Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-10-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] EU foreign ministers briefed on Greek actions against avian flu

[02] Bird flu test results available next week, Agiculture Minister says

[03] EU Presidency praises Greek authorities' reaction to bird flu

[04] Government increasing stocks of flu vaccine, anti-flu medication

[05] Nat'l foreign policy council focuses on EU-Turkey ties, 'name issue'

[06] US must help achieve goals set by Cyprus, Greek president says

[07] Reception hosted by Greek envoy in framework of Papoulias' visit to Cyprus

[08] Deputy FM Valinakis underlines Greece's devotion for Cyprus solution

[09] Deputy FM and Bulgarian public works minister discuss bilateral economic and political relations

[10] Gov't dismisses references to 'overall climate of scandal-mongering'

[11] PASOK's Parliamentary Group discusses land registry and public works

[12] Environment Ministry responds to PASOK comments concerning public works

[13] Romanian ministers visit Greek public admin centre

[14] Army chief to visit Heidelberg

[15] European Commission issues final warnings to Greece, Italy and Spain on waters policy regulations

[16] Greece's new US envoy Mallias holds informational meetings in NY

[17] Barroso says European Commission will ask for clarifications over imprisonment of Skopje Metropolitan Ioannis

[18] Kosovo's future status needs to be addressed, US ambassador to Albania says

[19] Greek govt seeks to promote digital strategy

[20] Projects included in 'Information Society' operational programme will reach 100 pc of budget by end of year, FinMin says

[21] FinMin, central bank governor discuss Greek economy

[22] Central Bank governor presents interim monetary report

[23] Greece's absorption rate of EU funds satisfactory, Hubner says

[24] Greek tourism promotes image of high quality destination

[25] Conde Nast Traveler readers choose Greece as favourite tourist destination

[26] EU Energy Community Treaty to be signed in Athens

[27] Sioufas meets Bulgaria's regional development and public works minister

[28] 13 Greek firms ranked among 500 fastest developing ones in Europe

[29] Eurostat publicises European Union inflation figures

[30] Electricite de France (EDF) to invest � 500m in wind parks in Greece within the next three years

[31] Greek enterprises participate in Skopje int'l fair

[32] Greek stocks end slightly higher

[33] Five arrested in biggest Internet child pornography case in Greece

[34] PASOK party Deputy Maria Damanaki meets University Theology Faculty rectors

[35] Panathinaikos draws 0-0 with Barcelona in Champions League match

[36] EPP President: Turkey occupies EU territory

[37] Defence Minister says Turkey as aggressive as before

[01] EU foreign ministers briefed on Greek actions against avian flu

LUXEMBOURG, 19/10/2005 (ANA - M. Aroni)

He noted that Greece has taken all necessary measures and was fully prepared to take specific action at any stage if necessary, including those called for under the special action plan worked out in November 2004.

Basiakos also stressed that Greek actions would be carried out in consultation and collaboration with EU veterinary services, as well as EU Commissioner for Health Markos Kyprianou, while adding that the two top priorities would be to support poultry farmers and protect consumers.

He underlined the need for special EU measures to support and compensate poultry farmers, who were being severely hit by a sharp drop in consumption and the restrictions that were being imposed to stop the spread of bird flu.

The Greek minister told the council that isolations of the virus infecting turkeys on the Greek island of Oinousses in the eastern Aegean will be ready after seven days and will be forwarded to the appropriate EU agencies to determine if further measures must be taken.

Basiakos added that Greece has already banned the movement of all poultry farm products in the prefecture of Chios, both within Greece and abroad, but did not envisage any additional measures at present.

The measures were taken after the first suspected incident of the deadly bird flu virus was reported on the island of Oinousses, a small island falling within the jurisdiction of the Chios prefecture.

The Greek agriculture ministry on Monday announced that one of nine turkeys from a free-range farm had tested positive for the H5 virus after the farmer reported suspicious symptoms and deaths among his flock of turkeys on October 13.

There is no evidence as yet whether the virus found belongs to the strain H5N1, which is responsible for deaths among humans.

Basiakos said the EU foreign ministers' council had also discussed the continuation of subsidies and general support in the framework of the new CAP, which goes into effect from June 2003. The minister noted that the EU had made major concessions concerning agriculture at the World Trade Organisation with the new CAP but had not extracted commitments on a similar scale from its trading partners in the WTO.

