Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-11-18

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] EU report on member-states' economies sees strong growth rate for Greece, decline in unemployment, inflation; difficulty in containing fiscal deficit

[02] Deficit forecast for Greece assumes go-ahead for securitization, Almunia says

[03] Events for Polytechnic uprising end in customary protest march

[04] Gov't again sternly condemns exhibition of terrorists' art works

[05] Parliament honors anniversary of Polytechnic uprising

[06] Symbolism of Polytechnic uprising always timely, PASOK says

[07] Deputy FM participates in Council of Europe ministerial session

[08] Molyviatis to take part in SEECP troika visits to Belgrade, Pristina

[09] Bryza praises Greece's role in the Balkans

[10] Foreign ministry on Erdogan's statement regarding Patriarchate

[11] Ecumenical Patriarch received by Austrian leadership

[12] Ecumenical Patriarch expresses support for Turkey's EU accession in interview with magazine

[13] No one exempt from the law, justice minister says after meeting with PM

[14] Euro-court rules against Greece over Directive citing mass influx of displaced persons

[15] Extension for legalization of immigrants a possibility, Parliament told

[16] Roussopoulos addresses opening session of World Association of Newspapers conference in Athens

[17] Greece welcomes Israel-Palestinian agreement on border crossings

[18] PASOK secretary to represent party at French Socialist Party's congress

[19] Ambassadors Negroponte and Mallias honored at event in Chicago

[20] Gov't continues contacts aimed at OA solution

[21] Deputy Finmin to handle creation of new airline from OA

[22] Gov't okays 21.7 mln euros for research and development projects

[23] State-run telecom backs down on Internet price hike plans

[24] Presentation for new Greek, Turkish bank on December 3

[25] Finnish executives to Greece for contacts on waste management

[26] ERT's Satellite Television Director Nikos Kourtis visits New York, Chicago

[27] Grecotel wins Thomson hotel awards

[28] Greek stocks continue upward trend on Thursday

[29] Cooperation announced between ANA and Special Secretariat on 'Information Society'

[30] Conference on avian flu in Athens on Saturday

[31] EU Health Commissioner to attend avian flu conference in Athens

[32] 'Variety' magazine dedication to Thessaloniki Cinema Festival

[33] Rome municipality honors Angelopoulos-Daskalaki for hosting of 2004 Athens Olympic Games

[34] Cyprus to fulfill EMU criteria by end of 2005

[35] Cypriot FM: Relations between CoE & EU can be enhanced

[01] EU report on member-states' economies sees strong growth rate for Greece, decline in unemployment, inflation; difficulty in containing fiscal deficit

BRUSSELS, 11/18/2005 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)

The report was welcomed in Athens as confirming the improvement in the country's fiscal situation in 2005 and anticipating further progress in 2006.

More specifically, according to the Commission report, economic growth in Greece is anticipated at reaching 3.5 percent for 2005, and leveling off at 3.4 percent for 2006 and 2007.

As for the fiscal deficit, the Commission forecasts it will close at 3.7 percentage points of GDP for 2005, although the report specifies that pending was the issue of subtracting from the fiscal deficit the so-called securitizations of debts to the public sector. The Commission further predicted that the fiscal deficit would rise slightly to 3.8 percentage points in 2006 and 2007.

Nevertheless, the 2005 prediction is the lowest deficit in recent decades given that, according to figures also released on Thursday by Eurostat, the Greek fiscal deficit for the period 1991-1995 stood at 11.5 percentage points of GDP, while it fell to 5.2 percentage points in 1996-2000, and fluctuated at 6.1 percentage points in 2001, 4.9 percentage points in 2002, 5.7 percentage points in 2003, and 6.6 percentage points in 2004.

A decline, albeit at a smaller rate, was also anticipated by Eurostat in the coming years in Greece's public sector debt, which was expected to close at 107.9 percentage points of GDP in 2005, at 106.8 percentage points in 2006, and at 106.0 percentage points in 2007.

With respect to unemployment, Eurostat predicted it would close at 10.4 percent in 2005, declining to 10 percent in 2006 and to 9.7 percent in 2007.

On inflation, Eurostat predicted it would close at 3.5 percent in 2005, and decline to 3.1 percent in 2006 and 3.0 percent in 2007.

Minister Alogoskoufis reaction: Commenting on the report, Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis stressed that the report confirms the fact that "no other European country did as much as Greece in the economy in such a short period of time."

"Our country has been able to reduce its fiscal deficit more than two percentage points of GDP; maintain the highest rate of growth in the euro-zone and, at the same time, reduce unemployment," Alogoskoufis said, adding that the report also affirms the positive prospects for the Greek economy over the next few years. "Positive prospects that result from the economic policy followed by the government."

Economy ministry statement: Earlier, an national economy statement noted that the report containing the Commission's autumn forecasts "confirms the big improvement of the country's fiscal situation in 2005, while for 2006 it anticipates further progress in the deficit and public sector debt", also noting that the Greek government's target for 2006 was to contain the deficit at under 3 percentage points of GDP with its policy of mild fiscal adaptation.

Specifically, the announcement read: "The report containing the European Commission's forecasts, which was released today, confirms the big improvement in Greece's fiscal situation in 2005. More specifically, it arises from the report that the General Government (fiscal) deficit is being reduced this year by 2.9 percentage points of GDP to 3.7 percentage points of GDP from 6.6 percentage points of GDO (in 2004), resulting from the efficient implementation of the 2005 Budget. It is clarified that the included in the predicted reduction of the 2005 deficit are revenues of 1.5 billion euros arising from the securitization of overdue debts to the public sector, which has not yet been approved by the European Statistics Service (Eurostat). At the same time, the public sector debt is reduced from 109.3 percentage points of GDP (in 2004) to 107.9 percentage points of GDP (in 2005).

"The European Commission forecasts for 2006 predict further progress in the coming year in reduction of the deficit and the public sector debt. It is clarified that these forecasts do not take into consideration the non-tax provisional revenues to be anticipated in the 2006 Budget, which is to be tabled in parliament on Monday, or the Budget figures that reflect the containment of expenditures and improvement of the regular revenues as a result of the effort to combat tax evasion. The Budget will be made known to the European Union after it is tabled in the Greek parliament.

"The government is steadily pursuing reduction of the deficit to below 3 percentage points of GDP in 2006 with its policy of mild and efficient -- as it is being proved -- (fiscal) adjustment. This policy is based on containment of expenditures and confronting wasteful spending and tax evasion, and will be reflected in the 2006 Budget".

[02] Deficit forecast for Greece assumes go-ahead for securitization, Almunia says

BRUSSELS, 19/18/2005 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

He was speaking during a press conference about the Commission's autumn report on EU economies, where Greece's public deficit is predicted to drop to 3.7 percent of GDP at the end of 2005.

The Commissioner also pointed out that Greek authorities had based their official forecast on a "worst-case scenario" in which Eurostat completely rejected Greek debt securitization plans.

Almunia said that the matter will be cleared up in the next few weeks, since Eurostat was due to complete its analysis of the Greek proposals before the end of 2005, and that he had informed Greek Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis that Eurostat's decision was imminent on the phone.

Securitization schemes and other temporary measures had not been taken into account by either the Greek government or the European Commission in the forecasts for 2006 and 2007, he clarified, but noted that these would be included once the state budget for 2006 had been officially presented and Eurostat's decision was known.

[03] Events for Polytechnic uprising end in customary protest march

ATHENS, 19/18/2005 (ANA)

Of the 42 individuals taken into police custody, 37 have been let go, while three have been referred to the prosecutor for possession of dangerous objects, and two are still being questioned.

The Athens Polytechnic's gates opened Thursday morning to begin a day-long series of events commemorating the 32nd anniversary of a student uprising at the university, regarded as the most important act of resistance against a military dictatorship then ruling Greece.

President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias arrived at the polytechnic in the morning, followed by Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki and representatives of political parties.

