Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-11-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis says 'gov't will proceed with determination in changes and reforms'

[02] PM Karamanlis tours Grevena, Metsovo

[03] Russian senior official holds talks with foreign ministry officials on Kosovo

[04] Papandreou slated as uncontested candidate for Socialist Int'l presidency

[05] SAE Enabling Law to be submitted in parliament soon, deputy FM says after meeting with SAE board

[06] Goal is to keep environmental issues high on EU agenda, Commissioner Dimas says

[07] Southeastern Europe and Black Sea conference on avian flu begins in

[08] Gov't waging tough battle for economy, Athens Mayor Bakoyannis says

[09] SYN leader Alavanos says he is 'open to cooperation with radical Left'

[10] Representatives of immigrant agencies to visit Brussels following PASOK initiative

[11] Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos honoured by Bologna University; addresses ecological conference

[12] Archbishop Christodoulos on issue of police identity cards

[13] Sioufas inaugurates power plant for production of hydrogen

[14] Salagoudis inaugurates Kerkini hydroelectric station

[15] 2006 budget to be tabled in Parliament on Monday

[16] Alternative tourism sector remains unexploited in Florina, conference told

[17] ERT becomes promotional sponsor for 'Patras 2006'

[18] Unexploded firebombs found at Chryssi Avghi offices after attack, two lightly injured

[19] Five arrested in Balkan drug trafficking operation

[20] Deputy culture minister addresses Pontic lyra awards ceremony

[21] Youths firebomb three banks in downtown

[22] Cold, frost on Monday - First snowfall in Macedonia

[01] PM Karamanlis says 'gov't will proceed with determination in changes and reforms'

21/11/2005 (ANA)

Speaking at the Grevena Prefecture, Karamanlis said "there is already a new political climate of no tolerance to corruption."

He added:"There are already in progress brave procedures for cleansing in many sectors of public life. There are in progress procedures for self-cleansing in justice. The road has opened. What is needed is daring and responsibility by all the forces which constitute the country's public life. The citizens demand from all, volition, persistence, determination. We answer with a coordinated strategy of transparency. We answer with policies of transparency."

The prime minister criticised the main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) of "danger-mongering" and "irresponsibility". He said that the policies of the PASOK governments had "failed" and that the PASOK cadres "are responsible for the creation of the great economic and social problems in the country."

He said that programmes are being advanced in the prefecture of Grevena for the support of farmers and the proposal by Deputy Economy and Finance Minister and Grevena deputy Christos Folias for Grevena to be become by the end of the decade the country's first ecological prefecture for organic cultivations.

Significant emphasis was also given to the support of agricultural tourism.

The prime minister is accompanied, among others, by Folias, Macedonia-Thrace Minister Nikos Tsiartsionis and ruling New Democracy (ND) party Secretary Vangelis Meimarakis.

[02] PM Karamanlis tours Grevena, Metsovo

21/11/2005 (ANA)

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

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

He later visited the Northern Pindos National Park's information booth.

Karamanlis said that "the works on the Egnatia Highway are proceeding at a rapid pace and will be concluded by 2008, within the timeframe set."

He stressed that "the Egnatia Highway is a project of strategic importance, creates dynamic growth and upgrades the geopolitical role of northern Greece." He added that "with the new infrastructure works, the remote regions of Greece can become the economic centre of the broader region."

PASOK responds to remarks by PM Karamanlis in Grevena: Main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) spokesman Nikos Athanassakis, in response to Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' speech in Grevena on Saturday, said that "Mr. Karamanlis seek refuge in the past."

The spokesman said:"Mr. Karamanlis seeks refuge in the past, which as is known, he blames for everything and repeatedly makes proclamations which he himself has personally denied with his untrustworthy and irresponsible government."

He added that "following the withdrawal of two ministers and at least another thirty government members, after the so-called registration, which led the economy to be under supervision, after the operation fiasco of the 'primary shareholder', after the 'blue interview', a patent of partisanship and the refounding of the state of the Right, after the unsettlement of the labour market, the economy and society with the so-called reforms at the expense of many and to the benefit of very few, after the complete weakness to start for 20 months now, even one new major project, after the dramatic reduction of the Public Investments Programme and the strangulation of the growth of the regions, after the complete weakness to properly conduct the 2005 budget and syntax the 2006 budget, after the inability and weakness of his government's coordination, Mr. Karamanlis, as if he does not himself have a government past, is acting as opposition to the opposition."

