Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-11-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] European Socialist Group conference focuses on youths and unemployment

[02] Premier confers with FM Molyviatis

[03] PM Karamanlis to tour Grevena, Metsovo on Saturday

[04] Gov't says negotiations for F-16 deal nearing completion; replies to PASOK criticism

[05] Gov't: Possible changes in immigration law only in future

[06] Evert again cites DEKA trial to criticise PASOK's record vis-a-vis bourse

[07] PASOK leader and EP Socialist Group president share common positions on Europe

[08] Draft bill for ecclesiastical academies tabled in Parliament

[09] Government reports drop in bureacracy and red tape

[10] Supreme Court vice-president appears before disciplinary council

[11] PASOK's Thessaloniki prefectural council convenes

[12] Airline replacing OA to work as private sector firm

[13] Solution for OA realistic and the 'only option', transport minister says

[14] Government fulfilling pledge to reduce deficit, Antonaros stresses

[15] Rewarding innovation key to boosting competitiveness, Interior Minister says

[16] Kerkini hydroelectric station to be inaugurated Saturday

[17] Interior minister at seminar on training civil servants in Greece, Bulgaria

[18] International dte-Comdex Greece 2005 exhibition inaugurated in Athens

[19] Market authorities order liquidation of investment services firm

[20] Albanian businessmen seek Greek partners

[21] 'Money Show' conference begins in Patra on Saturday

[22] Press strike on November 24

[23] Prof. Kafatos congratulated on election to helm of European Scientific Council

[24] Athens municipality organising art exhibition

[25] EU arrest warrant gets Greek national extradited to UK

[26] Damages reported at Thessaloniki university from masked vandals

[27] Journalists' unions protest BBC decision to nix Greek-language radio programme

[28] 46th Thessaloniki Cinema Festival opens

[29] Two cars destroyed by blast at Chevrolet exhibition in Peristeri

[30] Cyprus President: UN and others plan to take steps for Cyprus

[31] Cyprus FM to attend EU - NATO meeting

[32] Cyprus to participate to ''MILEX 05''

[01] European Socialist Group conference focuses on youths and unemployment

ATHENS, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

General Confederation of the Employees of Greece (GSEE) President Christos Polyzogopoulos opened the conference saying that "unemployment is a major challenge that demands in-depth consideration and creative intervention, both on a Greek and European level."

Socialist Group President Martin Schultz noted that if society deprives youngsters of the right to opportunities then one cannot complain when these youngsters revolt.

He called on businesses, universities, unions, politicians and local government officials to acknowledge that human decency does not go hand-in-hand with long-term unemployment and to ensure young adults' right to work.

On his part, main opposition PASOK President George Papandreou expressed confi-dence that Europe's socialists can help youngsters in this direction.

He said that PASOK's priority is to ensure employment for all and expressed doubts as to whether the government's current policy will succeed in reducing unemployment to 6% as the government hopes.

Papandreou emphasised that new jobs are necessary but not at the expense of workers' rights or job security.

He cited the Scandinavian model as an example and stressed that investment in education and facilitating youngsters' entry into the labour market are necessary.

Representing the government, Labour Minister Panos Panayiotopoulos said that the challenges of the 21st century are very different to those of the past, "since parametres and standards that have applied since the 19th century either cannot withstand the passage of time or are being tried due to new developments."

He noted that the government adamantly disagrees with the EU directive Bolkestein and is against increasing weekly work hours from 48 to 65.

Furthermore, Panayiotopoulos pointed out that it is mainly up to the private sector to create new jobs, since - according to the minister - the state has failed as entrepreneur.

He said that employment issues cannot be changed with "magic formulas" and that the government is following long-term policies of 20-30 years. It is at that time that one will be able to evaluate the government's achievements, he added.

However, he said that initial indications are optimistic since unemployment has shown a slight decrease.

Main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou on Friday announced the establishment of a "National Committee for Inspiration and Dialogue for the New Generation".

Papandreou was addressing a seminar organised by the European Parliament's Socialists on "Young People and Unemployment: The Future needs Work" at the offices of the General Confederation of Employees of Greece (GSEE), Greece's largest trade union umbrella.

He said the new political body will transmute the problems and concerns of young people into political action, in which young people from all walks of society could participate, with the aim of creating a new political organisation that will embrace the entire new generation.

