Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-11-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis meets with veterans of anti-dictatorship struggle

[02] Events continue ahead of Polytechnic uprising anniversary

[03] Bitter condemnation of Polytechnic exhibition featuring N17 terrorists' works issued by Bakoyannis' brother

[04] Gov't says appropriate date for PM's visit to Ankara sought

[05] Ecumenical Patriarch calls for equal treatment of Christians in Moslem countries

[06] Bologna University to honor Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos

[07] DM meets Palestinian Authority representatives in Ramallah

[08] Pope Benedict XVI conveys invitation to Archbishop Christodoulos to visit the Vatican

[09] Gov't on Papandreou comments over 'renewal'

[10] Athanassakis comments PASOK leader Papandreou's statements on party's renewal

[11] KKE says looking to future with optimism, in message marking 87th anniversary of party's founding

[12] Conference of Communist and Labor parties in Athens on November 18-20

[13] Public sentiment less 'immigrant-friendly' than politicians', study finds

[14] Cypriot students stage anti-occupation demonstrations in Athens, Thessaloniki

[15] Ambassadors of Tunisia, Poland, Brazil and Kazakhstan present credentials

[16] Deputy FM Stylianidis receives new Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Greece, Almaz Khamzayev

[17] Greek UN representative addresses SC on Bosnia-Herzegovina

[18] Greece and Commonwealth of Dominica sign joint communique on concluding diplomatic relations

[19] Outgoing Greek Ambassador to Australia pays three-day farewell visit to Adelaide

[20] German ambassador to visit Crete on Thursday

[21] PM briefed over economic developments

[22] Public works minister speaks of 'boom' in public projects sector

[23] Pilots tentatively welcome plan to form new airline from OA

[24] Opposition party criticizes government plan for OA

[25] Greece shows rise in Q3 competitiveness, reversing trend

[26] Greek inflation slowed to 3.7 pct in October, Eurostat

[27] Greece to host 1st int'l conference on Internet governance next year

[28] Government on reported price hike for Internet rates

[29] Greek stocks resumed uptrend on Wednesday

[30] Archaeologists unearth ancient city of Verge in Serres

[31] Greek NGO holds event for African children, AIDS in France

[32] UNICEF art exhibit focuses on children's rights

[33] Fund-raising art show organized by Athens municipality, human rights centre

[34] ANA's Andreas Christodoulides receives 'Yiannos Kranidiotis' award

[35] Study reveals Greeks' attitudes on food, credit and politics

[36] 50th anniversary of European Flag celebrated at Council of Europe ceremony

[37] Two fugitives wanted by Hungary for homicide, robbery, arrested in Athens - Extradition procedures set in motion

[38] Hooded youths hurl firebombs at police, torch police van

[39] Prosecutor seeks misdemeanor charges against Kenteris, Thanou and coach

[40] Parliament eats chicken dinner to boost confidence in poultry

[41] Cacoyiannis an honorary professor of Thessaloniki University film school

[42] Papadopoulos: Any meeting with Talat should be under UN auspices

[43] President ready to meet Talat under UN auspices, says T/C politician

[44] Talat's statements incompatible with his policies, says Cyprus government

[45] House President appeals to international community

[01] Karamanlis meets with veterans of anti-dictatorship struggle

ATHENS, 17/11/2005 (ANA)

The meeting came a day before the 32nd anniversary of the culmination of a students' uprising at the Athens Polytechnic, which was brutally crushed by police on that day, Nov. 17, 1973.

The prime minister also said that those who resisted the seven-year military dictatorship (1967-1973) provide an example on how citizens "realize their debt to their homeland, to the state, society and their fellow man."

Additionally, Karamanlis emphasized that 32 years after the Polytechnic uprising democracy is absolutely secure in Greece despite whatever imperfections and weaknesses.

He also called for national unity in dealing with major foreign policy issues, "and for a better quality of democracy, as well as for the demand to finally deal with the major economy and social problems"

On his part, the president of the group, Fotis Provatas, said members of the association requested from the prime minister that the dour history of the seven-year dictatorship be taught in public schools, while adding that the premier appeared positive over such a prospect.

Provatas also said that the group requested the restoration of buildings on the barren and uninhabited Cyclades isle of Yiaros (Gyaros), used in past decades as a place of detention center for political prisoners.

