Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-09-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] UN must strengthen its role as peacekeeper, PM says

[02] PM Karamanlis discusses UN reform, Cyprus, FYROM, Kosovo with UN chief Annan on eve of world summit

[03] PM meets foreign dignitaries on sidelines of UN General Assembly

[04] Gov't to seek solution for OA that is sanctioned by EU and ensures job security

[05] Greece and Cyprus working closely for best EU counter-declaration to Turkey, gov't says

[06] EU fails to finalize counter-declaration to Turkey

[07] Patriarch Bartholomew says Fanar and Vatican ready for Pope Benedict's visit to Istanbul

[08] Israeli, Palestinian diplomats outline each side's view of historic Gaza pull-out

[09] Serbia and Montenegro President to visit Greece this month

[10] Federation of 1967-1974 Imprisoned and Exiled Resistance Fighters protests reported neo-Nazi event to be held in Greece

[11] FinMin presents National Reform Program for 2005-08

[12] Finance minister addresses international business forum dinner

[13] Main opposition leader slams gov't policy for agriculture in Parliament

[14] Gov't to offer tax incentives for car purchases to families with three children

[15] PASOK party insists on heating subsidy being given to low wage earners

[16] Greece wins first prize among European national travel boards

[17] OTE telecom chief reports success of early retirement plan

[18] PASOK party to table question in Parliament on sale of OTE shares

[19] Greek, Korean industrialists forge cooperation pact

[20] Communist Party leader visiting Thessaloniki International Trade Fair

[21] Coalition party leader addresses press conference in framework of TIF visit

[22] BP lowers gas price in Greece

[23] Greek stocks rebound on Wednesday

[24] M. Theodorakis to receive int'l music prize

[25] Athens int'l film festival opens Thursday

[26] World's largest newspaper printed in Chania, seeks place in Guinness Book of World Records

[27] Greek candidate elected to EU Council's Committee of Wise Men

[28] Researcher presents findings on Jewish, Byzantine and Ottoman clothing

[29] Panathinaikos loses 3-0 to Udinese in Champions League match

[30] President says recognition of Cyprus by Turkey 'serious issue'

[31] Government rejects Turkish PM's remarks on Cyprus

[32] Commissioner Kyprianou to pay official visit to Cyprus

[33] Cyprus announces policy to attract foreign investments

[01] UN must strengthen its role as peacekeeper, PM says

NEW YORK, 15/9/2005 (ANA/P. Panagiotou)

In addition to preventing conflict from breaking out in the world, it is necessary that the UN adopt comprehensive and long-term strategies that will deal with the root of the problems before they result in conflict and war, Karamanlis noted.

To this end, Greece firmly supports the creation of a peace-building committee and the adoption of a UN resolution aimed at preventing conflict in Africa, the continent devastated most by strife and war, he added.

According to Karamanlis, virtuous governance, just state, solid democratic institutions, respect of human rights, development aid, reform and democratization of the security sector are the key elements in addressing existing conflicts.

As for the fight against terrorism, the premier said that human rights and basic civil liberties cannot be undermined in the process.

Karamanlis stressed that poverty, epidemics, environmental pollution, weapons of mass destruction, and organized crime are emerging as the new threat to world peace and security. These, he said, demand a stronger UN and comprehensive strategies.

He called on regional organizations to operate effectively and emphasized the need for international treaties to be respected.

The premier had the opportunity to attend the meeting since Greece is a non-permanent Security Council member for the period 2005-2006.

[02] PM Karamanlis discusses UN reform, Cyprus, FYROM, Kosovo with UN chief Annan on eve of world summit

NEW YORK, 15/9/2005 (ANA/P. Panagiotou)

After the meeting, Karamanlis told reporters that the purpose of the world summit that would open Wednesday at the UN, which would be attended by 170 heads of state and government, was to assess and review the implementation of the UN Millennium Declaration that was adopted in 2000 as well as a number of issues relating to the reform of the UN.

Greece, he noted, was a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the two-year term 2005-2006, and consequently he would also be taking part in the Security Council summit meeting, taking place in tandem with the General Assembly world summit, which was due to deal with combatting terrorism and with conflict prevention in Africa.

Karamanlis said that he and Annan exchanged views on the Cyprus issue, the FYROM name issue, and on matters related to the UN reform.