Spokesman Roussopoulos replies to PASOK spokesman: Commenting on remarks made on Saturday by main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) spokesman Nikos Athanassakis about Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' speech in Grevena earlier in the day, government spokesman Theo-doros Roussopoulos said that "the government's work exists and is already producing positive results."

Roussopoulos said:"It is exactly this work of 20 months which proves the irresponsibility and inability of those who, having completely failed in the 20 years they governed, are now asking the government to solve from one day to the other, the problems which accumulated and heal the wounds which they opened in the national economy and in the Greek society."

The government spokesman added that "the lack of political bravery" on the part of PASOK "does not allow them to exercise self-criticism" and noted that the main opposition party "has not put forward any proposals."

[03] Russian senior official holds talks with foreign ministry officials on Kosovo

ATHENS, 21/11/2005 (ANA)

According to a Foreign Ministry Press release on Sunday, the latest developments in the Kosovo issue and other matters of Balkan interest were the main topics of these consultations.

The two sides agreed that the achievement of a solution on the matter of the future status of Kosovo "must be an outcome not of imposition but of dialogue, without suffocating timeframes and with the involvement of all interested sides." The solution must be achieved with respect to the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and must be in harmony with the European principles and values, the press release added.

They two sides also agreed on the importance, among other things, "for the efforts of the international community to bear fruit, of the substantial involvement of the neigbouring countries as well as the contribution of their useful experience."

Within this context, there was an identity of views that the forthcoming visit of the Troika of the Southeast Europe Cooperation Process (SEECP) countries in Pristina and Belgrade, under the chairmanship of the Process, Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis, as well as other planned initiatives of the Greek presidency, can contribute positively to the facilitation of reaching mutually acceptable solutions.

Finally, the two sides, agreed to continue their regular consultations with the purpose of broadening their cooperation.

[04] Papandreou slated as uncontested candidate for Socialist Int'l presidency

ATHENS, 21/11/2005 (ANA)

Papandreou, who was elected vice-president of the Interna-tional at the proposal of president Antonio Gutteres during the Council of Socialist International held in Ramallah in May, is now slated to be the uncontested candidate for the post of president at the upcoming meeting of the organisation's Council to be held in Athens in January.

The Socialist International, the worldwide organisation of social democratic, socialist and labour parties, will elect its President at the upcoming meeting of its Council to be held in Athens on 30-31 January 2006, according to an organisation announcement.

The election of the President will complete a process that began last June when the Presidium of the Socialist International appointed a Commission with the responsibility to receive and consider candidatures for the office. The Commission, which included leaders of SI member parties from each region of the world and was chaired by SI Vice-President Jos� Luis Rodr�guez Zapatero, reported back with the name of George Papandreou, the leader of the SI member party in Greece, the Panhellenic Socialist Movement, PASOK, as candidate for President of Socialist International, which will be voted upon by all the member parties of the organisation in Athens.

The two-day Council meeting in Athens, to be hosted by PASOK, will be attended by leaders and representatives from member parties of the Socialist International from all continents to address current key issues on the international agenda.

The Socialist International, whose origins go back to the early international organisations of the labour movement, has existed in its present form since 1951 and today brings together 161 political parties and organisations from all regions, including 31 from Africa, 38 from the Americas, 20 from Asia and the Pacific, 30 from the European Union and 29 from other parts of Europe, 3 fraternal organisations and 10 associated organisations.

The activities of the International around the world focus today on advancing and strengthening democracy, supporting the peaceful resolution of conflicts, securing a democratic and fair global governance, guaranteeing respect for human rights, achieving social justice and gender equality and promoting sustainable development. The building of consensus views and the development of common platforms for action on global and regional issues of concern to the social democratic movement are central to the work of the International, through an extensive programme of activities, which include those of various regional and thematic committees, specialised working groups, the holding of conferences and special meetings on specific themes, the sending of missions and delegations to further its policies and objectives, as well as other initiatives.

