Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-03-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM tells Madrid conference terrorism emerging as major threat for international security

[02] Karamanlis meets with Spain's Zapatero

[03] PM, speaking after international conference in Madrid, says terrorism cannot be tolerated

[04] Friday to mark one-year anniversary of Madrid train station bombing

[05] Foreign ministry reiterates Athens' position regarding Kosovo

[06] FM's meeting with Rice in Washington announced

[07] EU Environment Council ratifies conclusions for spring European Council

[08] Gov't continues to attack PASOK's Pangalos over lump sum pension payment proposal

[09] Interior minister gives reply to PASOK on account of government work

[10] DM briefs Parliamentary Committee on future structure of armed forces

[11] Deputy FM Stylianidis greets Karamanlis-Adenauer foundations event

[12] Turkish military planes infringe Athens FIR, violate Greek national airspace

[13] KKE leader Papariga tours Piraeus, expresses concern about TEI

[14] Psarouda-Benaki receives Dutch ambassador

[15] Gov't announces six major road projects worth 7.0 bln euros

[16] Greek inflation eases to 3.1 pct in February, yr/yr

[17] Oil, cigarette smuggling hit state revenues, FinMin says

[18] Greek farm union begins battle against GMOs

[19] National Bank of Greece eyes expansion in Turkey, Romania

[20] Merchant Marine minister says sea cruise sector a priority

[21] State saves 40 mln euros from defense contract renegotiation

[22] Pensioners hold rally in downtown Athens, demand 10 pc pension hikes

[23] Government mulls early rebate for poorer pensioners

[24] Palestinian Authority Representative visits Intracom installations

[25] Stocks rise in blue-chip buying

[26] Situation in Evros prefecture stable as level of water in rivers drops

[27] Athens chosen as headquarters of the International Committee for the Mediterranean Games (ICMG)

[28] Government says Turkish attitude not very European

[29] Missing persons' issue should be an inviolable condition for Turkey's EU course

[30] Medical care for Turkish Cypriots reaches 3.6 million pounds

[01] PM tells Madrid conference terrorism emerging as major threat for international security

Madrid, 11/3/2005 (ANA/A. Panagopoulos)

The conference is taking place a year after the attack at a Madrid railway station in which about 200 people were killed.

"Wherever democracy takes root, terrorism cannot flourish," the prime minister said.

"The reason for this is because its main ideological basis contrasts with the nucleus of values of the free and democratic countries: tolerance and respect and acceptance for different ideas, values and cultures," he added.

Karamanlis went on to say that "Greece and we Greek people, having suffered from terrorism, are in a position to understand the pain caused by this terrorist attack to the families of the victims and sympathize with them fully. Greece condemns in the most categorical way terrorist acts in their entirety as criminal, regardless of whatever motive, form or appeal. Every cause, no matter how just it might be, can function as an alibi for terrorist acts."

The prime minister expressed his will for cooperation "at international level, in the framework of international legality and the safeguarding of human rights, so as to eradicate this scourge from our societies and the world."

He further said that Greece has ratified the 12 international agreements, it remains bent on the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and welcomed the decision "which urges all countries to adopt suitable and effective laws aimed at forbidding the possession, production and trafficking of weapons of mass destruction by non-governmental forces. We also fully support the implementation of the international agreement on the eradication of the phenomenon of financing international terrorism."

Karamanlis said that all necessary measures have been taken in Greece to have international agreements and directives to be incorporated in the Greek legal system, adding that "the protection of human life and of the security of our citizens is of paramount importance for us and our top priority and we shall not make any compromise on this."

He also referred to the safe hosting of last year's Athens Olympic Games, stressing that this constitutes a tangible example of efforts made.

"The effective measures taken by Greece, as well as cooperation had with the international community, resulted in the Games being held in a safe environment with full respect for Olympic values and without any repercussion on the human rights and the political freedoms of both Greek and foreign citizens," the prime minister said.

He went on to say that cooperation among countries is imperative because terrorism and organized crime know no borders.

"The promotion of regional and international cooperation is mandatory in this framework. Anti-terrorist strategy and an overall plan of action have been adopted in the framework of the EU. We vigorously support both the spirit, as well as their strict implementation. Our efforts to achieve consent at the United Nations for an accurate definition of the meaning of terrorism have been intensified," Karamanlis said.