The Greek premier was also due to attend a reception later hosted by US president George Bush in honor of the heads of state and government attending the UN General Assembly world summit, which Karamanlis is due to address on Friday.

Karamanlis is scheduled to hold sideline meetings with a number of world leaders on Wednesday and Thursday, while on Thursday he will also attend a round-table discussion on UN reforms, and a summit meeting of the Francophone countries.

The Greek premier was also scheduled to meet with American journalists and give interviews on several US TV networks, including CNN and PBS.

According to diplomatic sources, the UN chief appeared to understand the Greek position regarding the FYROM name issue.

The sources said that Karamanlis told Annan that he welcomed UN special mediator on the FYROM name issue Matthew Nimetz's initiative for the resumption of UN-brokered talks between Greece and FYROM aimed at finding a mutually acceptable name, which would contribute to the consolidation of stability in the region and substantially help in further boosting relations between the two neighboring countries.

On the Cyprus issue, the same sources said that Karamanlis expressed his appreciation for the UN chief's personal involvement, and reiterated his support for Annan's efforts, at the same time adding that any new initiative would have to be carefully prepared so as to avoid a new failure, with the aim of reaching a comprehensive solution to the problem and reunification of the island republic.

A UN announcement said that the Greek premier and the UN secretary general had discussed Cyprus, the FYROM name issue, Kosovo, and UN reform, adding that, on the issue of Cyprus, Annan had assured Karamanlis that the secretary general's good offices remained at the disposition of the two sides.

At the same time, diplomatic sources described as "historic" Greece's presence on the international political scene, referring to Karamanlis' scheduled address to the Security Council summit on Wednesday.

The Greek premier would further attend an international meeting on Financing for Development on Wednesday.

[03] PM meets foreign dignitaries on sidelines of UN General Assembly

NEW YORK, 15/9/2005 (ANA - A. Panagopoulos)

Talks between the prime minister and President Papadopoulos focused on the tactics of Athens and Nicosia at the European Union, regarding the beginning of Turkey's accession negotiations on October 3, and the EU's reply to Ankara's statement that it does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus.

The good level of bilateral relations was ascertained in the prime minister's talks with Saudi Arabian Prince Bin Abdul Aziz al Saud, while Karamanlis raised the issue of Cyprus and developments in the Middle East were also discussed.

Karamanlis attended a luncheon given by the UN secretary general at noon and in the morning he participated in a meeting on financing development.

Commission says Greece granted illegal aid to Olympic Airways BRUSSELS, 15/9/2005

The European Commission on Wednesday declared illegal a number of measures taken by the Greek state which gave an unfair advantage to Olympic Airways and Olympic Airlines. This decision closes an investigation, which started on 16 March 2004, into the state aid granted since December 2002, when the airline was ordered to repay 160 million euros in illegal aid.

The Commission, in its long-awaiting decision said that between 1994 and 2000 the EU's executive took a number of decisions authorizing public aid for the restructuring of Olympic Airways. In December 2002, however, the Commission found that further aid had been granted to the airline which was incompatible with the common market, and demanded that 160 million euros be repaid.

That aid has still not been repaid. Following a detailed analysis of the finances of both Olympic Airways and Olympic Airlines, the Commission today found that Greece has continued to grant further aid to these companies, which is incompatible with the common market and therefore illegal, including:

" � 40 million from the Greek State and Olympic Airways to cover part of the costs to Olympic Airlines of leasing aircraft;

" an unjustified payment of some � 90 million from the Greek State to Olympic Airways when Olympic Airlines was set up and transferred to the State, achieved by overvaluing the assets transferred to the State;

" the Greek State s toleration of Olympic Airways failure to pay more than � 350 million in tax and social security liabilities due between December 2002 and December 2004;

" the assumption by the Greek State of a number of Olympic Airways financial obligations, e.g. in connection with aircraft leasing contracts and the repayment of a bank loan, amounting to up to � 60 million.

The exact amount to be recovered by the Greek state will be defined during the execution of today's decision.

By granting this aid, Greece has given Olympic Airways and Olympic Airlines an advantage not available to their competitors. The Commission therefore asked Greece to recover the illegal aid payments. Greece has two months in which to inform the Commission of the measures it intends to take to comply with the decision.