[02] Premier confers with FM Molyviatis

ATHENS, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

Molyviatis told reporters after the meeting that he had briefed the premier on all current developments in Greek foreign policy issues, adding that it was a routine meeting.

[03] PM Karamanlis to tour Grevena, Metsovo on Saturday

Ioannina, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

In the morning, he will inspect the works on the Egnatia High-way's vertical axes running from the Siatista overpass to Kristalopigi, on the Greek-Albanian border, and afterwards will meet with Grevena prefectural authorities and representatives of the local productive classes.

At noon, he will tour the stretch of of the Egnatia Highway from the Venetiko tunnel bridge to the Greveniotiko tunnel bridge, which is currently under construction.

He will later visit the Northern Pindos National Park's information booth, while in the afternoon he is due to attend an event organised by the Epirus Egnatia Foundation, for a presentation of a book by photographer K. Balafas titled "Metsovo" at the Diaselo conference centre in Metsovo.

[04] Gov't says negotiations for F-16 deal nearing completion; replies to PASOK criticism

ATHENS, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

In answer to a tabled question in Parliament, Defence Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos also attacked previous decisions by the Simitis governments' defence ministry leaderships, citing the possibility of bring large contracts to the legislature's floor for debate.

The minister added that the final price tag for the new F-16s will be much lower than a US$3.1-billion figure thoroughly criticised by the opposition in the recent period.

Ruling ND parliament spokesman Vyron Polydoras, meanwhile, linked recent press speculation centring on a comment by main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou, who referred to a "renewal" in his party, with the tenure of two defence ministers during the last two PASOK governments: Akis Tsohatzopoulos and Yiannos Papantoniou.

Polydoras charged that the PASOK leader "is herding the two former defence ministers into retirement".

Conversely, top PASOK deputy Christos Papoutsis replied that his party's response will be sharp and decisive if it is provoked in Parliament, while he added that both Papantoniou and Tsohatzopoulos "are on the front line of attacking ND's policy, which is causing so much damage to the country".

[05] Gov't: Possible changes in immigration law only in future

ATHENS, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

Public Administration and Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos made the statement from Thessaloniki, on the sidelines of a one-day seminar in the city, while adding that any changes will come in the future, "given the fact that no problems have been noted so far from its (new immigration law) implementation".

[06] Evert again cites DEKA trial to criticise PASOK's record vis-a-vis bourse

ATHENS, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

Evert quoted then deputy minister Nikos Christodoulakis, who later assumed the economy minister's portfolio, as promising that that "DEKA's goal is not the active management of (state-owned) securities and deposits".

Moreover, the high-ranking ND deputy also quoted the ruling party's rapporteur on the specific draft bill, later deputy foreign minister Yiannis Magriotis, as stating in Parliament on Sept. 9, 1997: "DEKA S.A. will not have a direct relationship with the (Athens) stock exchange; it will not interfere in the stock market."

In his previous testimony, Evert, a long-time critic of the previous Simitis governments' regulatory performance vis-�-vis the stock market -- especially during the 1999-2000 bourse 'bubble' -- termed DEKA's transactions a "dirty game" that resulted in massive monetary losses for the state. According to the former minister, DEKA's ex-leadership proceeded with what he called a "ruthless purchase of shares" of specific state-owned enterprises just prior to the April 2000 election.

On trial before a three-member criminal appeals court are former members of DEKA's board that have been accused of breach of faith and fraud against the state. They allegedly gave orders for DEKA to buy major blocks of shares in public utilities in order to keep the Athens bourse artificially high in the run-up to the April 2000 elections.

[07] PASOK leader and EP Socialist Group president share common positions on Europe

ATHENS, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

Schultz has been invited to Athens by PASOK's Parliamentary Group at the European Parliament and on Friday he participated in events organised by PASOK, while a luncheon was given in his honour which Papandreou attended and addressed.

Papandreou and Schultz, as well as the head of PASOK's Parliamentary Group Stavros Lambrinidis expressed their absolute disagreement with the Bolkestein directive.

The PASOK leader spoke of a Europe of values, of social cohesion, of the protection of the environment, of employment and competition.

Papandreou said that the Socialist parties can play a leading role in shaping, in Europe, a political conscience of a party which will exceed national limits.