Earlier in the day, Karamanlis met for the first time with new Romanian Prime Minister Tariseanu and bilateral relations, Romania's impending accession to the EU and the situation in the area were examined.

The prime minister also had brief meetings on the sidelines of the conference with Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker and European Commission President Jose Barroso.

Karamanlis, attending a reception given at noon by the Spanish royal couple, held brief talks with King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia on the Athens Olympic Games.

[02] Karamanlis meets with Spain's Zapatero

Madrid, 11/3/2005 (ANA)

Karamanlis arrived in the Spanish capital to participate in an international summit focusing on the fight against international terrorism.

One common initiative reportedly discussed by the two leaders involved cooperation by Madrid and Athens over the level of funding from the 4th Community Support Framework (CSF).

According to sources, Karamanlis also reiterated his proposal for the establishment of a European-wide coast guard force, with discussions revolving around the possibility for a pilot program to ascertain whether any such force can be fielded throughout the European Union's coastlines.

The Greek premier also briefed his Spanish counterpart over his recent tour of the western Balkans, whereas Zapatero outlined his proposal for a special summit to coincide with the 10-year anniversary of the Barcelona Declaration.

[03] PM, speaking after international conference in Madrid, says terrorism cannot be tolerated

Madrid, 11/3/2005 (ANA/A. Panagopoulos)

"The message we are sending unanimously and in every direction is that we cannot tolerate terrorism. No cause can justify such crimes. Human life and the security of our citizens is a paramount priority and we shall cooperate on an international level to safeguard it," he said.

Karamanlis said proposals were made on the combatting of terrorism by the international community, in the framework of international legality and respect for human rights, adding that the contribution of democracy in this direction was also probed.

The prime minister also referred to his meetings with his Spanish, Polish and Romanian counterparts.

Talks with the Spanish prime minister focused on stable and close cooperation between the two countries on issues of mutual interest to the countries of the EU's south, while it was also agreed that consultations to promote these issues must be extended.

Views were also exchanged with the Spanish and Polish prime ministers on the EU's fiscal prospects (the 4th Community Support Framework), the Lisbon strategy and enlargement.

Bilateral relations were discussed with the Romanian prime minister as well as this Balkan nation's accession to the EU, which Greece supports, as well as the situation prevailing in the area.

Karamanlis also said he had the opportunity of talks with many leaders. He was to attend an official dinner on Thursday night and will be leaving for Athens on Friday morning.

Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valynakis will leave Madrid for New York at noon where he will be meeting the UN's special negotiator for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) Matthew Nimetz on Saturday.

[04] Friday to mark one-year anniversary of Madrid train station bombing

Madrid, 11/3/2005 (ANA/A. Panagopoulos)

Friday will mark the one-year anniversary of the sinister attack, blamed on extremists linked to "al-Qaeda".

In commenting on the occasion, a foreign ministry spokesman on Thursday noted that "this sad anniversary reminds us that terrorism, as a phenomenon, surpasses national borders and assumes dimensions that transform it into a significant threat to international peace and stability".

Spokesman George Koumoutsakos added that dealing with terrorism is a major challenge for the international community, one necessitating coordinated action and cooperation on the bilateral and multilateral level.

[05] Foreign ministry reiterates Athens' position regarding Kosovo

Athens, 11/3/2005 (ANA)

Moreover, foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said Washington and Moscow were also briefed via diplomatic channels.

In response to press questions during his briefing, the spokesman reiterated the Greek side's four basic goals for the strife-plagued province, namely, safeguarding stability; implementation of European principles in Kosovo; existence of a multi-national society in the region and establishment of security for all the residents of the province.

[06] FM's meeting with Rice in Washington announced

Athens, 11/3/2005 (ANA)

He will also meet with National Security Adviser Steven Hadley the same day, whereas a meeting with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is set for March 28.

"Beyond the traditional issues, other matters will be discussed, along with the course of the Cyprus problem, developments in the Balkans, Greek-Turkish relations within their new European dimension as well as Turkey's European course," foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said, adding that the visit and talks will mark the beginning of a new and closer cooperation with Washington.

[07] EU Environment Council ratifies conclusions for spring European Council

Brussels, 11/3/2005 (ANA)

The conclusions place particular importance on the contribution of environmental policies to help achieve targets set by the Lisbon Strategy and on the role played by the Environment Council in this process.