Currently, 56 member parties of the International are in government in different parts of the world, while other member parties constitute today the main alternative of government in a number of countries.

[05] SAE Enabling Law to be submitted in parliament soon, deputy FM says after meeting with SAE board

21/11/2005 (ANA)

The SAE board, whose meeting was held in the context of the five-day SAE regular meeting that ends on Tuesday, discussed SAE's strategic planning and planning of the organisation's 6th World Convention, with Skandalakis on Saturday, as well as the SAE Enabling Law. The board on Friday, ahead of its meeting with Skandalakis, reviewed the proposals submitted by the SAE regions regarding the Enabling Law in order to form a final unified proposal for submission to the deputy foreign miniser.

Skandalakis told reporters that after an 18-month dialogue, an effort was being made to upgrade the SAE so as to render it a truly representative body of Hellenism Abroad.

He said the new law would provide for reinforcement of the role of the Regions, which would be increased with three new REgions (comprising the Black Sea countries, the Latin American countries, and Canada) while, regarding the SAE's financial self-sufficiency, he said that the Greek state will continue to assist the SAE until it became financially self-sufficient.

He also said that the 6th World Convention would take place in the last quarter of 2006.

SAE president Andrew Athens, who chaired the board meeting, expressed hope that the Enabling Law would give new impetus to the world organisation and consolidate its position as a consultative and advisory body. He endorsed the creation of the new REgions, saing this would contribute to better tackling the specific progblems of the Hellenes in the countries of the former Soviety Union, where SAE launched a major Medical Assistance Programme eight years ago.

The new Enablling Law aims at ensuring the advisory and consultative role of SAE, enhance the representation with an increase in the number of Regions, and expand the base and its participation at all levels of representation, as well as ensure SAE's funding for its operation.

On Saturday evening, the SAE board met with Presidium of the Greek parliament's special standing committee for issues of Hellenism Abroad: president Evgenios Haitidis (MP of the ruling New Democracy party-ND), first vice-president Gregoris Niotis (MP for main opposition PASOK party), 2nd vice-president Nikolaos Gatzis (MP for the Communist Party of Greece-KKE), and secretary Nikos Constantopoulos (MP for the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology party-SYN).

After the meeting, Haitidis expressed hope that the proposals on the SAE's future would enjoy general acceptance "so that we can work to solve the, unfortunately, many problems of the Hellenes Abroad, which has always been and always will be supported by the motherland, which needs to have successful, eminent Hellenes all over the world".

The SAE board was also due to meet later Sunday with Macedonia-Thrace minister Nikos Tsiartsionis, and Thessa-loniki Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos.

The World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) is an historic international movement that unites Hellenes worldwide under one, non-profit, non-governmental organization with its permanent headquarters in Thessaloniki, Greece.

SAE, which was created by 1995 presidential decree of the Hellenic Republic, serves as the advisory body to the Hellenic Republic on all maters of interest to Hellenes in the Diaspora and as the formal entity through which a continuing dialogue takes place between the Diaspora and the Hellenic Republic. The Council has now incorporated in Thessaloniki as the Foundation of Hellenes Abroad. The regional SAEs are also incorporated as non-profit organizations under local juris-dictions.

SAE, through its own programs and the activities of its member organizations, aims to support and strengthen:

�� The ties between the 7 million Hellenes abroad, 10.6 million Hellenes in Greece, and among Hellenes in their countries of citizenship

�� Hellenic identity and heritage in the Diaspora

�� The role of Hellenism in world affairs

�� The greater effectiveness of Hellenic organizations worldwide

Under World SAE, there are currently four regional SAEs (called Regions), each covering one or more continents. World SAE is governed by an elected Board, which consists of a World President, an Alternate President, four Vice Presidents - each a coordinator for a regional SAE established in the areas of North and South America, Asia-Africa, Europe, and Oceania, as well as a Vice President for Cypriots Abroad and Cypriot Issues, and four Secretaries. The Board is elected by delegates from Hellenic Organizations throughout the Diaspora at the World Conventions.