Shultz referred to historic relations between PASOK and the SPD, stressing that their close relation guarantees that European Social-Democracy will not allow human rights to be violated and individual freedoms to be restricted in the European Union.

He also focused on the issue of different cultures in the EU, pointing out that "this wealth must be united", but expressed fears that if this does not take place even war cannot be ruled out in the future.

KKE leader Papariga unveils initiative proposals at Int'l Meeting of Communist and Labour Parties in Athens

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga stressed the need for further cooperation and coordination among the communist and labour parties, in her opening address on Friday to a two-day International Meeting of Communist and Labour Parties on "Current trends in capitalism: economic, social and political impact - The communists' alternative", which is being held at the KKE headquarters in the Athens suburb of Perissos. She also put forward a series of proposals and regional and international initiatives for the communist and labour parties for the 2005-2006 period

Papariga said that, today, the need for cordination and common action was increasing, as was the need for forging a common strategy on the common problems arising from the modern-day imperialistic barbarity.

The KKE leader said that "without abandoning our policy of revealing all the crimes being committed today, we must also expand our concern and common action with the issue of the communists' alternative, the prospect of socialism".

Acknowledging the particularities expressed by each party separately, Papariga noted that this, however, did not refute the need for a uniform strategy, the need to project a well worked-out joint alternative, which she said could only be socialism.

In the KKE's view, she continued, the key to the alternative the communists must project was an assessment of three fundamental matters: First, the nature and character of the contemporary strategy of imperialism, the measures that are called "neoliberal policy" or "neoliberalism"; Second, the imperialistic nature of the inter-state unions, such as the EU, and other unions appearing with a lesser developed character; and, third, the stance on socialism as it has been known to date, combined with its scientific study and criticial assessment, and the theoretical generalisation of the new experience.

The KKE's view, she said, is that the rapprochement and identification of the liberal parties with the social-democrat and socialist parties vis-a-vis the policy of capitalist restructurings "is a strong, uncontradictable witness that the so-called neoliberal policy, the contemporary policy of the new order, is not simply a political choice that was born only from the change in the correlation of powers, but is an imperative intrinsic need of the capitalistic system.

That, she continued, was why a series of political forces that tried, and/or were still trying today, to turn back the clock -- at a period when capitalism, under popular pressure, made some concessions, regardless of the inentions -- were developing into forces that backed, or at best were tolerating, the system.

In a lengthy reference to the EU, Papariga said that it did not hesitate to directly or indirectly back political forces and movements that limited themselves to demanding harmless reforms and, on the bottom line, a different policy of management -- always within the capitalistic system -- provided they did not dispute the course of European capitalistic unification and its enlargement.

In a variety of ways -- political, economic, and even with coercion -- it was trying to formulate, at national and European-wide level, a political system that in the end serves its strategy with even greater firmness and prospect, she added.

In that framework, Papariga continued, the centre-left, for example, was an alternative choice to the Euro-unification chapter, and remained so today.

Also, the multi-party system did not scare it as it did in the past, she said, adding that the EU's choice to impose the formation of European parties was precisely part of its plans to control the political system of its member states. That, she said, was why the KKE had taken a public stance and criticised the founding of the European Left Party (grouping in the European Parliament), particularly given that the initiative belonged to parties that saw in a negative light the coordination and common action of the communist parties.

Papariga further criticised the US on its policy in various areas of the world, such as the Broader Middle East policy which, despite some individual differentiations, has been adopted by the G-8, NATO and the EU, with a new change of borders in the Balkans focussing on independence of Kosovo.

Also in progress, she added, was an attack against Lebanon, Syria, and Iran, and the continuing criminal intervention by the Israeli government against the Palestinian people.