[02] Events continue ahead of Polytechnic uprising anniversary

ATHENS, 17/11/2005 (ANA)

Political party representatives, unions, student groups and government officials laid wreaths and made brief statements at the university-level school on Wednesday. In Thessaloniki, meanwhile, several groups and political officials laid wreaths at a monument at the city's polytechnic dedicated to the uprising.

[03] Bitter condemnation of Polytechnic exhibition featuring N17 terrorists' works issued by Bakoyannis' brother

ATHENS, 17/11/2005 (ANA)

The exhibition comes during a week when the anniversary of a 1973 students' uprising against a military junta then ruling Greece is celebrated, with the Athens Polytechnic as the focal point. The ultra-leftist urban guerrilla group, eradicated by authorities three years ago, usurped the date -- Nov. 17, 1973 -- that witnessed the crushing of the uprising within the Polytechnic by police and army units.

"Let me just state the following: I absolutely condemn this action, because it is a provocation and an insult to the memory of the victims and their families. I consider it (the exhibition) as morally and politically deplorable for the country's democratic institutions," Nikos Bakoyannis said, while describing the exhibition as staged for "N17's murderers".

He also called for legal action against the Polytechnic's faculty senate and members of a coordination committee managing this year's commemoration events.

"Commemoration of the Polytechnic anniversary includes the concept of recognizing democratic freedoms and condemning the junta. It cannot, however, be used as a basis and cause for praising felonious criminal acts - which aimed at the lives of people as well as against democracy," he said.

On his part, the government spokesman also commented on the issue during his regular press briefing, saying that "it is a provocation to promote messages, of any form, from those that injured democracy during such a significant, for democracy, anniversary".

Main opposition PASOK Spokesman Nikos Athanassakis also denounced the exhibition of the inmates' work.

"The uprising and anti-junta struggle of youngsters and the people in general led to the Polytechnic uprising, which had nothing - and has nothing - to do with cold-blooded murderers who tried or who are trying to take advantage of the event," he said.

[04] Gov't says appropriate date for PM's visit to Ankara sought

ATHENS, 17/11/2005 (ANA)

The statement, by government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, came after reports from Ankara a day earlier citing displeasure within Turkish prime minister's office over delays in arranging such a visit.

Regarding another question citing statements by Turkish officials, namely, that Turkish occupation forces will not be withdrawn from Cyprus, Roussopoulos noted that the aforementioned officials "are moving in the wrong direction, given that they conflict with the framework of UN resolutions".

[05] Ecumenical Patriarch calls for equal treatment of Christians in Moslem countries

VIENNA, 17/11/2005 (ANA/D. Dimitrakoudis)

International personalities, including the presidents of Iraq and Afghanistan and the former Iranian president, participated in the conference, as well as leading Church and international organization representatives.

The Patriarch said that the state of Christians in some Moslem countries is not safe and considerable steps are necessary to improve it. He further said that the differences between Moslems and Christians have their roots in politics and not in faith.

"Religion has repeatedly become the product of political exploitation in history for the creation of hostilities and the fuelling of fanaticism between people," he said.

The Ecumenical Patriarch stressed the great significance of dialogue between cultures and religions as the only means for peaceful coexistence among peoples, despite the difference in their faith.

He also thanked the Austrian government for its initiative in preparing and organizing the conference in Vienna under the title of "Islam in a pluralistic world", ahead of the Austrian European Union Presidency in the first half of 2006.

[06] Bologna University to honor Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos

ROME, 17/11/2005 (ANA/L. Hatzikiriakos)

Bologna University, which is the oldest in Italy, has proclaimed Vartholomeos honorary professor "for the sensitivity he has shown in his struggles for the protection of the environment".

The official ceremony will take place on Saturday in Ravenna, at the Church of San Vitale.

On Friday, he will give a lecture on the theme "The environment and its problems".

On Sunday, Vartholomeos will officiate at Bologna's Aghios Dimitrios Church and return to Istanbul in the afternoon.

[07] DM meets Palestinian Authority representatives in Ramallah

ATHENS, 17/11/2005 (ANA)

Spiliotopoulos met in Ramallah with Interior Minister responsible for defense and security issues Nasser Yusef and the main negotiator on the Palestinian issue Sahib Erekat.