Under the leadership of its founding president Andrew A. Athens, SAE quickly moved onto the world scene and took a leading role in international affairs since its inception eight years ago.

[06] Goal is to keep environmental issues high on EU agenda, Commissioner Dimas says

BELGIUM, 21/11/2005 (ANA/M. Aroni)

Briefly outlining the work accomplished by the Commission on environmental and environmental protection issues during that year, Dimas expressed satisfaction with the European Parliament's recent adoption of the Commission's proposal on the REACH regulation on chemical substances and their hazard to public health, opeining that this was a significant step towards achieving a political agreement at the EUropean Council by the end of the year.

The REACH regulation, he explained, concerned the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of CHemical substances (comprising the REACH acronym). It also provides for the establishment of a comprehensive catalogue of the tens of thousands of chemical substances used by industries and manufacturers, and the substances' properties.

At the same time, Dimas continued, it would encourage, to the degree possible, the use of safer substances or less hazardous subsitutes for those considered high-risk, noting that the properties of only 20 percent of the chemicals used today in industry were known.

"There are reactions by the industries," the Commissioner said, adding that this was logical given that the REACH legislation would create additional costs for them. However, he said, what was important was that gradually every manufacturer or importer would not only be required to evaluate and register the products he sells and markets, but would also be required to warn consumers on the products' potential hazard to human health.

The European Parliament on Thursday approved legislation requiring safety testing of thousands of compounds widely used in everyday products, endorsing a policy that would overhaul how the public was protected from toxic chemicals. The regulation, if approved by the Council of Europe's national governments, would force industries worldwide to test their chemicals for effects on human health and the environment. It would be the world's strictest standard, eclipsing U.S. laws, and could lead to global bans on some compounds. Chemicals found in a variety of products - such as computers, cosmetics, cars, furniture, detergent and pesticides - would have to undergo basic toxicity testing. Those used in the largest volumes would be subjected to more rigorous testing. Called Reach, or Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals, the law could cost American industries that export products to Europe billions of dollars. The Bush administration and the U.S. chemical industry teamed to fight the European Union's proposal. Under current U.S. and EU laws, most chemicals - those that were used before 1981 in Europe and 1976 in the United States - are not required to undergo toxicity testing.

Turning to the Commission's efforts on the problem of climate changes, Dimas recalled that the EU has committed itself, under the Kyoto Protocol, to reduce industrial pollution by 8 percent by 2012.

Dimas noted that the Commission has undertaken actions to reduce the pollutants emissions from air transports, energy industries, and other industrial installations which, he said, often do not operate in a manner compatible with the conditions set out by EU legislation on industrial pollution.

As for Greece, Dimas stressed the special role the country can play in the Balkans on environmental protection issues.

Regarding Greece's adherence to the commitments entailed in the Kyoto Protocol, Dimas said that it would be useful if the most polluting Greek industries started gradually investing in pollution reduction measures, eve though it did not seem obligatory and necessary in the short term.

Dimas further referred to a series of other environmental issues on which the Commission has undertaken specific actions over the past year, such as the strategy for containing atmospheric pollution, the strategy ground, water and sea quality, and the strategy on waste and preservation of the ecosystems.

An announcement issued by the Commissioner's office said that the Commission proposes, for the period 2007-2013, a 90 percent increase -- increase of 2.5 billion euros -- in funding for environmental studies. It also proposes another 520 million euros for subsidising 'ecological' innovations, in the framework of the European action plan on environmental technologies.

[07] Southeastern Europe and Black Sea conference on avian flu begins in

Athens 21/11/2005 (ANA)

Participating in the conference, which began on Saturday morning, are health ministers from the countries of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) and the Black Sea Cooperation Organisation. Representatives from the World Health Organisation and the European Centre for Infectious Diseases are also attending.

It was stressed at the conference that there was no case of avian flu in the countries of the Balkans and of the Black Sea.

