Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-10-31

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

CONTENTS

[01] Actions against Patriarchate also target Turkey's EU course, Patriarch says

[02] European Left congress ends with appeal against EU's neoliberal priorities

[03] 1st 'European Left' party Congress begins in Athens with speeches by Alavanos and Bertinotti and greeting by Theodorakis

[04] Papariga slams European Left Party at KKE conference

[05] President Papoulias and PM Karamanlis receive in succession European Left leaders

[06] PM Karamanlis holds talks with ministers Sioufas and Pavlopoulos

[07] Parliament debate on Greek foreign policy Monday

[08] KKE Secretary Papariga says party's strategy for youth 'is of utmost importance'

[09] Greeks disapprove of sensationalist reporting, polls show

[10] Sioufas hails Eurodeputies' resolution for one-euro banknote

[11] Results of tests on bird flu prove negative

[12] Meeting in Naples on 'The Mediterranean'; message by Deputy Culture Minister Tatoulis

[13] '5th International Week of Italian Language' held at Athens University amphitheatre

[14] Three men arrested for trafficking illegal immigrants

[15] Police seize 82 kilos of cannabis in northern Greece

[16] Results of the Greek first division soccer championship matches played over the weekend:

[17] Greece to host world school sport events in 2006

[18] Papadopoulos: US invitation to Talat promotes divisive tendencies

[19] Holy Synod to meet Thursday

[01] Actions against Patriarchate also target Turkey's EU course, Patriarch says

ISTANBUL, 31/10/2005 (ANA/A.Kourkoulas)

"They (Turkish nationalists) are not only targeting the Ecumenical Patriarchate and minorities as a first impression shows. The target is Turkey's European prospect and course. The target is Turkey's prime minister himself, who dynamically wants to bring the country within the European Union," the Patriarch told Greek pilgrims.

"Along with the pleasant start of Turkey's accession talks, there is the revival of nationalism and fanaticism among certain circles here, something which is completely unfit and incompatible with the road our country has just started and which leads to Brussels," he added.

Vartholomeos also expressed hope that Turkey will "belong at last to the great family of European civilized peoples, which will be for the benefit of the Turkish people and will resolve all pending issues pertaining to our Greek community."

Late on Sunday afternoon, the Patriarch was contacted by Greek main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou, who conveyed his "unstinting support" to Vartholomeos over the phone and repeated PASOK's positions concerning the issues of the Patriarchate.

The incidents in Phanar were also commented on by Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece, the head of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Greece, who stressed that there was no reason for disappointment or dismay.

"The place of the Ecumenical Patriarchate has been there for the past 17 centuries. Therefore, no one has the right to drive out the Ecumenical Patriarchate from its historic seat. And this is a truth confirmed by time and history. We are at the side of the Patriarch and we defend justice and truth," Christodoulos stressed.

Roughly 200 people marched outside the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Phanar on Friday, kicking off a campaign to have the patriarchate transferred to Greece.

[02] European Left congress ends with appeal against EU's neoliberal priorities

ATHENS, 31/10/2005 (ANA)

Addressing the 400 delegates from 17 European parties that attended the congress, Synaspismos leader Alekos Alavanos stressed that those gathered in Athens would leave with an awareness that "all of us from the new Left, communist, labor parties, from the progressive ecological and socialist forces, are members of the same party".

He said that the delegates, armed with the resolutions and political decisions made in Athens should return and put these into action in their societies - the jobless, socially excluded, young people and others - "and fight alongside all those with whom we can change Europe".

In a message immediately after his re-election, meanwhile, Bertinotti stressed the need to create a new force of the Left in Europe in order to give European societies a real alternative.

He emphasized the necessity for a power that will be the most radical expression of opposition to the right, a power that would be a challenge to reformists, while he also called for further expansion of the European Left.

The Athens Declaration underlined that the European Union is in crisis because of the neoliberal choices that "are made in Brussels and which are also the policies of national governments." It appeals for a "convergence of movements and leftist political forces fighting to reverse these priorities and the policies adopted up to this time."

It also pledges to fight against unemployment, social exclusion and job insecurity and calls for an immediate reassessment of the EU budget and fiscal policies, stressing that the ECB should be at the service of employment and growth that targets the less development EU nations.

Finally, the Athens Declaration expresses the Left's opposition to current policies for immigration that "are dominated by police and anti-terrorist measures".

[03] 1st 'European Left' party Congress begins in Athens with speeches by Alavanos and Bertinotti and greeting by Theodorakis

ATHENS, 31/10/2005 (ANA)

The Congress' sessions began on Saturday morning and will conclude on Sunday afternoon.

In a greeting to the congress, Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis underlined that "the Left lost the war in Europe without giving a fight." Wanting to stress the problems currently faced by the left-wing forces in Europe, he underlined:" The Left abandoned the masses of working people, thought and culture to the mercy of the policy of its political rivals, believing that through denouncements, the wheel of history would stop. In essence, it went out of life, believing that through its passive stance it would stop life."

Theodorakis said that the task of the congress is very difficult, noting that "he who will succeed will be the one who analyses and contributes to the modern world which is running at an electronic pace."

In his introductory speech, President of the European Left Party Fausto Bertinotti said:" There is an historic need which is becoming all the more apparent: the need for the creation of an alternative society." He added:" The movements are very intensely aware of this and have expressed it with the slogan 'Another world is feasible'."

Bertinotti said:" In view of this, a new historic need arises for an alternative society. Europe is called upon to play a protagonist role in this effort. Not the current Europe, but another one. A Europe which bases democracy in its role in the world and on its different economic and social system."

Opening the sessions of the congress, Synaspismos leader Alekos Alavanos recognized the difficulties, underlining that "exactly because the difficulties are great, because we have not reached Athens walking quietly in a peaceful meadow, but we passed and are passing through inaccessible and remote landscapes, with seismic realignments in the global Left movement, with many times internal differences, friction and quests, our undertaking is great, it is pioneering, it is valuable."

According to Alavanos, the Left is re-emerging dynamically in the limelight, propping a new political object, that of the European Left Party, "to convincingly and affectively answer, with alternative and radical proposals in the modern challenges of globalization."

[04] Papariga slams European Left Party at KKE conference

ATHENS, 31/10/2005 (ANA)

Referring to the 1st Congress of the European Left organized in Athens over the weekend by the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology - the only other left-wing party in Greece's Parliament - Papariga claimed that the European Left "consciously and through choice plays the role of undermining a radicalism that exists, in becoming stronger and can become stronger still in the future".

Focusing on the congress' motto "Yes, we can change Europe", KKE's general secretary underlined that this "other Europe" would not be essentially different from the present model of capitalist European unification.

In a stinging critique on the European Left as a whole, Papariga said that their main body and based in opportunism dressed-up in 'revolutionary' slogans.

"It is not social democratic reformism. These are forces that arose from the ranks of the Communist movement and denied the scientific theory of Socialism. Therefore, you cannot judge them in the same way as forces that break away from (Greece's centre-leftist main opposition PASOK) and (ruling centre-right) New Democracy....It is a different class of problem," she added, calling for a stronger ideological front against

[05] President Papoulias and PM Karamanlis receive in succession European Left leaders

ATHENS, 31/10/2005 (ANA)

Accompanied by the host of the Congress, Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) leader Alekos Alavanos, the representatives of the European Left had cordial talks with Papoulias and Karamanlis who wished them every success in the sessions of their Congress.

Welcoming the European Left leaders, the President of the Republic noted that "we all have the need for a renewal of ideas and maybe from another European policy."

Papoulias added that "Europe must have the courage to oppose aggressive policies which lead nowhere."

[06] PM Karamanlis holds talks with ministers Sioufas and Pavlopoulos

ATHENS, 31/10/2005 (ANA)

In the coming days, Sioufas will travel to Italy to sign the agreement for the under-sea natural gas pipeline which will link the two countries.

On Monday, a meeting will be held in Parliament on foreign policy.

[07] Parliament debate on Greek foreign policy Monday

ATHENS, 31/10/2005 (ANA)

The off-the-agenda debate was requested by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, who will open it. Opposition party leaders are to follow.

The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) name issue, upcoming developments relating to the status of Kosovo, Greek-Turkish relations after the opening of Turkey's EU accession talks in early October, as well as the Cyprus issue will be on the agenda.

[08] KKE Secretary Papariga says party's strategy for youth 'is of utmost importance'

ATHENS, 31/10/2005 (ANA)

Papariga said that that the KKE "must work with planning, for the rejuvenation of the party's lines and agencies with new blood from the working class and the other popular strata."

She noted that "in order to respond to the obligation to act" for the youth, "we must readjust, taking into account the long experience which the Party has and mainly that there are developments and new problems in approaching the youth." She added that "the same applies for the ideological and political guidance and help to KNE (the KKE's youth organization)."

The conference, which is being held at the party's headquarters in the Athens district of Perissos, comes to a close on Sunday.

[09] Greeks disapprove of sensationalist reporting, polls show

ATHENS, 31/10/2005 (ANA)

According to the V-PRC poll appeared in the "Sunday Eleftherotypia", 71 per cent of Greeks consider that many 'current affairs' programs and certain TV news programs run to sensationalism in order to boost ratings, as opposed to 13 per cent who believe that reporting is objective.

Nearly half (44 per cent) of Greeks believe that the methods used by journalists violate constitutional and human rights, while the overwhelming majority (74 per cent) believe that private television serves chiefly "the business interests of channel owners".

The Alco poll published in the newspaper "Proto Thema on Sunday" found that 80 per cent of public opinion believed that scandals should be revealed in full, even if this might lead to excess in some cases.

In favor of the full revelation of scandals were 80.3 percent of ruling New Democracy (ND) supporters and 79.3 percent of main opposition PASOK supporters.

Finally, 62.7 percent consider that the government and the prime minister are not taking action against corruption, while 52.9 percent consider the government's handling to be wrong.

[10] Sioufas hails Eurodeputies' resolution for one-euro banknote

ATHENS, 31/10/2005 (ANA)

The fact that such a large number of European Parliament deputies have noted the lack of a one- and two-euro banknote, as well as the repercussions that this absence has on a full appreciation of the currency's value and on the normal operation of markets and price levels, is an important event that will put "creative pressure" on European agencies and the European Central Bank, Sioufas said in a press release.

The minister also highlighted individual points raised in the introduction and the resolution, such as the possible advantages for inflation and consumers, especially when the single currency was adopted by the new EU member-states.

"The top priority should be the interests of European citizens and consumers and not the operating costs of the ECB," Sioufas stressed, while noting that the euro would be badly served if it were allowed to become devalued because of "incomprehensible tactics based on purely technocratic criteria."

"I believe that the ECB must reassess its position, because it is our conviction that banknotes of one and two euros are needed for the smooth operation of markets and as a means to fight high prices," the minister concluded.

[11] Results of tests on bird flu prove negative

ATHENS, 31/10/2005 (ANA)

The results came both from the Community Laboratory of Reference on Bird Flu (Weybridge of Great Britain) and from the Thessaloniki National Laboratory of Reference.

In view of the results, the measures which had been imposed regarding H5 have been lifted as of Saturday.

[12] Meeting in Naples on 'The Mediterranean'; message by Deputy Culture Minister Tatoulis

NAPLES, 31/10/2005 (ANA)

The aim of the meeting was to examine problems related with the cultural heritage of the Mediterranean and to project the work being carried out by the "ANSAmed" service of the Italian News Agency, which was inaugurated one and a half years ago by the Italian News Agency for the purpose of exchanging information with news agencies from the Mediterranean.

The meeting was opened by the president of the International Scientific Committee of the "Mediterranean Foundation" Predrag Matvejevic.

A major part of the meeting was dedicated to cultural cooperation in the Mediterranean, while the opportunity was given to representatives of other countries to refer to their own experiences. Greek Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis, in a message conveyed on his behalf by Greek General Consul in Naples Eleni Livaditou, referred to the programs concerning the preservation of cultural heritage "having as an objective the promotion of relations and bonds which unite us."

Tatoulis added in his message that "today, the Greek Culture Ministry is undertaking excavations, preservation projects, the shaping and promotion of the cultural heritage of the Mediterranean in Egypt and Cyprus, where we have a permanent mission, Albania and Syria, while in 2006 it is expected that a meeting will be held in Greece of culture ministers of the Mediterranean."

The Greek general consul also addressed the meeting concerning the Mediterranean in antiquity, noting that it had been far more globalized in ancient times than it was today. She also stressed the huge contribution that Greek civilization had made in laying the foundations of the modern world but also in the development of dialogue in the area of the Mediterranean, both in antiquity and in the modern age, through the process that began with the Barcelona Declaration.

The Athens News Agency was represented by its managing director Nikolas Voulelis and the Cyprus News Agency by acting General Director Georgios Penintaex.

[13] '5th International Week of Italian Language' held at Athens University amphitheatre

ATHENS, 31/10/2005 (ANA)

According to an Italian Embassy press release issued on Thursday, Ambassador of Italy in Athens, Gian Paolo Cavarai, hosted at his Residence a piano concert performed by maestro Stefano Ragni, professor of music at the "University for Foreigners" of Perugia, followed by an exhibition of the Flag Throwers Group "Sbandieratori" of Gubbio.

The exhibition was meant to make aware to the Greek guests of a cultural tradition that goes back to the medieval epoque when Italy was formed by a large number of self ruled Communities.

[14] Three men arrested for trafficking illegal immigrants

ATHENS, 31/10/2005 (ANA)

Border guards of the Didimotiho and Soufli sections arrested the three men on the 23rd kilometer of the Didimotiho-Alexandroupoli national highway, who transported the 15 illegal immigrants in three private cars, at a cost, with the purpose of transporting them into the interior of the country.

All will be led before the Orestiada public prosecutor.

[15] Police seize 82 kilos of cannabis in northern Greece

ATHENS, 31/10/2005 (ANA)

As announced by the Pella Police Department in northern Greece, at 00:30 at dawn Saturday, two foreigners were arrested at the Mavrovounio junction of the Thessaloniki-Edessa highway. They were transporting 81.995 kilos of processed cannabis in 79 packages in a crypt of the FYROM number plate truck.

A third foreigner was arrested in Thessaloniki who was an accomplice of the other two men.

The culprits will be led before the public prosecutor.

[16] Results of the Greek first division soccer championship matches played over the weekend:

ATHENS, 31/10/2005 (ANA)

Kallithea Athens - Akratitos Athens 2-0

Ionikos Piraeus - OFI Crete 1-1

Iraklis Thessaloniki - Levadiakos Livadia 2-0

Atromitos Athens - Egaleo Athens 0-0

Xanthi - Larissa 1-0

Panathinaikos Athens - PAOK Thessaloniki 1-0

Panionios Athens - AEK Athens (Match to be played on Monday Oct. 31)

The point standings after eight weeks of play:

Xanthi 19, Olympiakos 18, A�� 14 (seven matches played), Panathinaikos 14, PAOK 12, Atromitos 12, Egaleo 11, Iraklis 10, Larissa 9, Levadiakos 9, OFI 9, Panionios 8 (seven matches played), Ionikos 8, Apollon Kalamaria 8, Akratitos 5 and Kallithea 4.

[17] Greece to host world school sport events in 2006

ATHENS, 31/10/2005 (ANA)

According to a Culture Ministry press release on Saturday, the press conference will be held at the Education and Religious Affairs Ministry and speakers will include Education Minister Marietta Yiannakou, Deputy Education Minister George Kalos and Deputy Culture Minister responsible for sport George Orfanos.

The economic support of this major event, the games of which will be held in Athens and Thessaloniki from June 26 to July 3, 2006, has been undertaken by the Sports Under secretariat and the Education Ministry.

Taking part in the games will be about 4,000 to 5,000 athletes from all over the world.

The opening ceremony will take place at the Panathenian Stadium on June 27.

[18] Papadopoulos: US invitation to Talat promotes divisive tendencies

NICOSIA, 31/10/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking on his return from Thursday's European Union informal summit, he also said that UN Secretary General himself will decide how and when he will continue his initiative towards a settlement, adding that before the end of the year Kofi Annan will send to the island his envoys.

Papadopoulos pointed out that when Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat speaks about a solution in Cyprus he means the return of a UN-proposed plan, rejected by the overwhelming majority of the Greek Cypriots and approved by the Turkish Cypriots.

"The US move promotes divisive tendencies instead of bringing about reunification. Furthermore, it creates hope that the occupation regime could possibly be upgraded to a separate legal entity. Such moves do not help either the effort for a solution or the island's reunification, on the contrary they consolidate divisive objectives of the occupation regime," Papadopoulos said.

Talat met on Friday with Condoleezza Rice at the State Department, a move welcomed by his regime and Ankara and criticized by Cyprus.

"What Talat means when he is talking about a solution and reunification is to have the Annan plan come back, something we believe will lead to neither of these goals," the president said.

Responding to questions about UN moves to resume negotiations, he said Annan "will decide when and how he will carry on with his initiative."

"All indications are that the Secretary General had some thoughts about certain steps, I stress, steps but this does not mean talks. Whether he continues to think along this line, I am not in a position to know," he said, adding that before the end of the year Anna will send to Cyprus his envoys.

On allegations by Talat about "ill treatment of Turkish Cypriots" by Greek Cypriots, he said there is one specific case before the Courts but he knew of no maltreatment of Turkish Cypriots.

"Reports of ill treatment of Greek Cypriots are far more," he concluded.

[19] Holy Synod to meet Thursday

NICOSIA, 31/10/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Several members of the Synod have already talked to the Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos about the matter, who in turn has extended an invitation to all the members of the Synod for a meeting in Istanbul on November 10.

The Patriarch has said he expects all members of the Holy Synod to participate in the meeting.

The Acting primate of the Church of Cyprus said he explained to the Patriach his positions, saying that the Holy Synod had decided by majority vote not to hold elections for a new Archbishop.

The political leadership has called for an end to the difficulties created by the three-year old absence of the Archbishop from his religious duties because of illness but also stressed that the Church of Cyprus is Autocephalous.

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