He said that measures foreseen under the new CAP should be maintained and that a balance should be maintained between the various sectors, such as the industrial products markets and the service sector, which are included in the overall negotiations.

Basiakos particularly emphasised that the European Commission should not be allowed to exceed the mandate given it by the European Council in the negotiations.

Commission awaiting results of Thessaloniki lab, Kyprianou says: Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou, meanwhile, said that the European Commission was waiting for the results of tests being carried out on the suspected bird flu samples in Thessaloniki's national laboratory.

After the emergency General Affairs Council in Luxembourg, Kyprianou said that the samples from Oinousses had tested positive for avian flu antibodies and that the Commission had asked for samples to be sent to the Community veterinary laboratories at Weybridge, Surrey.

He said the Commission was preparing to ask for a precautionary ban on the movements of live poultry and all poultry-farm products in the Chios prefecture, where the bird flu case was reported.

Kyprianou also noted that Greek authorities had voluntarily imposed a ban on movements of poultry in the area.

The Commissioner also reiterated an appeal to EU member-states to collect as large a stock of flu vaccinations as possible in order to deal with a possible flu pandemic, stressing that the Commission's goal was to coordinate international cooperation for dealing with the problem.

[02] Bird flu test results available next week, Agiculture Minister says

ATHENS, 19/10/2005 (ANA)

Within the next seven days the results from the viral tests being conducted by the national reference laboratory in Thessaloniki and the national reference laboratory in London will be available, he said.

Until then, the precautionary measures that have been adopted in the Prefecture of Chios will remain in force, he added.

Basiakos further said that nine samples from turkeys of the Oinousses farm were found negative in re-examination. The re-examination was ordered by Basiakos following Sunday's discovery of a sample which was positive to the virus H5.

Basiakos said that the precautionary measures which have been taken and checks in the prefecture of Chios will be maintained for seven days.

He also said that the current EU British presidency congratulated the Greek government for the measures it had taken to handle the situation.

Attention focuses on site of first suspected Bird flu incident in Greece: A team of experts from Athens arrived on the eastern Aegean island of Chios early Tuesday morning for consultations with local officials after a single sample, taken from a handful of dead turkeys at a small farm house on nearby Oinousses isle, tested positive for H5 antibodies.

Medical tests were also conducted Tuesday on the couple, both pensioners, which raised the turkeys. The site where the suspected incident was recorded, identified as "Kalamies", is located in a particularly remote spot of the small island, whose permanent population is between 600 and 650 residents. The island, like many others in the Aegean, lies along the path frequently used by migratory birds.

In other reports, half a dozen police officers were dispatched from Chios to Oinousses to seal-off the site, located about five kilometres from the main village on the isle, while health officials also sprayed the area where the turkeys roamed with disinfectant as a precaution.

Greek officials had earlier confirmed that one of the dead fowl had tested positive for the H5 virus, thereby adding Greece to the list of countries with suspected cases of avian influenza (bird flu). The European Commission was immediately informed, with a decision pending for the transport ban of live poultry and poultry products from the area. The EU decision will be adopted as soon as the national laboratory in Athens confirms the serological results, which are due next Monday or Tuesday.

"The samples are in the process of being sent for confirmation and virus isolation tests to the national reference laboratory in Thessaloniki, and the Commission has requested that they also be sent immediately to the EU Reference Laboratory in Weybridge," a Commission statement said late Monday.

According to Greek Agriculture Development Minister Evangelos Basiakos, the part-time farmer reported suspicious symptoms he had detected in several turkeys on his homestead, many of which died on Oct. 13.

Chios' veterinary service took samples from the dead birds and sent them to the Athens Centre of Veterinary Institutes, which found one of the nine samples to be H5 positive. New samples will be taken and analysed by the Thessaloniki Centre of Veterinary Institutes in order to confirm the accuracy of the first tests.

A bevy of medical experts as well as regional authorities are expected to meet with municipal officials on Oinousses to decide the next steps, as well as possible precautionary measures and guidelines to local inhabitants.

Vigilance increased around Greece: Meanwhile, a couple of instances of dead birds that would otherwise pass unnoticed suddenly received heightened media attention around the county on Tuesday, including a handful of dead pigeons spotted by passers-by in the downtown Athens district of Ambelokipi and a report of approximately 100 chickens dying on the Dodecanese island of Kalymnos over the course of several weeks, however. Similar reports from the large island of Rhodes were also being investigated, authorities said.

Veterinary authorities in all of the aforementioned cases have collected blood samples from the dead animals for testing.