No case of bird flu in humans in Black Sea, Balkan countries, health ministers say: There has been no official case of avian influenza (bird flu) in humans recorded in the countries of the Balkans and the Black Sea, according to regional health ministers and deputy ministers taking part in a conference in Athens organised on Saturday by Greece's health and social solidarity minister Nikitas Kaklamanis.

The ministers, as well as scientists from the participating countries who also attended the conference, concluded that the hazardous strain of bird flu did not appear to be a threat to the human in the regions of Europe, given that it was a virus communicated chiefly among birds, and it was very difficult, and only under specific conditions, for the virus to be contracted by humans.

The participants agreed that they must continue to monitor the issue and to immediately report, through a network of coope-rationa nd information exchange, any suspected cases in their countries, in order to tackle prospective problems that may arise at their inception.

All the countries have already developed their own acton plans aimed at halting a possible pandemic of bird flu in humans, while some of the countries have sought EU assistance since their own funds are not adequate to finance the action plan.

All the delegates agreed to repeat their meeting regularly, with the next session to be held in Croatia.

[08] Gov't waging tough battle for economy, Athens Mayor Bakoyannis says

21/11/2005 (ANA)

"Possibly, some things should have been done earlier", but there were "previously undertaken commitments for the (Athens 2004) Olympic Games," she added.

Turning to the reforms the government is advancing, Bakoyannis said that "while the overwhelming majority of the political world demands structural changes, every time something is about to begin, the positions of the political world comprise examples of pharisaism and hypocrisy...and I am speaking indiscriminately about the positions of the politicians who bow to the god of political cost".

Asked whether she was ready to return to the active political scene, Bakoyannis noted that, as mayor of Athens, she is "actively involved", adding that "when there are initiatives by the prime minister, there will be the corresponding responses".

She further denied rumours of a "secret agreement" between herself and prime minister Costas Karamanlis, noting that "in politics, there are no 'secret' agreements".

Commenting on her term in the mayorship of Athens, Bakoyannis said that the interventions at Votanikos and Elaionas and simultaneously on Alexandras Avenue will be the biggest environmental and developmental intervention in recent years in Athens, and will "seal the important work carried out during these years in the City of Athens".

[09] SYN leader Alavanos says he is 'open to cooperation with radical Left'

21/11/2005 (ANA)

Alavanos was speaking from Larissa, central Greece, where he attended an event of his party's Thessaly Regional Council.

Alavanos referred to the municipal elections and to the model of development of the country's regions.

The Synaspismos leader stressed that "the government is absent on a level of positions regarding procedures which are being made in the interior of the country as well as in the European Union and the Trade Organisation for agricultural production, with danger of the resources which have been secured until 2013 being lost, given that this agreement has already begun being questioned."

Alavanos rejected the government's plan for Olympic Airlines and criticised the stance of the main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK), stressing that "in essence it agrees with the government plan."

[10] Representatives of immigrant agencies to visit Brussels following PASOK initiative

21/11/2005 (ANA)

According to a PASOK press release on Sunday, the aim of the visit is the briefing on the European Union's policy for immigrants.

The programme of the visit includes meetings with European Commission Vice-President responsible for Political Freedoms, Security and Justice, Franco Frattini, and with other officials.

The delegation will observe a session of the Citizens' Freedoms and Rights Committee, a European Parliament session and meet with Belgium's union of immigrant organisations as well as with the Brussels Greek Community and the board of the Federation of Greek Communities of Belgium.

PASOK's Yvette Jarvis, responsible for the party's Immigration Committee, will head the delegation.

[11] Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos honoured by Bologna University; addresses ecological conference

ROME, 21/11/2005 (ANA/L. Hatzikiriakos)

The official ceremony took place in Ravenna, at the Church of San Vitale.

On Friday evening, he gave a speech at Bologna University, which is the oldest in Italy, on the theme "The environment and its protection".

Addressing the conference the Ecumenical Patriarch said:"There are people who want to live at the expense of others. Today, where development has shaped the world into an international community, the harmful practice of dumping waste, which Roman law prohibitted, does not simply harm our neighbours, but all people. Under these conditions, our science obliges us to accept the Christian truth of the unity of the future of mankind. Furthermore, consciousness is the unique force with which man can oppose pollution. And it is in this direction the Patriarchate is working. "

"We want to convince individuals and governments, by using moral arguments which can be touching. We want to convince people that God gave us the order to work and protect Earth. God created an ecological balance. Its disruption threatens the coming generations and our conscience does not allow us to act in this direction," Vartholomeos added.

[12] Archbishop Christodoulos on issue of police identity cards

21/11/2005 (ANA)

He said:"For the Church, the issue remains pending. We declared this from the first moment. Maybe the solution which was given has been given, but from then on the Church believes that this issue is still pending. I raised the issue to the new government from the start. From then on it is the responsibility of the government."

The Archbishop also spoke about those who say that "he is a Right-winger and many times behaves as a Right-winger." The Archbishop said:"No, no it is wrong. Last year, if you recall, I visited all the political parties. I did this exactly to show the ecumenical character of the Church. And I did not exclude from these visits either the Communist Party of Greece or the Coalition of the Left, Progress and Ecology. I went to all the parties which I equally respect because they express a section of the Greek people. The Church never divides the people, it constitutes an element of the unity of our people and this is a very fundamental prerequisite, from which we do not at all want to move."

On the issue of the separation of the Church and the State, Archbishop Christodoulos said:"We are two pillars which hold the structure which is called 'Greek civilisation'. It is called 'happiness and the progress of the Greeks'. It is said that that you want the good of the country, because the same people in their overwhelming majority are also citizens of the Greek state and faithful toi the Orthodox Church."

[13] Sioufas inaugurates power plant for production of hydrogen

21/11/2005 (ANA)

In his speech, Sioufas expressed "satisfaction" over the fact that "our country's research community, along with the private sector, pioneer in the research and development of technologies in the much promising sector of hydrogen. He further expressed certainty that "the apparent Hydrogen Economy will create new economic activity and new jobs."

He said:"Our country can contribute in the effort to claim a part of this activity, either by constructing relevant equipment, either utilising installations."

Sioufas added:"The specific project, which was financed within the context of the 5th Research Programme Framework, is of a total budget of 5.4 million euros and participating in this are 14 European research agencies from Greece, Cyprus, Germany, Spain and Portugal. It concerns the installation of a 25 kW unit."

The minister congratulated the "Renewable Sources of Energy Centre" (KAPE) and the "Rokas" company for their contri-bution in the development of such systems which will allow Greece to pioneer in major sectors for the energy of the future.

Sioufas drove the car which is used in the Park and operates with hydrogen.

[14] Salagoudis inaugurates Kerkini hydroelectric station

21/11/2005 (ANA)

The Kerkini station, which will have a total power output of 5 MW, has been constructed on a four acres 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.

In his address, Salagoudis underlined that the primary objective of the Development Ministry's leadership is to implement a modern development model in the region which will be based on the implementation and exploitation of the valuable natural resources, which in many cases also consitute the region's advantage.

The deputy development minister also referred to the government's efforts for the promotion and establishment of alternative sources of energy.

[15] 2006 budget to be tabled in Parliament on Monday

21/11/2005 (ANA)

The basic aim of the new budget is the reduction of the deficits below 3 per cent of the Gross National Product from 4.3 per cent which is expected this year.

The new budget foresees revenues by 7.9 per cent and the curbing of expenditures at 4.8 per cent.

[16] Alternative tourism sector remains unexploited in Florina, conference told

21/11/2005 (ANA)

Although steps taken by the Florina prefectural authority and ANFLO (Florina Developmental S.A., the regional development agency of Florina) and other local agencies have brought results, alternative tourism remains at an embryonic stage in the region, and a change of direction was necessary, chiefly with respect to the creation of accomodations and eating establishments, speakers told delegates to the three-day conference, which ends on Monday.

"In order for alternative tourism to succeed, it must 'wed' the local production and craftsmanship. At the level of processing/standardisation activity and traditional light industry/crafts, the numbers are not particularly disappointing," ANFLO managing director Dimitris Karantzis said.

Karantzis presented the main actions of the local action group ANFLO aimed at boosting the processing enterprises dealing with local products, and by extention the development of alternative forms of tourism.