He then went to the Natanya University, to the Strategic Dialogue Centre, where he participated in the discussion on the "Middle East: Towards the Future" in the framework of the conference on "Peace: Dream or Vision" in memory of former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.

Spiliotopoulos reiterated Greece's full support both for the efforts of the international community "for the existence of two states, of Palestine and Israel, in conditions of good neighborliness with peace and security and not only for the prosperity of the two peoples, but of the wider region as well."

The minister further noted that "we must renew our efforts in promoting the peace process. Peace, stability and prosperity in the region of the Mediterranean are issues of extreme importance."

[08] Pope Benedict XVI conveys invitation to Archbishop Christodoulos to visit the Vatican

17/11/2005 (ANA)

The invitation was conveyed by the cardinal during an event, Wednesday, at the Byzantine Museum for the presentation of a Byzantine book. The book was published by the Church of Greece in cooperation with the Vatican Library and the Spanish Publishing House Testimonio.

The cardinal read the letter sent to Archbishop Christodoulos by the Pope which noted that "a new step has been achieved on the road to reconciliation and cooperation."

On departure, from the event, Archbishop Christodoulos told reporters that "an official invitation" would be extended.

[09] Gov't on Papandreou comments over 'renewal'

ATHENS, 17/11/2005 (ANA)

Queried over the former foreign minister's statements, spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos reminded that "renewal is a positive element, in any sector of political and social life..."

Nevertheless, he added that "within the framework of a political confrontation, because one criterion relates to accomplishments, citizens remember very well the body of work left over by PASOK".

Moreover, the spokesman called on the main opposition to make its proposals over transparency in the public sector more specific, saying a previous list of proposals was "general and vague".

"Two weeks ago I had noted that I was particularly pleased that Mr. Papandreou said he was finally processing his eight proposals for transparency. We hope that when he finishes with this processing he publicizes them (proposals)..."

Finally, the spokesman again reaffirmed the government's intention to call elections at the end of its four-year term.

[10] Athanassakis comments PASOK leader Papandreou's statements on party's renewal

ATHENS, 17/11/2005 (ANA)

Athanassakis was responding to press reports regarding to what Papandreou was alleged to have said during statements he made on Tuesday to parliamentary reporters.

The PASOK spokesman said that "nowhere in the press was the total two-and-a-half hour discussion presented" and that "only excerpts of what he said were reported."

In reference to terms such as "placing in retirement" or "burdens", the spokesman clarified they were used by reporters and not by Papandreou himself.

The PASOK spokesman added that "there will be no opposition between the old and young" generation, stressing that "in the new structures which have been shaped in PASOK, an old member to be constantly renewed cannot be excluded."

Regarding the deputies, Athanassakis stressed that "the judgment on who will be elected or not, belongs exclusively to the people and this was reiterated yesterday by Mr. Papandreou," adding that "it is the people who 'place in retirement' or renew the mandate."

[11] KKE says looking to future with optimism, in message marking 87th anniversary of party's founding

ATHENS, 17/11/2005 (ANA)

A message issued by the KKE central committee said that "we honor the 87th anniversary of the founding of the KKE, moving with optimism and determination to the new class battles, with certainty and faith in the justness of our struggle, the superiority of the revolutionary Marxist-Leninist cosmotheory, the necessity and timeliness of socialism and the communist perspective".

The message said that the present era was one of "passing from capitalism to socialism", adding that "the global retrogression, which came as a result of the victory of the counter-revolution (1989-1991), is temporary, given that the social opposition to capitalism is deepening and becoming more acute".

In a specific reference to the 1989-91 period, it said that the KKE was exceptionally proud because "the KKE remained standing, confronting the crisis of the 1989-91 period, in the face of all those forces and mechanisms that did all they could to obliterate it, or to turn it into a socialdemocrat party".

Today, the message continued, the KKE was working to materialize the decisions of the party's 17th Congress for its overall strengthening, in order for the ideological, political and organizational counter-attack of the communists to unfold in a uniform and dynamic way, since "this is the basic and necessary condition for the qualitative upgrading of the organization and the labor class's battle for comprehensive awakening and unity of the poor and middle classes against the capitalistic restructurings of imperialism for their contemporary needs, and for the creation of the anti-imperialist anti-monopolist democratic front".

In that framework, it said, the KKE was heading to the battle of the 2006 municipal and prefectural elections with the aspiration of dealing a strong blow to the ruling New Democracy (ND) and main opposition PASOK parties, so that the rally of the radical forces fighting against the capitalistic restructurings in the field of local government may proceed and be strengthened.

The central committee called on all the members of the KKE and KNE (the KKE youth organization), the friends of the party, and the radical militants to know and study the KKE's historic course, which it said was a large and strong weapon in the battle against the policy and ideology of the bourgeois parties and opportunism.

[12] Conference of Communist and Labor parties in Athens on November 18-20

ATHENS, 17/11/2005 (ANA)

The conference will focus on the theme of "Modern trends of capitalism, economic policies and social repercussions - The alternative Communist solution and proposal."

KKE Politburo member Dimitris Koutsoumbas told a press conference on Wednesday that for the first time certain delegations will be participating from countries such as the Communist parties of China, Venezuela, Ecuador, Tajikistan and Madagascar.

This year, according to data obtained so far, 75 Communist parties from 63 countries and all continents are expected to participate.

Referring to the discussion which will take place, Koutsoumbas said that "the international meeting is taking place while plans are underway for the 'democratization' of Arab countries and of countries of the 'wider Middle East'. There is the imperialist, of both the United States and the European Union, aggressiveness against Lebanon, Syria, Iran and the criminal intervention of Israel against the Palestinian people and a multiform intervention in Africa."

The conference will begin on Friday with an address by KKE Secretary General Aleka Papariga and will be followed by the addresses of other party representatives.

[13] Public sentiment less 'immigrant-friendly' than politicians', study finds

ATHENS, 17/11/2005 (ANA)

The study's findings were presented during a conference on immigration policy, organized by the Immigration Policy Institute (IMEPO) and the Hellenic Leadership Institute, on Wednesday.

Of the 1,000 people interviewed throughout the country, 45% did not consider immigrants' presence in Greece beneficial at all; 32% considered it 'slightly' beneficial, while 22% expressed a positive attitude to immigrants living in Greece.

Asked whether immigrants contribute to the country's economy, 32% responded "not at all"; 29% responded "slightly"; 28% said "considerably"; and 10% said "very much."

Furthermore, 40% disagreed that immigrants have helped make Greek society more 'open', while 8% believed immigrants had contributed greatly in this respect.

Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis, who opened the conference, said that Greece has a long way to go in terms of adopting the right immigration policy. However, he noted that the recent law passed by the government is a significant step in this direction.

Voulgarakis emphasized that Greece is not France and will never become France, adding that the country's political leadership wants Greece to be open to the "contradictions and developments of the times."

On his part, Deputy Foreign Minister Panagiotis Skandalakis said that for years Greece did not have the "right" immigration policy, resulting in thousands of economic immigrants flocking to the country.

He expressed optimism that the new law, drafted by the Ministry of the Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization in cooperation with the Public Order Ministry, will help solve the problem.

Deputy Minster of the Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Thanassis Nakos referred to the latest developments in Paris - where immigrants have been rioting for nearly three weeks - noting that these have brought the immigration issue to the international forefront in a particularly pressing way.

Nakos referred to the ministry's programs which aim to inform those interested in migrating to Greece as well as those who lived and worked in Greece previously and wish to return to their country.

Deputy Labor and Social Protection Minister Nikos Angelopoulos said part of the problem is due to a lack of information, since immigrants contribute both to the country's economy and productivity and to the social security system.

"The entry of 330,000 immigrants in the social security system was a shot in the arm," he said.

"Immigrants must feel that they are participating in the quest for a common goal," main opposition PASOK MP Michalis Chryssohoidis pointed out.

In order to achieve this, the government must make immigrants' integration a priority.

Chryssohoidis added that realistic policies, that will not encourage xenophobic tendencies, are necessary.

As for integration, he noted that it does not mean simply access to the job market, but political rights after a reasonable length of time, as well as rights to health care, education and welfare.

Finally, IMEPO President Alexandros Zavos said that according to international organizations' reports, the French had been expecting the "explosion" that rocked Paris' suburbs.

"We are learning from Europe's experience, we are studying the measures that the other 25 EU member states implement, but we are not adopting them indiscriminately and without adjusting them to Greek reality first," he added.

According to Zavos, the fundamental prerequisite for immigrants' smooth integration in the majority of EU member states is to learn the language of the host country. Learning the language, will in turn help them learn their rights and obligations, he said.

"In our country, we must place emphasis on learning the Greek language and vocational training. For this we need a partnership between the state and a voluntary movement," Zavos concluded.

[14] Cypriot students stage anti-occupation demonstrations in Athens, Thessaloniki

ATHENS, 17/11/2005 (ANA)

In Athens, approximately 700 demonstrators, holding flag and banners and chanting slogans against the occupation troops, marked from the national Gallery to the Turkish Embassy in Athens, where they delivered a relevant resolution, and from there to the Athens University Propylae, where an anti-occupation concert was staged by students' bands.

The resolution adopted by the demonstrators, members of the National Students Cypriot Students' Union (EFEK) of Athens, condemned the 22nd anniversary of the unilateral declaration of the self-styled 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' (TRNC), which is recognized only by Turkey, stressing that "Turkey's military invasion of the independent island republic of Cyprus and the continuing occupation, and the violation of the human rights of the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots comprises a blatant violation of the UN Charter and the principles of international and European law.

The resolution called on Turkey to "meet its obligations to the Republic of Cyprus and international law, and immediately sit at the negotiations table for a solution to the Cyprus issue, respecting the legitimate concerns of all the Cypriots".

A similar demonstration was held in Thessaloniki, organized by the EFEK Thessaloniki. Protestors marched from the Officers' Club to Angelakis street, where they dispersed. A delegation of the EFEK board went to the Turkish consulate, where they posted a resolution.

[15] Ambassadors of Tunisia, Poland, Brazil and Kazakhstan present credentials

ATHENS, 17/11/2005 (ANA)

Specifically, the new envoys of Tunisia, Naceur Mestiri; Poland, Maciej Gorski; Brazil, Mauro Mendes de Azeredo and Kazakhstan, Almaz Khamzayev, presented their credentials. Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis represented the government.

[16] Deputy FM Stylianidis receives new Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Greece, Almaz Khamzayev

ATHENS, 17/11/2005 (ANA)

According to a foreign ministry press release, Stylianidis and Ambassador Khamzayev discussed the will of the two sides to upgrade bilateral economic relations, further develop bilateral trade as well as to hold the first Joint Inter-ministerial Committee in Astana, Kazakhstan, in spring 2006.

The deputy foreign minister stressed the Greek side's interest for the participation of Greek research companies and of construction companies for the construction of public works in Kazakhstan, the cooperation of the two sides in the energy sector as well as the undertaking of educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

[17] Greek UN representative addresses SC on Bosnia-Herzegovina

NEW YORK, 17/11/2005 (ANA/P. Panayiotou)

"We have hoped that the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Dayton Agreement would provide Bosnia-Herzegovina with the opportunity of soon becoming a member of the Partnership for Peace, also having initiated the process of the Agreement on Stabilization and Association. There is still time for this dream to become real. We will continue to believe that the opportunity will not be lost," Vassilakis noted.

He also said that Greece "fully aligns itself" with the address made by the British UN permanent representative on behalf of the European Union. Vassilakis said that since last March, when the same issue was discussed, many things have changed "mostly for the better".

[18] Greece and Commonwealth of Dominica sign joint communique on concluding diplomatic relations

NEW YORK, 17/11/2005 (ANA/P. Panayiotou)

The communique stresses the will of both governments for the further development and strengthening of their friendly relations and of mutual understanding, as well as cooperation between the two peoples based on the aims and principles of the UN Charter and rules and principles of international law.

It is also noted that "the government of the Republic of Greece and the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, convinced that the conclusion of diplomatic relations will contribute to international peace and security, decided to conclude diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level in accordance with the provisions of the Vienna Treaty on Diplomatic Relations of April 18, 1961 and the Vienna Treaty on Consular Relations of April 24, 1963 from the day of the signing of the joint communique."

[19] Outgoing Greek Ambassador to Australia pays three-day farewell visit to Adelaide

MELBOURNE, 17/11/2005 (ANA/S. Hatzimanolis)

As was made known, Xydas will be replaced by Leonidas Chrysanthopoulos.

Among others, Xydas met with the Governor of South Australia, Marjorie Jackson-Nelson as well as with the Prime Minister of the State, Mike Rann.

On Saturday night, he attended a dinner hosted in his honor by the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia.