[03] EU Presidency praises Greek authorities' reaction to bird flu

LUXEMBOURG, 19/10/2005 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)

Straw's comments were made during a press conference on Tuesday, held immediately after an emergency meeting of EU foreign ministers to discuss the issue of avian influenza.

Straw, whose country currently holds the rotating EU Presidency, reassured European citizens saying that there was no danger of a bird flu pandemic.

In response to a related question, he said that there is no evidence that the bird flu virus discovered in Turkey, Romania and Greece was passed to humans.

[04] Government increasing stocks of flu vaccine, anti-flu medication

ATHENS, 19/10/2005 (ANA)

Kaklamanis also noted that the couple that owned the farm in Oinousses where a turkey infected with avian flu was found on Monday had already been inoculated against human influenza. The minister said that the island's three doctors had inoculated almost the entire Oinousses population against the 'flu, since most of them were elderly and belonged to high-risk groups.

Even so, an isolation ward at Chios hospital was now on standby, he added.

According to Kaklamanis, the health ministry has placed orders for 100,000 units of the flu vaccine with the pharmaceuticals firm Gerolymatos, another 90,000 with the firm Glaxo and a further 50,000 with the firm Giannakopoulou.

Another 40,000 flu vaccine units had been ordered by the Social Insurances Foundation (IKA), Greece's largest state insurance fund, while an additional 25,000 flu vaccines were currently held at the Pasteur Institute, he added.

Kaklamanis said that half the quantity of vaccines secured would be released on the market, while the rest will be reserved by the health ministry in order to cover the needs of vulnerable groups in the population.

Concerning the order for 'Tamiflu' produced by Roche, which has been shown to be useful in preventing the spread of the flu virus to those taking it when they come into contact with an infected person, Kaklamanis said that the larger part of the order would be in the government's hands between April and May next year.

He predicted that it was highly unlikely or even impossible that there would be an incident of the deadly avian flu affecting humans before that time.

The minister also revealed that Greece wanted to coordinate efforts outside the EU to prevent the spread of the disease in Balkan countries, during a meeting on this issue that will be held on November 15-19.

[05] Nat'l foreign policy council focuses on EU-Turkey ties, 'name issue'

ATHENS, 19/10/2005 (ANA)

The Council was convened following a request by the Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) party.

Afterwards, Molyviatis told reporters that he touched on Turkey's EU prospects by noting that the "commencement of accession negotiations between Turkey and the EU was achieved under conditions that fully ensure both Greece's and Cyprus' positions and goals".

Regarding last week's proposal by a UN mediator over a possible solution to the "name issue" still plaguing relations between Athens and Skopje, the Greek FM reiterated that the Greek side flatly rejected the proposal, while continuing to view the entire matter "calmly and responsibly".

On his part, former EU Commissioner Christos Papoutsis, a high-ranking main opposition PASOK cadre and deputy, cited what he called a lack of "insight, boldness and decisiveness" on the part of the government vis-�-vis major foreign policy challenges.

Nevertheless, Papoutsis said efforts to find consensus on foreign policy issues was a political choice for PASOK, although he clarified that "we cannot, however, speak of carte blanche or consensus to cover-up responsibilities in specific decisions."

Finally, he reiterated his party's support for Balkan countries' European prospects while again stressing that the "name issue" should be resolved under a mutually acceptable proposal envisioning a unified name, "with respect to cultural, historical and political elements of the region".

Former Synaspismos leader Nikos Constantopoulos stressed the need to avoid past mistakes in foreign policy issues, as well as to avoid petty partisan political battles on such matters.

He also said proposals envisioning possible referenda and threats to use Greece's veto power were "off-the-mark".

The Council is comprised of senior representatives of political parties represented in Parliament, along with high-ranking diplomats and academics. The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) has said it will not attend such meetings.

[06] US must help achieve goals set by Cyprus, Greek president says

NICOSIA, 19/10/2005 (ANA - N. Megadoukas)

Speaking during a visit to the Cypriot town of Paphos while on an official visit to Cyprus, Papoulias also criticised U.S. policy in general, saying that it "does not solve impasses but creates them".

"I therefore think, in fact I am convinced, that the U.S. should contribute to achieving the goals set by the Cypriot government with the absolute support of Greece," he added.

Papoulias was responding to questions regarding an invitation recently sent by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to Turkish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, who heads the illegal regime in the Turkish-occupied north of Cyprus. Rice and Talat are due to meet on October 28 in Washington.

Cyprus has been divided since Turkey invaded the north of the island in 1974, setting up a breakaway Turkish-Cypriot regime that is recognised only by Ankara and is supported by the continued presence of Turkish occupation troops. The invitation to Talat has incensed the Cyprus government, which believes it lends credence to the enclave's pretences at statehood.

[07] Reception hosted by Greek envoy in framework of Papoulias' visit to Cyprus

NICOSIA, 19/10/2005 (ANA/N. Megadoukas)

Presidernt Papoulias, accompanied by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, talked with all the guests attending the reception, the members of the Cypriot cabinet, political party leaders and representatives of the ecclesiastical, cultural and business worlds of Cyprus.

President Papoulias held brief meetings on the sidelines of the reception with the executive committee of the Union of Municipalities of Cyprus, the president of the island's Union of Communities, the mayors of occupied cities in Cyprus, representatives of Greek organisations and with women from the Missing Persons Committee.

He will be touring cities of Cyprus on Wednesday and he is expected back in Athens late in the evening.

[08] Deputy FM Valinakis underlines Greece's devotion for Cyprus solution

NICOSIA, ATHENS, 19/10/2005 (ANA/A. Viketos)

"Greece and Cyprus are devoted to these objectives and are closely cooperating," Valinakis said in an interview to the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC) TV network.

Valinakis said that "when some time ago others decided on the fate of Cyprus, the Republic of Cyprus today as member of the European Union took its fate in its own hands and jointly decides also on the fate of its broader region."

The Greek deputy foreign minister added that "all these things were neither a given fact, nor made by chance, but with a lot of work and effort and close cooperation between Athens and Nicosia."

He also said that Papoulas' visit "contributed and will contri-bute very much towards the common objectives."

Referring to Turkey's European prospects, Valinakis said that "Ankara is starting a marathon", adding that if it abides with all the criteria and the prerequisites which have been set, it has the right to become a member of the European Union.

[09] Deputy FM and Bulgarian public works minister discuss bilateral economic and political relations

ATHENS, 19/10/2005 (ANA)

The Greek deputy minister assured his Bulgarian colleague that Greece is ready for the opening of the new border corridor Drama-Bulgaria, requesting from his interlocutor to set an inauguration date. He also briefed him on positive developments regarding the vertical Ehinos-Elece and Nimfeas-Nagase road networks.

Stylianidis also called for Gagauzov's support for the intensifi-cation of the presence of Greek construction firms in the Bulgarian market.

[10] Gov't dismisses references to 'overall climate of scandal-mongering'

ATHENS, 19/10/2005 (ANA)

Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos first responded to the question by referring to a list released by Interior and Public Administration Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos, entitled "PASOK scandals in the 2001-2003 period". He merely noted that "when provoked, Mr. Pavlopoulos released the report."

Commenting on a question that cited an "overall climate of scandal-mongering", the spokesman countered that no major scandal has marred ruling New Democracy's rule since March 2004, only lesser issues that were dealt with immediately, and in some instances referred to the judiciary.

Moreover, he called the issue of thousands of public sector contract employees a bona fide "scandal" inherited from the previous government, one that was nevertheless resolved by the current government.

In criticising rival PASOK, Roussopoulos said the main opposition was simply "audaciously trying to create impressions", while at the same time listing off several cases involving the latter referred to Parliament or the courts.

In a more-or-less related line of questioning, Roussopoulos clarified that there is "no issue of a confrontation" between the government and mass media.

Additionally, he said he could not advise ministers or government officials on how to react to unsavoury or unfair press criticism. Roussopoulos' response came in reply to a question on whether government officials had been instructed to file lawsuits against detractors.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated development, the spokesman said Tuesday's Inner Cabinet meeting focused on regional development ahead of the 4th Community Support Framework (CSF) programme. He added that the issue of measures and precautions against Bird Flu was not discussed.

[11] PASOK's Parliamentary Group discusses land registry and public works

ATHENS, 19/10/2005 (ANA)

Rapporteur in both the topics was alternate coordinator Costas Spiliopoulos.

Regarding the land registry it was assessed that Minister of Environment, Town Planning and Public Works George Souflias "is completey following the institutional framework, the planning and methodology which was followed by the government of PASOK."

An extensive discussion took place on public works about which Papandreou said that PASOK "is interested in the quality of the works and the effectiveness in their construction," stressing, however, that "he will make note of any mistakes that are being made."

Papandreou asked of Spiliopoulos to start the procedure on which system PASOK will use for the assignment of public works "when it returns to government."

Spiliopoulos noted that for more than 50 per cent of the works, the contracts have not yet been signed.

Spiliopoulos also said that there "is a great crisis in the construction sector with dismissals having reached 50 to 60,000."

[12] Environment Ministry responds to PASOK comments concerning public works

ATHENS, 19/10/2005 (ANA)

The ministry's announcement said among other things:"We have repeatedly answered to inaccuracies which PASOK has announced. Today, we are compelled to also answer to inaccuracies which went out to the mass media with 'leaks'. It is completely inaccurate that 'the public works are stagnant due to the discounts and recourses'. The truth is that with the new law the discounts are on average 26.25 per cent, against the very low pre-agreed discounts of the dirty mathematical type, which took place at the expense of the Greek taxpayer and so much the Greek people paid!"

The announcement added:"From the start of 2005 until the present, that is, within 10 months, tenders have been made totalling 4.2 billion euros, against just 1.07 billion euros which was the average annual rate of works which were tendered in the whole of the decade of the PASOK governments from 1994-2003 (including the Olympic works). Today, that is, the rate of tendering of works is more than four times the rate of the previous decade of PASOK."

[13] Romanian ministers visit Greek public admin centre

ATHENS, 19/10/2005 (ANA)

They were briefed on the centre's activities and actions within and outside Greek borders, while the Romanian ministers expressed interest in cooperation to set up programmes for the training of senior civil servants and methodologies for discovering the training needs of Romania's public administration system.

The two sides also discussed the signing of a cooperation protocol between the Greek centre and its Romanian counterpart, within the framework of a memorandum signed on Monday by Greece and Romania for cooperation in public administration, regional development and migration issues.

[14] Army chief to visit Heidelberg

ATHENS, 19/10/2005 (ANA)

Douvas, along with his counterparts of European countries, will attend the 13th annual conference organised by the US Army, on the theme "The Armed Forces' role in confronting terrorism".

[15] European Commission issues final warnings to Greece, Italy and Spain on waters policy regulations

BRUSSELS, 19/10/2005 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)

The directive on waters determines a European framework on the protection of all water resources in the EU: rivers, lakes and coastal and subterranean waters. It aims at ensuring that all water resources will be of good quality by the year 2015.

[16] Greece's new US envoy Mallias holds informational meetings in NY

NEW YORK, 19/10/2005 (ANA/P. Panagiotou)

Mallias met with Greek Orthodox Archbishop Demetrios of America, members of the boards of the Federation of Greek Associations of New York, the PanMacedonian Association, the PanEpirote Federation, the PanArcadian Association, and other Greek American bodies.

Mallias stressed during his meetings that the moblisation of all the forces of the Greek community abroad was necessary on Hellenism's national issues and for continuation of the Greek language and heritage.

Mallias further met with Greek American journalists, and with NY-based correspondents from the mass media of Greece.

[17] Barroso says European Commission will ask for clarifications over imprisonment of Skopje Metropolitan Ioannis

BRUSSELS, 19/10/2005 (ANA)

As noted by Barroso, the European Commission, within the framework of its preparation of the proposal for the request on the part of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) to join the EU, will assess, among other criteria, the manner with which FYROM fulfills the above principles.

The European Commission, which is undergoing the procedure of a dialogue with the FYROM authorities, will make use of this opportunity to ask for clarifications and discuss further the matter of the imprisonment of Ioannis.

[18] Kosovo's future status needs to be addressed, US ambassador to Albania says

THESSALONIKI, 19/10/2005 (ANA)

Ries, who took up her post of ambassador in Tirana in 2004, said that Albania had adopted a constructive stance during the Kosovo crisis since the country resisted the use of violence.

Regarding minorities' rights in Albania, Ries cited recent statements by Foreign Minister Besnik Mustafaj regarding progress the Albanian government wishes to make in this area.

She also noted that joining the European Union and NATO are a core priority for Albania in terms of its foreign policy and said that she believed there was social consensus regarding economic and social reforms.

Ries pointed out that the US in cooperation with the EU are helping Albania to achieve stability.

As for the economy, she said that some progress has been made, but that the issues of poverty and unemployment need to be addressed, particularly in rural areas.

Among those attending the event were US Ambassador to Greece and Ries' husband, Charles Ries, Thessaloniki Prefect Panayiotis Psomiadis and Cypriot Consul in Thessaloniki Antonis Theocharous.

[19] Greek govt seeks to promote digital strategy

ATHENS, 19/10/2005 (ANA)

Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos, presenting his plans, stressed that the government was rapidly moving towards creating five large development regions and noted that a draft legislation would be unveiled in the next few days. Pavlopoulos underlined that the new legislation would be undermine the independence of local authorities, nor of administrative regions in the country, and said the previous government has made no preparatory work for the country to deal with the challenges of a Fourth Community Support Framework.

Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said many things have to change and stressed emphasis would be given to boost competitiveness, digital growth and protecting the environment.

Commenting on an Information Society programme, Pavlopoulos said the Prime Minister has given particular emphasis on the project and said that more projects would have been included in the programme during the 18 months of the new government than in the previous four years.

Alogoskoufis stressed that the programme would help create a more citizen-friendly state and a more competitive economy, adding that the government was seeking to boost the country's digital strategy. The Greek minister said a bird flu epidemic was mainly an issue relating with public health and stressed that any financial impact would be limited.

[20] Projects included in 'Information Society' operational programme will reach 100 pc of budget by end of year, FinMin says

ATHENS, 19/10/2005 (ANA)

The Inner Cabinet was briefed on the completion of planning for the "Information Society" operational programme by the end of 2005 and the implementation as of January 1, 2006, of the country's new Digital Strategy which will cover the 4th Programme Period of 2007-2013.

Alogoskoufis further said that, apart from acceleration, a considerable correction was made in the Programme's objective with a turn to digital service projects for daily services for citizens and businesses (electronic issuing of certificates, digital transactions, etc).

A total of 113 new projects have already been included which offer more than 40 digital services immediately noticeable to citizens until the completion of the Programme.

"At the end of 2005 planning for the Information Society's operational programme will close and emphasis will be placed on monitoring agencies to enable them to speedily implement the activities they have undertaken," the minister said.

The new Digital Strategy, which will be in the stage of public deliberation until the end of November, already includes more than 65 pratical and assessed activities, divided into six individual targets. The new digital strategy lays the foundations for the country's digital convergence in the framework of the 4th Programming Period.

[21] FinMin, central bank governor discuss Greek economy

ATHENS, 19/10/2005 (ANA)

Responding to reporters' questions after the meeting, Alogoskoufis said that there was no issue regarding Garganas' salary, which is determined in accordance with the bank's rules and regulations.

The minister also said that the European Commission has not expressed any objection to the creation of a unified fund for bank employees.

As for the Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation's (OTE) early retirement scheme, Alogoskoufis said that again the EU has not voiced any objections, since the ministry has clarified that OTE will pay 80% of the scheme's costs as opposed to 100% of the costs the state would otherwise have to pay.

[22] Central Bank governor presents interim monetary report

ATHENS, 19/10/2005 (ANA)

"It has already approved this method for other countries and why should it exclude Greece," he said and added that both his personal view and that of the European Central Banks is against conversions into securities, even for confirmed resources, because, as he said, they are temporary solutions and do not solve the problem.

"They might solve the problem for a year, but we will find it before us unless they are accompanied by the taking of substantive structural changes of a permanent character. We can see the method of conversion as a bridge until more permanent measures are taken," Garganas said.

He also clarified that "the Bank of Greece is not partial in favour of the one or the other class" and spoke of a distortion of the Bank of Greece's positions.

"What we propose is the restraining of salary increases, while in certain sectors the profit margins are very high, because this would have positive repercusions on inflation and growth," he said.

Garganas expressed disagreement with early pensioning because it burdens, as he said, the already burdened social insurance system, but he said he was in favour of the lifting of permanent status for newly-appointed employees. Asked about the voluntary retirement programme of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation, he said he was not aware of details and could not make an assessment.

He also placed emphasis on the growth rate, saying that "there is a slowdown" and spoke of "serious weaknesses in structural problems which remain in the economy. We have not touched them yet and they require attention."

Lastly, Garganas spoke of an unacceptable unemployment rate which continues to remain in the region of 10 percent and which is linked, as he said, to the inflexibilities of the Greek economy.

[23] Greece's absorption rate of EU funds satisfactory, Hubner says

BRUSSELS, 19/10/2005 (ANA/V. Demiris)

However, she voiced concern over the absorption rate of funds throughout the EU overall.

Speaking to journalists after meeting with Deputy Finance Minister Christos Folias ahead of her first official visit to Athens on Friday, Hubner said she was satisfied with Greek authorities' cooperation with EU agencies to overcome problems "that now belong to the past."

She also said that she supports the Greek government's plans to fund studies with funds from the Third Community Support Framework for projects that will be realised during the Fourth Framework.

Regarding Greek regions that qualify for EU funding, Hubner said that these cannot be changed under the Fourth Community Support Framework (CSF), but can be in the fifth framework.

Hubner also did not exclude the possibility of the EU compensating those affected by the floods in Evros, northern Greece.

According to Hubner, compensation may be approved in accordance with EU directives that apply to regions.

On his part, Folias said that the issue of creating certified and reliable systems for the monitoring of works was discussed, as was the issue of revising programmes and projects that fall under the Third Community Support Framework and are valued at � 700 million.

Regarding the reorganisation of Greek regions for the purpose of absorbing EU funds from the Fourth CSF, Folias said that Greece proposes that five of the 13 Greek regions be selected to monitor the design and execution of programmes.

During her visit to Athens, Hubner will meet with Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas, main opposition PASOK President George Papan-dreou, Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valynakis and Folias.

[24] Greek tourism promotes image of high quality destination

ATHENS, 19/10/2005 (ANA)

Addressing a conference on "Tourism and Development" organised by the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE), Liaskos said Greek tourism was promoting an international image of high quality destination with government strategy focusing on development, culture and environment.

The Greek minister said the government would soon issue a ministerial decree abolishing all geographic limitations in the building and expansion of four- and five-star hotels in the country. Tourism ministry also drafts new standards for the development of special forms of tourism, such as theme parks, sport training centres, etc.

Liaskos said the ministry would submit to parliament a draft legislation on spa tourism this month.

SETE presented a survey on "Analysing competitiveness indices of Greek tourist product compared with other tourism destinations". The survey showed that the vast majority of tourists visiting Greece expressed their satisfaction over the stay in the country, while only 5.0 percent said they were not satisfied with stay in Athens, 7.0 percent in Zakynthos and 4.0 pct in Heraclio, Crete.

The survey said there were no clear competitors for Greek travel destinations, with only 13 percent of tourists saying Barcelona and Rome were alternative solutions to Athens.

The survey said that traffic, congestion and lack of environmental care were the most negative characteristics of Greek tourism, while hospitability and friendliness were highly appreciated by foreign tourists.

SETE said average revenue per room rose by 47 percent from 2000 to 2004, while 66 percent of Greek hotels were low rated.

[25] Conde Nast Traveler readers choose Greece as favourite tourist destination

NEW YORK, 19/10/2005 (ANA/P. Panagiotou)

The award represents magazine readers' preference for Greece, and particularly Mykonos, as their favourite tourist destination in 2005.

"What's important is that after a delay of many years, we re-established relations with the American tourist market," Avramopoulos said after the ceremony.

"This year went well, but we expect things to improve even more over the next few years," he said.

The minister announced that the National Tourism Organisation (EOT) will be opening more branches in the US, while a special seminar targeting Greek-American tour operators and travel agents, will be held in New York in 2006.

Greece will also soon be launching its new advertising campaign.

Avramopoulos also participated in a seminar organised by Conde Nast Traveler, as keynote speaker.

"The objective of these contacts is to develop a broad promotional campaign for Greece throughout the US and to encourage US tour operators to open their doors to our country," he said.

Avramopoulos was accompanied on his two-day trip to New York by EOT President Aristidis Kalogeropoulos-Stratis and Hellenic Association of Travel and Tourist Agencies (HATTA) President Yiannis Evangelou.

[26] EU Energy Community Treaty to be signed in Athens

BRUSSELS, 19/10/2005 (ANA/V. Demiris)

The treaty provides for the expansion of the internal energy market to extend to the Balkans.

Countries signing the treaty on October 25 are: the EU, Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, FYROM, Serbia,Montenegro, Romania and the UN mission in Kosovo. Turkey is expected to sign by year-end.

At present, the treaty concerns cooperation in the electricity and natural gas sectors, with plans to extend cooperation to petrol, telecommunications, air transport and other fields in the future.

[27] Sioufas meets Bulgaria's regional development and public works minister

ATHENS, 19/10/2005 (ANA)

Following the meeting, Sioufas stated that "the Greek side ascertains with great satisfaction that also the new Bulgarian government is proceeding in the same direction of the historic agreement of April in Sofia between the governments of Russia, Bulgaria and Greece for the construction of such an impportant project between the two countries," adding that "we are continuing with all we have already agreed on."

Thus, the tripartite committee will convene in Greece in the first half of November, with a delay of 15 days, due to the fact that on October 25, the treaty for the creation of a Unified Energy Market in Southeast Europe will be signed in Athens.

On his part, Gagauzov said "we are here to confirm Bulgaria's great will for the construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline and, after the signing of the tripartite memorandum, to give the possibility to businesses to enter this plan for the construction of the oil pipeline to commence."

The Bulgarian minister expressed his gratitude towards Greece "for its support in our course towards the European Union."

INA promotes closer Balkan cooperation in telecommunications THESSALONIKI, 19/10/2005 (ANA

The heads of telecommunication regulation authorities in the Balkans are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding during their next conference, making a first step towards closer cooperation. The text of the memorandum will be drafted by the Institute of telecommunications and information research and studies in Southeastern Europe (INA), based in Thessaloniki.

INA will organise a round of semi-annual conferences of telecoms regulation authorities in the Balkans, aimed to chart progress in harmonising legislation and policies to European regulations. The institute will soon open an office in Sarajevo, after opening offices in Sofia, Tirana, Skopje, Belgrade and Podgorica.

These decisions were taken during a conference held in Thessaloniki, chaired by Greek Communication and Transport Deputy Minister Anastasios Nerantzis.

The Greek minister, in his address, presented the main characteristics of a new draft law on electronic communications in Greece, adding that the government was promoting new more austere measures aimed to protect citizens from electronic radiation.

[28] 13 Greek firms ranked among 500 fastest developing ones in Europe

ATHENS, 19/10/2005 (ANA)

These 500 firms include 13 Greek companies whose performance greatly exceeds the European 14 percent development average. Moreover, the 13 firms have created a total of 3,287 new jobs (an average of 253 jobs for each firm), increasing employment by 16 percent annually.

The highest Greek ranking, 25th place, was achieved by the Aloumyl Mylonas-Aluminium Industry SA company, which produces systems and aluminium industrial profiles and has created 1,133 new jobs, increasing its potential from 677 to 1,810 employees in three years.

[29] Eurostat publicises European Union inflation figures

BRUSSELS, 19/10/2005 (ANA/V. Demiris)

In the eurozone, inflation increased from 2.2 percent in August to 2.6 in September, while it was 2.1 a year ago. Inflation among the "25" increased from 2.2 percent in August to 2.5 in September, while a year ago it was 2.1.

In September, the lowest inflation percentages were recorded in Sweden and Finland (1.1 percent each), the Netherlands (1.7) and Poland (1.8). On the other hand, the highest percentages were recorded in Latvia (7.4 percent), Estonia (4.9), Luxembourg (4.7) and Greece and Spain (3.8 each).

[30] Electricite de France (EDF) to invest � 500m in wind parks in Greece within the next three years

ATHENS, 19/10/2005 (ANA)

EDF plans to invest � 500m in three years building and operating wind parks, which implies a total targeted nominal capacity of c.500MW.

The first 36MW wind park will be initiated this week in East Peloponnisos.

The French group is expected to intensify the domestic competition in the renewable energy sector - a sector, which is expected to boom at least for the next five years.

[31] Greek enterprises participate in Skopje int'l fair

SKOPJE, 19/10/2005 (ANA)

It is the first Greek participation in this particular trade fair. Tehnoma is an international metallurgical and building materials' fair that will close its gates on Oct. 22.

The Greek participation is organized by Thessaloniki Trade Fair SA. A TIF announcement said "this year's presence in Skopje underlines TIF's attention to specialized exhibitions in the face of a crisis in the exhibition sector in Europe".

[32] Greek stocks end slightly higher

ATHENS, 19/10/2005 (ANA)

The composite index rose 0.01 pct to end at 3,340.90 points, with turnover a low 181.8 million euros.

The Textiles (2.42 pct), Publications (1.37 pct), Construction (1.13 pct) and Wholesale (0.60 pct) sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day, while the IT Solutions (1.20 pct), Retail (0.73 pct), Refineries (0.60 pct) and Food-Beverage (0.22 pct) suffered losses.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 0.08 pct, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index rose 0.04 pct and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 1.06 pct higher.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 183 to 86 with another 57 issues unchanged.