Besides laying a wreath at a monument on the campus grounds, Papoulias also met with members of an association representing imprisoned and exiled individuals that resisted the seven-year dictatorship.

"I am here, just as thousands of other citizens, with respect and gratitude for those that participated in the uprising," Papoulias said. Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, who also met with the association representing imprisoned and exiled individuals on Wednesday, spoke of national unity on the major issues facing the country.

Statements on occasion of the anniversary were also made by opposition leaders. Main opposition PASOK President George Papandreou said on Wednesday that the messages behind the polytechnic uprising will always remain timely. Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) President Alekos Alavanos said that "had it not been for the Polytechnic uprising, we would have reached a historical stalemate."

Parliament commemorated those involved in the uprising with speeches by government and opposition representatives and by observing a minute of silence. The customary march through rainy central Athens began at roughly 2 p.m.

According to reports, security measures were tight with police around the school and along the protest march's route since previous commemorations have been marred by violence, mostly from youthful, self-styled anarchists.

In later statements, government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros noted that the anniversary of the Polytechnic uprising is a day of "remembrance and tribute, a celebration of democracy and national unity".

A clash between police and a group of youths broke out when the latter set up barricades at the School of Theology at the Aristotelion University in Thessaloniki by using dumpsters which they then set on fire. The youngsters also set fire to a car parked on the university campus. Police have made two arrests.

[04] Gov't again sternly condemns exhibition of terrorists' art works

ATHENS, 18/11/2005 (ANA)

Alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros called the exhibition a "provocation for the anniversary of democracy's restoration".

[05] Parliament honors anniversary of Polytechnic uprising

ATHENS, 18/11/2005 (ANA)

"As we are celebrating the anniversary of the Polytechnic peacefully today, our gaze turns with concern to the world upset by conflicts and terrorist attacks and to Cyprus which is continuing to pay the price of dissension," Parliament President Anna Benaki-Psarouda said.

Ruling New Democracy party Parliamentary representative Vyron Polydoras said that the heroes of the Polytechnic "spoke as those who expressed the eternal spirit and the eternal preference of the Greek for freedom and of the denial of every tyranny."

Main opposition PASOK party Parliamentary representative Haris Kastanidis referred to the "truth" of the Polytechnic that "proud life is the life worthy of man, that which is correct and dignified and not bowed and humiliated."

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Parliamentary representative Orestis Kolozov said that "today, we owe to these fighters, to the generation that was tortured, that suffered under the yoke of a military junta inspired by the Americans and with its struggle promoted the targets of the country's independence which were imprinted at the entrance to the rebellious Polytechnic with the slogans 'out with the U.S.' and 'out with NATO', to continue our effort until they are implemented."

Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology party leader Alekos Alavanos said that "these young children clashed with the authority of the junta, with the very powerful one, with that of American rule, while at the same time they did not heed the advice of the pre-dictatorship political world. They were undisciplined even towards the advice of the big organized leftist forces in our country."

Speaking on behalf of the government, Deputy Defense Minister Ioannis Lambropoulos said that the overwhelming majority of armed forces cadres did not adopt and never identified themselves with the harsh and authoritarian regime.

[06] Symbolism of Polytechnic uprising always timely, PASOK says

ATHENS, 18/11/2005 (ANA)

According to PASOK, the uprising "was the culmination of the people's fight against the dictatorship and one of the most important chapters in modern Greek history."

PASOK noted that in the past 32 years, the Greek people have made important achievements: "They have seen their efforts bear fruit, leading Greece from the perimeter to the centre of developments, to Europe and the international arena."

PASOK's statement also refers to those who played a leading role in events three decades ago, stating that "The people honor those fighters who dedicated their lives to the fight against the dictatorship; they express their respect to all those who looked history in the face; and they are trying to give new momentum to the vision of the polytechnic's generation."

Turning to the present, the main opposition party notes that national independence and social liberty require educational reform, strengthening and expansion of democratic institutions, new models of governance, a strong and open society that respects diversity and the environment; a society that obstructs violence in any shape or form, racism and xenophobia; a society which supports new models of sustainable development, knowledge, new technologies and citizens' active role in decision-making.

ND Secretary on Polytechnic anniversary: The anniversary of the Athens Polytechnic uprising serves as an opportunity to honor all those who fought for democracy, freedom of expression and independence, ruling New Democracy Secretary Evangelos Meimarakis said in a statement on Thursday, on occasion of the 32nd anniversary since students protested against the then military dictatorship.

"The message of the Polytechnic uprising - a message of resistance and democracy - remains timely," he said. "It is through dialogue, responsibility, unity and determination that we will proceed with the major changes Greek society demands and supports, for a better Greece for all Greeks," Meimarakis concluded.

[07] Deputy FM participates in Council of Europe ministerial session

18/11/2005 (ANA)

"We discussed a series of issues concerning protection of human rights, as well as the Council of Europe's cooperation with the European Union. As it is already known, the summit held in Warsaw a few months ago gave a mandate to the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Mr. Juncker, to prepare a proposal on the future of cooperation between these two organizations. The sector of protection of human rights is at the centre of this thought. Human rights are the centre of our political culture, of European culture, a fundamental principle for our democracy, the state of law and, of course, for the European Union itself," Valinakis told reporters.

Referring to the EU's course towards enlargement, Valinakis underlined the Greek government's clear target that "we, being Greece, are interested in this enlargement which will cover our neighborhood, southeastern Europe, the Balkans, leading to greater respect for human rights. Our aim is to turn southeastern Europe into a European neighborhood, a neighborhood of European values and principles in which human rights will be protected fully."

The deputy foreign minister, representing the Greek government, signed two conventions in the framework of the Council of Europe's cooperation with the European Union on combatting terrorism and illegal human trafficking.

[08] Molyviatis to take part in SEECP troika visits to Belgrade, Pristina

ATHENS, 18/11/2005 (ANA)

Foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said that Molyviatis will be accompanied by his counterparts from Romania and Croatia and that the planned visits will most likely take place on December 6-7.

The aim of the visits is to underline the interest of neighboring Balkan countries in the crucial issue of Kosovo's status and for all sides to be fully briefed on the issue, as well as to underline the need for constant consultation and cooperation, the spokesman said.

He stressed that preserving the stability of the region was the top priority and that a settlement for Kosovo must on no account lead to destabilization for the region.

The inviolability of borders and the achievement of stability were two principles that were completely connected and unwavering for Greek foreign policy, he added.

[09] Bryza praises Greece's role in the Balkans

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Matthew J. Bryza on Thursday praised Greece's leading role in the Balkans during an informative luncheon hosted by Congress for Greek Ambassador to Washington Alexandros Mallias.

Bryza said that Greece's policy in the region was "active and with a vision". He spoke of a "strategic cooperation" between the two countries, underlining that bilateral relations have progressed significantly given that there exist no more the frictions of the past and the problem of terrorism.

"Greece constitutes an example of real success in the Balkans," Bryza said, assessing that, as crucial talks on the future of Kosovo are approaching, Greece has the vision to encourage Serbia to tackle developments in a positive manner.

Referring to the Cyprus issue, Bryza stressed that there was mobility which, however, "would be preferable to let it develop in the backstage", because, as he said, diplomacy is more effective in this way.

The U.S. official also praised Greece's "significant contribution" in Iraq and Afghanistan. He hailed cooperation in the security sector particularly after the Athens Olympics as well as Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis' initiative to host in Greece "an important conference on the Middle East".

On his part, Mallias thanked the Congress for its support to the Greek people rejecting the 1967-74 military junta.

On the Kosovo issue, the Greek envoy underlined that any solution should meet the approval of Belgrade. He also referred to Greek-Turkish relations, the FYROM issue and Cyprus.

[10] Foreign ministry on Erdogan's statement regarding Patriarchate

ATHENS, 18/11/2005 (ANA)

Koumoutsakos was commenting on a statement by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who said that the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate in Fanar and the School of Theology on the island of Halki were issues that concerned bilateral relations between Greece and Turkey.

The spokesman pointed out that they were issues of fundamental rights and freedoms in which Greece had special interest.

[11] Ecumenical Patriarch received by Austrian leadership

VIENNA, 18/11/2005 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

The nagging issue of the Patriarchate's status vis-a-vis the Turkish state was also reportedly discussed.

Fischer later added, following his meeting with the Patriarch, that he has been extended an official invitation to visit Turkey in 2006, an offer he said he'll take up. Austria will hold the European Union's rotating presidency in the first half of 2006.

The Austrian president also congratulated Vartholomeos, one of the world's leading Christian leaders and the primus inter pares of Orthodox Christian Patriarchs, for his closing address at a three-day international conference here, entitled "Islam in a Pluralistic World".

In his speech, the Patriarch called for the equal treatment of Christians in predominately Muslim countries, stressing that the status of Christians in some Muslim countries is far from secure, whereas significant steps are necessary for improvement.

During a meeting in Austria's Nationalrat (parliament), Kohl expressed his intention of again visiting the Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarchate in the near future and meeting Vartholomeos at the Patriarchate.

The Patriarch departs for Bologna on Friday, ending his five-day visit to Austria.

[12] Ecumenical Patriarch expresses support for Turkey's EU accession in interview with magazine

VIENNA, 18/11/2005 (ANA/D. Dimitrakoudis)

The Patriarch said he considers Turkey to be part of Europe, but many things will have to change still in the Turkish state, the Turkish government and society before maturity for the EU is considered a foregone conclusion.

Vartholomeos mentioned that during his talks with Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel in Vienna on Tuesday, he received knowledge of Austria's critical stance towards Turkey.

The Ecumenical Patriarch pointed out in his interview that the existence of problems with religions in Turkey is a fact and stressed that the Ecumenical Patriarchate has existed for 17 centuries as an ecclesiastical institution with its headquarters in Istanbul.

However, the Turkish government is claiming now that the Patriarchate is a Turkish institution, an institution which belongs to Turkey and despite its activity exceeding a thousand years the Patriarchate possesses no legal status, the Patriarch said. For this reason, it is not allowed to have property or to purchase something.

[13] No one exempt from the law, justice minister says after meeting with PM

ATHENS, 18/11/2005 (ANA)

He also said that no one would be exempt, stressing that the law was being applied in every instance, when asked to comment on judicial corruption and the case of independent MP Petros Mantouvalos, who was recently expelled from the ruling New Democracy party after announcing his resignation from the ND parliamentary group and retention of his seat in parliament as an independent, without prior notification to the government.

On Tuesday, Areios Pagos (Greek Supreme Court) public prosecutor Dimitris Linos formally asked Parliament to lift Mantouvalos' immunity so that he could stand trial.

A former deputy for Piraeus elected on the ND ticket, Mantouvalos unexpectedly resigned from the party's Parliamentary group last month in the wake of press reports linking him to scandal and was shortly afterwards expelled from the party. He retained his seat in Parliament as an independent MP.

According to the judicial report, there are adequate grounds for charging Mantouvalos with bribery as a misdemeanor and with legalizing income from criminal activity, a criminal offence. The acts were allegedly committed on 27-29 November, 2000, and the misdemeanor offence will be automatically statute-barred at the end of November, unless he is charged. They concern the sum of seven million drachmas deposited by the MP's associate H. Hatzipanagiotou, a partner in Mantouvalos' lawyer's firm, into the account of former first-instance court judge Evangelos Kalousis, who has been remanded in custody to be tried on corruption charges. Hatzipanagiotou has claimed that the money was deposited on behalf of a woman named Anastasia Delli, who was buying a car for her nephew from Kalousis. Investigation showed that Delli was in dire financial straits at the time and was also under temporary court protection because she was suffering from dementia.

Papaligouras told reporters he had discussed current matters with the prime minister and briefed him on the ministry's legislative initiatives.

In that framework, Papaligouras announced that a bill on domestic violence would be forwarded soon for discussion, while another bill on the establishment of a Judicial Police was also being advanced.

Papaligouras said the two bills were important initiatives, and would be made public after the contents were finalized.

[14] Euro-court rules against Greece over Directive citing mass influx of displaced persons

BRUSSELS, 18/11/2005 (ANA)

The Court also said the country failed to institute measures "promoting a balance of efforts between Member States in receiving such persons and bearing the consequences thereof or, in any event, by failing to inform the Commission of such measures".

The action was brought before the Court of Justice on Nov. 12, 2004 by the Commission.

The first deadline for adopting the Community law expired on Dec. 31, 2002, whereas a subsequent two-month extension was also not met, according to reports.

[15] Extension for legalization of immigrants a possibility, Parliament told

ATHENS, 18/11/2005 (ANA)

Pavlopoulos stressed that the government was proceeding with a complete program for the social integration of immigrants.

He also pointed out that there were no immigrant "ghettos" in Greece and that this was not due to the State but to the culture and democratic traditions of Greek society, which had experience with migration from both sides.

"This society and this people consider the immigrant to be sacred, so we are making an effort for all illegal immigrants to be legalized, without exception, and if extensions or corrections are needed then we will give them so that immigrants are not objects of exploitation, so that they can work legally and be insured," Pavlopoulos said.

He also referred to the newly-introduced status of 'long-term' immigrants, who would soon be eligible for full integration into Greek society and be able to claim Greek nationality, as well as acquiring the right to vote.

Kouvelis said that the government's immigration law was a great improvement on the past legal framework but still excluded tens of thousands from legalization. He also disagreed with the minister that there were no 'ghettos' in Greece, saying that these had sprung up in the heart of Greece and its capital, Athens. He said it was high time to begin processes that would allow long-term immigrants that had lived for many years in Greece to acquire political rights.

[16] Roussopoulos addresses opening session of World Association of Newspapers conference in Athens

ATHENS, 18/11/2005 (ANA)

"The relationship between the media and their public, between the citizens and the intermediaries of events, is one of the factors that essentially determine the quality of our democracy, given that the press, and particularly the printed press, is the venue where concerns are put forward, recorded and put to the test, in the battle of ideas, arguments, where the public sphere is formed," Roussopoulos said.

Consequently, if one perceived democracy as a continuing process -- not as a destination, but a journey -- then inevitably the discussion on the media is always timely, he said, adding that this was true particularly today when the demand for a new balance between the media and the political authority and for balance between the dual function of the media and business enterprises and public opinion makers is being put forward in an increasingly pressing manner, in the place of and in tandem with the classic demand for freedom of the press.

Roussopoulos also explained the meaning of the word "agora" (market) in the Greek language, which is defined as an economic transaction but also a place for exchanges of ideas.

The challenge of our age is to prove in action that those two meanings can co-exist harmoniously today, Roussopoulos said, noting that the relationship between citizen and newspaper was a personal one -- contrary to that of the citizen and television/radio, which was a mass relationship -- and was a relationship of trust and promotion of the cultural ideal.

An introduction was delivered by WAN CEO Timothy Balding, followed by a welcome address by Dimitris Kalofolias, president of the Athens Daily Newspaper Publishers' Association and publisher of the Express financial daily, and the chairman's opening address by Mike Smith, managing director of the Media Management Centre, S.

Guest speakers during the two-day conference include Sport.gr CEO Constantine Kamaras (Greece) on "Monetizing news content in interactive media"; Bruno Pachent (France), marketing director of La Depeche du Midi, and Bertrand Lacroix (France), consultant to France Telecom, on "A new model of interactivity with readers"; El Mundo marketing director Pedro Iglesias (Spain) on "Management to gain new readers for El Mundo"; St. Petersburg Times circulation director Jerry Hill (US) on "Growing Circulation and Audience"; Herald Telegraph promotion director Connie Gibbs (US_ on "Reading the Reader...Common Interest for a Diverse Audience", Wall Street Journal Europe editor Rahu Narisetti and Wall Street Journal senior vice president international and development Penelope Muse Abernathy on "Ink & Bytes: Executing a wining 'format neutral' strategy"; Le Monde editor-in-chief Eric Le Boucher (France) on "The new format of Le Monde"; Guardian Newspapers marketing director Marc Sands (UK) on "From Broadsheet to Berliner"; and WAN deputy director general Eamonn Byrne on the "World Association of Newspapers 2005 Research Project".