Environmental technologies are promoted in particular, as well as protection for nature and biovariety.

Greece insisted, together with other delegations, on the inclusion of biovariety and protection for nature as a means of having a positive effect on the development of competitive products and businesses and on employment.

[08] Gov't continues to attack PASOK's Pangalos over lump sum pension payment proposal

Athens, 11/3/2005 (ANA)

"Does silence mean, therefore, that PASOK adopts the views of its responsible coordinator for economic issues in relation to the abolishment of lump sum pension payments?" alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros asked, in beginning his press briefing.

He also stressed that lump sum payment contributions are regularly paid by employees towards their various pension funds, a regime that does not burden state coffers when payments are finally made upon retirement.

In defending his proposal on Wednesday, Pangalos said he was expressing a "personal view" and that the idea has never been discussed by PASOK. He also said he referred to abolition only for newly hired employees.

Asked about the prime minister's statement, namely, that the government "did well for one year (in power)", Antonaros emphasized that "no well-meaning Greek citizen can doubt the fact (the government's) effort was huge and effective..."

In an unrelated development, the spokesman reiterated Athens' position that the draft European constitution must be ratified by Parliament based on Article 28, paragraph III, something expressed recently by the premier.

"This position stands � therefore, all other interpretations have no basis in truth," Antonaros said in dismissing one report claiming that the government was interested in employing a majority vote (151 out of 300 MPs) formula for ratification of the Euro-constitution.

[09] Interior minister gives reply to PASOK on account of government work

Athens, 11/3/2005 (ANA)

Referring to his own ministry, Pavlopoulos invoked law 3242 on cracking down on bureaucracy, as well as measures concerning civil protection.

"They were unable to see the immediate results and the difference in queues at public services and in serving the citizen, as well as the fact that an entire winter has passed in which not even one road has closed. They forgot, it is true, what happened last year when their leader was carrying out tours in support of motorists who had been trapped in their cars as a result of snowfall and, indeed, very close to the capital," he said.

[10] DM briefs Parliamentary Committee on future structure of armed forces

Athens, 11/3/2005 (ANA)

According to an announcement by the defense ministry, as a result of the new structure of forces proposed the targets of civil national defense will materialize, cooperation among the various services will be boosted and the fighting capability of the armed forces to handle all kinds of threats successfully will increase, while the country's international obligations will be met.

According to sources close to the defense minister, the Committee's members will be visiting the defense ministry in the near future, while the Committee will also be holding another meeting in Parliament to facilitate a more extensive briefing on defense and security issues.

[11] Deputy FM Stylianidis greets Karamanlis-Adenauer foundations event

Berlin, 11/3/2005 (ANA/P.Stangos)

The political framework of the event, beyond its historic reference to the "patriarchs" of post-war Germany and post-junta Greece respectively, centered on the fact that Greek-German relations developed in the post-war era into a "significant element" of European integration, underlining that for the first post-war period Karamanlis and Adenauer managed to open the road of reconciliation between the two peoples, despite the wounds which the Nazi occupation left on Greece.

Stylianidis told reporters that the joint event by the two foundations constitutes an act of "brotherhood". He also conveyed greetings by Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis.

[12] Turkish military planes infringe Athens FIR, violate Greek national airspace

Athens, 11/3/2005 (ANA)

A total of 33 Turkish military aircraft -- 15 formations and one naval cooperation aircraft -- engaged in 17 infringements of the of the Air Traffic Regulations within the Athens Flight Information (FIR), which developed into 14 violations of Greek national airspace.

All 33 Turkish aircraft were reconnaissed and intercepted by Greek fighter planes, while on three occasions the interception procedure developed into dogfights.

Six of the Turkish jetfighters were armed.

On Tuesday night, the Hellenic Air Force radars had detected one infringement of the Athens FIR by a helicopter that took off from a Turkish frigate participating in a joint exercise of the Turkish Air Force and Navy. The infringement occurred at 22:40 north-northeast of the Greek island of Limnos in the Aegean. The Turkish military helicopter was reconnaissed by two Greek F-16 fighter planes.

[13] KKE leader Papariga tours Piraeus, expresses concern about TEI

Athens, 11/3/2005 (ANA)

She said that her party in 2001 had foreseen that the "pseudo-law" and ''pseudo-name'' of the TEI downgraded the entire educational system, including the TEI and AEI.

"The KKE, beyond its overall opposition to the educational policy, the least we seek today is for the labor problems of the teachers to be confronted. Above all, for us to exert greater pressure for the state funding of the TEI."

[14] Psarouda-Benaki receives Dutch ambassador

Athens, 11/3/2005 (ANA)

European issues and ways to achieve closer cooperation between the two countries' parliaments were discussed.

[15] Gov't announces six major road projects worth 7.0 bln euros

Athens, 11/3/2005 (ANA)

The six projects will be assigned to construction groups which will also take over management of a part of the national road network to cover the cost of the project.

The six projects are the national road linking Patras-Pyrgos-Tsakona, a highway in central Greece, the national road linking Corinth-Tripoli-Kalamata and Lefktro-Sparta, the Ionian roadway linking Antirrio with Ioannina, part of the national road in the Gulf of Malliakos and the Thessaloniki underwater tunnel.

Presenting the projects, Souflias said all existing public road tolls would be abolished and would be replaced by new private ones, while he stressed that employees in state-run toll booths would not lose their jobs.

The Greek minister did not elaborate on whether the new private road tolls will be costlier.

Souflias said bid submission for the Corinth-Patras-Pyrgos-Tsakona project would be made by the end of December 2005, the contractor would be announced in April 2006 and the project was expected to be ready in six-and-a-half years.

Bid submission for the Corinth-Tripoli-Kalamata and Lefktro-Sparta projects is expected by the end of September 2005, the contractor will be announced in December and the project to be ready in four-and-a-half years. Bid submission for the Ionian Roadway is expected by mid-September, the contract to be announced in December and project completion in five years.

The central Greece highway road, linking the cities of Lamia-Karditsa-Trikala and Kalambaka is expected to be ready in five-and-a-half years.

The ministry said bids for the Thessaloniki underwater tunnel, with a length of 6.5 km, have been submitted since last November and that the contractor was expected to be named in April. Estimated time of completion is four years.

Souflias said bidders would have to present a letter of loan support during the tender, while the Greek state would not guarantee loans abandoning existing policy. The Greek state has earmarked around 2.0 billion euros for the projects.

[16] Greek inflation eases to 3.1 pct in February, yr/yr

Athens, 11/3/2005 (ANA)

NSS, in its monthly report, said that Greece's harmonized consumer price index rose 3.2 percent over the same period. Manolis Kontopyrakis, NSS's secretary-general, predicted that the inflation rate would fall below 3.0 percent in March.

The consumer price index fell 1.2 percent in February from January, while the average inflation rate in the period March 2004-February 2005 was up 3.0 percent, compared with the same period in the previous year.

NSS said the 1.2 percent drop in the inflation rate in February, from January, was attributed to a 1.3 percent rise in food and beverage prices, a 1.2 percent increase in housing prices, a 0.4 percent rise in healthcare prices and a 1.1 percent rise in transportation prices. Clothing and footwear prices were down 13.7 pct, durable goods prices fell 2.9 percent, while hotel-restaurant prices eased 1.0 percent over the same period.

The 3.1 percent annual inflation rate in February was attributed to a 0.4 percent rise in alcohol drinks and tobacco prices, a 6.0 percent increase in clothing and footwear, an 8.1 percent rise in housing prices, a 2.2 percent increase in durable goods, a 3.5 percent rise in healthcare prices, a 4.7 percent rise in transportation prices, an 1.9 percent increase in entertainment and a 4.3 percent rise in education prices.

[17] Oil, cigarette smuggling hit state revenues, FinMin says

Athens, 11/3/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, during a news conference, the Greek minister said that large enterprises were also connected with fuel smuggling activities in the country.

Alogoskoufis said that the government has achieved public spending cuts totalling 3.3 billion euros so far and said that rising oil prices in international markets were an unpleasant development. He said that the ministry was closely monitoring developments in the domestic fuel market.

Alogoskoufis sounded optimistic over developments in the EU, saying that member-states were expected to agree on a review of a Stability and Growth Pact by March 20, two days before a European Summit on March 22-24. He said that the review would not change the main directions of the pact, such as the 3.0 pct limit on budget deficit and the 60 percent limit on public debt, as percentage of GDP.

Commenting over his contacts with foreign investors in London, the Greek minister said "the climate for the Greek economy and its prospects is very positive," adding that proof of that was a huge success of a recently issued 30-year bond loan by the Greek government, priced very closely to German and Italian bonds.

Alogoskoufis said the government would take measures to promote privatizations, while submitting an updated Stability and Growth Program to the EU by March 21 would help clear the country's economic prospects.

[18] Greek farm union begins battle against GMOs

Athens, 11/3/2005 (ANA)

The appeal by GESASE seeks compensation of 45,000 euros each for two Greek farmers, based in Xanthi northern Greece, for loss of profit and damages to their crops from the use of the contaminated maize. The case will be brought in court in April 2006.

GESASE is adopting a more aggressive policy towards the use of genetically-modified crops. George Goniotakis, GESASE's president, said the use of GMOs was undermining Greek farming.

The union also submitted a package of proposals to the government seeking to address the problem of co-existence between GMOs and compative or bio-farming in the country.

[19] National Bank of Greece eyes expansion in Turkey, Romania

Athens, 11/3/2005 (ANA)

The moves would be part of the bank's strategy of expansion in southeastern Europe, Arapoglou, and also managing director, told the Foreign Press Association of Greece.

"It would be an error not to study expansion into Turkey," he said.

Declining to give details, Arapoglou noted that the move would require caution and confidentiality.

In Romania, National's banking network would double within the year; and in Bulgaria, where the bank has a strong presence through UBB, a subsidiary, it would operate two new insurance firms.

"Generally, we are studying all investment opportunities on the basis of returns, which in three years should reach 15%. We are eyeing banks with a name and a network in local markets," Arapoglou added.

Asked to comment on interest rates, he said he believed an increase was unlikely in the near future as the move would hinder growth in the European Union.

[20] Merchant Marine minister says sea cruise sector a priority

Athens, 11/3/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, Kefaloyiannis said are plans of six cruise ships joining the Greek register and added that the ministry should improve harbor facilities.

"We are making coordinated efforts. It's a win-win situation since the sea cruise industry is currently at ground zero," he said.

Kefaloyiannis said the ministry planned to make better use of large tract of area of roughly 100 hectares in the port of Piraeus that could create huge added value and change the look of the port city south of downtown Athens.

The Greek minister said the ministry will launch an international tender for an architectural design for the area, budgeted at around three billion euros.

The merchant marine ministry also plans to make a more efficient use of the port of Lavrio, in extreme southeast Attica prefecture, by offering special incentives to coastal shipping lines.

[21] State saves 40 mln euros from defense contract renegotiation

Athens, 11/3/2005 (ANA)

The purpose of the move was to cut costs for taxpayers and improve transparency, the minister said.

Open tenders for military projects had brought savings of up to 61.1%; and procurement contracts savings of 2.62% to 51%, he added.

[22] Pensioners hold rally in downtown Athens, demand 10 pc pension hikes

Athens, 11/3/2005 (ANA)

Pensioners' organizations are demanding a 10 percent increase in pensions for 2005 and a minimum monthly pension of 960 euros, an immediate payment of rebate, 500 euros as a special annual heating benefit and a decrease in personal participation in the cost of pharmaceuticals.

Pensioners declared that they will hold another rally, in an effort to meet the prime minister, and that they will also be participating in labor action scheduled for March 17.

[23] Government mulls early rebate for poorer pensioners

Athens, 11/3/2005 (ANA)

The move would also apply to pensioners owed minor amounts, Doukas stated in reply to a parliamentary question from the Communist Party of Greece.

If the plan is adopted, repayment for the two categories would be made in fewer than five installments, or even as a lump sum, Doukas said.

[24] Palestinian Authority Representative visits Intracom installations

Athens, 11/3/2005 (ANA)

He was received by Intracom's administrative adviser George Deliyiannis. During his visit he held talks with the president of the Intracom Group, Socratis Kokkalis.

He was given a tour of the company's Athens Information Technology (AIT) installations.

"I was very impressed by the installations of Intracom as well as of the AIT, where I hope Palestinian students will soon be trained," the Representative of the Palestinian Authority said.

[25] Stocks rise in blue-chip buying

Athens, 11/3/2005 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 3,100.32 points, marking a rise of 0.29%. Turnover was 171.4 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.45% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.23% lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.26% down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 167 to 101 with 74 remaining unchanged.