamlined procedure for visa applications

[10] Turkish warplanes violate Greece's national air space

[11] Gov't says it's open to proposals for improving 'primary shareholder' draft law

[12] Gov't denies clash between measures for repatriating capital and EU law

[13] Gov't on prospect of establishing committee of inquiry for bourse 'bubble'

[14] PM briefed on development ministry activity, planned future action

[15] Gov't to soon present energy plan; table bill on deregulation of natural gas market

[16] SEBE delegation to participate in Tunisia business event in February

[17] Shopowners' unions say no surprise changes in store hours

[18] Stocks drop in blue-chip selling

[19] Greek Red Cross sends 250,000 euros to SE Asia

[20] Cruise ship to transport humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka

[21] Education Ministry to host 150 children from Southeast Asia

[22] Transport minister discusses road safety with prefects along PATHE national highway route

[23] Archbishop backs preacher's civil suit against singer Domna Samiou over 'indecent' folk songs

[24] "Eleni Vlachou" journalism award to be given out in 2005

[01] Greece to follow EU rules on farm subsidies

Athens, 11/1/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, Roussopoulos stressed that the ruling New Democracy party had never spoken of national support in payment or subsidies for the country's entire cotton production.

"We have never said that we will subsidise the whole quantity, all the money," he noted.

The spokesman stated that the government has reached a consensus with farmers.

Roussopoulos said that a total of 32 farm unions had agreed to policy, adding that the government had attained higher subsidies to cotton growers compared with previous years to total 690 million euros.

He said that the government was implementing Community regulations and criticized previous PASOK governments for failing to negotiate effectively to safeguard Greek farmers' interests in the European Union.

Roussopoulos stressed that the government respected farmers' demands but it disagreed with any extreme form of protests such as road blockades, which have been employed in the past.

Greek cotton producers have threatened blockades unless the government accepts a larger quantity of cotton compared with EU rules.

Farm unions will meet in Larissa on Tuesday to assess the situation before a meeting with Farm Development and Foods Minister Evangelos Basiakos on Thursday.

Basiakos has stated that the ministry will not agree to any national subsidies for cotton.

Farm minister rejects funding request: Later in the day, Basiakos repeated that the government would not provide state support sought by farmers in Thessaly.

He also said that cotton producers in Larissa and Magnesia claiming payment for their whole output had already received the most funding.

The government was obliged to implement EU rules that the previous government, which lost national elections in March 2004, had voted through, the minister added.

[02] PM meets with Minister of the Interior

Athens, 11/1/2004 (ANA)

Pavlopoulos did not make any statements after the meeting.

[03] PM's schedule for the coming week

Athens, 11/1/2004 (ANA)

The KYSEA meeting will reportedly focus on the issue of new general staff chiefs for the three military branches. Earlier on Tuesday, Karamanlis will chair a Cabinet meeting.

A meeting with ruling New Democracy (ND) secretary Vangelis Meimarakis is scheduled for later on Tuesday.

In continuing his meeting with ministries' leaderships, the prime minister will meet with the education ministry's heads on Wednesday and the health ministry's leadership on Friday.

[04] Justice minister meets Council of Europe legal affairs director general Guy de Vel

Athens, 11/1/2004 (ANA)

They discussed the fight against corruption, protection of children, bioethics, internet crime and the fight against terrorism and organized crime.

Another topic broached was the state of Greek prisons and the efforts currently being made by the justice minister to reduce overcrowding in Greek prisons by transferring foreign inmates to correctional facilities in their own country, where they will serve the rest of the sentences.

Papaligouras and de Vel agreed to cooperate closely in this direction in order to facilitate and speed up the necessary processes.

[05] New US ambassador Charles Ries arrives in Athens - Arrival statement

Athens, 11/1/2004 (ANA)

In an arrival statement at Athens' Eleftherios Venizelos international airport, Ries promised to work with the Greek government on issues concerning NATO and the EU, promoting stability in the Balkans, Middle East peace, and the improvement of trade and economic relations between the two countries.

"As Ambassador, I will work with the Greek government on issues concerning NATO and the European Union, the promotion of stability and prosperity in the Balkans, the improvement of our trade and economic relations, the war on terrorism, Middle East peace, as well as other issues that will concern Greece and the US as members of the (UN) Security Council," he said.

Ries added that Greece's assumption of a non-permanent seat on the Security Council as of the first of January, for a two-year period, was "evidence of its (Greece's) global vision".

"The US and Greece have cooperated closely for many years, through NATO, the EU, and bilaterally. And we are close allies in the great challenge of our time -- the war on terrorism," the envoy said.

Noting that he was very happy to be in Greece as the representative of the US in this "beautiful country", Ries stressed that "everyone in the US and everywhere on earth admired your success in the Olympic Games last summer", adding that "we are proud that we contributed in our way to this great success".

[06] PASOK leader Papandreou launches stinging attack against the government

Athens, 11/1/2004 (ANA)

Papandreou made the statements following a meeting of the party's secretariat of the national council for reconstruction. According to reports, during the meeting Papandreou said that PASOK will be called on to again govern the country in four years time, at the same time not excluding the possibility that this could happen sooner.

The PASOK leader called on the cadres of the Movement as well as all the party, to be prepared, whenever the general elections are held.

In his statements, Papandreou said "we live daily the government's mistaken choices and its lack of strategy," adding that "it seems that as its only strategy, it has the strategy of power for power."

He accused the New Democracy government of being "unable to deal with the country's major problems" and of showing "weakness to meet the challenges of the era" and "of taking the country very much backwards with its choices."

[07] New armaments procurement bill to be tabled end of January

Athens, 11/1/2004 (ANA)

Spiliotopoulos also announced the awarding of programs, valued at � 340 million, to Hellenic Defense Systems (EAS) for the period 2005-2011.

Speaking to the company's employees at Aigio, Peloponnese, the minister reiterated the government's commitment and the basic framework of the new bill, whereby no new contract will be signed unless it results in a significant, value-added benefit for the country's economy, the labor market, and technical know-how in order to ensure transparency, avoidance of waste in public spending, and strengthening of the country's defense industry.

[08] Gov't condemns violence at Sunday's match between Panionios-Olympiakos

Athens, 11/1/2004 (ANA)

The spokesman noted that justice had already swung into action regarding Sunday's events and stressed that the government has introduced measures to combat soccer violence that have brought results. He also called on all sides involved to "take part in effectively handling the problem".

[09] Greek liaison office in Skopje debuts new, streamlined procedure for visa applications

SKOPJE 11/1/2004 (ANA)

The new procedure is expected to significantly reduce wait time for applicants outside the Greek liaison office in the FYROM capital. Moreover, last year's implementation of a pre-set appointment regime for visa applicants has also dramatically reduced "red tape".

According to foreign ministry figures, the liaison office issued some 100,000 visas to FYROM citizens in 2004, up 10,000 from the previous year. That same figure puts the Skopje diplomatic mission on the same level as the Greek embassy in Moscow, which traditionally has issued the most visas for entry into Greece.

[10] Turkish warplanes violate Greece's national air space

Athens, 11/1/2004 (ANA)

According to press reports, nine formations of Turkish warplanes entered the entire Aegean region on Monday and in 14 cases violated the national air space in the southern, central and northern Aegean.

The 20 Turkish warplanes were recognized and intercepted by corresponding Greek fighter jets.

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

[11] Gov't says it's open to proposals for improving 'primary shareholder' draft law

Athens, 11/1/2004 (ANA)

Government spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos noted, however, that such proposals must be "in the direction of more effectively dealing with vested interests".

Roussopoulos' comments follow recent discussions and statements, including ones by Greek EU Commissioner Stavros Dimas, on making sure that the bill is compatible with Union law and regulations.

[12] Gov't denies clash between measures for repatriating capital and EU law

Athens, 11/1/2004 (ANA)

"We consider the measures to be compatible with Community rules," he told reporters, noting that there already existed a decision by the appropriate EU agencies, as well as a precedent of similar measures introduced by Italy in the past.

[13] Gov't on prospect of establishing committee of inquiry for bourse 'bubble'

Athens, 11/1/2004 (ANA)

"We are awaiting the judicial report," he said, adding that results of the investigation will determine the government's next move.

A similar committee of inquiry was established by Parliament last year to look into a handful of costly weapons deals approved by the two previous PASOK governments.

[14] PM briefed on development ministry activity, planned future action

Athens, 11/1/2004 (ANA)

Development minister Dimitris Sioufas, along with deputy ministers Yiannis Papathanassiou and George Salagoudis, briefed the premier on all issues pertaining to the ministry, including planned changes, reforms and policies to boost investments and create new jobs.

Sioufas emphasized the need to make products and services competitive and of high quality, as well as ensuring the smooth operation of markets and free competition, the everyday life of citizens and protection of consumers.

He said the government's priority was on areas outside Athens, whose development was a strategic choice for the premier.

The meeting also focused on the operation of the electricity and natural gas markets and development of the research and technology sectors, with Sioufas stressing a government emphasis on energy savings through the use of natgas by households and businesses.

He announced a press conference on Tuesday to present the results for the absorption of funds for a special competitiveness program.

Fielding questions on high prices, the minister said the government was constantly on its guard, with daily inspections to prevent profiteering and a harsh stance toward offenders.

According to sources, the premier asked for intensified efforts to ensure the smooth operation of markets and fair competition.

[15] Gov't to soon present energy plan; table bill on deregulation of natural gas market

Athens, 11/1/2004 (ANA)

During the debate, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas and Salagoudis attributed responsibility to the previous PASOK governments for the country's energy deficit.

On their part, the PASOK deputies accused the government of refusing to assume its responsibilities in the energy sector (law on natural gas, etc.) and that ''for ten months it has not presented an energy strategy''.

[16] SEBE delegation to participate in Tunisia business event in February

Athens, 11/1/2004 (ANA)

The event, which is supported by the European Commission, will be held in Tunis from February 8-9, at the Kram Exhibition Centre. It is expected that about 150 entrepreneurs from small and medium-size businesses will meet from Tunisia and also from countries of the European Union, including Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Portugal and the United Kingdom.

As announced, particular emphasis will be given to trade transactions and the creation of consortiums in the sectors of industrial, electronic, plastic and agricultural equipment and new technologies of communication and information.

[17] Shopowners' unions say no surprise changes in store hours

Athens, 11/1/2004 (ANA)

An ESEE announcement said business groups' demands to better regulate shopping hours in tourist areas were considered absolutely justified by the government. The announcement stressed that business and commercial unions around the country were responsible for deciding shopping hours in their regions, according to prevailing social conditions, businesses' and consumers' needs.

ESEE urged its members to remain calm in view of a recent wave of conflicting reports over the issue, and pledged it would defend the sector's "real interests", as it said.

[18] Stocks drop in blue-chip selling

Athens, 11/1/2004 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,826.58 points, posting a decline of 0.80%. Turnover was 155.7 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.94% down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.63% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.45% down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 210 to 92 with 51 remaining unchanged.

[19] Greek Red Cross sends 250,000 euros to SE Asia

Athens, 11/1/2004 (ANA)

The Greek group also announced that other relief supplies, such as blankets, tents, soap, medicines and prefabricated housing were ready to be sent to areas indicated by Red Cross teams in the field.

In addition, the Greek Red Cross said that it had opened a special bank account at the Agricultural Bank of Greece entitled "Earthquake in Indonesia" (Account number: 01704005437-32) for donations and placed specialist staff at the disposal of the international Red Cross movement for any further missions that may be mounted.

[20] Cruise ship to transport humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka

Athens, 11/1/2004 (ANA)

In addition to supplies, the cruise ship - courtesy of Majestic Cruises - will also transport 50-100 physicians/medical staff and will serve as a medical centre for two months in Sri Lanka, according to diplomatic sources.

Part of the 800 tons of supplies will be distributed immediately, while part of it will be kept on board while the ship serves as a medical centre.

Another meeting will be held Tuesday to finalize details, while the ship is scheduled to sail January 16 to the northeast port of Sri Lanka - the only port operable after the tsunami hit the region on December 26, 2004.

[21] Education Ministry to host 150 children from Southeast Asia

Athens, 11/1/2004 (ANA)

The ministry sent out a circular to Greek schools to help raise money for this purpose by January 11 and 12. The 150 children from Asia will be provided room and board at the National Youth Foundation (EIN).

The total amount of funds raised will be given to the Foreign Ministry, which in cooperation with the EU and other international organizations, is responsible for coordinating relief efforts.

During Monday's school prayer, a moment's silence was observed in memory of the tsunami victims, the majority of which were children.

[22] Transport minister discusses road safety with prefects along PATHE national highway route

Athens, 11/1/2004 (ANA)

Liapis outlined the measures already taken by the ministry to reduce road accidents, such as a comprehensive list of all heavy-goods vehicle and bus drivers, the introduction of a special card for them, or the introduction of a mandatory maintenance log for these categories of vehicles.

He reiterated that road safety was a top priority for the government and promised that the state will provide additional support to prefectures in this area, since they now had the authority but not the technical means to enforce road safety regulations.

He agreed with a proposal put forward by the head of the prefecture union ENAE Fofi Gennimata for a three-monthly meeting between the leadership of the ministry and prefectures to monitor progress in carrying out the measures.

Gennimata, also Athens-Piraeus superprefect, stressed the tragically high cost in lives of traffic accidents on Greek roads, where four people were killed on a daily basis. She stressed that prefectures were completely unable to carry out the important responsibilities they were assigned because they lacked the necessary staff, equipment and funds.

Among proposals put forward by prefects for reducing and preventing road accidents, were:

The creation of a list of roads, danger spots and the work necessary to improve them; setting up inspection and management centers for heavy goods vehicles at fixed points along the length of the highway; suggested improvements to sections of the highway to improve its safety; improving road signs; and programs to police excessive speeding, with the necessary technological equipment.

[23] Archbishop backs preacher's civil suit against singer Domna Samiou over 'indecent' folk songs

Athens, 11/1/2004 (ANA)

In response to questions, the Church spokesman said that "we must acquire cultural criteria and be able to distinguish the treasures of our tradition from the possibly undesirable elements that it may contain."

The Archbishop's stance was condemned by the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), who urged the leadership of the Church "to look elsewhere for contamination and not to authentic folk traditions and art".

The affair was also commented on by government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos on Monday, who simply noted that "Any people that do not respect its own cultural heritage cannot long survive".

"Our nation, because it respected its cultural heritage, has survived long and will continue to do so, continuing to respect its traditions and taking part in them," he added.

[24] "Eleni Vlachou" journalism award to be given out in 2005

Athens, 11/1/2004 (ANA)

The first to receive the Eleni Vlachou award was Yiannis Diakogiannis of the daily "Ta Nea" in 2003.

The recipient, along with the award will also receive a � 2,000 cash prize and a trip to Germany, courtesy of the German government.

Names of candidates can be submitted at the German Embassy in Athens from January 17 until April 15.

Members of the panel will include: German Ambassador to Greece Albert Spiegel; Kakia Papadopoulou, President of the Foreign Press Association of Greece; Ioannis Panoussis, head of the Communications and Mass Media Dept. of the University of Athens; Athens News Agency General Director George Tampakopoulos; Director of Reuters in Greece Brian Williams; and others.

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