In that framework, ANFLO is able to meet, in the next tender for the EU's local programme "Leader+" (December 2005), investments budgeted at 1.170 million euros with a percntage of 50-60 percent of the subsidy. At the same time, a corresponding tender under the Greek government's Public Investments Programme (PEP) for Western Macedonia, was anticipated in 2006, he said.

Also the local 'Leader+' programme, via ANFLO, has earmarked a sum of 365,000 euros, for business networking, at a subsidisation rate of 75 percent, in the ucpmong tender (December 2005).

As for projection of the prefectur's overall tourism product, ANFLO has submitted to the Leader+ programme a proposal budgeted at 198,000 euros, with a 70 percent subsidisation rate, for the Local Government Organisation and the Prefectural Government.

In addition, ANFLO has submitted to the EU's "Interreg III" programme a proposal for integrated exploitation and projection of the international mountain-hiking paths E4 and E6, budgeted at 500,000 euros with a 100 percent subsidisation rate, for the Florina Prefectural Government.

In tandem with the conference, the 2nd exhibition of alternative forms of tourism is also taking place in Florina, with Crete as the 'honoured region'.

[17] ERT becomes promotional sponsor for 'Patras 2006'

21/11/2005 (ANA)

Speaking at a press conference, Panagopoulos said it was a great honor for ERT to promote and cover the Patras 2006 institution and events, adding that he was especially happy that his birthtown of Patras, would serve as the cultural capital of Europe during his presidency at ERT.

In addition to the sponsorship, Panagopoulos announced that even greater projection of the institution itself was being mulled, so that the benefits would be even greater for the institution but also for ERT itself.

One idea was to film a period serial focussing on the city of Patras and the life of its inhabitants in the early 20th century, when the Achaia capital was flourishing.

He further said that ERT's participation, with audiovisual material, in an exhbition to be held in 2006 was also being examined.

Roilos said that the promotional sponsorship was budgeted at 2 million euros, adding that the Patras Cultural Capital of Europe 2006 institution was already being projected, as of this year, on ERT's three television networks, five radio frequencies, regional radio stations, satellite channel, website, and perio-dical.

In addition to the braodcast of the Patras 2006 artisitc events by ERT, ERT's own orchestras would take part in three events, while ERT would be declared a grand sponsor of the institution.

Foreign Exchange Rates: Monday

Reference buying rates per euro released by the European Central Bank:

U.S. dollar 1.177

[18] Unexploded firebombs found at Chryssi Avghi offices after attack, two lightly injured

21/11/2005 (ANA)

More specifically, a group of about 30 people, wearing crash helmets and hoods, attacked the building on Solomou street that houses the Chryssi Avghi offices, throwing molotov cocktails and rocks, causing minor material damage.

The perpetrators immediately ran off, but some person or persons opened fire on them with hunting rifles.

Police who rushed to the scene found, a short distance from the offices, a 32-year-old man injured by pellets, and took him to hospital, where another 22-year-old man had been admitted with similar wounds. Both men were reported as lightly injured.

Damage from pellets was also caused to a car parked on the street outside the Chryssi Avghi offices.

At dawn, police searching the building found and confiscated six beer bottles containing inflammable liquid and pieces of cloth in the bottlenecks, ready to be set alight.

Investigations were continuing by the Athens security police to find the perpetrators of the attack, and those who fired the rifles.

The two injured men claimed they had been simple passers-by, but police said their explanations were not convincing and therefore the two would be taken before a public prosecutor for interrogation on possible involvement in the attack on the Chryssi Avghi offices.

[19] Five arrested in Balkan drug trafficking operation

21/11/2005 (ANA)

The ring smuggled large shipments of cocaine from Bulgaria to FYROM, and from there to Greece and other Balkan countries.

Acting on information and following an investigation, a plainclothes police officer approached the ring, posing as a prospective buyer for 10.5 kilos of cocaine at a price of 400,000 euros. The street value of the haul is estimated at 1.2 million euros.

Five men -- two Greek nationals and three FYROM nationals -- were arrested on Friday.