In closing, Papariga unveiled a series of proposals and initiatives for the communist and labour parties for the 2005-2006 period, including a joint resolution and coordinated blogal campaign for the release of the 5 Cuban patriots imprisoned in the US over the Carilles case, and organising a mission comprising MPs, trade unionists and other personalities to the US prisons; the despatch of "international solidarity brigades" comprising members of the atttending parties to Cuba and Venezuela; adoption of a joint resolution on the issue of the Council of Europe's anti-communist memorandum and a signature-collecting and protest campaign in the attending parties' countries; a campaign on the timeliness of socialism, on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution in 2007; For May Day 2006, a campaign against poverty, unemployment, dismissals, working hours and social insurance rights reforms, and for labour rights; a meeting of communist teaching personnel from the countries of Europe, on the repercussions of the capitalist reforms in education and on the Lisbon strategy, and the creation of ad hoc teams for a systematic monitoring of the developments; a European campaign leading up to the December 15, 2005 EU summit meeting, against the EU's "counter-terrorism" measures; systematic monitoring of issues related to the suppression of communist and other anti-imperialism forces, such as prohibition of the use of 'communist' in party names, as well as trials and imprisonments, etc., and the establishment of a working group on such issues; active support of the regional meetings of communist parties; a meeting of European parties in December, on the occasion of the EU summit, for assessment of the summit and of the anti-EU movements; on the Balkans, meetings of communist parties and movements against changes of borders, and the NATO, US and EU imperialist interventions; a campagin against foreign military bases in the attending parties' countries; the despatch of a joint solidarity delegation, comprising communist parties' representatives, to Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and Israel; and initiatives on the situation in Africa and Asia.

[08] Draft bill for ecclesiastical academies tabled in Parliament

ATHENS, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

The new bill refers to the existing ecclesiastical education schools, establishing Higher Ecclesiastical Academies that are on a par with universities and technical colleges. It also converts the four existing High Ecclesiastical Schools in Athens, Thessaloniki, Vellas and Iraklio to higher academies that will begin to operate with their new form in the next academic year.

Education Minister Marietta Yiannakou also commented in Parliament concerning the government's stance toward the Church, in response to a question put by former Coalition party president Nikos Constantopoulos concerning non-religious funerals and cremation.

Constantopoulos also raised the issue of Church-State separa-tion, accusing the government that it lacked the political will to carry this out and to monitor the financial management of the Church.

Yiannakou made it clear that the government does not intend to raise an issue of Church-State separation or change to the charter of the Church, while noting that inspections into the financial management of 30 dioceses and monasteries had been ordered in March and that this was the first time this had been done since 1978.

[09] Government reports drop in bureacracy and red tape

ATHENS, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

It said that members of the public had carried out an estimated 70,000 fewer trips to public services to get certificates and official documents in the past months.

The reduction is attributed to measures that require state services to seek 28 types of certificates internally, without involving the citizen carrying out the transaction.

These include criminal records, with 73,037 obtained by internally and 3,697 provided by members of the public, and army service records, with 1,772 obtained internally and 2,549 supplied by the public.

For certificates issued by the interior ministry, such as birth or family status certificates, citizens supplied 73,136 over the same period, while 6,223 were sought internally.

For the merchant marine ministry, 389 certificates were sought internally and 1,000 supplied by citizens.

Finally, for certificates issued by the economy and finance ministry, 2,622 were provided internally and 3,239 were supplied by the public.

[10] Supreme Court vice-president appears before disciplinary council

ATHENS, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

Zissis and his lawyer presented a memorandum and various documents that he said would fully exonerate him of all charges. He also asked that the council examine eight witnes-ses, of which seven were senior judicial officials, that he said had direct knowledge of the case.

In statements on Friday, meanwhile, Zissis criticised Supreme Court Deputy Public Prosecutor George Sanidas for 'gaps' in his investigation.

A former president of the Judges and Prosecutors Union who resigned after the scandal erupted, Zissis also faces criminal proceedings for breach of duty and failing to submit complete statements of income and assets that are required of all justices, MPs and other public officials under laws designed to combat corruption. He has been temporarily suspended from duties until the final outcome of the outstanding cases against him.

These are linked to allegations that he intervened in order to secure favourable court rulings for businessman Konstantinos Avramidis, who in turn paid for construction materials used in a holiday home owned by Zissis and his wife on Crete.

[11] PASOK's Thessaloniki prefectural council convenes

THESSALLONIKI, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

PASOK deputy Evangelos Venizelos, in response to a reporter's question whether he would be a candidate for mayor in Thessaloniki, replied that he would not. "No. My position is in Parliament, in the central political scene and I believe that from this position I offer whatever I can to the country, PASOK and to Thessaloniki," Venizelos said.

[12] Airline replacing OA to work as private sector firm

ATHENS, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

"The purpose of the amendment is to safeguard broader national interests, guarantee services for the travelling public, and meet the needs of the country's islands through a viable company that complies with European Union rules on free competition," the ministers said in a statement.

The amendment allows inclusion of shareholders from the state and local government; and firms, banks and financial services groups from Greece or abroad that belong to either the state or private sector. Private investors may acquire the majority of shares and management.

The legislation does not state how much share capital the company will have, the nature of flights, or its name.

The government's consultant in the most recent privatisation tender for OA, Lazard, is to begin the search for potential investors immediately, sources said.

[13] Solution for OA realistic and the 'only option', transport minister says

ATHENS, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

"The only solution that there is or was, is to create a new company from scratch, with new planning. We have a responsibility to the Greek people to give a realistic solution for the first time. We do not have the option of another reform. The European Union does not allow it," he stressed.

Alavanos countered that the latest government scheme for OA was a "step into the void", after the failure of its "barren policy" to sell off the airline.

"You're creating a corpse, waiting for its privatisation. When will OA acquire a strategic plan," he added, repeating the Coalition's proposal for OA to remain in the public sector.

"Greece cannot subsidise OA. The EU forbids it. There is no solution like the one you are proposing. Decide whether you are in favour of the EU or whether we should get out," the minister countered.

[14] Government fulfilling pledge to reduce deficit, Antonaros stresses

ATHENS, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

He stressed that the government will do everything possible, within the framework of a gentle but effective adjustment, to bring the deficit below 3 per cent of GDP by the end of 2006.

Asked whether Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis had personally intervened to stop the price hikes for Internet dial-up access initially announced and then withdrawn by the state-run telecom OTE, Antonaros said that the premier had "said specific things concerning the access of Greek citizens to the Internet and the commitments are becoming action with gradual steps".

Asked if there was a crisis in confidence in OTE head Panagiotis Vourloumis, Antonaros only said that he remained OTE's governor.

With respect to the upcoming EuroMed Conference, the spokesman said that the bilateral meetings that the premier would have on the sidelines had not yet been finalised, when asked if Karamanlis will be meeting with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Spain next week.

[15] Rewarding innovation key to boosting competitiveness, Interior Minister says

THESSALLONIKI, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

The event was organised on occasion of SBBE's (Northern Greek Federation of Industries) 90th anniversary.

Programme participants were pre- and post-graduate students who had to design innovative business plans that could in turn evolve into actual businesses or business activities.

"Innovative ideas provide society and the economy with valuable lustre," Pavlopoulos said, adding that Greece has been deprived of innovation for several years due to inexplicable discrimination and bureaucracy.

Pavlopoulos said that the government's priority is to strengthen entrepreneurship and boost competitiveness and productivity and referred to the structural reforms the government is pushing through as a means to achieve this.

He stressed that the success of the Central Macedonia District's "Innovative Ideas" programme proves that cooperation between government and organisations through incentives and rewards can lead to excellent results for Greece's economy and development.

Concluding, Pavlopoulos apologised to the programme's participants "for the paths the state failed to open but also for the obstacles it put up for many years."

Central Macedonia District Secretary General Yiorgos Tsiotras announced a new programme for 2006 which aims to further reinforce innovation and entrepreneurship.

On his part, SBBE President Yiorgos Mylonas announced that a support fund for new entrepreneurs will be up and running in 2006, and will be funded by SBBE member companies as well as any other organisation willing to support entrepreneurship.

He added that SBBE will try to spread this initiative to the other three districts in northern Greece and called on the regional business community to financially support the federation's effort.

[16] Kerkini hydroelectric station to be inaugurated Saturday

THESSALLONIKI, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

The Kerkini station, which will have a total power output of 5 MW, has been constructed on a 14-stremma expanse of land on the right bank of the Strymonas River.

It's annual energy production, calculated on the average inflow of water into Kerkini Lake, is expected to exceed 18GWh.

The project was licenced by the Central Macedonia Periphery, and was financed under the Development Ministry's financing programme.

[17] Interior minister at seminar on training civil servants in Greece, Bulgaria

THESSALLONIKI, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

The minister attended the official launch in Thessaloniki of educational activities for the training of civil servants in Greece and Bulgaria, which are part of the Interreg III programme and receive 75 per cent funding from the EU.

They kicked off with a seminar on Friday on "New Thought and Decentralisation in Further Training - Instruction Activities with emphasis on cross-border issues".

The minister also noted that this was the first time the ministry was implementing such an initiative in the framework of a collective agreement with the civil servants' union ADEDY.

Pavlopoulos said that training centres were being built throughout Greece and cross-border cooperation was being established, especially with neighbouring Balkan countries so that they might acquire the experience that would assist them in their European progress.

He stressed that Greece wanted to further develop this cross-border cooperation that was now beginning with Bulgaria in the future.

According to ADEDY president Spyros Papaspyros, there was already a plan for cross-border cooperation with countries such as Turkey and Cyprus, to be followed by the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Albania, Italy and central European countries.

The minister also stressed that further training for public-sector staff outside major cities will become easier in 2006 after the Syzeuxis programme got underway, which would link up public services in various areas and allow staff to retrain without leaving their work and families.

[18] International dte-Comdex Greece 2005 exhibition inaugurated in Athens

ATHENS, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

Addressing the event, Yiannakou stressed the emphasis placed by the ministry on the development of digital technology, noting its significance for the development of the institution of lifetime learning.

The second year of the renewed dte-Comdex Greece exhibition hosts for the first time companies from Portugal, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania and Taiwan, while for the first time, in the framework of the "theme country" institution, more than 20 businesses from Korea will be presenting their products and services to the Greek public.

The exhibition will constitute a point of contact and trade activities for both the Greek and wider Balkan market. Its visitors will have the opportunity of becoming acquainted with the products and services of the biggest companies in the sector which are active in Greece.

More than 45,000 visitors are expected to visit the exhibition this year.

[19] Market authorities order liquidation of investment services firm

ATHENS, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

Major breaches of market legislation had been found, which meant the firm posed a hazard to investors and to normal operation of the market, the commission said in a statement.

[20] Albanian businessmen seek Greek partners

ATHENS, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

The business mission, organised by the Ledze Chamber, will visit the EBETH on November 24.

The Albanian businessmen taking part in the delegation are active in the fields of clothing and footwear, waste management, bar and restaurant equipment, household goods, bathroom fixtures, construction, building materials, flooring, sidewalk materials, aluminum and aluminum products, fishing/fisheries, baking shop equipment, furniture, famr machinery, breweries, jewelry, and souvenirs.

[21] 'Money Show' conference begins in Patra on Saturday

ATHENS, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

The "Money Show" started in Patra in 1998 as a forum on fiscal matters.

Today, it has expanded its horizons and every year is a meeting point for dialogue and the exchange of ideas on development issues of all the country's western axis.

It also attracts a specialised audience and gives the possibility for negotiation and the shaping of an environment for specific cooperation between agencies and private individuals, in multiple business and development sectors.

This year's "Money Show" has as its theme "the development of inter-regional cooperation in the western axis" and includes 21 conference events by agencies and businesses. At the same time, 12 lectures will be given by prominent personalities from the economic, social, political and scientific sectors.

[22] Press strike on November 24

ATHENS, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

[23] Prof. Kafatos congratulated on election to helm of European Scientific Council

ATHENS, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

Kafatos, a professor of biology, was recently listed as one of the 22 founding members of the Scientific Council of the European Research Council (ERC), a funding organisation for frontier research proposed by the European Commission under the Seventh Research Framework Programme (2007-2013).

The Scientific Council will be an independent body whose role is to determine the ERC's scientific strategy and ensure that its operations are conducted according to the requirements of scientific excellence. The 22 scientists were chosen by an independent panel of high-level scientists, chaired by Lord Patten of Barnes, Chancellor of Oxford and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Universities.

In their statement, Sioufas and Tsoukalaos noted that the said Council would also comprise the first European Research Council, adding that it was obvious that, apart from Kafatos' well-known individual acclaim at international level, this new distinction reflected the great potential of Greek scientific dynamic worldwide.

They expressed the hope that such successes would mark the qualitative development of the Greek scientific community both at home and abroad.

They said that the Greek government will work firmly to create the conditions for excellence in Greece, and will seek firm and permanent ways of participation and cooperation with the eminent Greeks abroad and the country's scientific community.