Xydas is also paying farewell visits to other cities. On Friday, he will visit Sydney where he will attend a reception hosted in his honor by the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales.

A similar reception in his honor will be hosted by the Greek Community of Melbourne on Friday, January 25.

[20] German ambassador to visit Crete on Thursday

ATHENS, 17/11/2005 (ANA)

Dr. Schultheiss will have talks with the regional general secretary for Crete, the prefect of Hania and the mayors of Hania, Iraklio and Anogeia, as well as the head of the Goethe centre in Hania and the president of the Greek-German Association.

During his stay, the ambassador is to visit Lakkous and Maleme.

[21] PM briefed over economic developments

ATHENS, 17/11/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Alogoskoufis said the meeting discussed next year's budget plan -due to be submitted to parliament next Monday- and stressed that the government has achieved a significant reduction of the country's fiscal deficit to 4.4 pct this year from 6.6 pct in 2004, predicting it would fall below 3.0 pct in 2006.

Commenting on a debt securitization plan, the Greek minister said it was a secondary issue cleared by the government.

Development minister said he briefed the PM over developments plans for 2006 and the years after.

Main opposition spokesman slams gov't over economy: Main opposition PASOK Spokesman Nikos Athanassakis on Wednesday slammed Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis and the government over their handling of the country's economy.

Athanassakis' comments came in response to Alogoskoufis' and Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas' statements after meeting with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis.

The PASOK spokesman noted that when the government submitted the 2005 budget it had predicted a deficit of 2.8%. Later, the government revised the figure upwards to 3.6% based on a stability and growth program.

"Now, that the government cannot successfully handle the securitization either, it has announced a deficit of 4.4%," Athanassakis added.

Commenting on Alogoskoufis' statement that the debt securitization was a secondary issue, Athanassakis said that "the Finance Minister's and the government's lack of serious-ness is not a secondary issue."

Asked whether PASOK will seek Alogoskoufis' resignation, Athanassakis said that the "government and Karamanlis personally are responsible, since the prime minister turned PASOK's motion to censure Alogoskoufis into a vote of confidence for the government."

Athanassakis called on Alogoskoufis to respond immediately to PASOK MPs' question regarding the deadline for payment of property value-added tax.

Referring to Sioufas' comments that he has briefed Karamanlis on development plans, PASOK's spokesman noted that the Public Investment Program "is continuously shrinking".

He accused the government of trying to cut costs at the expense of the program, rather than cutting down on spending.

He added that "every time the budget is revised, the investment program is cut down further."

[22] Public works minister speaks of 'boom' in public projects sector

ATHENS, 17/11/2005 (ANA)

Speaking at a conference organized by the newspaper Express, Souflias said that the ministry's leadership can neither be pressured nor blackmailed, adding that in this conflict of interests, which is tough due to the size of projects, the only thing he and his associates hear and see is the public interest.

Referring to reforms brought about in the projects production system, the minister said that the first major step was the fair project-awarding system which is that of tendering. The process is absolutely transparent and projects are awarded in record time.

Souflias said that secondly the process of the contractor's termination is objective and speedy, while invoices constitute the third security valve. "Consequently, tendering takes place with absolute transparency and appropriate specifications," he said.

He also pointed out that the majority of projects awarded with the new law move ahead without any objection being raised. Objections currently raised concern, in their majority, projects having a big budget which are not taking place with the new law but with the study and construction system, while participants in tendering abuse this right of theirs.

[23] Pilots tentatively welcome plan to form new airline from OA

ATHENS, 17/11/2005 (ANA)

"Pilots are ready to back any move to restructure and save the company, and are also ready to assume responsibility," the union said in its first statement since announcement of the scheme on Tuesday.

"At the same time there are two points that must be strictly adhered to: firstly, safety for flights, and secondly, the scope of the timetable," the statement said.

The pilots, who called on the government to begin talks with interested parties, have in the past opposed any attempt to shrink the airline, including cutting flights or routes.

"The recipe for a small and wretched Olympic has no future. It was tried and it failed," the union added.

[24] Opposition party criticizes government plan for OA

ATHENS, 17/11/2005 (ANA)

The airline had been plagued by party political interests, accompanied by a string of repeated privatization attempts by the current government and its predecessors, the Coalition's president, Alekos Alavanos, said on Wednesday.

"The party would like to see Olympic Airlines being genuinely public, and not party-run," the statement said.

[25] Greece shows rise in Q3 competitiveness, reversing trend

ATHENS, 17/11/2005 (ANA)

The country showed the highest rate of improvement in the eurozone on the basis of European Union financial data, Sioufas told a book presentation.

"In the indices of all international organizations, Greek competitiveness had been in a permanent state of decline from 2001 onwards, despite relatively high rates of growth," Sioufas said.

"We (the government) said we would put an end to this decline and what we said has become reality," he noted.

The book presentation was for "The Competitiveness of the Greek Economy 2005" by journalist Robert McDonald.

[26] Greek inflation slowed to 3.7 pct in October, Eurostat

ATHENS, 17/11/2005 (ANA)

The EU executive's statistics agency said Eurozone's inflation also slowed to 2.5 pct in October from 2.6 pct in September, but remained above a 2.4 percent figure recorded in October 2004. Inflation in the EU-25 eased to 2.4 pct from 2.5 pct in September, up from a 2.3 pct figure in October 2004.

Finland (0.8 pct), Sweden (0.9 pct), Holland (1.5 pct) and Poland (1.6 pct) recorded the lowest inflation rates in October, while Latvia (7.7 pct), Luxembourg (5.0 pct), Estonia (4.5 pct) and Greece (3.7 pct) the highest rates.

The inflation rate rose in eight EU member-states, it fell in sixteen and was unchanged in Slovenia.

[27] Greece to host 1st int'l conference on Internet governance next year

ATHENS, 17/11/2005 (ANA)

The decision was taken during the World Conference on Information Society, currently underway in Tunis.

A total of 150 countries, 60 national leaders, ministers and non-governmental organizations -- totalling some 25,000 participants -- are currently discussing the impact of the digital revolution and ways to bridge a "digital gap" in the world.

The Greek minister chaired the assembly of the conference. Speaking to reporters he said Athens was steadily moving towards implementing an action plan agreed to at the international conference.

The digital revolution has changed the way people think, behave, communicate, work and earn their living, while at the same time it helped create new ways of acquiring knowledge, education and the distribution of information, Liapis said, while he urged for steps to reduce a "digital gap" between rich and poor states, as well as rich and poor citizens.

Finally, he said Greece "has the political volition to lay down the foundations for an information society".

[28] Government on reported price hike for Internet rates

ATHENS, 17/11/2005 (ANA)

He was responding to questions on the rumored price hike and whether this was compatible with the prime minister's announcement of a drive to bolster use of new technologies in Greece.

"The prime minister talked about cheap Internet for students and that will soon be a reality," Roussopoulos said, while noting that the independent telecoms authority had asked for more than a year to harmonize prices with those in European markets.

Pointing out that he was not empowered to interfere with the running of OTE, the spokesman expressed "certainty" that the state telecoms organization would "in the framework of developing its broadband networks, assist citizens by expanding its networks and offering prices that are tolerable for the income of Greek citizens, so as to facilitate the State to proceed to a new electronic age".

Cheap Internet access a gov't obligation, PASOK MP stresses: Main opposition PASOK MP Evangelos Venizelos on Wednesday stressed that providing cheap access to the Internet was an obligation for both the government and the state-controlled Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE).

"Since the review of the Constitution in 2001, access to the society of information in our country is a constitutionally established right for all, especially young people and students. Cheap access to the Internet is a condition for meaningful participation in the society of information. This obligation burdens OTE and burdens the government, which is responsible for supervising it," he stressed.

The MP, who is in charge of the employment, social affairs and health sectors in PASOK's political council, made the statement in response to reports of a substantial price hike of Internet rates being planned by OTE.

[29] Greek stocks resumed uptrend on Wednesday

ATHENS, 17/11/2005 (ANA)

The composite index rose 0.34 percent to end at 3,440.18 points, with turnover an improved 234.2 million euros.

Sector indices ended higher, with the IT Solutions (1.42 pct), Holdings (0.79 pct), Investment (0.71 pct) and Wholesale (0.58 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while Insurance (2.17 pct), Telecoms (0.52 pct), Publications (0.16 pct) and Mineral-Cement (0.16 pct) suffered losses.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.40 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.19 percent higher and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index jumped 1.10 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 155 to 107 with another 66 issues unchanged.

Stock Futures: