Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-11-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] Govt's policies begin to bear fruit, development minister says

[02] US Ambassador Ries addresses Greek economy conference

[03] EU FMs examine fiscal prospects in Brussels

[04] Gov't details initiatives to fight corruption in letter to Transparency International

[05] PASOK leader Papandreou on 'confrontation of corruption in the country'

[06] PM meets with Cyprus House Speaker Christofias

[07] Turkey must fulfill its obligations vis-a-vis Cyprus, PASOK leader Papandreou says after meeting with Cyprus speaker Christofias

[08] Commission recommendation on FYROM's EU candidacy due Wednesday

[09] Athens and Ankara still discussing PM's visit, spokesman says

[10] President meets former Cyprus House speaker Vassos Lyssarides

[11] Gov't on incidents in France

[12] IMEPO president on causes of immigrants' reactions in France

[13] Public order minister briefs PM on China trip

[14] PM confers with ND general director

[15] PM meets ND's Parliamentary Group Secretary

[16] Coordinating Council may stay in operation, Roussopoulos says

[17] New offices of Athens Aliens and Immigration Department inaugurated

[18] Dep. minister presses for action against 'unhelpful' civil servant

[19] UNESCO's Matsuura applauds Ecumenical Patriarch's efforts for inter-religious dialogue

[20] Turkey has yet to condemn 'hate acts' against Ecumenical Patriarchate, Vartholomeos says

[21] Justice Minister to meet with Turkish delegation on Tuesday

[22] Upcoming Simitis book continues to generate reactions by political world

[23] Greek ambassador to U.S. visits Holocaust Museum in Washington

[24] Greek diplomats visit Turkey

[25] Greek-Italian natgas pipeline agreement to be tabled soon for ratification in parliament, development minister says

[26] Turkey reiterates goal to timely complete natural gas pipeline

[27] Greek gov't to launch national dialogue on pension system

[28] Coalition, trade unions criticize gov't plan for pension talks

[29] Greek fishing vessel owners urge for support measures

[30] PM to chair cabinet meeting on shipping issues on Tuesday

[31] Australian firms eye construction sector in Greece

[32] Greece, Arab countries sound out business cooperation

[33] Staff of Egyptian Commercial Bank want name change to Piraeus Bank

[34] Athens airport reports 6.5-pct increase in passenger traffic

[35] Major road safety improvement works in Macedonia

[36] Gov't may take more steps to extend shopping hours

[37] Greek stocks end 0.12 pct down

[38] Convicted ELA terrorist released by Appeals court

[39] Two Albanians arrested as suspected rapists

[40] Parliament to sponsor 'human values' prize at Thessaloniki Film Festival

[41] Thessaloniki conference focuses on protection of stray animals

[42] Turkey's obligations for Cyprus described in EU documents

[43] Finance Ministry prepares action program on Lisbon Strategy

[44] Church of Cyprus calls for wider synod on sick leader

[45] Union of Cyprus Journalists proposes T/C for UNESCO prize

[01] Govt's policies begin to bear fruit, development minister says

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

The Greek minister stressed that despite a negative international climate, past debts and deficits, economic growth rates were three times higher compared with Eurozone's average, while he underlined a strong investment interest in the country.

Sioufas said Greek exports grew 9.9 percent in the first eight months of 2005, compared with a fall of 0.4 pct in the same period last year, while tourist arrivals were up 8.0 percent and tourist foreign exchange inflows rose 10 percent in the first seven months of the year. The Greek minister noted that employment grew and unemployment fell in the country. Reports by UNCTAD ranked Greece high in a global list of foreign direct investments, Grand Thornton International said that the percentage of rapidly growing enterprises rose to 15 percent this year from 13 pct in 2004, while this year's Transparency International report showed clearly that Greece stopped its decline in the world list, Sioufas said.

The Greek minister said the government was introducing a new framework envisaging joint ventures between public and private sectors, promoting privatizations, whereas it has taken initiatives to draft an integrated national town planning project to support investments in Renewable Energy Sources, Industry and Tourism.

The government was also promoting reforms, with the support of the society, restructuring public sector enterprises and reforming incentives offered the foreign and domestic enterprises, he said.

Government did not utilize great opportunities it had in 2004, PASOK leader says

Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou, addressing the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce's conference on "The hour of the Greek economy" on Monday, said the government "did not utilize the great opportunities it had in 2004", adding that there was a "waste of time, prestige and funds."

Papandreou also criticized the government over the state budget, saying that "it does not bring back trust in the Greek economy."

The PASOK leader expressed support for a state having social cohesion and, in parallel, competitiveness, changes, as well as security for the citizen.

He said the key phrase is "investing in man", placing emphasis on education, research and innovation.

Papandreou further said that the operation of the present-day state constitutes one of the main obstacles for growth and pointed out that what is necessary is "radical decentralization with a decisive role for local administration."

He went on to say that a state of transparency and social accountability is required, adding that "corruption is preventive for the investor and it has counter-productive repercussions."

Papandreou also expressed support for a fairer tax system that will have a redistributing role in society and will contain incentives for growth.

[02] US Ambassador Ries addresses Greek economy conference

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

Ries also noted that Greece needs to improve transparency - the country ranked 22nd among the EU-25 according to Transparency International - in order to attract more foreign investment.

The ambassador referred to the increasing dynamism of Greece's neighbors to the north, as well as to the countries of the Middle East.

He also referred to Turkey, noting that the country began its EU accession course with "significant help" from Greece.

According to Ries, Turkey's EU accession which will require economic and political reform, will also benefit Greece, noting that over the past four years Greek-Turkish trade has increased four-fold, to stand at $1.75 billion currently.

Regarding Greece's neighbors to the north, Ries cited EU candidates Romania and Bulgaria as potential competitors.

He underscored the fact that Romania lowered its tax rate from 25% to 16% in 2004, while Greece lowered its corporate tax rate from 35% to 25%.

Ries also mentioned Greek companies' partnerships with US firms, mainly in the Balkans and the Middle East, and cited the joint ventures of First Data with Delta Singular and Procter & Gamble with Rolco-Vianil as examples.

In reference to the Middle East, the US ambassador noted that Greek companies benefit from long-standing good relations with countries in the region. As a result, Greek-Arabic trade has doubled from � 2 billion in 1997 to � 4 billion in 2004, he said.

[03] EU FMs examine fiscal prospects in Brussels

BRUSSELS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

On the question of fiscal prospects, the Greek delegation believes, as Molyviatis told reporters, that few steps of progress have been taken since June, when the summit was unable to reach specific decisions.

According to the present state, it is difficult for one to be optimistic as to the possibilities of the problem being solved at the summit in December, the Greek minister said, adding that for the time being it is logical that member-states are appearing unyielding on their positions but this does not rule out the possibility of last-minute changes taking place.

As regards Kosovo, an issue that will preoccupy the EU in coming months, the 25 ministers listened to the UN secretary general's representative in the region, Marti Ahtisaari.

Molyviatis expressed satisfaction over the fact that Ahtisaari's intervention moved "in the framework of values" determined by the EU, pointing out that it would be a mistake if the price of stabilization in Kosovo is the general destabilization of the wider region.

Well-informed sources said that for the time being the view prevailing in the EU is the preservation of the status quo and nobody appears to be proposing its change on the basis of specific timetables.

[04] Gov't details initiatives to fight corruption in letter to Transparency International

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

In a letter to TI chairman of the board of directors Peter Eigen, Interior and Public Administration Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos referred, among others, to increased protection from litigation bestowed on public administration corps inspectors; the hiring of more specialized inspectors as well as stricter laws, i.e. the upgrading of the breach of faith charge from a misdemeanor to a felony.

Additionally, inspectors will now be able to request, via the judiciary, access to information regarding bank deposits, income tax statements and financial dealings of high-ranking civil servants. More detailed statements of means and income have also been instituted for certain categories of public officials.

Greece was listed as 49th -- along with Suriname -- out of a total of 146 countries internationally in the group's recently issued 2004 Corruption Perceptions Index, behind the Indian archipelago nation of Seychelles and just ahead of the Czech Republic.

[05] PASOK leader Papandreou on 'confrontation of corruption in the country'

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

In statements after the Political Council meeting, Papandreou stressed that PASOK and he himself "have the political will to confront the phenomenon of corruption in the country."

Papandreou accused the government that "it used corruption and transparency" before the general elections "for political expediency and does not have the volition to confront the problem at its root."

The PASOK leader called on the government "to change direction in this matter," adding that "it is necessary for a substantial inter-party dialogue to be held and for regulations of political culture to be shaped which will be consolidated in all the country."

Papandreou said that "corruption has a social dimension which means social injustice, as well as social and economic inequality."

He added that corruption also has a political dimension "given that it harms democracy, enabling those certain citizens who have special privileges for their vote to count more."

A series of proposals for the improvement of the institutional framework for the combatting of corruption was discussed at PASOK's Political Council.

The proposals concern legislation, fiscal issues, public administration, public works and procurements, the financing of political parties and the mass media.

On legislation, it is proposed that each draft law before it is tabled in Parliament to pass through a compulsory stage of public consultation through a website.

Every draft law should be accompanied by a quality report, which will include an analytical evaluation of the repercussions of the law, particularly regarding the economy, society and the environment. The tabling of amendments in Parliament will be forbidden after the conclusion of the debate at the parliamentary committee. This adjustment, however, probably calls for a revision of Article 74 of the Constitution.

The procedure of the compulsory public consultation will also be valid for the presidential decrees, for which a discussion will be preceeded on the basis of the plan which will be established.

[06] PM meets with Cyprus House Speaker Christofias

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

After the meeting, which Christofias called 'sincere and productive', the Cypriot official stressed the need for talks to resume regarding the Cyprus issue as well as for the need to make the most of Turkey's EU accession course.

He added that Karamanlis' concern regarding Cypriot developments is well known, since the Greek premier is trying to promote the resumption of talks that will lead to the resolution of the Cyprus issue.

Christofias noted that Karamanlis is hoping for a solution that will be based on a revised version of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's plan, acceptable to the Cypriot people and meeting the demands of the political community.

ND's Meimarakis also meets with Christofias: Ruling New Democracy party secretary Vangelis Meimarakis was among the Greek officials on Monday that met with visiting Cypriot House of Representatives President Demetris Christofias, as the former reiterated that the party "will do its utmost so that all of the island's residents, with its unification, enjoy the benefits of the European Union."

[07] Turkey must fulfill its obligations vis-a-vis Cyprus, PASOK leader Papandreou says after meeting with Cyprus speaker Christofias

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

"We consider that Turkey must fully meet its obligations to the Republic of Cyprus, first of all with the implementation of the Protocol, secondly with the recognition of the Republic of Cyprus, and, of course, with the lifting of all obstacles to the Cyprus Republic's participation in international organizations," Papandreou told reporters after the meeting.

He said that Cyprus' membership must be utilized in any new initiatives that arise, so that a solution to the Cyprus issue would, beyond international law, be also clearly a solution that fully takes into consideration the new European reality in Cyprus, in other words the incorporation of the EU acquis communautaire in any new proposal for a Cyprus solution.

The PASOK leader also said the incompatibility of an EU candidate country commencing accession negotiations while it maintained occupation troops in an EU member state needed to be increasingly underscored.

"It is a self-evident fact, but many times the international community forgets that this is the reality, an oxymoron and unacceptable reality vis-a-vis Turkey's course to the EU," Papandreou stressed.

Christofias, in turn, said he briefed Papandreou on the recent visits by EU officials to Cyprus, as well as on Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Talat to Washington, at the invitation of US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice.

"The goals of those visits were not assisting in a resolution of the Cyprus issue based on the UN resolutions, and on the European principles. They were more aimed at upgrading Mr. Talat's prestige, perhaps of the (Turkish Cypriot) pseudo-state itself, and an effort to place pressure on the Greek Cypriot side," Christofias said.

He noted, however, that Talat had not been satisfied upon his return from the US, because he had failed to attain the targets he had set, such as more direct flights to and direct trade with the Turkish occupied sector of Cyprus, and various other things he and Turkey want to achieve.

Christofias also said that he and Papandreou had discussed the issue of stressing the anti-occupation nature of the Cyprus issue, adding that there was a methodic attempt by certain forces in the international field to suppress the occupation aspect and exonerate Turkey.

"By involving the EU in the process for a solution of the Cyprus issue -- without removing it from its natural forum, which is the United Nations, because we are dealing with an occupation and a violation of international law, and the organization that has established the rules of international law and is responsible for its preservation and implementation is the UN -- we believe that Turkey, if it wants to become a member of the EU, will have to abide by the principles on which the EU daily declares that it is founded: respect of the independence and sovereignty of the member states, and at the same time respect and implementation of human rights. Both are blatantly violated by Turkey in Cyprus," Christofias said.

He called for coordination of actions and forces so as to utilize the EU procedures to underline this aspect of the Cyprus problem, so as to substantively pressure Turkey into respecting the EU principles, since it was entering the process of negotiations for its own accession.

The two officials also discussed further strengthening of relations between PASOK and Cyprus' AKEL party, which is headed by Christofias, who invited Papandreou to Cyprus for the AKEL Congress that opens on November 24.

KKE leader meets with Cyprus' Christofias: Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga met with visiting Cypriot House of Representatives Speaker and Secretary General of the left-wing AKEL party Demetris Christofias on Monday.

Papariga described the meeting as interesting given Christofias' dual capacity as House Speaker and AKEL leader, "because we have the chance to exchange views on the Cyprus issue, which is always timely since it is not yet on track to being resolved, but we also have the chance to exchange views in general regarding the two countries and developments in the region."

The KKE leader said that "we do not forget the Cyprus issue and we are closely watching events, since we see tensions intensifying in our region, in the Balkans and the Middle East, which is why we think it even more imperative that a just and viable solution be found to the Cyprus issue, so that it will be one less wound for the region."

According to Papariga, one more 'wound' in an already troubled region can lead to more uncontrollable situations.

Coalition of the Left party leader:

Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) party leader Alekos Alavanos held talks on Monday with Cyprus House of Representatives speaker and leftist AKEL party Secretary General Demetris Christofias, saying that the process of Turkey's accession negotiations with the European Union must be utilized with the aim of having Ankara step down from its intransigent positions.

The two men discussed latest developments concerning the issue of Cyprus and Alavanos expressed his full support for the Cypriot political leadership for initiatives it has taken until now regarding the Annan plan.

Christofias said on his part that discussions are going on for the preparation of a strategic plan which also anticipates tactical moves on how Turkey's accession course to the EU will be utilized.

He added that in this framework all possible influence and pressure must be exerted on the EU and its various bodies to make it more demanding towards Turkey, bearing in mind the terms and preconditions the EU itself has set for Turkey and for the implementation of the Ankara Protocol and the promotion of its accession course.

Christofias invited Alavanos to travel to Cyprus to attend AKEL's congress. The invitation was accepted.

[08] Commission recommendation on FYROM's EU candidacy due Wednesday

SKOPJE, 8/11/2005 (ANA - N. Frangopoulos)

European Commissioner for enlargement Olli Rehn is due in Skopje on November 10 in order to explain the ramifications and details of the Commission's recommendation to Skopje's government.

The European Commission is expected to examine whether FYROM can fulfill a series of political, social and economic criteria for EU entry and point to a number of areas where improvements must be made.

According to a dispatch from Reuters citing an EU source, meanwhile, the Commission's recommendation will be positive but will still have to be approved by EU leaders at a summit next month.

The source also pointed out that approving candidate-status would not automatically mean the start of accession negotiations, which would require a second EU decision.

FYROM applied for EU membership in March 2004 and Wednesday's recommendation will be based primarily on its answers to a questionnaire with roughly 3,000 questions submitted last February in Brussels.

It is uncertain whether the Commission's recommendation will make any reference to the outstanding dispute between FYROM and Greece concerning the republic's adoption of the name "Republic of Macedonia" as its international name.

Greece objects to FYROM's use of the name 'Macedonia' as historically unsound and opening the way for future expansionist designs against a northern Greek province of the same name. Greeks also take a dim view of attempts by FYROM Slavs to claim descent from Alexander the Great - the famous Macedonian general of antiquity who was born in the Greek province of Macedonia - seeing this as an attempt to 'usurp' a historical figure that is inalienably Greek.

Athens has not ruled out the use of its veto to block the republic's entry into the EU and NATO under any name other than FYROM, or a mutually-acceptable name agreed through the UN-sponsored mediation process.

[09] Athens and Ankara still discussing PM's visit, spokesman says

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

"This is the government position," he added, when asked to comment on reports that a planned visit to Turkey by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis had been cancelled.

[10] President meets former Cyprus House speaker Vassos Lyssarides

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

[11] Gov't on incidents in France

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

"Efforts to resolve migrants' problems are continuous. There has already been an effort by the interior and public administration ministry on this particular issue. EU member-states' societies are different, however, there are problems that someone should predict, and the Greek government has proceeded with legal changes," spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos told reporters.

[12] IMEPO president on causes of immigrants' reactions in France

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

According to Zavos, the number of immigrants in France is now estimated to touch five million, while among them are 600,000 Portuguese, 550,000 Algerians, 360,000 Moroccans, 165,000 Tunisians and 160,000 Turks. Furthermore there are about 360,000 immigrants from countries of Asia and 1.4 million from Sub-Saharan Africa.

Zavos stressed that in France, 2.1 million immigrants constitute 8.1 per cent of the country's active labor force, while according to study conducted by IMEPO, unemployment affects second and third generation immigrants at a percentage which in many regions reaches 30 per cent, while women face the greatest problem of finding work.

In 2003, Muslims constituted six per cent of the French population, a percentage which had tripled since 1994.

On the causes of the general reaction of the immigrants in France, Zavos attributed unemployment and social exclusion as the major factors.

[13] Public order minister briefs PM on China trip

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

Voulgarakis said that Greece will assist with security for the Olympic Games and the processes that must be carried out in order to ensure that Beijing is ready to host secure Olympics in three years time.

The minister stressed that the export of security know-how that Greece had acquired with such great effort and expense was a major success and showed that this effort had not gone unnoticed by the international community.

He also noted that Greek-Chinese relations were acquiring new depth and that "security diplomacy" could open new 'paths' for the country.

[14] PM confers with ND general director

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

The two men discussed party organizational matters.

No statements were made after the meeting.

It is noted that Simaioforidis has served in the past as secretary general of the ND parliamentary group.

[15] PM meets ND's Parliamentary Group Secretary

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

After the meeting, Stavrou told reporters that he briefed the prime minister on the campaign plans of the party's deputies and was given specific instructions by Karamanlis.

Stavrou said that the message which the ND deputies will send in their tours until the upcoming holiday season is that the government is proceeding its course of reforms and structural changes.

[16] Coordinating Council may stay in operation, Roussopoulos says

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

At the same time, he denied that there was any "insecurity" concerning the coordination of the government's work.

[17] New offices of Athens Aliens and Immigration Department inaugurated

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

Pavlopoulos said that a policy of immigrants' integration to Greek society is currently being shaped at a speedy pace to enable them to offer themselves and the country "what they can and want to, always on terms of observance of legality, with terms of dignity and with terms of protection, particularly of the rights which suit their personality."

In a related development, the main opposition PASOK party said in an announcement that "two months after the ratification of law 3386/2005 the limited response of those interested shows in practice that the ND government did not succeed in gaining the confidence of immigrants and it is obliged to give an extension, highlighting the offhandedness of its policy."

The announcement by PASOK added that "the first phase of the law's implementation certifies the ignorance, perplexity and irresponsibility with which the government is handling issues of vital importance for Greek society."

Replying to the announcement, the interior ministry's press office said that once again PASOK is resorting to its favorite tactic of provocative distortion of reality, believing that in this way it will cover up its great responsibilities in the immigration sector and nullify the work of the present government.

"Our society and primarily the immigrants themselves can now compare the days of the PASOK governments with the days of the Karamanlis government, particularly with the beginning of the implementation of law 3386/2005. Legality is being applied now and immigrants, exercising their rights fully, can work and provide for themselves and our country without risking being victims of exploitation," the ministry added.

[18] Dep. minister presses for action against 'unhelpful' civil servant

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

In a circular sent out on Monday, the minister called for action to be taken against all public-sector employees that refuse to look for certificates needed in applications and other transactions on their own initiative, forcing members of the public to make repeated visits to public-sector services in order to complete transactions.

The circular was issued in response to a complaint lodged by a woman seeking to renew her daughter's health book from the Civil Service Health Insurance Organization (OPAD), who claimed the employee dealing with her case had been rude and unhelpful. Copies were also sent to the Health Ministry, the Supreme Court Public Prosecutor, the Athens First-Instance and Appeals Courts, the chair of OPAD's board and the Public Sector Inspectors/Comptrollers Corps.

In the circular, Andreoulakos underlines that all state services at all levels, including local authorities, are required to internally seek supporting documentation needed in transactions with the public. He also stressed that no employee had the right to refuse this service nor to behave provocatively to members of the public demanding their rights.

According to the complaint, the employee in questions demanded a certificate of family status and refused to request it herself from the appropriate state service, 'marking' the health book with the intent that it should not be renewed until the certificate had been supplied. When the woman making the complaint insisted that the certificate must be sought internally, she was sent a letter signed by the head of the particular department, informing her that the service did not have "the required IT system" to look for certificates.

Andreoulakos dismissed this excuse, noting that no special equipment was needed apart from a fax, which every state service possessed.

[19] UNESCO's Matsuura applauds Ecumenical Patriarch's efforts for inter-religious dialogue

PARIS, 8/11/2005 (ANA/O.Tsipira)

The two-day conference, titled "Peace and Tolerance," began in Istanbul on Monday and aims to promote dialogue and understanding among the peoples of southeastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia.

In his written massage, Matsuura expressed UNESCO's full support for any effort aimed at encouraging dialogue among religious groups and hails the current and previous initiatives of Vartholomeos.

Matsuura also stated that dialogue among religious groups will constitute one of UNESCO's top priorities in coming years and expressed the hope to cooperate with the representatives of those countries participating at the two-day conference in Istanbul.

According to Matsuura, extra care is needed in these countries due to regional tensions and an overall delicate situation. To this end, Matsuura said that UNESCO is planning a series of events.

On November 30, the organization will be holding a seminar regarding a dialogue between France and Turkey, while in the beginning of 2006 UNESCO will be putting together educational material regarding inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue, that will be sent to Caucasus and Central Asia.

[20] Turkey has yet to condemn 'hate acts' against Ecumenical Patriarchate, Vartholomeos says

ISTANBUL, 8/11/2005 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)

The government did not state that it does not agree with the extreme acts of certain marginalized individuals, Vartholomeos told Giannakou referring to protestors who marched on the patriarchate last week demanding that it be relocated to Greece.

Vartholomeos made his comments as he received Giannakou shortly before the conference titled "Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace and Religious Freedom in Southeast Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia" commenced.

On her part, Giannakou noted that it is very important for Turkey to prove that it is granting all freedoms required on a European level to all those living in Turkey, especially if Turkey wishes to follow a European path.

[21] Justice Minister to meet with Turkish delegation on Tuesday

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

Papaligouras will be meeting with Mehmet Elkatmis, Chairman of the Turkish Parliament's Human Rights Committee; Zehra Odyakmaz, President of the Legislative Reform Committee; and Kenan Ozdemir, Deputy General Manager of the Turkish Justice Ministry's Legislative Division.

The three Turkish officials are involved in the drafting of Ombudsman legislation in their country. Turkey chose Greece as its main partner in this project.

[22] Upcoming Simitis book continues to generate reactions by political world

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

Among others, Simitis, who was prime minister of successive PASOK governments between 1996 to 2004, comments on a variety of contentious issues that arose during his premiership, including a near conflict with Turkey over the rocky Imia islets; his decision not to vie for a third term and a subsequent succession of George Papandreou to PASOK's helm just prior to the March 2004 elections; the failed Annan peace plan; the Ocalan incident as well as soured relations with the Church of Greece's leadership.

On Monday, when asked about the "succession" issue, namely, the passing of the party's leadership from then PM Simitis to his foreign minister, George Papandreou, following what the former said were "consultations", high-ranking PASOK deputy and former minister Evangelos Venizelos merely noted that "political parties, especially the major ones, have an instinct for self-preservation. Their primary goal is to win elections, because only then can they implement their program, and for PASOK in 2004, the fundamental issue was electoral victory".

Asked whether PASOK's succession should have been referred to the party's organs, Venizelos said: "What's the point now? This chapter has closed for PASOK. Our goal is now a course towards the elections, victory and the formulation of a new, credible and persuasive identity for PASOK."

Conversely, another one-time PASOK deputy, George Panayiotakopoulos, was openly critical of the ex-premier, charging that "everyone is to blame except Mr. Simitis himself. It's similar to (ruling) New Democracy".

Simitis' book is entitled "Policy for a Creative Greece: 1996-2004". Excerpts of the book have been published in a handful of Athens dailies over the past few days.

[23] Greek ambassador to U.S. visits Holocaust Museum in Washington

WASHINGTON, 8/11/2005 (ANA/T. Ellis)

The Museum, which has received 23 million visitors during the 12 years it has been operating, presents information concerning the extermination of the Jewish community in Greece by the Nazis and the names of Greeks who saved Jews during the German occupation era, many of them risking their own lives.

[24] Greek diplomats visit Turkey

ISTANBUL, 8/11/2005 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)

The delegation was in Turkey within the context of the Turkish foreign affairs ministry's cooperation with foreign diplomatic academies for training purposes.

The Greek foreign ministry has agreed to train Turkish diplomatic officials on European Union-related matters.

[25] Greek-Italian natgas pipeline agreement to be tabled soon for ratification in parliament, development minister says

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

Sioufas told reporters he had briefed the premier on the signing of the agreement, adding that both governments fully supported "this important energy project".

The minister said he had further briefed Karamanlis on the trilateral cooperation among Italy, Turkey and Greece in the energy sector, encompassing natural gas as well as the three countries' electricity grids, noting that energy cooperation was also an EU priority, and that the role of the three countries in energy matters was being upgraded.

He also said that the Greek-Turkish natural gas pipeline -- which will transport natural gas from Russia, the Caspian and the Middle East via Turkey to Greece, and from Greece to Italy and the other EU countries -- was progressing well, adding that the planning of the pipeline's route inside Greece was, too, progressing in a satisfactory manner.

Asked whether a government reshuffle should be expected, Sioufas replied: "I have been telling you throughout the past 17 months that a reshuffle is not needed".

[26] Turkey reiterates goal to timely complete natural gas pipeline

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

DEPA's chairman and chief executive, Rafael Moysis met with BOTAS new chief executive Riza Cifci and discussed developments in a Greek-Turkish plan to build a natural gas pipeline. The Turkish side said it would complete its part of the pipeline within set deadlines and expressed its interest in developments in a Greek-Italian gas pipeline seeking a more active participation in the project in the future.

The meeting was held in sidelines of a signing ceremony in Lecce, Italy, last week of a natural gas pipeline project.

[27] Greek gov't to launch national dialogue on pension system

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

OKE will draft a series of studies over the issue, Economy Minister told reporters, after the meeting, while stressing that there was a need for a long-term dialogue. "The next governments will take the necessary measures," Alogoskoufis said.

Labor Minister Panos Panagiotopoulos said the government was not aiming to change the general framework of the pension system or retirement ages and noted that a national dialogue on the issue would expand beyond the government's four-year term. Panagiotopoulos added that the dialogue would be free and without prejudice and noted that OKE would act as a coordinator of studies to be drafted on the issue.

The two ministers are expected to meet again in the next few weeks.

PASOK's Venizelos on dialogue concerning social security issue: In response to the government's decision to send a letter to the presidiums of the Economic and Social Committee, of the Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) and of the Civil Servants' Supreme Executive Council (ADEDY) for a dialogue to begin on social security, main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) deputy responsible for the employment, social policy and health sector of the party's Political Council, Evangelos Venizelos, said on Monday that "unfortunately, the government is continuing to systematically mock all the socially insured and all the pensioners," adding that "it is supposedly opening a long-term dialogue on the social security issue, while on a daily basis, with conscious actions, it is undermining the Social Security Foundation (IKA) and the insurance funds.

"Is it ever possible for there to be a dialogue without a political framework by the government, without appropriate studies?" Venizelos questioned.

[28] Coalition, trade unions criticize gov't plan for pension talks

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

"The dialogue the government is seeking is clearly a pretence, as shown by its handling of social insurance in banks and in the mass reduction of staff at Hellenic Telecommunications Organization," a party spokesman, Dimitris Stratoulis, said in a statement.

"In the manner that it is promoting this dialogue, the government is seeking to create the right political and social climate for 'social insurance terrorism'", the statement said.

In a separate announcement, the General Confederation of Employees of Greece (GSEE) said that a clear-cut agenda should be set before the talks began, and that consensus should be achieved on the content of the agenda.

GSEE president Christos Polyzogopoulos said that the trade union umbrella group had given the government their proposals in April this year, but had met with no response.

[29] Greek fishing vessel owners urge for support measures

8/11/2005 (ANA)

"The absence of immediate intervention of state and community support, and lack of urgent measures to deal with a crisis in the fishery sector is the response of the European Commission to the industry's demands both in Greece and abroad," an announcement by PEPMA said.

The union said "the European Commission was either reluctant or weak in dealing with the situation prevailing in the fishery industry and its proposals to the rescue of the industry would take several months before it begins to offer support to thousands of fishermen across the EU".

PEPMA said a sharp increase in the oil price would severely hit the industry while it noted that "any unilateral measures by national governments would lead to an environment of unfair competition in Europe".

The union threatened with strike mobilizations unless the European Commission agreed to urgent support measures for the industry.

[30] PM to chair cabinet meeting on shipping issues on Tuesday

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

On Tuesday evening at 19:00, the premier is to meet Deputy Sports Minister George Orfanos and the president of the Hellenic Olympic Committee Minos Kyriakou, while at 20:30 he will speak at the Greek-American Chamber of Commerce on "The Hour of the Greek Economy".

[31] Australian firms eye construction sector in Greece

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

The director of the Australian embassy in Athens, Ioanna Gouvatsou, told the event at the Athens Chamber of Trade and Industry that there was room for growth in commercial ties between the two countries, with construction being a key sector of interest for the Australian side.

Other areas attracting attention were tourism, entertainment parks, and health, which has seen import activity mainly in orthopedic goods, Gouvatsou noted.

The Australian ambassador in Athens, Paul Tighe, said that he backed cooperation between companies in the two countries.

[32] Greece, Arab countries sound out business cooperation

8/11/2005 (ANA)

"There are many opportunities for Greek-Arab cooperation, which require appropriate preparation for successful implementation," Shafik Gabr, president of Egypt's Arab Business Council, told a conference in Athens arranged by the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce.

Sectors of interest to Greek investors included trade, information technology, telecoms and banking, while tourism could act as bridge to strengthen ties between Greece and the Arab world, Gabr said.

According to Socrates Kokkalis, chairman of Intracom SA, many Arab countries had capital to invest.

In addition, the Athens-quoted company had forged successful alliances in Arab countries, Kokkalis said.

The chairman of Shamil Bank of Bahrain, Khalid Abdullah-Janahi, told the conference that Greece could attract investments from Arab countries, but competition was tough from countries including China and India.

[33] Staff of Egyptian Commercial Bank want name change to Piraeus Bank

CAIRO, 8/11/2005 (ANA/N Katsikas)

Six hundred staff members or 67% of personnel, at Commercial's 25 branches made the request for the change in 2006 to the bank's president, for dispatch to management in Greece.

Egyptian Commercial Bank plans to raise its network to 40 branches by the end of next year, covering the country's main cities.

Piraeus Bank, which has said it plans to expand into other Middle Eastern countries, was the only foreign bank to move into the Egyptian market in 35 years.

[34] Athens airport reports 6.5-pct increase in passenger traffic

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

The airport said international passenger traffic grew 9.0 pct, reflecting an 8.7-pct rise in scheduled flights and a 23.2-pct jump in charter flights, while domestic traffic rose 2.3 percent. Steadily rising traffic ranked the Athens International Airport among the list of rapidly growing large European airports (with annual traffic more than 10 million passengers).

Passenger traffic in the July-September period totaled 4.6 million passengers, an increase of 5.0 percent from the same period last year, while domestic traffic jumped 7.8 percent and 9.0 percent in July and August, respectively.

[35] Major road safety improvement works in Macedonia

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

Budgeted at 1.4 million euros, the project will be tendered on December 15, the ministry said in a statement.

[36] Gov't may take more steps to extend shopping hours

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

Addressing a conference of the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce, Sioufas outlined moves so far by the government to make Greek enterprises more outward-looking and the market for more fertile for investment.

[37] Greek stocks end 0.12 pct down

ATHENS, 8/11/2005 (ANA)

Sector indices ended lower with the Publications (2.36 pct), Retail (1.28 pct), Metals (0.96 pct) and Holdings (0.68 pct) suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day. The IT Solutions (1.87 pct), Wholesale (0.60 pct), IT (0.47 pct) and Textiles (0.42 pct) ended higher.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks was unchanged from Friday, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index fell 0.48 pct and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.50 percent down.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 152 to 119 with another 66 issues unchanged.

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