The detainees had smuggled the cocaine from Bulgaria to FYROM, where four of the members (including one of the Greek nationals) were arrested on Friday, while the fifth man, who was due to take posession of themoney from the sale of the narcotics, was arrested in Thessaloniki.

The three FYROM nationals were arrested during a search of the FYROM-registered car they were driving in, at the Novo Selo border crossing on the FYROM-Bulgarian border, after the cocaine was found hidden in the car. A Greek national, identified only as P.L., 46 years old, was arrested later in Skopje, while Greek police arrested the second Greek, identified as M.B., 45 years old, in Thessaloniki.

The Greek authorities, in collaboration with the FYROM police drug squad, were seeking other members of the racket in Greece, FYROM and Bulgaria.

The case file has been submitted to the Thessaloniki prosecutors' office.

[20] Deputy culture minister addresses Pontic lyra awards ceremony

21/11/2005 (ANA)

The Pontic lyra is the lyre played by the Greeks of Pontos (Black Sea region of Asia minor), and is also known as the Kementse.

"The Pontic lyra is not only a musical instrument. It is the chief vehicle of expression of a great tradition. It is the 'voice of the soul' of an entire people. Each stroke is a part of the centuries'long history of the Greeks of Pontos. A history that has its roots in myth, where the journey of Frixos and Elli and the Argonauts' search for the Golden Fleece begins," she said.

"From myth to reality, and from Sinopi, Trapezounta and Kerasounta, all the way to Sampsounta, Dioscouria and Odessa, the Pontos Hellenism left their own, indelible mark in the historic development of our nation, they mainteined the elements of the ancient Greek language in their dialect, and for many centuries distinguished themselves in all sectors. They created flourishing communities with substantial economic and cultural activity, a strong intellectual presence and strong cultural identity which was not lost, despite the violent infleunce of genocide and uprooting," she said.

Palli-Petralia said that the culture of Pontos continues to exist, and was alive today i the soul of each and every one of the 1.5 million Pontians of Greece and the diaspora, being passed on from generation to generation through words, music, dance and songs. The beauty and historic grandeur of an unforgotten homeland springs out of the chords of the Pontos lyra, touching the contemporary artist as well as his audience, the deputy minister added.

[21] Youths firebomb three banks in downtown

Athens 21/11/2005 (ANA)

Specifically, the individuals broke the frontages of three bank branches in Ermou street, at the height of Monastiraki Square, and threw firebombs in the interior of the bank branches, causing extensive damage.

The branches are of the banks Attiki, Geniki and Elliniki.

The fire was extinguished by 15 firemen with three fire engines.

Police are conducting an investigation to locate and arrest the culprits, without, however, having specific data.

Results of the Greek first division soccer championship matches played over the weekend:

Xanthi - Ionikos Piraeus 1-1

Panathinaikos Athens - Apollon Kalamaria 3-0

Atromitos Athens - Olympiakos Piraeus 0-1

Panionios Athens - OFI Crete 1-1

Egaleo Athens - Levadiakos Livadia 1-0

Kallithea Athens - PAOK Thessaloniki 1-1

Iraklis Thessaloniki  Larissa 2-1

Akratitos Athens - AEK Athens

(Match to be played on Monday Nov. 21)

The point standings after ten weeks of play:

Olympiakos 24

A�� 20 (9 matches played)

Panathinaikos 20

Xanthi 20

PAOK 16

Egaleo 15

Iraklis 14

Larissa 12

Atromitos 12

Ionikos 12

Levadiakos 10

OFI 10

Panionios 9

Apollon Kalamaria 8

Akratitos 6 9 matches played)

Kallithea 5

[22] Cold, frost on Monday - First snowfall in Macedonia

21/11/2005 (ANA)

Cold but sunny in Athens, with temperatures ranging from 04 to 10 C, and 2-3 degrees colder in the north of the prefecture. The same in thessaloniki, with temperatures ranging from 0 to 6 C.

Meanwhile, the first snowfall of the year was recorded in western Macedonia on Sunday, with light flurries on high ground in Grevena, Florina and Halkidiki, while snow reached 10 centimeters on the Athos peninsula.

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