On 11 December 2002 the Commission took a final decision ruling that aid granted to Olympic Airways was illegal, and asked Greece to recover � 160 million. At the end of 2003 Greece adopted a specific law setting up a new company, Olympic Airlines, which took over the flight operations and most of the assets of Olympic Airways, leaving behind almost all of its debts. The creation of this new company, contrary to standard economic and accounting practice, would have had the effect of circumventing the obligation to recover the aid, as the Court found in its judgment of 12 May 2005.

When it opened its investigation in March 2004, the Commission expressed doubts about the compatibility with the Treaty of the continuing non-payment by Olympic Airways of tax and social security liabilities and about the way in which Olympic Airlines was established in late 2003.

� In effect, what appears to have happened in December 2003 is that all flight operations that were previously carried out within the Olympic Airways Group by Olympic Airways, Olympic Aviation and Olympic Macedonian were concentrated in a new entity renamed Olympic Airlines. Olympic Airlines also took over the slots, traffic rights and public service obligations of Olympic Airways. All other activities - principally ground handling, maintenance and engineering - remained within Olympic Airways (which has been renamed Olympic Air Services). The latter retained ownership of a number of majority shareholdings in other aviation-related companies in Greece such as catering, information technology and fuel services.

� The Commission has therefore found that Olympic Airlines is a successor company to Olympic Airways and that since its creation it has received substantial State aid. Olympic Airlines leases aircraft either from Olympic Airways or directly from the Greek State and pays significantly less than the head-lease payments, the resultant losses being borne by the State or by Olympic Airways at the State's behest. The Commission has also found that by overvaluing the assets transferred to Olympic Airlines and by using this valuation as the basis of a 'cash pre-payment' to Olympic Airways, Greece has granted illegal and incompatible aid.

� The Commission has found that the Greek State has also granted State aid to Olympic Airways. The most important part of this aid has been its continued forbearance in relation to the company's tax and social security liabilities.

These new aid payments constitute a violation of the "one time, last time" principle, as the company had already benefited from restructuring aid in the past, the EU Commission said.

[04] Gov't to seek solution for OA that is sanctioned by EU and ensures job security

ATHENS, 15/9/2005 (ANA)

Liapis made the statement after the Commission announced an anticipated decision that ordered OA to return more than � 500 million in illegal government aid to the Greek state.

The minister admitted that the Commission decision was a heavy blow to the airline's already precarious financial state and made the process of its privatization even more difficult. He stressed, however, that the government would exhaust all margins for OA's sale and was already working on alternative solutions for the day after.

Liapis noted that Olympic Airlines and Olympic Airways will continue to operate until the "best possible" solution is achieved and also reiterated the government's pledge to protect the rights of the workforce.

The minister again blamed the current state of the national carrier on the policies of previous governments, which he said had driven OA and the thousands of people working for it into an absolute impasse.

Gov't to discuss Olympic Airways' future on Thursday: An inter-ministerial commission, including Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas, Transport Minister Mihalis Liapis, Labor Minister Panos Panayiotopoulos, with Lazards, the foreign consultant in privatizations, on Thursday will discuss developments in Olympic Airways following Wednesday's decision by the EU Commission giving Greece a two month period to resolve the issue, government spokesman Theodore Rousopoulos said.

Speaking to reporters, Rousopoulos reiterated that the Greek state is loosing 1.5 million euros daily from the operation of Olympic Airways, while replying to questions over the alleged interest by foreign investors to buy the national airline said "I don't think anyone considers Olympic Airways to be a profitable company. A general interest is one thing and the problems facing the airline company are another. I don't think anyone has expressed interest to buy Olympic Airways as it is, with its thousands workers and its financial burdens".

The government spokesman noted that the government faced the problem as soon as it took over in March 2004 but it decided to smoothly complete the Athens 2004 Olympic Games before taking any drastic moves to deal with the situation.

First protest rally by OA staff greets Commission ruling over illegal subsidies: Olympic Airways' employees staged a protest rally at the departure terminal of the Athens International Airport on Wednesday, warning that they will step-up mobilizations against "scenarios" over the future of the ailing national carrier.

Around 2,500 employees took part in the protest accompanied by Communist Party leader Aleka Papariga, GSEE -Greece's largest trade union umbrella - president Christos Polyzogopoulos and representatives of the Coalition of the Left party.

Olympic Airways, in a press announcement, publicly thanked passengers for their "massive support" of the company, saying that after an initial reluctance and some reservation cancellations in the previous days, an astonishing number of reservations throughout its sales network, particularly abroad, have emerged.

Olympic Airlines-Services SA said it was continuing normal operations in ground services, cargo and technical maintenance of aircraft.

EU Commissioner Jacques Barrot, speaking to reporters in Brussels, said the Commission's decision on Olympic Airways and Olympic Airlines "was clearing the landscape of air transport in the Greek market".

The Commissioner sounded optimistic over future developments saying "there is room for one or more airline companies in the Greek skies" adding that Greece was one of the significant spots in international air transport.

He expressed his belief that the Greek government has the will to deal with long-term problems, saying that Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis recently referred to the need of reforming Olympic Airways' operations.

The Commissioner stressed that the final amount, to be repaid by Olympic Airways to the Greek State would be determined after consultations between Greek and community agencies.

"What I can say is that there is an amount of some several hundred million euros and nothing more," Barrot told reporters.

He was adamant that the Commission would not allow the Greek state to continue offering financial aid to Olympic Airways in a way contrary to community legislation. Replying to questions over whether a new state airline company could begin operating in Greece, the Commissioner said it was a matter for the European Commission. The EU' executive's responsibility was to ensure that healthy competition rules were followed in member-states, both by state or private enterprises in the airline sector.

[05] Greece and Cyprus working closely for best EU counter-declaration to Turkey, gov't says

ATHENS, 15/9/2005 (ANA)

"A tough negotiation is currently in progress at COREPER," government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said when asked about the Greek government's stance to the draft counter-statement presented by the British EU presidency.

He also referred reporters to the statements made on the issue by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, during a recent visit by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos to Athens.

The counter-statement will be made in response to Ankara's unilateral declaration on July 29 that it refused to recognize the Cyprus Republic, an EU member-state, and that its ports and airports would remain closed to Cypriot ships and planes.

According to Ankara, its signature of the Association Agreement Protocol -- by virtue of which Turkey extended its customs union agreement with the EU to the 10 new member states, including Cyprus -- did not mean recognition of the internationally-recognized Republic of Cyprus.

An ongoing discussion is currently underway at the EU's Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) in Brussels aimed at formulating a reply.

Last week, Athens had criticized the British EU presidency's stance on the issue, saying it was not acting objectively on the issue.

[06] EU fails to finalize counter-declaration to Turkey

BRUSSELS, 15/9/2005 (ANA)

The next COREPER meeting will most likely be held on September 21, he said, at which time negotiations regarding the counter-statement will resume.

The counter-statement will be made in response to Ankara's unilateral declaration on July 29 that it refuses to recognize the Cyprus Republic, an EU member-state, and that its ports and airports will remain closed to Cypriot ships and planes.

[07] Patriarch Bartholomew says Fanar and Vatican ready for Pope Benedict's visit to Istanbul

ISTANBUL, 15/9/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters in Edessa while on a tour of northern Greece, Bartholomew said he was waiting for an official reply to his invitation to the head of the Catholic Church and noted that "matters between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Vatican are ready".

"Between the Vatican and Ankara, I cannot say. If it is not possible during the feast of the Throne on November 30, then it can take place at another time. The Pope is always wanted and welcome," he added.

Bartholomew said Pope Benedict's visit will give a boost to dialogue between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches and help establish a better climate between them.

Asked if Pope Benedict might visit Haghia Sophia in Istanbul, the Patriarch noted that previous popes had done so but that it was strictly a matter for Benedict to decide with the Turkish government, since Haghia Sophia was now a museum.

[08] Israeli, Palestinian diplomats outline each side's view of historic Gaza pull-out

GAZA, 15/9/2005 (ANA)

On his part, Israeli ambassador to Athens Ram Aviram detailed the risks and political volition involved in the Sharon government's contentious -- as far as Israeli society was concerned -- decision to terminate the that country's 38-year occupation of the 365-square-kilometer strip of land straddling the Mediterranean between Israel and Egypt.

"We're not through yet ... we gave the peace process a huge impetus forward. No one should now expect, however, any more unilateral steps," he emphasized, adding that Israel and world opinion will now have a diminished tolerance vis-a-vis any terrorism emanating from Gaza.

Conversely, only a few hours later Palestinian envoy Marwan Abdel Hamid cautioned that the politically charged decision by Israeli PM Ariel Sharon was an "indication that he (Sharon) is going to take unilateral steps in implementing the (peace process) 'road map' ... It's just a redeployment ... The Gaza Strip was a headache (for the Israelis) not a historical or religious site, 40,000 thousand troops to guard 7,500 settlers," as he noted.

Nevertheless, Abdel Hamid, who announced the end of his tenure in Athens as of October, prefaced his initial comments by referring to a "historic day for the Palestinians".

Asked about the "sovereign rights" issues prominently thrust onto the limelight in the wake of the pull-out, such as the control of airspace, territorial waters and land borders, Aviram pointed to the flood in cross-border (Egypt-Gaza) traffic over the past few days, while stating that an agreement over the harbor has been reached, whereas the airspace/airport issue will be decided in a "permanent status agreement".

He added that Israel backs the "freedom of movement" between Gaza and the West Bank as long as security is assured, such as precluding the possibility of suicide bombers from infiltrating Israel territory.

"Gaza, of course, is not the Palestinian state, but it is a revolutionary situation ... a Palestinian areas controlled by Palestinians.

In offering the Palestinian view, Abdel Hamid charged that Gaza was no more than an "open prison" without control of its borders, as the border post with Egypt will be closed for six-months, as per an Israeli demand. Instead, he said, the only (official) frontier crossing into Egypt will be on the southeast corner of Gaza, where the territory converges with Egyptian and Israeli soil.

Additionally, the thorny issue of the radical Hamas group's activity and political involvement in Gaza also figured prominently in both press conferences, with the Palestinian envoy saying the former has moved away from its position of liberating "all of Palestine", while echoing Palestinian leadership's "one authority, one army, multi-party democracy" pledge.

Abdel Hamid reiterated, however, that a campaign to completely disarm the various factions in Gaza would risk a civil war, while bluntly saying that civilians will not give up their weapons because they do not trust the Israeli side. He said the goal is to get "the weapons off the street".

Just as bluntly, Israeli envoy Aviram underlined that there was "nothing to discuss" with a group (Hamas) that still advocates, in its charter, the complete destruction of Israel. "There can be no political party with a bomb factory," he said, while reminding that the Sharon government "left open the political horizon" by evacuating four West Bank settlements as well and promising to continue negotiations.

Greek Orthodox Patriarchate: On the sidelines of the briefing on the ground-breaking Gaza pull-out, Aviram touched on a matter that has earned heightened attention by Athens over the past few months, namely, the status of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.

On Wednesday, he again emphasized that the Israeli side "believes that in the long-term, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate (of Jerusalem) should be Greek in nature".

The Palestinian envoy, moreover, thanked the Greek government for its cooperation ahead of the election of a new Patriarch, Theodoros -- weeks after the dethronement of previous patriarch Irineos -- and promised that "official recognition will come soon".

[09] Serbia and Montenegro President to visit Greece this month

BELGRADE, 15/9/2005 (ANA)

[10] Federation of 1967-1974 Imprisoned and Exiled Resistance Fighters protests reported neo-Nazi event to be held in Greece

ATHENS, 15/9/2005 (ANA)

An announcement by the Federation said that "political sensitivities on the democratic rights of minorities do not apply for the fascists' festivals of hatred."

It further said that "we do not forget the monarchist and fascist dictatorship of August 4, 1936, and the military and fascist dictatorship of April 21, 1967. We do not forget the invasion of the hordes of Mussolini's fascism and of Hitler's Nazism which drowned us in blood during the Second World War."

[11] FinMin presents National Reform Program for 2005-08

ATHENS, 15/9/2005 (ANA)

Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, presenting the program's draft plan, said "these priorities were an answer to those saying we move one without a plan, with compass and with no targets". The Greek minister stressed the government had specific targets aimed to achieve economic growth and improving living standards in the country.

Alogoskoufis said he expected political parties and the main opposition in particular, to present the positions on the program, adding: "We do not deserve to be at the rear due to failed past policies". He underlined that a National Reform Program reflected the determination and commitment of the Greek government, together with restoring fiscal discipline, to accelerate a process of structural reforms and speed up implementation of Lisbon targets, adding that all reform initiatives and actions were focusing towards the same direction.

The draft plan was presented to the public so that all interested parties would express their reaction and after a debate in parliament to be submitted by October 15 with the European Commission.

The program includes all actions needed to achieve Lisbon targets, aimed to transform the EU into the most competitive economy in the world.

Analytically, the draft plan envisages the deregulation of energy markets, improving the country's business environment, telecommunications market, transportation, deepening of internal market, knowledge society, investing in human capital, protecting the environment and others.

The draft plan of a National Reform Program is the compass to the future, Alogoskoufis said. "It guarantees that Greek economy is changing course and efficiently uses opportunities lying ahead," the Greek minister said.

[12] Finance minister addresses international business forum dinner

THESSALONIKI, 15/9/2005 (ANA)

The minister said that Greece has the ability to "assist the development of all countries in the eastern Mediterranean decisively and it has the ambition of becoming the gateway for the businesses welcoming", which desire to be active in the region.

Alogoskoufis also outlined the five main elements of the government's economic policy, which are mild fiscal adjustment, tax reform, a new investments law, partnerships between the public and private sectors and a new generation of privatizations and expressed his conviction that the government's policy is already producing results.

[13] Main opposition leader slams gov't policy for agriculture in Parliament

ATHENS, 15/9/2005 (ANA)

"New Democracy's agricultural policy is today appraised as poverty for farmers, high prices for consumers and profits for middle men," PASOK's leader said, describing the draft bill as "highly publicized but empty of content, not an organized political plan."

Replying to Papandreou, Agriculture Minister Evangelos Basiakos accused him of not having any proposals to make for the long-term problems of the farm sector but simply a few theoretical observations.

He also defended the government's record, saying that in the first five months of 2005 it had for the first time managed to stem the downward slide of the balance of trade, with an increase in exports and a 4.7 per cent decrease in imports.

[14] Gov't to offer tax incentives for car purchases to families with three children

ATHENS, 15/9/2005 (ANA)

In a television interview, the Greek minister said the government would expand a measure, currently covering families with four children, under which families are eligible to buy new cars up to 2,000 cc without paying car registration duties. For cars with a large engine the registration tax is reduced by 50 percent.

[15] PASOK party insists on heating subsidy being given to low wage earners

ATHENS, 15/9/2005 (ANA)

PASOK spokesman Nikos Athanassakis, referring to the issue again following statements he had made on Tuesday, said "they evidently believe that chameleonism is a political tactic from which they will gain."

Athanassakis called on the relevant government members to reply to the issues raised by PASOK "and, primarily, to proceed with the granting of the heating subsidy."

[16] Greece wins first prize among European national travel boards

LONDON, 15/9/2005 (ANA)

"Greek tourism is acquiring prestige and international recognition, in confirmation of the government's policy. We are continuing our upward trend with steady, methodical planning and strategy," Tourism Development Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos said in response to the victory.

London-based WTA, which arranges the awards with organizations including BBC World, holds an electronic ballot among tour operators, travel agents and hotel trade groups around the world. This year, more than 175,000 executives took part in the voting.

The awards ceremony will be held in London on November 13 on the eve of the UK capital's World Travel Market trade fair.

[17] OTE telecom chief reports success of early retirement plan

ATHENS, 15/9/2005 (ANA)

So far, 1,823 employees had applied, with the total expected to rise to 70%, or about 4,200 personnel, before the scheme's deadline in about two months, Vourloumis told a news conference.

Recruitment levels would become clear in October when the retirement plan ended, he said.

Vourloumis did not rule out difficulties with the European Union over a 4.0% subsidy of OTE's shares that the government sold to bolster the TAP-OTE fund due to the costly retirement plan. Handling talks with the EU is the government.

Replying to a reporter's question, Vourloumis said that OTE had no plans to sell any shares in Athens-quoted Cosmote, its mobile phone subsidiary.

Finally, Vourloumis noted that OTE's end-year results would be adverse as the retirement scheme's cost would entirely fall under 2005 finances; and management was trying to further reduce dependence on Athens-quoted Intracom for maintenance of its network, which recently acquired 20.65% of Forthnet, an Athens-listed internet provider, a move that made Intracom both a supplier and a competitor.

[18] PASOK party to table question in Parliament on sale of OTE shares

ATHENS, 15/9/2005 (ANA)

The spokesman, referring again on Wednesday to the issue of the sale of OTE's shares, said they were sold at the price of 17.02 euros, while they had cost 20 euros and stressed that the issue "will not close and will not be forgotten."

Athanassakis also said that replies given by Finance and Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis in past days were inadequate.

[19] Greek, Korean industrialists forge cooperation pact

SEOUL, 15/9/2005 (ANA)

Signing the agreement in Seoul were the deputy president of the Federation of Greek Industry, Thasassis Lavidas; and the president of Daewoo, Sung-Lip Jung.

Under the terms of the pact, the two countries will form a Greek-Korean business council to further ties between the two countries.

[20] Communist Party leader visiting Thessaloniki International Trade Fair

THESSALONIKI, 15/9/2005 (ANA)

At 8.30 p.m. she will be addressing a party event at the Cultural Centre in the municipality of Skydra.

On Thursday morning, Papariga will be meeting representatives of Olympic Airlines and the Civil Aviation Service, as well as employees at Macedonia airport in Thessaloniki. At noon she will be giving a press conference and addressing a party event in the evening.

Speaking on arrival in Thessaloniki, Papariga said that everything possible must be done so that Olympic Airlines will not be dissolved and employees will not lose their rights.

[21] Coalition party leader addresses press conference in framework of TIF visit

THESSALONIKI, 15/9/2005 (ANA)

Alavanos said the policy model being implemented by the New Democracy party's government had been tried and it is incapable, it is a failure and it is dangerous, adding that it constitutes the Greek expression of the policy model of U.S. President George W. Bush.

Referring to the issue of a heating subsidy being given to weaker social classes, Alavanos said it is not charity but an obligation of the government towards consumers.

Alavanos criticized the government for its handling of the Olympic Airlines issue, saying that the ND government did nothing to prevent the European Commission's decision and called on it to take the issue to the European Court and contest it in every way.

The Coalition party leader also commented on Turkey's European prospects, saying that it is inconceivable for accession negotiations to begin and at the same time Ankara not to recognize Cyprus.

Alavanos tours ANA-MPA pavilion at TIF: Alekos Alavanos on Wednesday was the last political leader to visit the joint Athens News Agency-Macedonia Press Agency pavilion at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).

Alavanos offered his praise for the latest technological advancements promoted by the agencies, including live broadcasts over the Internet. His comments at the pavilion, in fact, were transmitted over cyberspace.

SYN leader meets with Macedonia-Thrace journalists' unionists: Executive Board members of the Journalists Union of Macedonia and Thrace Daily Newspapers (ESIEMTH) discussed the problems facing their sector during a meeting with Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) Alekos Alavanos on Wednesday.

The unionists cited job uncertainty and lack of respect for journalists' professional rights as the key problems their members face. ESIEMTH board members also stressed the importance of full implementation of collective labor agreements.

On his part, Alavanos referred to his party's initiative in raising the issue of a few media companies controlling a major portion of the media to the National Radio and Television Council (ESR).

SYN also brought to ESR's attention the trend of journalists being owed an increasing amount of money from their employers.

The union's board members gave Alavanos a memo explaining their demands and proposals regarding the country's media sector.

[22] BP lowers gas price in Greece

THESSALONIKI, 15/9/2005 (ANA)

The impact of the reduction has already been felt in the market, and will roll down to retail consumers in its entirety over the next two days when gas stations bring in new stock, BP said in a statement.

[23] Greek stocks rebound on Wednesday

THESSALONIKI, 15/9/2005 (ANA)

Traders said buying activity focused on blue chip stocks, particularly banks, after their recent fall.

Sector indices were mixed, with the Textiles (2.95 pct), Wholesale (0.80 pct), Retail (0.60 pct) and Bank (0.49 pct) indices scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day. The Mineral-Cement (1.41 pct), Insurance (0.79 pct), Publications (0.58 pct) and Food-Beverage (0.45 pct) sectors suffered the heaviest losses.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.21 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.26 pct lower and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index fell 0.39 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 153 to 98 with another 78 issues unchanged.

Equity Index Futures: