Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-11-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] January ECOFIN meeting to decide on Greek debt securitization plan

[02] Opposition parties raise criticism over budget

[03] Athens: Incident causing president's cancellation of talks in Albania considered 'closed'

[04] Committees for reform of Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code set up

[05] Legislation on cyber crime, child porn in the wings

[06] Gov't comments on Constitutional revision

[07] Cypriot ambassador to UN

[08] PM briefed by public works minister

[09] PM meets Macedonia-Thrace minister

[10] PM confers with ruling ND party secretary

[11] Greek, French officials discuss stepped up defense sector cooperation

[12] Defense ministry counters opposition criticism over F-16 deal

[13] Parliament gives 'go ahead' for bill establishing Medical Ethics Code

[14] President Karolos Papoulias receives Popular Orthodox Rally party leader George Karatzaferis

[15] KKE deputy Patsilinakos resigns to seek mayor's post in Perama

[16] SYN leader, Austrian ambassador discuss EU developments, foreign policy issues

[17] Coalition party member meets Chinese Communist Party delegation

[18] Ecumenical Patriarch visits 'Economist' HQ in London

[19] Deputy FM meets with Japanese ambassador

[20] Communist Youth of Greece group honors 88th anniversary of October Revolution

[21] Gov't launches new scheme to employ young jobless

[22] GSEE denounces national collective labor agreement

[23] 'We have exceeded all expectations', tourism minister says

[24] Greece and Italy to sign agreement for natgas pipeline Friday

[25] Greek exports to Bulgaria might exceed one billion euros in value this year

[26] Main opposition launches price-watch campaign

[27] Gov't rejects opposition criticism over consumer price checks

[28] European gas transport firms begin Athens conference

[29] Trade group sees room for economic growth between Greece, Cyprus

[30] Car importers seek deregulation for diesel-powered vehicles

[31] Piraeus Bank to expand activities in US market

[32] Greek real estate market to be promoted during D�sseldorf conference

[33] Raycap of Greece gets energy deal from Schlumberger

[34] Attica bank workers to stage 24-hour strike Nov 8

[35] EU members slow in implementing industrial pollution law; Commission finds

[36] 'Solidarity' sends humanitarian aid to quake-stricken Pakistan

[37] Drunken youths black former minister's eye for 'bad' parking

[38] Military judge arrested for drug possession

[39] Greek resistance fighters honored at Russian embassy

[40] Archbishop briefs Synod on Christian-Moslem cooperation in Xanthi

[41] Ex-pat discovers new diagnostic tool for breast cancer metastasis

[42] Annual conference of European Patent Office to be held in Athens from November 23-24

[43] Inhabitants of Crete most talkative in Greece, survey shows

[44] Greece and China sign cooperation memorandum on Olympic security

[45] Angelopoulos-Daskalaki discusses benefits of 2004 Athens Games at Harvard

[46] Ambassador Vassilakis says 'UN and Olympic Movement are natural allies'

[47] French Senate President: EU must be stricter as regards Cyprus issue

[48] Cypriot and French FMs discuss Cyprus and other European issues

[49] Cyprus President sees differentiation of US stance on Annan plan

[01] January ECOFIN meeting to decide on Greek debt securitization plan

An ECOFIN council meeting in January will decide on a Greek government plan for a debt securitization, Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters, the Greek minister said this year's debt securitization programme would total 1.5 billion euros, from 1.8 billion euros initially planned. The government would also cut its debt securitization programme for 2006 to 1.0 billion euros from a 2.0 billion initial forecast.

Alogoskoufis said the revenue gap from a reduced debt securitization programme this year and in 2006 would be covered by spending cuts and higher budget revenues. He noted that privatization revenues would total 1.6 billion euros next year and reiterated that the government would not introduce any new tax measures.

Alogoskoufis said that the government submitted with the European Union its fiscal progress report, envisaging measures to cut the country's fiscal deficit below 3.0 percent of GDP by the end of next year.

The report envisages that a 6.6 pct fiscal deficit in 2004 will be reduced to 3.6 pct this year and to 2.6 pct of GDP in 2006. The Greek minister noted the four percentage points cut in the country's fiscal deficit would be mainly the result of structural measures -of permanent nature- totalling 3.5 percentage points.

Alogoskoufis said it would be the first time that Greece reduced its fiscal deficit below 3.0 percent of GDP and reiterated the government's goal to cut public spending and to combat tax evasion.

[02] Opposition parties raise criticism over budget

Main opposition political parties are raising criticism over a government's draft budget plan for 2006, ahead of a debate in parliament this month.

PASOK main opposition party deputy Vasso Papandreou on Thursday accused the government of failing to present an "honest and credible budget". "We noted that a draft budget plan for 2006 was not well-based. Today, Economy and Finance Minister withdrew its plan, but the worse for workers, pensioners and the country is that he plans to submit a new budget plan," Papandreou said, adding that the government intended to introduce new measures that would hit workers and pensioners and lead the economy into recession. She predicted of a very harsh winter for Greek workers.

"Mr Alogoskoufis did not inform us over budget changes recommended by the European Commission, although he insists, partially, on a debt securitization plan awaiting for a green light by an ECOFIN meeting in January," Papandreou said.

PASOK deputy G. Floridis questioned the ability of Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis to head the ministry. "Things have gone worse for Mr Alogoskoufis," he said.

Coalition of the Left party deputy Panagiotis Lafazanis said a "fiscal progress presented by Mr Alogoskoufis was fake". The government with its new budget is preparing for new harder attack against low incomes combined with a new tax assault, Lafazanis noted.

An Economy and Finance ministry announcement, issued in response to criticism, said PASOK was continuing a strategy of misinformation in an effort to create a climate in insecurity and confusion to citizens. The ministry defended its policies and reiterated it was moving steadily towards restructuring the Greek economy.

[03] Athens: Incident causing president's cancellation of talks in Albania considered 'closed'

Athens on Thursday said it considered an incident on Tuesday that led to the cancellation of President Karolos Papoulias' informal meeting with his Albanian counterpart in a southern Albanian town as a "closed issue".

A foreign policy spokesman made the statement after noting that Greece's ambassador to Tirana met on Wednesday with the Albanian foreign minister to discuss the sudden development.

Moreover, spokesman George Koumoutsakos reiterated Athens' standing commitment to constantly improving bilateral relations with the neighboring state.

"We believe that this is also the volition of the Albanian side, particularly at a time when the neighboring country is looking forward to an intensification of its relations with the European Union," he said, while stressing that relations between countries are not dictated by the actions of extremists.

Asked about the conditions that led to Papoulias' hasty departure from Albania, Koumoutsakos reminded that "respect of democratic values and freedom of expression comprise a basic tenet of democracy and European values and principles, especially for a country such as Greece, which not respects these principles but also wants its neighbors, and of course, the countries desiring EU membership to respect these."

[04] Committees for reform of Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code set up

Justice Minister Anastasis Papaligouras on Thursday reiterated the government's determination to proceed with catharsis in the justice sector, adding that there would be no prior warning of prosecution action.

The government and the independent justice were unanimous that the process of catharsis must proceed, and the effort would succeed, Papaligouras said, speaking to reporters after a meeting with prime minister Costas Karamanlis, which was also attended by Prof. Nikos Androulakis and honorary Areios Paghos (Greek supreme court) prosecutor Evangelos Kroustalakis, who have been appointed to head two ad hoc committees on reform of the Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code respectively.

"We will be successful in this big task," the minister said.

Papaligouras added that justice must be restored, the law must be respected, and the citizens' confidence in the judiciary must also be restored.

Asked to comment on press reports that he was being pressured by various quarters, the minister replied: "It leaves me indifferent. We will proceed with success".

Kroustalakis, replying to press questions, said he had full confidence in the Areios Pagos president (Dimitris Linos) and its prosecutor (Romylos Kedikoglou) and in the competent bodies of justice, noting that they had progressed well in their task.

He further voiced his "support for the self-catharsis being conducted by the justice sector itself".

Commenting on the meeting, Papaligouras said that Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis had wanted to meet himself with the chairmen of the two committees in order to underline the importance placed by the government in the reform of the two codes, and to wish them every success in their "difficult and historic task".

The justice minister explained that the two Codes had been enacted into law 55 years ago, and were outdated in many instances, and consequently an effort would be made, through their reform, that they will correspond to the new conditions and what taking place in Europe.

He said that task being undertaken by the two committees was "arduous and enviable", and noted that participating in the committees were important personalities from the legal field, such as academics, judges and lawyers.

Androulakis, who chairs the reform committee for the Penal Code, said that efforts had also been made in the past to reform the Penal Code, but added that those efforts had been limited to "patchwork" solutions, whereas now an effort was being made for its comprehensive revision from the start.

Kroustalakis, who chairs the reform committee for the Criminal Procedure Code, said it was a difficult task, adding that he was fully aware of the difficulties, but expressed optimism that the committee would successfully complete its task.

The target, Kroustalakis said, was speedy criminal justice with full respect of the rights of the accused and the rights emanating from the Human Rights Charter.

[05] Legislation on cyber crime, child porn in the wings

Justice Minister Anastasios Papaligouras on Thursday told Parliament that his ministry is preparing a draft bill to combat cyber crime and to protect children from human-traffickers, prostitution and child pornography.

Responding to a question put by ruling New Democracy MP Ioannis Ioannidis, Papaligouras said the new law would impose severe penalties and heavy fines on those dealing in child porn, while the bill will also address issues relating to the legal and psychological protection of the victims.

These penalties will be even more severe when the pornographic material is disseminated over the Internet, the minister said.

For example, dealing in child pornography will be punishable by up to one year's imprisonment and fines ranging from � 10,000-� 100.000. The same offences using the Internet or computers will be punishable with at least two years imprisonment and fines of � 50,000-� 100,000.

For those engaged in child pornography 'habitually' or as a profession, meanwhile, the law imposes even harsher penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines of � 50,000-� 100,000. This rises to a minimum sentence of 10 years jail and fines of � 100,000-� 500,000 in cases when severe bodily harm is caused as a result of producing the pornographic material.

The draft bill will also introduce measures designed to protect the victims of child pornography from public exposure and psychological duress.

Victims will be automatically assigned a lawyer to represent them, while the law will also provide for the psychiatric diagnosis and treatment of both the victim and the perpetrator. In addition, the statute of limitations is suspended throughout the period when the victim is underage, while the victim is not required to appear in court and can testify on video.

The law will also forbid the publication of incidents that might reveal the victim's identity.

[06] Gov't comments on Constitutional revision

The government spokesman on Thursday reminded of the government's pre-election statement, namely, that the establishment of private non-profit universities necessitates a Constitution revision.

Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos added that the issue of a standing ban on Parliament deputies from exercising their profession while in office has not been discussed within the government framework.

Greece supports Black Sea rapprochement with Europe, Sofia forum told SOFIA, 04.11.05 (ANA B. Borisov)

As the only member of Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) that was also a member-state of the European Union, Greece would like to become the 'engine' that will power the rapprochement of Black Sea countries with Europe, an international forum in Sofia was told on Thursday by the head of an influential Greek think-tank.

According to the president of the Greek Union for Atlantic and European Cooperation Theodosios Georgiou, Greece was fully aware that economic growth and cooperation were necessary conditions for achieving security, stability and peace.

He pointed out that Greece had made every effort in order to bring BSEC countries closer to Europe during its recent presidency of the BSEC and had actively supported a policy of good neighborly relations between the EU and Black Sea countries.

Georgiou was speaking at an international conference on increasing maritime safety in the Black Sea attended by politicians and officials from countries in the region, NATO, the EU and other international organizations.

The two-day conference ended on Thursday with a call for coordinated measures against terrorism and organized crime in the Black Sea, saying they were vital to an increase in security in this sensitive zone, and for mutual trust and cooperation between NATO, Russia, the Ukraine and other Black Sea countries.

Greek, Cyprus ambassadors to UN stress Turkish violations of human rights in Cyprus

NEW YORK, 04.11.05 (ANA Panagiotou)

No comprehensive, functional and viable solution to the Cyprus problem can be achieved without the withdrawal of all foreign troops form the island, the reaffirmation of the just state, and the implementation of the rules of protection of human rights, and the international community needed to do everything it could to win that wager, Greece's permanent representative to the United Nations, ambassador Nikos Matsis, said Wednesday, addressing the UN 60th General Assembly's Third Committee on the theme "Human Rights Issues, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms".

"As in the past, our intervention refers exclusively to the human rights situation in Cyprus. The heads of state and government, when they met in New York for the summit meeting, reaffirmed our devotion to the UN Charter, to a world order based on international law and on the protection and advancement of human rights, the just state and democracy. The also acknowledged that these principles comprise interconnected and mutually reinforcing elements of the universal and indivisible fundamental values and principles of the UN," Matsis said.

He said that as long as a large section of Cyprus' territory remained under the control of the Turkish armed forces, "this commitment, as well as the relevant resolutions of the UN and the European Court of Human Rights, cannot be implemented in Cyprus".

The military invasion and subsequent occupation of 37 percent of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus by Turkey led to constant violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Cyprus, including violations of the rights of the displaced persons, the rights of the enclaved persons in the occupied northern sector of Cyprus, the rights of the relatives of the missing persons, and the loss of ownership of the legal proprietors, as pointed out in the relevant reports by the UN secretary general and the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights, he said, adding that "this fact causes intense concern in my country".

He further expressed "serious concern" over the human rights of the enclaved in the northern sector of Cyprus given that, of the 20,000 Greek Cypriots who chose to remain in their ancestral homes, in the occupied area, following the Turkish invasion, fewer than 522 had managed to remain there.

He said the European Court of Human Rights, in its ruling vis-a-vis the case of Cyprus vs. Turkey of May 10, 2001, found Turkey guilty of 14 violations of the European Convention on Human Rights, adding that seven of those violations concerned the living conditions of the enclaved Greek Cypriots and were related to freedom of thought, expression, conscience and religion, the right to education, the right to peaceful enjoyment of proprietorship, and the right of respect of the private and family life.

"Acknowledging the recent positive measures taken by the occupation regime regarding the operation of a Greek-language school of higher education in the occupied sector, we stress that there are still very many things that must be done," he said, adding that "Turkey must enact the said resolution and restore the fundamental human rights of the enclaved".

Matsis said that, with the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the occupation forces displaced nearly one third of the island's population from their ancestral homes and denied them the right to return and to peacefully enjoy the rights of their proprietorship.

In the case of Loizidou vs. Turkey (1996, 1998), the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Turkey, as an occupation force, was responsible for the loss of proprietorship by the legal owner, he said, adding that this had been reaffirmed in the ensuing rulings, the most recent being that of the case of Xenides-Arestes of April 2005.

In that framework, the Greek envoy concluded, the excessive construction activity in the occupied sector, in Greek Cypriot properties, and the illegal sale of Greek Cypriot properties to foreigners, causes grave concern.

[07] Cypriot ambassador to UN

Cyprus has had the unenviable privilege of occupying the attention of the UN Security Council for many years but regrettably, Turkish political expediencies and the sheer lapse of time seem to have diverted attention from the human rights dimension of the issue, which actually lies at the heart of it, Cyprus' Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Andreas Mavroyiannis said in his own address to the Third Committee at the 60th Session of the General Assembly.

He said that no definitive remedy to the persistent violations of human rights in Cyprus by Turkey can be envisaged without termination of the artificial partition of the island, which has been imposed along ethnic lines and in full contradiction both to the island's traditionally multi-ethnic character and to the will of the Cypriot people.

Mavroyiannis stressed that no settlement can be achieved without the withdrawal of all foreign troops. The rule of law and application of individual human rights standards must be an integral element of any comprehensive, functional and sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue, he added.

Ever since Turkey's invasion of Cyprus in 1974, he said, nearly one third of the island's population have been illegally and arbitrarily deprived of their property rights, and forcibly displaced from their ancestral abodes.

The occupation forces have constantly denied them the right to return and peacefully enjoy their properties and possessions ever since.

Colonization with settlers from Turkey, destruction of the cultural heritage and a systematic policy of denial of basic human rights have been the consistent pattern of behavior of the occupying forces ever since.

The responsibility and the obligations of Turkey in this matter, he said, have been repeatedly and clearly affirmed by a series of rulings of the European Court of Human Rights.

The continuing occupation of the northern part of Cyprus, he added, affects not only those who were forcibly expelled from their homes but also those who remained enclaved in their land under the control of the Turkish army and Turkey's subordinate administration.

He, too, pointed out that the European Court of Human Rights found Turkey responsible for fourteen violations of the European Convention on Human Rights, seven of which concern the living conditions of the enclaved Greek-Cypriots in the occupied part of Cyprus.

These violations, he concluded, relate to the freedom of thought, conscience and religion, the freedom of expression, the right to education, the right to peaceful enjoyment of one's property, and the right to respect of one's private and family life.

[08] PM briefed by public works minister

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Thursday received Public Works and Town Planning Minister George Souflias at his office for a roughly two-hour meeting.

Afterwards, the minister told reporters that several issues were discussed, while in response to a press question regarding the possibility of early elections -- a favorite query by the press corps -- Souflias categorically ruled out such a prospect. He also said any decision for a government reshuffle lies firmly with the premier.

[09] PM meets Macedonia-Thrace minister

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis had a meeting with Macedonia-Thrace Minister Nikos Tsiartsionis on Thursday at the prime minister's offices.

Tsiartsionis said that they discussed the hiring of additional staff at the ministry to prepare it for the new executive role discussed with the premier.

[10] PM confers with ruling ND party secretary

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis met Thursday with the secretary of his ruling New Democracy party's (ND) central committee, Vangelis Meimarakis.

After the two-hour meeting, Meimarakis said, in reply to press questions on the "climate" inside the ND parliamentary group and purported "comradely backstabbing", that "our wager is for the country to move forward in a developmental orbit, and when the government's work is judged by the citizens, the judgment will be a positive one".

"All other issues are manageable and are not of interest to the citizens," he added.

Meimarakis said it was important for the reforms to progress and for the citizens to understand that a serious effort is being made, "and then they will judge us in a positive light".

[11] Greek, French officials discuss stepped up defense sector cooperation

Bilateral cooperation in the defense sector dominated discussions here on Thursday between Deputy Defense Mini-steer Vassilis Mihaloliakos and the visiting chief executive of the French arms arms-procurement agency DGA -- D�l�gation Generale pour l'Armement -- Francois Lureau.

On his part, Lureau praised Athens' initiative for the creation and development of a European Defence Agency, something he said also reflects Paris' vision for a robust and autonomous European defence industry.

Greek and French officials have reportedly begun contacts aimed at signing a memorandum of understanding covering bilateral issues and research programmes. Athens is also set to sign a cooperation agreement for its participation in the development of a European-made unmanned combat aerial vehicle.

According to sources, moreover, the French side will positively respond to a request by Athens for the purchase of additional "Mirage" 2000-5 fighter planes.

[12] Defense ministry counters opposition criticism over F-16 deal

The government, via the defense ministry, on Thursday again responded to heightened criticism of late by the opposition over a decision to purchase up to 40 new F-16 warplanes, with a relevant announcement stressing that the air force chief of staff's requests for more front-line fighter planes were duly met by the order.

The fighters would be added to the Hellenic Air Force's fleet of similar US-made warplanes.

Recent charges by main opposition PASOK deputies claimed that observations by the air force chief were not included in a standard Letter of Request conveyed by the ministry to the US side.

In stepping up its counter-attack, however, the defense ministry charged that the deal's particulars have been deliberately covered up and misrepresented over the recent period. Additionally, the ministry's press release again referred to the "country-to-country" nature of the agreement.

"Could the fact that the government's decision for an inter-state agreement (for the purchase of the fighter planes), one that excludes middlemen, be the reason for this annoyance?" the press release read.

Finally, the ministry's leadership reiterated that main opposition PASOK will be provided a detailed answer in Parliament over the purchase contract.

In response to the issue, high-ranking PASOK deputy Christos Papoutsis, a former minister and one-time EU Commissioner, called on the government to immediately respond to his party's request for Parliament debate on the matter.

Papoutsis referred to "clear and specific answers over the selection and its cost, which undermines the country's fiscal prospects..."

[13] Parliament gives 'go ahead' for bill establishing Medical Ethics Code

Parliament gave the "go ahead", with a large majority, for the bill establishing the Medical Ethics Code, the discussion on which ended on Thursday.

Earlier, Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis and main opposition PASOK party Political Council member Evangelos Venizelos clashed when the latter accused the government of lacking social sensitivity.

"The government, following today's humiliating act by Mr. Alogoskoufis to restrict the turning of uncollected revenues into securities, is being led to a political deadlock and to degradation. In essence we are being told openly that there is no social sensitivity," Venizelos said.

"You must commit yourself, Mr. Minister, on when you will bring a bill which will produce policy and will give solutions to problems, as the issue of first stage care is," he added.

Kaklamanis called on the PASOK party to table a question on health issues so as to receive a reply on when the bill on first stage care will be brought in.

"Let as leave aside talk about social sensitivity. I accept the challenge and I will reply to you when you table the question," the minister said.

[14] President Karolos Papoulias receives Popular Orthodox Rally party leader George Karatzaferis

President Karolos Papoulias received Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) party leader and Eurodeputy George Karatzaferis on Thursday.

"The general ascertainment is that the fact that Karolos Papoulias is in this position is a relief for all of us who care about what is happening in our neighborhood. We must be very careful when foreign policy issues are in a crucial balance," Karatzaferis said on leaving the Presidential Palace.

[15] KKE deputy Patsilinakos resigns to seek mayor's post in Perama

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) parliamentary deputy Yannis Patsilinakos on Thursday submitted his resignation from his seat in parliament in order to run as a candidate for mayor in autumn 2006.

Patsilinakos, who was voted in as MP for the Piraeus B' district on the KKE ticket, announced his resignation in view of his candidacy for mayor in the Perama municipality of Piraeus prefecture in a letter to the President of Parliament, which was read out to the House by acting president Sotiris Hatzigakis.

His seat will be assumed by Vera Nikolaidou, former mayor of Nikaia and current vice-president of the Greek Committee for International Detente and Peace (EEDYE).

[16] SYN leader, Austrian ambassador discuss EU developments, foreign policy issues

Developments in the European Union and foreign policy issues were discussed Thursday during a meeting between Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) leader Alekos Alavanos and Austrian ambassador to Greece Dr. Herbert Kroll.

According to a SYN announcement, Kroll briefed Alavanos on his government's preparations for Austria's assumption of the six-month rotating EU presidency on January 1, 2006.

Alavanos, in turn, briefed the Austrian envoy on his party's positions vis-a-vis the Balkans, Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue, and also stressed the need for initiatives aimed at peaceful solutions based on international law and UN resolutions.

Alavanos particularly took a stand against a new splintering of the Balkans and the creation of new tensions in the region, while he supported the development of inter-Balkan cooperating on the basis of inviolability of the borders.

[17] Coalition party member meets Chinese Communist Party delegation

Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) party Political Bureau member Panos Trigazis met on Thursday with a delegation of the Chinese Communist Party which attended the congress of the European Left party over the weekend.

According to a party press release, the Chinese delegation considered the congress to be a great success. It referred to relations between the European Union and the People's Republic of China, adding that the Chinese Communist Party supports the unification of Europe in the framework of its conception of a multipolar world.

As regards the course of the People's Republic of China, it noted that rapid economic growth is accompanied by an increase in inequalities and ecological disasters, a phenomenon which, according to the Chinese Communist Party, must have priority in being combated.

The meeting revealed the common will for the development of relations between the two parties, as well as of Sino-Greek relations in general.

Ecumenical Patriarchate to host 'Peace and Religious Tolerance' conference from November 7-9 ISTANBUL, 04.11.05 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)

An inter-religious conference on the theme "Peace and Religious Tolerance" will be organized in Istanbul next week by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in cooperation with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.

An announcement issued at the Phanar on Thursday said that Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos on November 7 will declare the start of the sessions of the conference, at which taking part will be high ranking representatives of Judaism, Christianity and Islam from many countries.

The conference will last until November 9.

The first inter-religious conference "Peace and Religious Tolerance" was again held at the initiative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul in 1994.

[18] Ecumenical Patriarch visits 'Economist' HQ in London

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I on Thursday paid a visit to the headquarters of the Economist Group in London, where he was met by Group CEO Helen Alexander and the director of the "The Economist" magazine Bill Emmott.

They exchanged views on issues concerning the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Fanar, Istanbul, Turkey's course toward the European Union, relations between the Orthodox Churches and relations between Fanar and The Vatican, after the election of Pope Benedict XVI.

Addressing the leadership of the influential and historic magazine, the Patriarch underlined that the job of the media also came with great responsibility.

"You have the privilege of informing but at the same time an opportunity to mould human conscience," he stressed, noting that their "mission has some aspects of ministry".

Bartholomew is in London in order to speak at the London School of Economics on "Religion in changing Europe".

[19] Deputy FM meets with Japanese ambassador

Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis met with Japanese Ambassador to Greece Toshio Mochizuki on Thursday ahead of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' visit to Japan.

During the meeting, Stylianidis and Mochizuki discussed bilateral economic issues and developmental cooperation.

Karamanlis will be accompanied on his trip to Japan, from November 9-13, by a small delegation representing Greece's major companies.

[20] Communist Youth of Greece group honors 88th anniversary of October Revolution

The Communist Youth of Greece group, affiliated to the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), on Thursday celebrated the 88th anniversary of the October Revolution in Russia in 1917 with an event held at the Philosophy Faculty in Athens in the presence of KKE Secretary General Aleka Papariga.

Papariga made a historical account of events at the time, stressing that it was "the greatest event for Socialism, the revolution of revolutions which highlighted the leading role of the working class which succeeded in taking and keeping power in the Soviet Union".

The KKE leader's speech was dedicated to the strategy and tactic of the Socialist Revolution "so that we can reply to those who say that the October Revolution was a utopia or a coup d'etat."

Referring to the modern day era, Papariga underlined the need and the possibility of a change, provided that problems are faced with struggles and without fatalism.

She added that "day-to-day struggles to safeguard achievements are considerable, but without linking them to the prospect of power for the working class the path is deadlocked".

A documentary on the Soviet Union was shown during the event, which was completed with poetry and happenings.

[21] Gov't launches new scheme to employ young jobless

The government said on Thursday that it had launched a new incentive scheme for employers to recruit jobless youth.

Employment and Social Protection Minister Panos Panayioto-poulos told a news conference that 7,800 unemployed youth would fall under the scheme after completing secondary or tertiary level education but failing to find a job.

Employers from small and medium sized firms in the private sector who recruited them would receive a daily 22 euro subsidy for the first two months and 14-18 euros for the scheme's remaining 19 months, Panayiotopoulos said.

The programme will be handled by the state Greek Manpower Employment Organization.

[22] GSEE denounces national collective labor agreement

The General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE), on Thursday denounced the National General Collective Labor Agreement, officially presenting its claims for the 2006 agreement.

GSEE demands increases in salaries and daily wages of working people which will secure within the next five-year period the convergence with the average labor income of the European Union's "15".

It is assessed that this objective will lead the trade unions into an orbit of opposition both with the employers and the government.

"It is no coincidence that this year we are presenting our demands early," GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos underlined on Thursday, adding that "the trade unions are absolutely ready to claim an agreement which will answer positively to the needs of the working people."

Polyzogopoulos noted that the increases which will be claimed include four cases: the coverage of the loss from inflation (it is calculated by the trade unions that it runs between 3-3.5%), coverage of the share of the working people from the increase in productivity (2-2.5%), making up for the income lost from the increase of Value Added Tax (1%) and the supportive increase so as to secure the convergence (percentage of 7% which if it is distributed over a five-year period will lead to the demand for an increase of the average salary by 1.2% annually).

[23] 'We have exceeded all expectations', tourism minister says

Tourism in Greece increased by 13 percent in 2005 compared to 2004, according to data provided by the Bank of Greece, while the increase in revenues from the same sector amounted to 3.9 percent.

This development was underlined by Tourist Development Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos, while inaugurating the 21st Philoxenia exhibition on Thursday night, which will end on November 6.

"We have exceeded all expectations, even the most positive ones, such as those of the World Tourism Council which spoke of an increase in tourism of 11.6 percent," the minister said.

Avramopoulos further said that the next steps are difficult and deep institutional reforms and qualitative changes are necessary on the basis of a new strategic prospect covering at least a decade.

Lastly, he said that the main criterion is quality, responsibility, conscience, respect and authenticity through tradition and the true Greek elements of hospitality.

[24] Greece and Italy to sign agreement for natgas pipeline Friday

Greece and Italy are to sign a bilateral agreement for the construction of a Greek-Italian natural gas pipeline linking the natural gas networks of both countries on Friday.

Greek Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas will be departing on Thursday for the Italian town of Lecce, where the agreement is to be signed. He will be accompanied by Deputy Develop-ment Minister George Salagoudis and ministry general secretary Nikos Stefanou, the president and board chairman of Greece's state-owned gas company DEPA Rafael Moisis and officials from the foreign ministry, development ministry and DEPA executives.

The agreement will be signed by Sioufas and Italian Minister of Productive Activities Claudio Scajola, while Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Mehmet Hilmi Guler has been invited to attend.

The Greek-Italian pipeline will essentially be an extension of the Greek-Turkish pipeline and turn Greece into a conduit of large quantities of natural gas from the Caspian Sea and central Asia to the energy-hungry countries in Western Europe.

Construction will be undertaken by DEPA SA and Edison Gas of Italy. The two firms, which have formed a consortium named Poseidon Co. to build the pipeline, will share costs and revenue in the first phase of the project. The project is scheduled to be completed at the end of 2009.

[25] Greek exports to Bulgaria might exceed one billion euros in value this year

Greek exports to Bulgaria might exceed one billion euros in value this year, securing a trade surplus of 400 million euros for Greece on condition that the positive rates achieved between January and July will continue. Greek exports to the neighboring country increased by about 30 percent during this period.

If the increases rates in question are maintained on a 12-month basis "then it will be the second biggest percentage increase in Greek exports over the 2000-2005 six-year period," said the Economic and Trade Affairs office of the Greek embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria.

According to temporary statistical data concerning the January-July period this year, Greek exports to Bulgaria increased by 29.5 percent, compared to the corresponding period in 2004, and amounted to 452.6 million euros.

Imports from Bulgaria also followed an upward trend, increasing by 31.59 percent and amounting to 333.8 million euros. Imports in their entirety are expected to approach 600 million euros, increasing the bulk of bilateral trade relations to 1.6 billion euros.

Women's cotton garments are steadily among the top positions on the list of Greek exports, while electric power tops the list of Bulgarian exports to Greece.

[26] Main opposition launches price-watch campaign

The main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) said on Thursday that it had launched a nationwide price-watch campaign following steep hikes in the market.

Five thousand party officials in 410 teams would conduct on-the-spot market inspections and inform the public of the outcome, PASOK deputy Anna Diamantopoulou, responsible for development, competitiveness and consumer policy, told reporters.

Speaking with the party's secretary Mariliza Xenoyiannako-oulou, she said that the drive would focus mainly on consumer goods that were purchased by average households.

"There has been a highly concerted government communications campaign over the past few days to show that there are no high prices," Diamantopoulou claimed.

Xenoyiannakopoulou noted that rising prices were hurting people's pockets, accusing the government of a complete failure to resolve the problem.

Needed were effective market inspections, a guarantee of competitiveness and a crack-down on profiteering, she added.

[27] Gov't rejects opposition criticism over consumer price checks

The government on Thursday rejected criticism by the main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) that it had failed to conduct effective checks against excessive prices and profiteering.

"At a time when the Greek public linked high prices to PASOK and sent it into the opposition, the party has now announced that it is starting a 'campaign' to give information about high prices," Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas, and his deputy, Yiannis Papathanasiou, said in a statement.

The two ministers noted that they were accomplishing what their predecessors had failed to do, which was to carry out numerous controls and slap fines on violators.

"Never has the government said that high prices do not exist. This is a phenomenon we inherited from the PASOK governments," the statement said.

Earlier, PASOK announced that it had launched a nationwide price-watch campaign following steep hikes in the market. Party officials said the government had staged a concerted communications campaign over the past few days to demonstrate that prices were normal.

[28] European gas transport firms begin Athens conference

Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) on Thursday began a two-day conference hosted by Greece's Public Gas Company.

Opening the meeting, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas said that southeastern Europe was a rising market for the natural gas sector, and a hub for the fuel from various areas.

"The region could, in the near future, become a gateway for gas from the Caspian and later the Middle East to the European continent," Sioufas noted.

Examples were a key natural gas link between Greece and Turkey, the minister noted.

"The outlook is strong for Greece to become a key region in the wider energy corridor that would link, via Turkey, the energy sources of the Caspian and Middle East with Italy, and, through this, to the rest of Europe," he added.

[29] Trade group sees room for economic growth between Greece, Cyprus

The president of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Drakoulis Fountoukakos, said on Thursday that he saw leeway for economic growth in ties between Greece and Cyprus since the island republic's entry into the European Union.

Fountoukakos was speaking to Cypriot business reporters visiting the chamber.

In 2004, imports to Greece from Cyprus rose by 49% and Greek exports to Cyprus gained 47% after certain tariffs were scrapped, according to the island's ministry of trade.

Greek exports to Cyprus included iron rods, pharmaceuticals, books, women's apparel, electrical goods and cosmetics, Fountoukakos noted.

[30] Car importers seek deregulation for diesel-powered vehicles

The Association of Automobile Importers and Traders said on Thursday that the use of diesel-fuelled vehicles should be deregulated in Greece's major urban centers as a means of lowering atmospheric pollution.

The request was made at a presentation arranged by Bosch.

According to academics speaking at the conference, the adulteration of diesel in the domestic market was a key factor in retaining regulations; and governments had so far been unable to halt the phenomenon.

[31] Piraeus Bank to expand activities in US market

Piraeus Bank plans to further expand its activities in the US market through its subsidiary Marathon Bank, aiming to exploit its comparative advantage since it is the only bank -of Greek interest- with activities in the US after National Bank sold its subsidiary Atlantic Bank of New York giving an end to a 70-year presence in the American market.

Marathon Bank plans to expand its branch network with the opening of five new branches, to a total of 16 units in the next few months. Emphasis will be given in consumer and mortgage products. Marathon Bank operates a branch network with units in New Jersey, Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan. It was founded in 1989 and acquired by Piraeus Bank Group in 1999.

Piraeus Bank aims to increase the contribution from its subsidiaries abroad to its total profitability to 25 percent in the next two years, from 15 percent currently.

[32] Greek real estate market to be promoted during D�sseldorf conference

This week's annual conference of the German-Hellenic Economic Association (Deutsch-Hellenische Wirtschafts-vereinigung), set to begin in D�sseldorf on Friday, is expected to focus on the east Mediterranean country's mostly untapped real estate market, especially in the wake of the 2004 Olympic Games.

One of the conference's primary targets, moreover, is to promote Greece's real estate potential in German financial and investment circles, with the emphasis on the latest developments in the construction, tax and developmental law sectors.

Among the Greek officials in attendance will be Deputy Finance Minister Antonis Bezas, Greece's ambassador to Berlin Constantinos Tritaris and the regional directors of Eastern Macedonia-Thrace and Epirus.

[33] Raycap of Greece gets energy deal from Schlumberger

Raycap has been awarded a three-year exclusive contract by Schlumberger under which the Greek firm will protect oil platforms for the Canadian multinational.

Edmonton-based Schlumberger, a world leader in specialized energy services, said in a statement on Thursday that Raycap would supply its Rayvoss systems.

In addition, Raycap and Toshiba International Corporation signed a contract in Texas, with Rayvoss to be used for the protection of variable speed drives and UPS industrial systems.

Raycap is wholly Greek and exports to 40 countries. Rayvoss is manufactured at the firm's plants in Drama and Inofyta.

[34] Attica bank workers to stage 24-hour strike Nov 8

Bank workers in Attica are to stage a 24-hour strike on November 8 to support colleagues protesting a management decision at Athens-quoted Emporiki Bank over social insurance.

The strike is timed to coincide with a court hearing on a restraining order sought by Emporiki's staff against management who they say annulled a social insurance pact on the basis of a new law.

"There can be no discussion (with the government) about resolving social insurance in banks as part of law 3371/2005, which must be rescinded as it has demonstrated in practice that it is problematic and cannot be implemented," the national OTOE union said in a statement.

The union also questioned the motives of Athens-quoted National Bank of Greece's management in its voluntary retirement plan for 1,300 employees, requesting a meeting with the bank's governor and the employment minister.

[35] EU members slow in implementing industrial pollution law; Commission finds

European Union members have been slow in implementing a key industrial pollution law, the European Commission said on Thursday, following the release of a report covering the 2000-2002 periods and thus only the 15 member states.

The Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive, passed in 1996, aims to regulate and limit harmful emissions to air, water and land from major industrial operations and requires large industrial and agricultural installations to obtain a permit based on Best Available Techniques from the national authorities to be able to operate.

Of the 45,000 installations in the 15 EU member states, only 5,545 were granted permits (roughly 13% of the total).

"Member states' delay in issuing the necessary permits means that the environmental improvements foreseen by the Directive will be compromised," the Commission said in a statement.

Infringement procedures are already under way against eight member states: Greece, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Spain.

In view of the delays, the Commission will be launching an IPPC Implementation Action Plan to help member states meet the October 2007 deadline by which all installations covered by the directive must have received their permits.

"Nine years after the adoption of this major piece of legislation and two years before the deadline for its full application, many installations do not yet comply with the conditions set out," European Commissioner for the Environment Stavros Dimas said.

"This may cause significant environmental damage. I hope that the Commission's new Implementation Action Plan will help, but the member states clearly have to make stronger efforts to issue the necessary permits," he added.

The Commission is also launching a review of the directive as part of an evaluation of the regulatory framework on industrial emissions.

[36] 'Solidarity' sends humanitarian aid to quake-stricken Pakistan

The non-governmental organization of the Church of Greece "Solidarity" will send its first dispatch of humanitarian aid to earthquake-stricken Pakistan on Friday.

"Solidarity" is sending two tones of pharmaceuticals in 300 packages, from 'Eleftherios Venizelos' airport, to the affected areas from the devastating earthquake which occurred on October 8.

Individuals wishing to contribute in this effort can communicate with "Solidarity" at the telephone numbers: 2108695038-039-040 and 8001137777.

[37] Drunken youths black former minister's eye for 'bad' parking

Former minister Vassilis Kedikoglou was attacked and given a black eye by a young man and woman, who were apparently incensed at his poor parking skills.

The incident occurred late on Wednesday night in central Exarchia and according to Kedikoglou, was completely unprovoked.

Kedikoglou said he did not exchange words with the two young people when they accosted him.

The young man apparently attacked him physically and gave him a black eye while the woman abused him verbally and broke his wing mirror.

The former minister immediately called the police who arrested the young couple and found them to be under the influence of alcohol.

The minister has often made the headlines in the past for his fiery temper and colorful altercations with colleagues within Parliament, including an occasion when he allegedly struck an opposition party MP.

[38] Military judge arrested for drug possession

A military judge with the rank of major has been arrested for possession of narcotics.

Officers who carried out the arrest on Wednesday night said the 41-year-old was carrying 7.2g of cannabis and 1.3g of heroin and confessed to being a drug user for the past nine years.

He had been arrested for drug possession and use in Arta a short while ago but had continued trying minor cases until his discharge was processed.

This was finalized on Thursday with the evidence collected against him.

[39] Greek resistance fighters honored at Russian embassy

Greek resistance fighters were honored by the Russian government during a special ceremony held at the Russian Embassy in Athens on Thursday for their contribution during World War II.

The veterans were decorated with medals "for their contribution to the victory of 1939-45", while a number of Greeks who contributed to the development of Greek-Soviet and Greek-Russian relations were awarded a Medal of Friendship.

A concert by the Bolshoi Theatre's orchestra followed the ceremony.

[40] Archbishop briefs Synod on Christian-Moslem cooperation in Xanthi

Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece on Thursday briefed the metropolitans of the Holy Synod on an event held at the foreign ministry to present a book prepared jointly by the Xanthi Metropolitan and Mufti on the religious monuments in the region.

Christodoulos stressed his joy at the cooperation between the two religious communities in the region, stressing that this was an important event, while he underlined that religious freedoms were protected by the Greek Constitution.

The role of religion is one of peace, love and justice - which are necessary for peaceful coexistence between peoples without fanaticism, fundamentalism or bigotry," he said.

[41] Ex-pat discovers new diagnostic tool for breast cancer metastasis

A Greek expatriate researcher at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in Australia has discovered a new diagnostic tool for the spread of breast cancer (metastasis) to the lymph glands, which is up to 70 per cent faster and more effective.

The new method discovered by Dr. Christ Tsopelas also helps avoid the extensive surgeries that caused deformation, swelling in the wrist and other unpleasant repercussions.

The technique, which combines radioactive tagging with a dye in an injection administered prior to surgery, will be presented by Tsopelas at the 3rd International Conference of Nuclear Medicine of Northern Greece that will be begin on Friday and end on Sunday.

[42] Annual conference of European Patent Office to be held in Athens from November 23-24

The 4th annual conference of the European Patent Office (epoline 2005) will be held at a central Athens hotel from November 23-24 and will have as its theme "The future of the IP (Intellectual Property) infrastructure in Europe".

Taking part in the conference will be about 400 professionals from the field of patents from all over Europe and they will discuss the recent developments on the on-line handling of patents, the role of electronic communication in European innovation and Research and Development (R&D).

[43] Inhabitants of Crete most talkative in Greece, survey shows

A survey conducted by the Communications Institute and made public on Thursday reveals that Cretans speak more than the rest of the Greek population.

Taking part in the survey were 1,600 people between 15-65 years of age, 50% men and 60% women, in mainland Greece and Crete, during the period June 13-28 June, 2005.

According to the survey, the inhabitants of Crete speak more than anybody else in the country, more than eight hours on a 24-hour basis with a percentage of 65%. They are followed by the inhabitants of Attica with 56.5%. The inhabitants of western Macedonia speak least, that is, up to three hours, with 79.7% and they are followed by the inhabitants of the Peloponnese with a percentage of 47.8%.

The type of talk preferred by most and specifically with a percentage of 74% is "face to face", while 26% prefer to speak over the phone. Personal matters take up the lion's share in the talks, given that the percentage is 40% while professional talk is 28%.

Those who speak most on the phone and in particular with a percentage of 33% are the inhabitants of Thessaly and they are followed by those in Crete with a percentage of 32%.

The inhabitants of Crete speak about their personal affairs with a percentage of 67% and they are followed by the inhabitants of of Epirus with a percentage of 59%.

Education and Religious Affairs Minister Marietta Yiannakou, in a greeting on Thursday during the presentation of the survey "With which Greek do we speak today", underlined the importance of the good knowledge of the Greek language, stressing that the good relation with Ancient Greek, constitutes an asset for students and teachers.

The survey was conducted in cooperation with the Youth General Secretariat.

[44] Greece and China sign cooperation memorandum on Olympic security

Greece and China signed a cooperation memorandum on Thursday regarding Olympic security ahead of the 2008 Beijing Games.

The memorandum falls within the framework of cooperation between Chinese authorities and organizers and Greek authorities and police who are transferring the experience and know-how they gained from staging the 2004 Olympics.

The memorandum was signed in Beijing by Greek Police Chief Lt. General G. Angelakos and Beijing's Head of Police Zhenchuan Ma, within the context of the five-day visit of a Greek delegation to China headed by Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis.

According to the agreement, any issues that arise as Beijing prepares for the 2008 Olympics will be resolved through the cooperation of Beijing's Coordinating Centre for Olympic Games Security and the Greek ministry's Security Studies Centre.

After the signing, Voulgarakis said that "the cooperation between Greece and China on Olympic Games security does not only concern our excellent bilateral relations, but is mainly associated with the two countries' cultural heritage."

He added that "Greece's objective, as the birthplace of the Olympic Games, is to contribute as much as possible so that the Beijing Olympiad be held in a festive and safe environment. The People's Republic of China is proceeding at a fast and steady pace. I am certain that in 2008 we will experience one of the most successful, and of course grand, Olympic Games in history."

[45] Angelopoulos-Daskalaki discusses benefits of 2004 Athens Games at Harvard

Former Athens 2004 Organizing Committee Gianna Angelo-poulos-Daskalaki discussed the benefits the country reaped from the staging of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, during her recent visit to Boston where she addressed Harvard students.

She said that major changes were made for the better both in Athens and throughout Greece, such as in the sectors of telecommunications, transport and security.

Angelopoulos-Daskalaki added that through Greece's promo-tion abroad new jobs were created in the tourism sector.

She acknowledged however that the Games cost the country billions of dollars, forcing Greek citizens to pay a high price for their national pride, growth and respect of their Olympic legacy.

Angelopoulos-Daskalaki also referred to Olympic venues and their post-Games use, saying that the government and private companies will look to make the most of the facilities.

On a personal note, she did not preclude the possibility of becoming involved again in politics or public life and said that if given the opportunity to work and contribute, she would not turn down the opportunity.

[46] Ambassador Vassilakis says 'UN and Olympic Movement are natural allies'

Greece's Permanent Representative at the United Nations, Ambassador Adamantios Vassilakis on Thursday addressed a discussion of the UN General Assembly on the theme "Sport for Peace and Growth", expressing the country's "wholehearted support" to a UN draft resolution titled "Building a peaceful and better world through sports and Olympic ideals".

"A few days before the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, the Olympic Flame came for the first time to the United Nations. In a happy celebration, the flame of Olympia lit the headquarters of the United Nations and conveyed the message of peace and brotherhood. The United Nations and the Olympic Movement are natural allies. They struggle for the same objectives and believe in the same principles. They are useful tools in the hands of the international community," Vassilakis underlined in particular.

Greece presented, two years ago a similar resolution as the country was preparing for the 2004 Athens Olympics, and this resolution "gained the widest possible support from UN member-states, something that gave a new meaning to the ancient tradition of the Olympic Truce," Vassilakis said.

[47] French Senate President: EU must be stricter as regards Cyprus issue

France believes that the European Union should undertake a more strict position regarding the Cyprus issue now that Turkey begins accession negotiations with the Union, President of the French Senate Christian Poncelet stressed on Thursday in statements after a meeting with Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos, who began the same day an official visit to France.

Poncelet, who held an hour long meeting with President Papadopoulos, underlined that Turkey can not enter the EU without having solved the Cyprus issue.

''Regarding the negotiations for Turkey's accession to the EU, we believe that the EU should undertake a more strict position regarding the Cyprus issue. From the beginning we thought that the solution of the Cyprus problem should be a precondition for the beginning of Turkey's accession negotiations", he said.

The Cypriot president and his entourage, who arrived in Paris earlier Thursday, were welcomed at the airport during a red carpet ceremony, by French Minister Delegate for European Affairs Catherine Colonna.

President Papadopoulos also met with President of the National Assembly Jean-Louis Debre.

On Friday he will have an official meeting with French President Jacques Chirac, after which the two Presidents will make statements to the press.

In his statements after the meeting with President Papadopoulos President of the French Senate said that when a discussion is held on EU level, France makes efforts so that the legitimate demands of Cyprus are being heard.

Asked how France, being an EU partner of Cyprus, could contribute to the solution of the Cyprus issue, he said that France has always supported the Cypriot people.

''We have supported the accession of Cyprus to the EU and we have always been in favor of the reunification of the island," Poncelet said.

The French official also said that if in ten years from now, the possibility of Turkey entering the EU is acknowledged, then this will not mean recognition of the occupation of the northern part of the island.

President Papadopoulos is accompanied by Cypriot Minister for Foreign Affairs George Iakovou, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism

George Lillikas, Director of the President's Diplomatic Office, Ambassador Tasos Tzionis and Director of the European Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Alexandros Zinon.

[48] Cypriot and French FMs discuss Cyprus and other European issues

Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs George Iacovou had on Thursday in Paris a meeting with his French counterpart Philippe Douste-Blazy with whom he discussed the Cyprus question and other European issues.

Iakovou, who is in France accompanying President Tassos Papadopoulos on his official visit, briefed Blazy on the Cypriot positions regarding many issues, such as the illegal immigration, ways to deal with this problem in the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, EU fiscal perspectives and the negotiations within the World Trade Organization (WTO).

According to an official press release, Blazy showed great interest in recent developments on the Cyprus issue, the cooperation of Cyprus and France in energy matters, as well as their bilateral defense cooperation.

He also expressed his satisfaction with Cyprus' support to the French positions on WTO during the October EU General Affairs and External Relations Council.

[49] Cyprus President sees differentiation of US stance on Annan plan

Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos expressed on Thursday the belief that there is a differentiation of the US stance as concerns the amendments the Greek Cypriot side wants to the Annan Plan.

President Papadopoulos, who was speaking at Larnaca Airport prior to his departure for Paris, where he will pay an official visit, noted that until recently the US was saying the solution of the Cyprus problem is the Annan Plan with slight modifications.

''Today some people say that it is possible to have some changes that will meet the rational concerns of the Greek Cypriot side and some say that these changes must be agreed,'' he added noting that the positions of the US are not clear.

Referring to the possibility of negotiations resuming, President Papadopoulos said these matters are up to the UN Secretary General, who will decide how and when he will resume any new effort.

As regards his visit to Paris, he said "we all know the significance that France has as an international power but mainly in the European Union".

President Papadopoulos said that there are no measures in the EU for the imposition of sanctions as regards Turkey's breach to veto the accession of the Republic of Cyprus in the Export Control Organization and the application of Cyprus to become an observer member in the Black Sea Countries Organization.

He noted that in 2006 when an EU evaluation of Turkey will take place ''this will be noted as a point against Ankara and then decisions will be taken by us and by the European Union".

Referring to the violation by Turkish occupation forces of the status quo in Louroutzina, Papadopoulos said that a protest was made the day after the violation to UNFICYP and that this was followed by other representations and actions by the Cyprus government.

He said that the matter was raised recently in his meeting with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

The United Nations are saying that they are making every effort to restore the status quo, Papadopoulos noted.

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