[17] Greece welcomes Israel-Palestinian agreement on border crossings

ATHENS, 18/11/2005 (ANA)

"These actions are small but steady steps in the right direction, in other words the overall implementation of the provisions of the Road Map," Greek foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos stressed.

He called on the two sides to avoid incidents that might overturn the progress achieved so far and to cooperate with an EU monitoring mission that will soon be deployed in the area, in order to further reinforce security conditions and living conditions in Gaza.

The deal on opening the Gaza-Egypt border was struck on Tuesday, with the personal involvement of U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and is seen as key to boosting the prospects of the impoverished Gaza Strip and giving outside access, following Israel's withdrawal in September.

Referring to other measures for the Middle East initiated at the G8 summit in June 2004, in response to a call by Middle East countries for political, economic and social reforms, Koumoutsakos said that Greece will participate in the "Foundation for the Future" that was decided on the sidelines of the Bahrain summit.

This will aim to enhance and support initiatives for reform in the Middle East, with non-governmental organizations and the Society of Citizens will play a key role, he said.

Participating in the Foundation for the Future are the G8 countries, 25 Arab countries and a number of European countries, including Greece.

Greece will not be participating in the "Fund for the Future" - designed to support small and middle-sized businesses in the region.

[18] PASOK secretary to represent party at French Socialist Party's congress

ATHENS, 18/11/2005 (ANA)

Polina Lampsa, secretary of the party's International Relations sector, will also be participating in the delegation.

The National Council secretary will be meeting the party's president Francois Hollande and members of the French Socialist Party's leadership on the sidelines of the congress.

In the evening, she will be attending a dinner given by the French Socialist Party in honor of the heads of the foreign delegations.

[19] Ambassadors Negroponte and Mallias honored at event in Chicago

WASHINGTON, 18/11/2005 (ANA/T. Ellis)

Negroponte, who received the honorary distinction from World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) President Andrew Athens, having first spoken about his "Greek roots," stressed that he honors both his origin and the principles of Hellenism, which he inherited from his family, and his constitutional oath, which he gave to the United States of America, which he served as diplomat these past 40 years.

Also honored at the same event were Ambassador of Greece in Washington, Alexandros Mallias, who referred to "Greece's leading role in the Balkans," as well as to the obligations which the European Union on October 3 imposed on Turkey for the start of negotiation talks in relation to its conduct towards Greece, Cyprus and the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

[20] Gov't continues contacts aimed at OA solution

ATHENS, 18/11/2005 (ANA)

Following one morning meeting, union (OSPA) officials told reporters that negotiations with the government must begin from scratch, while referring to an "experiment with unknown results" and a vague plan for OA's rescue.

Moreover, while warning of industrial actions, they nevertheless called on would-be passengers to continue making reservations with the airline.

On his part, top PASOK deputy Evangelos Venizelos, who led a party delegation in talks with Liapis, said the government was forced to abandon its intention of liquidating the company while in operation or simply shutting it down, but rather it is now choosing the option of creating a new carrier.

While noting that this development is positive, he declined to comment on the substance of the plan, saying details are as yet unavailable.

[21] Deputy Finmin to handle creation of new airline from OA

ATHENS, 18/11/2005 (ANA)

Doukas was chosen by a ministerial privatization committee that decided on Tuesday to create the new airline from the state and private sectors, rather than closing down OA or continuing with an unsuccessful tender.

Doukas met Transport Minister Mihalis Liapis on Thursday to discuss the matter.

[22] Gov't okays 21.7 mln euros for research and development projects

ATHENS, 18/11/2005 (ANA)

The projects will provide high-tech internet services to the country's academic, research and education community; and allow the development of electronic infrastructure for research and education, the ministry said in a statement.

The funding is destined for the National Research and Technology Network, which belongs to the ministry, the statement said.

[23] State-run telecom backs down on Internet price hike plans

ATHENS, 18/11/2005 (ANA)

OTE's management was led to revise its plans by the reaction to its announced one-off price hike on Wednesday, which also raised eyebrows at the National Commission for Telecommunications and Post Offices (EETT), the independent telecoms authority.

An announcement by the state-run telecom on Thursday, however, stressed that the rates for standard Internet calls had not been increased since 1999, which meant that OTE was essentially subsidizing Internet users with over � 400 million through underpricing the service.

OTE was now consulting with the EETT to introduce a gradual rise in Internet rates and the introduction of special rates for areas that don't have access to ADSL broadband services, it added.

The telecom also stressed that the cost of Internet access through ADSL had been reduced by up to 49 per cent in September, meaning that it was affordable for the average user.

The EETT expressed opposition to the one-off price hike in an announcement of its own on Thursday, saying that the sudden increase in cost for users using standard dial-up services was incompatible with policies to promote Internet use in Greece.

It also opposed the extra burden for those in rural areas, who do not currently have the option of switching to broadband technology like ADSL.

The telecoms authority recommended that a better method for encouraging users to switch to broadband was a gradual adjustment of prices for dial-up services, combined with the simultaneous and immediate development of broadband.

Neither OTE nor EETT specify when or by how much Internet rates will be increased but both agree that an increase in broadband subscriptions will lead to a reduction in the cost of Internet access using ADSL technologies.

[24] Presentation for new Greek, Turkish bank on December 3

ATHENS, 18/11/2005 (ANA)

The Greek-Turkish Chamber of Trade said in a statement that the presentation would be made by Greek banker Dimitris Alexopoulos and the secretary general of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce, Halit Soydan.

Application for an operating license is due to be made at the Bank of Greece, or central bank by the end of December, the statement said.

AegeanBusiness Bank will be based in Greece and open branches in Turkey.

[25] Finnish executives to Greece for contacts on waste management

ATHENS, 18/11/2005 (ANA)

The executives have expressed interest contacting Greek firms in the sector, the chamber said in a statement on Thursday.

They will also present the Finnish model of waste management at the northern port city's Polis trade fair on November 24-27, the statement said.

[26] ERT's Satellite Television Director Nikos Kourtis visits New York, Chicago

NEW YORK, 18/11/2005 (ANA/P. Panagiotou)

During his presence in New York, Kourtis attended an investment conference, at which ministers and other government members also participated, attended events of Greek community mass media and met with presidents and representatives of Greek-American agencies, while he also spoke with owners and journalists of Greek community mass media.

In Chicago, he took part at an event of the "United Hellenic-American Congress" organization, met with World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) President Andrew Athens, SAE America President Christos Tomaras and with other members of Chicago's Greek community.

[27] Grecotel wins Thomson hotel awards 18/11/2005 (ANA)

In the contest run by Thomson, a leading tour operator in the United Kingdom, Grecotel's Rithymna Beach, Kos Imperial Thalasso and Pella Beach were awarded special distinction.

The awards were given on the basis of quality surveys carried out among Thomson's customers in hotels around the world.

[28] Greek stocks continue upward trend on Thursday

ATHENS, 18/11/2005 (ANA)

The composite index rose 1.35 percent to end at 3,486.52 points, with turnover a hefty 328.7 million euros.

Sector indices ended higher, with the IT (3.08 pct), Refining (1.38 pct), Investment (1.33 pct) and Wholesale (1.33 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while IT Solutions (0.11 pct) and Food/Beverages (0.05 pct) suffering the greatest losses.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 1.54 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 1.06 percent higher and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index jumped slightly by 0.36 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 171 to 94 with another 69 issues unchanged.

Stock Futures: