Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-06-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] NATO DMs examine alliance's current operations

[02] PM Karamanlis and ministers prepare for vote of confidence debate in Parliament on Friday

[03] PM Karamanlis meets with Luxembourg counterpart; discusses European Constitution, EU's finances, enlargement

[04] Athens: No grounds for re-evaluation of 2004 Annan report on Cyprus

[05] Gov't spokesman on Bush-Erdogan meeting

[06] Turkey's ambassador to EU questioned about human rights

[07] Latest poll shows comfortable lead for New Democracy; majority favors lifting of civil servants' tenure

[08] Parliament president receives Turkish justice minister

[09] Greece's position regarding FYROM name issue unchanged, FM Spokesman says

[10] President Papoulias meets with Archbishop of America

[11] 'Revolutionary Struggle' terror group claims responsibility for attacks on labor ministry, police buses

[12] Luxembourg ambassador hosts main opposition leader on Friday

[13] Iranian Embassy to set up polling station for Presidential elections

[14] Measures on bank pensions due within next 10 days, employment minister says

[15] Government spokesman refers to 2007-2013 fiscal prospects

[16] GDP forecast at 3.5% in Q1

[17] Bank workers, civil servants to strike June 16

[18] Piraeus dockers stage 48-hour strike

[19] Rise in trade between Greece, Cyprus

[20] Greek-Romanian business forum held in Bucharest

[21] Business forum in Athens June 14-15

[22] Household, business debt shows rise

[23] OSE puts into service two new ultra-modern trains

[24] Conference held on 'Greek Ports: The present and the future'

[25] Symposium on economic growth in Greece to be held in Chicago

[26] Stocks rise in selective blue-chip buying

[27] Flame to be lit at Pnyx on Monday for 'VIII European Youth Olympic Festival' in Italy

[28] Diana Ross to give benefit concert at Athens Concert Hall on June 27

[29] Ecumenical Patriarch receives Ukrainian President Yuschenko

[30] Papoulias presents diplomas to Nat'l Defense Academy's graduates

[31] Architect Santiago Calatrava given honorary doctorate by Thessaloniki University

[32] Suspected Albanian crime ring involved in burglaries and car theft arrested

[33] Deputy Interior Minister Nakos says 'Thiseas' program is moving at a fast pace

[34] Participants in 2003 Summit demonstrations indicted on felony charges

[35] UN unofficial talks on UNFICYP mandate wrapped up UNITED NATIONS

[01] NATO DMs examine alliance's current operations

BRUSSELS 10/6/2005 (ANA)

Greek defense minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos, who met with his U.S. counterpart Donald Rumsfeld on the sidelines of the session, briefed it on Greece's contribution to NATO's operations.

The defense minister said that a mobile medical unit will be sent to Afghanistan in August to replace the Spanish one stationed there. A total of 60 percent of the medical unit will be composed of Greek doctors and medical staff.

He also referred to the preparation of the Greek forces to assume the administration of Kabul's airport as of December this year and for a period of four months.

As regards Iraq, the defense minister reminded of Greece's economic contribution, amounting to 300,000 euros, and its humanitarian aid which consists of providing specialization for Iraqi military doctors in Greek hospitals, adding that Greece intends to assume initiatives through the Sea Transport Centre, based in our country, to facilitate the transportation of tanks and armored vehicles to Iraq.

On the part of Greece, about 500 BMP-1 armored personnel carriers will be provided over the next two years.

Also stressed during the session was Greece's political will to contribute to the training of Iraqi police forces. This training will take place in third countries and not in Greece and Iraq.

The situation in Kosovo and Darfour was also discussed, where Greece referred to the contribution of military material which it has forwarded.

On the sidelines of the session, the defense minister held brief meetings with his counterparts from Russia, Britain, France and Germany, as well as with NATO Secretary General Hoop Scheffer and participated in the NATO-Russia Council's session.

[02] PM Karamanlis and ministers prepare for vote of confidence debate in Parliament on Friday

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos said his meeting with the premier had focused on ways to coordinate the discussion in Parliament on Friday and issues concerning his ministry.

Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos announced that the debate on the premier's proposal for a vote of confidence in the government will begin at 18:00 on Friday. He stressed that this would be a "very important opportunity for the people to be informed about the things happening in the economy under PASOK governments and for the government to present its work over the past 15 months, along with its strategic plan".

Asked why the premier had decided to seek a vote of confidence in the government rather than calling early elections, Roussopoulos said that the issue of elections was premature.

"The vote of the Greek citizens is known - it was given a year ago. There is a majority in Parliament and there is a decision to carry out major structural reforms," he said. He also pointed to recent opinion polls showing a comfortable lead for ruling New Democracy and claimed that "the majority of people are in favor of structural changes, to the promotion of which the government gives priority."

Asked whether the move to call for a vote of confidence did not essentially rule out the consensus the government claimed to seek, Roussopoulos noted that the demand for consensus "is not exhausted at the topmost level but runs deeper".

"The government is carrying out extensive dialogue with the social partners, as in the case of OTE, while we are also seeking consensus on education," he said.

The vote of confidence will commence on Friday, to be wound up on Sunday night with a roll-call vote.

PASOK will struggle in Parliament for "revelation of truth", party leader says: Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou, speaking on Thursday during a recess of the party's Political Council meeting, said that as of Friday PASOK will struggle in Parliament (during the debate on the vote of censure) "for the truth to be revealed and for the government to give an account of the tragic course being followed by the country over the past 15 months".

Papandreou said the party will make a "tough struggle" in Parliament, adding that the aim of PASOK is also to "highlight the deadlock the country has found itself in with the New Democracy government and to show the paths the country must follow for hope to return".

The PASOK leader also appealed indirectly to the other opposition parties, saying that it is a "struggle and a moment of unity for the country's progressive forces from which the truth that will serve the people will emerge".

Papandreou further said that the country's citizens "are currently feeling very great insecurity, while the country is faced with huge deadlocks due to the handlings of the government, which he termed absurd and tragic".

Communist party leader calls for censure for both major parties: Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga, speaking during a visit to Aspropyrgos on Thursday, said the "response of the people must be a censure for both (major) parties".

"The discussion taking place in Parliament on the vote of censure can constitute an opportunity for the people to give a reply and to prepare for their counterattack," she said.

Papariga added that the counterattack "in front of the big problems must reach one slogan: 'Censure for both parties'. If this does not take place now, we shall allow them once again to deceive the people. We are confident that the people have understood their game."

[03] PM Karamanlis meets with Luxembourg counterpart; discusses European Constitution, EU's finances, enlargement

LUXEMBOURG 10/06/2005 (ANA/V.Demiris)

In comments made after the meeting, Karamanlis emphasized that during Thursday's meeting it was decided that the ratification process of the European Constitutional Treaty must continue.

He said, that after receiving feedback from French President Jacques Chirac and Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende regarding developments in their respective countries after the referendums, "we will examine the situation and take the decisions necessary for the next steps."

Regarding the Union's financial prospects for the period 2007-2013, Karamanlis said that Greece has been supportive of the Luxembourg presidency's efforts from the outset in order to reach an agreement as soon as possible.

Finally, on the issue of enlargement, the Greek PM stressed that the EU will have to implement the decisions it made in December 2004, but that candidate countries will also have to fulfill the obligations they assumed.

Gov't on continuing ratification process in EU for Euro-constitution: Athens on Thursday reiterated its support for continuing the procedure by EU member-states to ratify the draft European Constitution, despite recent 'no' votes by French and Dutch voters in separate referenda in those countries.

Foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos made the statement in response to press questions citing EPP-ED Group Chairman Hans-Gert Poettering's recent comments over a possible postponement of the process.

"The Greek side will arrive at discussions on this issue with its already known positions, namely, that the messages of the referenda in France and the Netherlands, which comprise an expression of free democratic volition, are absolutely respected. They are also a source for contemplation, but they are not considered messages for suspending the effort to strengthen the process for constructing a united Europe."

[04] Athens: No grounds for re-evaluation of 2004 Annan report on Cyprus

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters during a press briefing here, foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos reiterated that Athens' position is completely in line with the position expressed by the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus.

He made the statement when asked to comment on the absence of the term "Republic of Cyprus" from the Annan report regarding the UN peacekeeping force (UNFICYP) deployed on the divided island as well as positive comments for Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat.

In an unrelated development, Koumoutsakos reminded that Greece's position regarding the "name issue" with the neighboring Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) remains unchanged, while he merely added that recent comments by German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder are being evaluated by the ministry.

However, he stressed that he personally did not discern any misgivings on the part of the German leader towards recent EU decisions on achieving a mutually acceptable solution to the "name issue" via accelerated and substantive dialogue.

[05] Gov't spokesman on Bush-Erdogan meeting

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

Asked about Turkey's request that the pseudo-state in northern occupied Cyprus be upgraded, Roussopoulos said that Turkey's requests "have not been satisfied."

Asked to comment on the US' "delegation of roles in the region," Roussopoulos emphasized that "the Greek government is fully satisfied with its strategic cooperation with the US."

[06] Turkey's ambassador to EU questioned about human rights

PARIS, 10/06/2005 (ANA/O.Tsipira)

Greek MEP Panagiotis Beglitis, who is also the committee's vice chairman, asked Demiralp why Turkey prohibited a conference focusing on the Armenian issue, which had been organized by the University of Bosporus.

Demiralp said that the conference had been postponed, not prohibited.

Speaking of allegations made by Amnesty International and other non-government organizations that roughly 60 journalists, cartoonists and publishers have been imprisoned because they criticized the Turkish government, Beglitis said that "this is unacceptable as it goes against any fundamental concept of freedom of expression and it is a very negative message the Turkish government is sending in relation with EU legislation."

Demiralp replied that the said individuals had stood trial and had received their respective sentences after their cases had gone to court. However, the Turkish government plans to reform the judiciary, Demiralp said.

In reference to the French and Dutch referendums, whereby the citizens of the two countries voted against ratification of the European Constitution, Beglitis stressed: "The consequences of the negative referendums should not prevail over enlargement and the European course of candidate countries."

According to Beglitis, the joint parliamentary committee's objective should be to monitor Turkey's behavior and European course.

"Of course, we respect the commitments made by the Ministerial Council in December regarding the beginning of accession negotiations between the EU and Turkey, and it is on the basis of this commitment that we must judge whether Turkey fulfills the acquis communautaire criteria," Beglitis said.

[07] Latest poll shows comfortable lead for New Democracy; majority favors lifting of civil servants' tenure

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

The poll, broadcast by the Athens-based SKAI radio station, comes a day after a contentious off-the-agenda Parliament debate that concluded with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis calling for a government vote of confidence in reply to an earlier demand by main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou for a motion of censure against Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis.

In terms of the other two Parliament-represented parties, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) was preferred by 7 percent of respondents, while the Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) garnered 5 percent. Out-of-Parliament LA.OS party was given 3 percent, the limit for achieving representation in Parliament via national elections.

Regarding the timely question of whether tenure should be lifted for civil servants - an issue that recently shot to the national limelight following a ground-breaking early voluntary retirement agreement for employees at the state-run telecoms provider (OTE) -- 52 percent of respondents favored such a change.

As far as party affiliation vis-a-vis the aforementioned question is concerned, 57 percent of respondents that identified with New Democracy favored the lifting of tenure for civil servants; 55 percent for PASOK; 43 percent for KKE and 41 percent for Synaspismos.

Moreover, 58 percent of respondents said state-run enterprises and utilities, such as OTE and the Public Power Corp. (PPC), should adhere to the labor laws governing the private sector.

Conversely, a whopping 80 percent of respondents consider that the minimum retirement ages should not be raised, as opposed to 15 percent favoring the opposite. Some 67 percent of respondents also oppose an increase in social security contributions, while two out of 10 respondents said such contributions should increase.

Beyond the domestic political front, 67 percent of respondents favored the holding of a referendum to ratify the European Constitution. The 300-deputy Greek Parliament voted overwhelmingly in favor of the Euro-Constitution last month, with both the government and the main opposition expressing their solid support for the treaty. Deputies from KKE and Synaspismos voted against the constitution.

Interestingly enough, 46 percent of respondents said they would have voted "no" in a referendum, while 31 percent said they would have backed the Euro-Constitution's ratification.

The poll was conducted by the VPRC firm on June 6 and June 7 on a sample of 954 respondents via telephone interviews. Individuals over the age of 18 were asked questions from a standard questionnaire.

[08] Parliament president receives Turkish justice minister

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

"We're following, with particular interest, the effort being made by Turkey in its course towards EU accession. The neighboring country's European prospects necessitate reforms within Turkey, and that is one of the primary reasons that we support this accession," Psarouda-Benaki said, adding:

"Two neighboring countries adhering to the same legal system is the best condition for harmonious relations to exist".

On his part, the Turkish minister cited what he called a sincere dialogue between the prime ministers of the two countries, adding that both he and his Greek counterpart are contributing to this rapprochement with their cooperation. He also noted the significance of Greece's support for Turkey's EU prospects.

[09] Greece's position regarding FYROM name issue unchanged, FM Spokesman says

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

Furthermore, Koumoutsakos said that he does not discern any doubt on Schroeder's part regarding the EU's decision to support a solution mutually acceptable to Greece and FYROM.

[10] President Papoulias meets with Archbishop of America

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

Papoulias congratulated Demetrios on being named Honorary Doctor of the Athens University School of Literature.

Aside from issues concerning the Greek language and culture in American schools, sources said that Papoulias and Demetrios also discussed the latter's relationship with US President Bush and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice as it pertains to Greek-related issues.

[11] 'Revolutionary Struggle' terror group claims responsibility for attacks on labor ministry, police buses

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

Authorities on Thursday said a lengthy proclamation by the so-called "Revolutionary Struggle" group was sent to a weekly satirical newspaper a day earlier detailing the terrorist group's reasons for the strikes -- a practice eerily reminiscent of the once-elusive and deadly "November 17" terror gang.

In terms of the bomb blast outside the ministry, the proclamation reportedly refers to a "reply" vis-a-vis "the Greek state's neo-liberal plans for labor relations ... and the bandit-like raid against the working-class weak, being conducted today by the economic and political elite of the land".

The attack against the riot police buses -- on Oct. 29, 2004 -- was justified as an "answer to the Greek state's participation against 'terrorism' and the increasing violence and repression that this war entails."

The shadowy proclamation also claims that the October 2004 attack on the police bus convoy was related to the fact that it (convoy) served "to guard individuals found in the regime's jail cells, as well as to guard political prisoners..." a reference to convicted "N17" members, a number of whom have held up political reasons as behind that terror group's numerous assassinations, bombings and bank robberies.

A postscript on the proclamation, claiming that the bomb was left in a parking area but subsequently found, perused and promptly dumped in the trash by a passerby, has also piqued authorities' interest. The postscript, moreover, sarcastically refers to a policeman and a security guard on duty at the ministry on the evening of the blast, using a derisive style often encountered in past "November 17" communiqu�s with the press.

According to initial but as yet unofficial evaluations by the anti-terrorism squad's experts, the document is believed to have been composed by the culprits of the attacks.

One assessment holds that the style and language of the proclamation resembles past documents circulated by now defunct urban ultra-leftist groups, although police experts have not ruled out the possibility of younger political extremists forming this group.

"Revolutionary Struggle" first appeared in the "post-N17" period on Sept. 6, 2003 with a twin bomb attack against the Athens first instance courts (Evelpidon).

A handful of terror strikes attributed to the same terrorist group followed, including:

� An attack on a multinational bank branch in the upscale Neo Psychiko district of Athens on March 14, 2004 using a homemade explosive device.

� The lobbing of three bombs against a police precinct in the Athens municipality of Kallithea on May 5, 2004

� A remote-controlled blast just a marked bus carrying riot police passed a planted explosive device on Petrou Ralli Boulevard in the Rouf district.

� The June 2, 2005 explosion outside the labor ministry.

Conversely, four recent bomb attacks have not been "claimed" so far:

� A bomb planted outside the courthouse in the central city of Larissa on May 29, 2004.

� Another bomb planted outside the offices of the Olympiaki Techniki construction company in the seaside Alimos district of Athens on Dec. 12, 2004.

� A similar attack on the AVAX construction company's office on May 24, 2005, and,

� The ominous gangland-style killing of a police sentry outside a diplomatic residence in the northern Kifissia municipality on New Year's Eve 2004.

In response to the development, Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis told reporters that "our country is a modern democratic state that absolutely guarantees freedoms and the basic rights of citizens. Having a differing view is a cornerstone of democracy, but under no circumstances can it serve as an alibi for criminal actions. Terrorists are brutal criminals..." he said.

[12] Luxembourg ambassador hosts main opposition leader on Friday

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

Ambassadors of all the EU member states as well as those from Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Turkey will be attending the dinner, which will be held at the ambassador's residence in Athens.

[13] Iranian Embassy to set up polling station for Presidential elections

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

More specifically, polling stations will be set up at the Embassy, at 16 Str. Kalari street in Neo Psychico, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Embassy calls on all Iranian citizens that are eligible to vote to take part in this "national obligation".

Eligible to vote in the presidential elections are all Iranian citizens born before June 16, 1990 who hold a valid Iranian passport or original identification card.

More information is available at the Embassy telephone numbers 210-6741436, 210-6741783, and 210-6741937.

[14] Measures on bank pensions due within next 10 days, employment minister says

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

Referring to Emporiki Bank and ATEBank, meanwhile, the minister noted that the state was managing the property of the Greek people and did not have the right to allow it to become devalued.

Panayiotopoulos stressed the government's desire for a settlement reached through agreement and said that all banks wishing to do so could participate in the general settlement.

[15] Government spokesman refers to 2007-2013 fiscal prospects

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

Replying to other questions, Roussopoulos said "the entire effort is aimed at achieving, at this summit, the agreement on the percentage", while saying that Greece is particularly interested in resources from the regional funds, since it has "based a big part of its strategy on strengthening rural areas", on which the 4th Community Support Framework also places great emphasis.

[16] GDP forecast at 3.5% in Q1

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

The Greek National Statistics Service is due to release GDP data on Friday.

GDP growth had originally been forecast at 3.6%.

Inflation at 3.2% in May: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in May 2005 increased by 3.2% in comparison with the same month a year earlier, the Greek National Statistics Service (GNSS) said on Thursday.

GNSS attributed the rise to increases in sub-indices including housing (9.4%) and health (4.5%).

In May 2004, the CPI's annual rate of change was 2.9%, the GNSS said in a monthly statement.

Inflation increased by 0.3% month-on-month against April 2005, when the monthly rate of change was 0.4%, the statement said.

In the twelve-month period June 04 - May 05, the CPI's average rate of change was 3.1%, the same as the previous 12-month period.

The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices in May also increased by 3.2%. A year earlier, the index's annual rate of change was 3.1%, the GNSS said.

[17] Bank workers, civil servants to strike June 16

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

The head of the OTOE bank staff union, Dimitris Tsoukalas, told a news conference that another walkout may be staged the following day in a rift with management over pension funds.

The union is seeking introduction of a single supplementary pension system for sector staff versus a piecemeal arrangements; and it opposes alignment of members' pensions with the main state fund, saying the move would bring lower pensions and a higher retirement age.

"We will make no concessions in the social insurance issue," Tsoukalas said.

Bank employees staged a series of weekly 24-hour strikes in January and February this year after rejecting proposals by employers, and then by the finance ministry.

The union has also dismissed the finance ministry's plan to draft a legal amendment on pension funds for two banks, which it has called a unilateral move.

The General Confederation of Employees of Greece (GSEE), the country's largest trade union umbrella group, has called the national strike on June 16 in solidarity with bank workers. The GSEE has accused the government of trying to overturn collective labor pacts.

Walkouts have occurred over the past few months to protest against government policy affecting incomes, pensions, and company restructuring in state-run corporations.

The ADEDY civil servants' union on Thursday announced that it would join next week's walkout to press for full employment and oppose government plans to make the labor market more flexible.

[18] Piraeus dockers stage 48-hour strike

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

To follow are another 48-hour strike on June 16-17, and a new overtime ban for the next three days.

Tens of ships backed up in the cargo port, unable to load or unload. The latest stoppage came after a breakdown in talks with Merchant Marine Minister Manolis Kefaloyiannis, who charged that dockers were overpaid and under-worked, receiving more than 140,000 euros a year in wages.

[19] Rise in trade between Greece, Cyprus

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

Addressing a presentation of the embassy's Cypriot Commerce Centre, Zannoupas also reported that exports from the island republic to Greece were 110 million euros, rising from 75 million euros in 2003.

[20] Greek-Romanian business forum held in Bucharest

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

The event gave entrepreneurs from both countries the opportunity to network. Companies participating in the event were from the construction, renewable energy sources, and the food and beverages sectors.

Speaking at the event were Greek Ambassador to Romania Athanassios Dendoulis, Vice President of the commercial chamber of Romania and Bucharest Jose Iacobescu, HEPO representative Maria Rapti and others.

The embassy's commercial affairs advisor Yiorgos Spiliopoulos stressed that Greece, for the first time, is eager to expand beyond Bucharest and to explore the possibilities of business partnerships in the rest of Romania.

As part of exploring business opportunities outside the Romanian capital, a similar event will be held on Friday in Ploiesti in cooperation with the Prahova Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

[21] Business forum in Athens June 14-15

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

Fifty two companies have responded from Greece, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Israel, Romania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and the United States of America.

[22] Household, business debt shows rise

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

In March 2005, the rate of increase was 14.7%, the Bank of Greece said in a statement.

Corporate debt to banks totalled 67.0 billion euros at the end of April; and household borrowing in the same month was 55.9 billion euros, the statement said.

[23] OSE puts into service two new ultra-modern trains

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

OSE said that as of June 17, there will be a Thessaloniki-Sofia-Thessaloniki route with two high quality trains which will offer passengers comfort and at favorable prices. There will be special offers for students and for small groups of 2-5 persons.

The duration of the trip between the two cities will be five hours and 45 minutes, compared to seven hours and 36 minutes which was the case until now.

[24] Conference held on 'Greek Ports: The present and the future'

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

The General Secretary of the Ports and Ports Policy of the Merchant Marine Ministry, George Vlachos, stressed, among other things, that "for the implementation of the infrastructure works in Greek ports, it is absolutely necessary for there to be cooperation between the public and private sector, as the available funds are restricted."

Vlachos, wanting to stress the need for implementing the infrastructure works, said characteristically: "The ships today are not in danger at sea, but in Greek ports."

[25] Symposium on economic growth in Greece to be held in Chicago

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

The main speaker will be Education and Religious Affairs Minister Marietta Yiannakou.

[26] Stocks rise in selective blue-chip buying

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 3,065.73 points, marking a rise of 0.18%. Turnover was 179.2 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.33% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.58% lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.24% down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 145 to 96 with 96 remaining unchanged.

[27] Flame to be lit at Pnyx on Monday for 'VIII European Youth Olympic Festival' in Italy

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

An address will be made by Greek Olympic Committee President Minoas Kyriakou following which the torch will be delivered to a representative of the Organizing Committee "Liniano 2005".

[28] Diana Ross to give benefit concert at Athens Concert Hall on June 27

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

The Program against the Stigma of Mental Illness is being carried out by the University Research Institute of Mental Health and concerns an integrated actions plan that seeks to inform and sensitize public opinion, as well as changing the public's stance and beliefs. Another goal is to carry out activities to reduce prejudice and discrimination against the mentally ill, since in most societies mental illness is accompanied by negative stereotypes.

[29] Ecumenical Patriarch receives Ukrainian President Yuschenko

ISTANBUL, 10/06/2005 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

Yuschenko reiterated an invitation to the Patriarch to visit the Ukraine as soon as possible and discussed Ukrainian ecclesiastical issues.

Greeting the Ukrainian president at the head of a large delegation of the Patriarchate's court, Bartholomew thanked Yuschenko for his regard. The Patriarch had earlier visited Yuschenko at his hotel in order to discuss ways of dealing with the fragmentation of Orthodox Christians in the Ukraine.

[30] Papoulias presents diplomas to Nat'l Defense Academy's graduates

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

Amongst the graduates were five foreign officers, specifically, from Bulgaria, Albania, Germany and two from the Bosnian-Serbian military.

Papoulias was accompanied by the defense ministry's political and military leadership.

[31] Architect Santiago Calatrava given honorary doctorate by Thessaloniki University

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

Calatrava, 54, said in his address that "being an architect is being at the service of man. 'Architect'. Meaning the leader of workers who succeeds in art through techniques and with the help of God."

The architect returned to Thessaloniki a year after his contribution to last year's Athens Olympic Games and said he feels enthusiastic with the city's "regular" structure and its particular relation with the sea, while stressing that his model is "architecture without an architect" where buildings coexist with the landscape.

[32] Suspected Albanian crime ring involved in burglaries and car theft arrested

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

Seven men and one woman that are believed to form two gangs have been placed under arrest, during a joint operation involving the southeast Attica police sub-directorate, local police departments, border guards and the Trikala crime prevention and control team. Another four Albanian nationals are being sought in connection with the case.

The suspects are believed to have carried out a string of burglaries targeting luxury villas in Attica, usually during the night when the occupants were asleep. They would also grab handbags and car-keys, using them to steal luxury vehicles that were often on the premises.

The two gangs are believed to have carried out thefts worth a total of two million euros, with one group held responsible for 20 burglaries and 12 car thefts, and the other six burglaries and six car thefts.

Police also recovered two of the stolen cars and a great quantity of stolen valuables, which have been returned to their owners.

The gangs also used the cars to smuggle illegal immigrants from Albanian into Greece. In fact, the three members of the first gang were first intercepted by police in Trikala four days ago when they were ferrying 22 illegal immigrants to Athens using the stolen vehicles.

[33] Deputy Interior Minister Nakos says 'Thiseas' program is moving at a fast pace

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

He noted that "we are proceeding at a faster rate than originally planned," adding that "the funds of the program are secured and nobody can touch them."

[34] Participants in 2003 Summit demonstrations indicted on felony charges

Athens, 10/06/2005 (ANA)

Six of the seven suspects are being charged with creating, being in possession of and using explosive materials, causing property damage, setting fires and engaging in acts of violence. Only one suspect is being charged with a misdemeanor since he did not possess or use any explosive devices.

[35] UN unofficial talks on UNFICYP mandate wrapped up UNITED NATIONS

Athens, 10/06/2005 (CNA/ANA)

After the discussions, talks between the five permanent members of the Security Council began on the relevant resolution, which is expected to be adopted on Monday.

The Security Council was briefed by Deputy Secretary General of the UN Hedi Anabi, and members of the Council took the floor and welcomed UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's report.

During the discussions, satisfaction was expressed regarding the Republic of Cyprus government's decision to proceed with the lifting of minefields, as well as the Turkish Cypriot decision to partially lift restrictions in the movement of UNFICYP personnel.

The members also said they look forward to the briefing by UN Undersecretary General for Political Affairs Sir Kieran Prendergast, scheduled for June 22, on his trip to the region.

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