[24] Athens municipality organising art exhibition

ATHENS, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

All the works - paintings, engravings and sculptures - are donations and will be sold at accessible prices. Revenues will be used for the programme of the Human Rights Protection Centre for the protection of victims of violence and abuse and exploitation of children and women, including the victims of human trafficking.

The exhibition will take place with the support of the UN's Refugees High Commission and the International Immigration Organisation and will last until November 29. It will operate from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 9 in the evening.

[25] EU arrest warrant gets Greek national extradited to UK

ATHENS, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

The Greek suspect agreed to give the British woman a ride, but did not pick up her escort. While the car was in motion, the woman, for unknown reasons, jumped out and was killed by an oncoming car.

The Supreme Court ruled that the European warrant was constitutional and that the extradition of a Greek citizen to a European country cannot be prevented.

Furthermore, the Court noted in its decision that Greece cannot prevent the extradition of a European citizen when he or she has not been charged by Greek authorities for crimes of which he/she is accused abroad.

[26] Damages reported at Thessaloniki university from masked vandals

ATHENS, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

According to university officials, vandals raided three snack bars and caused damages to the main administration offices as well as in a pair of colleges, with masked youths smashing windows and marble steps.

[27] Journalists' unions protest BBC decision to nix Greek-language radio programme

ATHENS, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

[28] 46th Thessaloniki Cinema Festival opens

THESSALLONIKI, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

The festival began with the screening of the film "The hell within me", of Bosnian film director Danic Tanovic.

Declaring the start of the festival, Deputy Culture Minister Tatoulis termed the festival "as the central screen of Greek cinema" and Thessaloniki as the place where it was born.

Macedonia-Thrace Minister Tsiartsionis in his address referred to the important role of the festival which "constitutes an event which greatly contributes to the development of the region and to the establishment of a suitable climate of cooperation in all sectors."

Addresses were also made by Thessaloniki Cinema Festival President Corraface, the festival's artistic director Despina Mouzaki and Thessaloniki Mayor Papageorgopoulos.

It is expected that more than 220 films will be screened during the festival which will last until November 27.

[29] Two cars destroyed by blast at Chevrolet exhibition in Peristeri

ATHENS, 19/11/2005 (ANA)

Four fire engines and 15 firemen rushed to the scene and extinguished the ensuing blaze before it could spread to other cars.

The incident occurred at 9.05 p.m. and, according to eyewitnesses, the arsonists were five and made their getaway on two high-powered motorcycles.

[30] Cyprus President: UN and others plan to take steps for Cyprus

NICOSIA, 19/11/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Replying to a question as regards a possible meeting between him and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, President Papadopoulos said there can be no meetings "which create impressions and hopes to the people and which may give excuses to evil-minded people to suspend other activities or the implementation of Turkey's obligations, because there is a alleged dialogue going on for the Cyprus issue."

Commenting on US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza's statement that there are movements as regards the Cyprus issue, with

a view to find a solution to the Cyprus problem and that it is better to have a behind the scenes procedure, because in that way diplomacy is more effective, President Papadopoulos said as he has already stated in the past "there are various thoughts, various small steps."

He noted that "there are a lot of things to be done before proceeding to negotiations".

[31] Cyprus FM to attend EU - NATO meeting

NICOSIA, 19/11/2005 (CNA/ANA)

"Turkey," Karoyian said, "insisted for a long time on that basic position, but the EU actually calls, and through the negotiation framework, on Turkey to lift any exclusions and vetoes for the participation of the Republic of Cyprus to international organizations."

Karoyian said Turkey is among the countries that will attend the EU-NATO meeting.

[32] Cyprus to participate to ''MILEX 05''

NICOSIA, 19/11/2005 (CNA/ANA)

A Defence Ministry press release said that the exercise is considered very important by the EU and its goal is to evaluate military issues, dealing with a crisis in the EU at military and operational level.

Two Cyprus Defence Ministry officers are currently in Paris for the preparation of the operation centre. Earlier in Brussels they had contributed to the coordination of ''MILEX 05''.

The Cypriot Defence Ministry will also contribute to the full manning of the operation centre with two more officers, who will undertake their duties in Paris on November 26.

Some 375 representatives from EU member-states will take part in ''MILEX 05''.

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