Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-12-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] Foreign minister meets U.S. State Department official, discusses Kosovo

[02] Molyviatis refers to situation in W. Balkans during interview with 'AP'

[03] Papoutsis discusses, Balkans, Kosovo, Serbia, FYROM name issue with State Dep't official

[04] Kosovo a major challenge for the Balkans, Papandreou says

[05] Deputy FM Valynakis discusses EU fiscal issues with British counterpart

[06] Papoulias briefed by FM; Molyviatis to meet with Hungarian FM Somogyi

[07] FM on Turkey's EU accession

[08] Gov't on draft bill for reforming state enterprises

[09] Opposition criticises govt's efforts for public sector reform

[10] PM meets development, education and transport ministers

[11] Gov't and NGOs partners against human trafficking

[12] Next year's local elections opportunity for message of disapproval of both mainstream parties, KKE leader says

[13] Immigration issues dominate police union conference

[14] Foreign ministry website presented by Molyviatis

[15] Parliament votes to lift immunity for four MPs

[16] Gov't dismisses criticism over release of EYP employee's name

[17] Justice minister tours press facilities ahead of upcoming 'N17' appeals process

[18] Coalition of the Left party to host Middle East Forum on December 2-3

[19] Palestinian Diplomatic Mission organises event in memory of Yasser Arafat

[20] Pope Bededict conveys message to Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos on occasion of Aghios Andreas nameday

[21] Parliament honors late MP Tsimas

[22] Gov't cites 28% absorption rate goal for Info Society programme by end of '05

[23] FinMin addresses Euromoney conference on competitiveness

[24] Economic sentiment index inches up for 4th month

[25] Eurostat: Greek GDP grew 1.7 pct in 3rd quarter 2005, 3.7 pct yr/yr

[26] Parliament plenum ratifies bill on electric power market deregulation process

[27] German trade group sees progress in Greek economy

[28] ESHEA denounces 'overturning of social insurance system' of Press employees

[29] Renewable energy sources counference in western Macedonia

[30] Papoulias inaugurates PASEGES event

[31] Household debt figure released by central bank

[32] Athens bourse head joins board of European markets

[33] Stocks drop in higher turnover

[34] Athens mayor presents city's Christmas programme

[35] Gov't insists on legal action against Getty museum over antiquities

[36] AIDS: A problem with a solution, UN Sect General says

[37] Rise in reported AIDS cases in Greece

[38] Public satisfied with Citizens Service Centres, survey shows

[39] Decline in deaths, serious injuries from road accidents in Sept.

[40] Noted lawyer implicated in trial-fixing ring to appear before magistrate on Dec. 20

[41] Cyprus President Papadopoulos meets with Irish Prime Minister Ahern

[42] Cypriot Spokesman says situation at Ledra Street remains the same

[43] Property ownership in occupied areas integral part of a solution

[01] Foreign minister meets U.S. State Department official, discusses Kosovo

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

During the meeting, they discussed the situation in Kosovo.

In an interview with the Associated Press news agency on Wednesday concerning his upcoming trip to Belgrade and Pristina on December 6-7, meanwhile, Molyviatis stressed that peace and stability continue to be precarious in the Balkans.

The minister pointed to three separate but interrelated issues that would have have to be dealt with over the next month and which could potentially lead to a volatile situation in the area.

These included the talks for the final status of Kosovo, a referendum to be held in April that may lead to Montenegro's separation from Serbia and a new Constitution that aims to unify ethnically-divided Bosnia-Herzegovina before March.

"We must not overlook the possible threats contained in these problems and especially in relation to the extreme nationalist tendencies and sentiments that exist in the region.

The international community must act in a way that very seriously takes into account the need for security and stability in the region," he warned.

[02] Molyviatis refers to situation in W. Balkans during interview with 'AP'

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

Molyviatis was quoted as citing the final-status talks for UN-administered Kosovo province, an April referendum in Montenegro on the future of its union with Serbia and deliberations over a new Bosnian constitution aimed to advance unification as ingredients in such an "explosive mix".

Conversely, he said a comparison of the region today and 10 years ago shows a dramatic improvement, although threats to security and peace have still not been eliminated.

The interview comes before the Greek foreign minister's visit next week to Pristina and Belgrade.

Athens currently chairs the South East Europe Co-operation Process (SEECP), an initiative that also includes Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Romania, Serbia-Montenegro and Turkey.

[03] Papoutsis discusses, Balkans, Kosovo, Serbia, FYROM name issue with State Dep't official

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

"We support the developments that lead to the path of peace, economic cooperation and reinforcement of the democratic institutions, and chiefly the European path of all the countries of the region," Papoutsis told reporters after the meeting.

"We support a future status in Kosovo that will be mutually accepted by all the peiples of the region and, naturally, we believe in cooperation among all the countries with a decisive role which, in any event, will be played by Serbia," he added.

Papoutsis noted that Greece was "present" in Serbia and in all the other countries of the region, both with respect to reinforcement of the political procedures and, primarily, in economic cooperation.

On the FYROM name issue, Papoutsis said that PASOK supported a European road for FYROM and efforts leading to a mutually acceptable solution to the issue of the neighbouring country's name, which, he stressed, must respect the geographical, cultural and historical uniquenesses of the two peoples.

Papoutsis described his discussion with DiCarlo as "extremely interesting", adding that he had had the opportunity to present PASOK's positions on the matters discussed, which the party has been following for many years both in (the preceding) government -- with the new party leader George Papandreou as foreign minister -- and as the main opposition party.

Papandreou begins 2-day visit to Sofia; meetings with Bulgarian leadership scheduled SOFIA, 1/12/2005 (B. Borisov)

Main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou arrived here on Wednesday for a series of contacts with the country's leadership, as Bulgarian national assembly chairman and former foreign minister Georgi Pirinski was the latest official to congratulate Papandreou over his expected assumption of the Socialist International's presidency next month.

Papandreou, a former Greek foreign minister, met with Bulgarian President Georgi Purvanov; and is also scheduled to be received by Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev and other high-ranking Bulgarian officials during his two-day visit here for a meeting of a Socialist International's work group on SE Europe, which he will chair.

The PASOK leader is the sole candidate, to date, for the high-profile post.

Beyond discussions focusing on relations between the Greek and Bulgarian parliaments, which both men termed as excellent, Papandreou and Pirinski also discussed the delayed opening of a new border post (Iliden-Exohi) on the frontier between the two neighbours, as well as new road links connecting the border towns of Drama and Goce Delchev.

According to reports, the new border crossing will be delivered by the end of 2005, a development expected to alleviate congestion at the other busy border posts on the Greek-Bulgarian frontier.

[04] Kosovo a major challenge for the Balkans, Papandreou says

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

"As Socialist International, we took the initiative for all progressive forces in the region to come together, important figures that will undoubtedly play a role in the final solution of the Kosovo issue," Papandreou said.

Papandreou expressed optimism that negotiations under Martin Ahtisaari will prove productive adding that the negotiating process proves that "the Balkans' progressive forces , the Balkans' socialists, can have a common voice in front of the international community; attempting, finally to solve our problems ourselves."

The two-day session will conclude on Thursday.

[05] Deputy FM Valynakis discusses EU fiscal issues with British counterpart

LONDON, 1/12/2005 (ANA/L. Tsirigotakis)

Speaking after his talks at the Foreign Office, Valynakis stres-sed that Greece's position regarding the EU's budget is that whatever agreement must be based on what had been discussed at the summit in June.

"We discussed a series of issues with Mr. Alexander, primarily the European Union's budget for the period between 2007-2013. During the next few days we are expecting the proposals of the British presidency to be submitted so that we can all work together to achieve the best possible result at the summit in December. We want to believe that these proposals will be constructive so as to lead to a result that will be fair for all, a result for which Europe will feel proud and, of course, the British presidency as well," he said.

Valynakis also said that "we discussed the particular aspects of the important problem but I must say that the situation is very difficult. Extremely big difficulties exist in the effort of the European Union's 25 countries to find a common denominator for an agreement."

Lastly, the deputy minister said Greece wants an agreement to be reached in December, but it is not prepared to accept any kind of agreement.

[06] Papoulias briefed by FM; Molyviatis to meet with Hungarian FM Somogyi

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

The foreign minister was expected to receive visiting Hunga-rian Foreign Minister Ferenc Somogyi later in the day. The latter is on a working visit to Greece.

Bilateral relations, especially trade ties, European Union issues such as the Union's expansion and fiscal prospects, along with regional and international matters are on the agenda of talks.

[07] FM on Turkey's EU accession

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

"I believe that Turkey realises that the road to EU accession will be long and difficult," he said adding that the requirements Ankara must fulfill "means that Turkey will have to take some drastic steps towards internal reforms."

He also noted that EU accession negotiations will force Turkey to improve relations with the Republic of Cyprus.

[08] Gov't on draft bill for reforming state enterprises

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

He also urged those "quick to voice an opinion" to read the bill more carefully.

In response to repeated questions concerning article 14 of the bill, Antonaros noted that the measure in question had been in force since 1988 and that there was a final decision from the Supreme Court on this issue.

"Workers are called on to meet with those managing businesses and find a common ground - that is how collective agreements are drawn up. If there is any disagreement, the issue is settled by law - as has been the case until now. It is not possible for a business that has in the red and has deficits to continue burdening Greek taxpayers by providing bonuses and special perks to its employees. Neither labour rights nor the protection framework are being abolished. These remain as they are. But any business that goes into the red for a period of time must organise its operation in such as way as to balance its accounts," he said.

He clarified that the deficits of state-sector enterprises would continue to burden the state but would gradually be reduced through the reform process. He also underlined that article 14 targeted all loss-making public-sector enterprises and its aim was to improve the quality of services offered to Greek citizens by the state.

The spokesman also pointed out that, while the status quo would remain unchanged for existing staff with permanency, newly-hired employees would be governed by the same rules as those employed in the private sector and would have to be equally productive.

Antonaros said the government was not considering any change to conditions in the civil service, while noting that the reforms in the bill were changes that other European countries had carried out years ago.

[09] Opposition criticises govt's efforts for public sector reform

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

PASOK's Vasso Papandreou, head of the Political Council's Economic Division, predicted that the government will find itself up against "social explosions", adding that "problems are not solved...with a return to the past and by up-ending labour relations."

She noted that "DEKOs need a development plan and a collective effort, that will include workers' participation and safeguarding public interest."

On his part, SYN President Alekos Alavanos said that "With the DEKO bill that the inner cabinet agreed upon, the country does not move forward, but returns to a hard social past."

[10] PM meets development, education and transport ministers

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

Sioufas said that the cost will be reduced by about 50 percent and that the programme will be applied after a 12-week trial period of the "Diodos" programme.

Yiannakou said that the government is responding to the Lisbon guidelines and is implementing the government programme and mentioned that in the coming days a programme will be announced on providing free electronic computers for pupils who have excelled in their studies.

Liapis said that prices will be shaped by the market and that the cost is estimated to be 50 percent lower for students, adding that with this decision the government is aiming at spreading rapid and cheap Internet services and capturing the digital era.

According to initial assessments, the monthly cost will amount to 15 euros.

An announcement by the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) said that "KKE demands the free linking and access of all young people, of senior high school and technical institute pupils and students to the Internet and the abolition of indirect taxation (VAT) in the market concerning the means, materials and books related to the new technologies."

KKE added that the announcements by the ministers "are a mockery" and that they do not constitute cheap access, but "the seeking of new customers and facilities for businesses exploiting the Internet".

[11] Gov't and NGOs partners against human trafficking

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

Specifically, the Secretaries General of the justice, interior, foreign, labour, health, and public order ministries and the General Secretariat for Equality, comprise the special committee set up by Justice Minister Anastassios Papaligouras to help implement the law against human trafficking.

The initiative, according to a justice ministry statement, aims to "strengthen cooperation between the state and the society of citizens in order to address the serious phenomenon of human trafficking in the best possible manner."

[12] Next year's local elections opportunity for message of disapproval of both mainstream parties, KKE leader says

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

Referring to the significance of the elections for local administration, Papariga said that they will have a purely political character, adding that "we have told the people that it is an important political struggle which has a nationwide character."

The KKE secretary noted that these elections provide a great opportunity for a large part of the people who are angered and disappointed with the two mainstream parties to express themselves with a great momentum.

[13] Immigration issues dominate police union conference

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

According to Deputy Public Order Minister Christos Markoyiannakis, the number of immigrants needed as a labour force by Greece, or even the number that the country could comfortably support in decent conditions, was hard to quantify.

At the same time, he stressed that Greek policy toward immigrants was being formulated in a positive climate without racist attitudes. "There is no Le Pen in Greece," he underlined.

He also referred to the problems faced by the police when they were called on to enforce the law on immigrants, admitting that there was a lack of necessary infrastructure.

Other speakers included the head of the Immigration Policy Institute, representatives of the police force and the political parties.

[14] Foreign ministry website presented by Molyviatis

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

Molyviatis stressed the importance of communications and the Internet but also of the public image presented by countries in the present day.

The updated site went online as of midnight on Wednesday and is designed to be more user-friendly, with supporting tools like an improved menu, search engine and navigation map.

The website will be trilingual - in Greek, English and French - and will target three kinds of visitors: people seeking general information and useful tips about the country, those wanting to ask questions on specific subjects and journalists.

People visiting the website will also be able to gain access to more detailed information through links and or through searches using keywords.

In an announcement on Tuesday, the ministry stressed that the site will be constantly refreshed and kept up to date, with information on the latest developments in current affairs.

Foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said the ministry was also investigating the possibility of an electronic briefing facility for journalists, in addition to the regular press briefing.

[15] Parliament votes to lift immunity for four MPs

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

Mantouvalos faces charges of bribing the judge Evangelos Kalousis, who is implicated in a judicial corruption scandal, and legalising income from illegal activities.

The other three MPs were Athanassios Papageorgiou, PASOK MP for Pieria, who has been charged with breach of faith for his role in issuing a loan to the Allamanis group when he was deputy governor of the Agricultural Bank of Greece, Constantine Badouvas who has been charged with illegally positioning a fuel tank in the course of his business activities before he was an MP and Markos Bolaris, PASOK MP for Serres, who faces charges concerning a traffic accident.

Criticism of judicial authorities for their delay in seeking the lifting of immunity for Mantouvalos, as well as the opening of his bank accounts, was expressed by PASOK MP Andreas Loverdos, who pointed out that the statute of limitations for the charges against him expired in a matter of days and that it was questionable whether the case could be wrapped up in that time.

The MP's case gained a great deal of publicity when Mantou-valos, formerly an MP for New Democracy, unexpectedly resigned from the party's Parliamentary group in reaction of rumours of his involvement in the scandal about a month ago, while retaining his seat in Parliament as an independent MP. He was expelled from the party shortly afterward.

Papageorgiou also addressed Parliament, saying that he was the "victim of poor understanding by the management of the Agricultural Bank that did not do justice to the government or to the New Democracy party".

[16] Gov't dismisses criticism over release of EYP employee's name

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

Government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros flatly dismissed any "Valerie Plame"-like connection by saying the information released by the national defence ministry involved EYP employees and not agents, whereas a Hellenic Data Protection Authority ruling clearly states that information sought in a tabled Parliament question is not confidential.

"Therefore, there was no violation," he stressed.

[17] Justice minister tours press facilities ahead of upcoming 'N17' appeals process

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

All but two of the initial "N17" defendants were convicted on a variety of terrorism-related charges during the first trial, adjudicated by a special three-justice court.

According to court authorities, 120 spots inside the jailhouse court will be reserved for specially accredited journalists. Additionally, a separate press centre, where proceedings will be relayed via closed circuit television, has been set up to host another 100 journalists.

Athens Journalists' Union (ESHEA) President Panos Sobolos, who accompanied the minister on the inspection, expressed his satisfaction with the press facilities.

[18] Coalition of the Left party to host Middle East Forum on December 2-3

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

The Forum will focus on the theme "Changing the Middle East:Challenges and targets. For the promotion of peace, independence, democracy."

According to an announcement by the Coalition party, "all of the region's problems will be examined during the meeting, where almost all the objections of the modern-day world are manifesting themselves with exceptional intensity and where considerable developments are currently taking place."

"The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains, of course, the key problem while the other major issue is the war, occupation and continuing bloodshed in Iraq," the announcement added.

Representatives of leftist and progressive political forces from Palestine and Israel have been invited to the Forum, as well as personalities from movements in the region.

[19] Palestinian Diplomatic Mission organises event in memory of Yasser Arafat

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

The discussion was coordinated by the managing director of the Athens News Agency (ANA) Nicolas Voulelis and the main speaker was former Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology party leader Nikos Constantopoulos, while repre-sentatives of all the Parliamentary parties were also present.

Voulelis appealed to the two communities to promote the forces that believe that they can coexist as two independent states through mutual compromises and the United States to show that it desires a solution by exercising pressure on Israel for more concessions.

Palestinian Diplomatic Mission Charge d' affaires Ismat Sabri some people considered Arafat as the main obstacle to peace. "Arafat died but days of prosperity have not downed," Sabri said.

Ruling New Democracy party representative, Deputy Yiannis Yiannelis praised the personality of the historic leader who inspired the vision of the regaining of the lost motherland for all peoples.

Main opposition PASOK party representative, Deputy Christos Papoutsis termed Arafat "a great friend of PASOK and of Andreas Papandreou (the party's founder)."

On the part of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), Ilias Lengeris expressed his party's solidarity for the Palestinian people which has been repeatedly shown in practice.

Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) party representative Panos Trigazis said Arafat was a leader of an international calibre, he had great capabilities and rendered Intifada synonymous to resistance.

Constantopoulos accused the international community of hypocrisy and referred to crimes against humanity taking place in secret prisons, without anyone knowing the conditions of detention, as well as to the Palestinian issue which is still bleeding while it should have already been resolved. He said Arafat combined realism with vision, but did not have time to see his targets materialise.

[20] Pope Bededict conveys message to Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos on occasion of Aghios Andreas nameday

ISTANBUL, 1/12/2005 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)

In his message, which was conveyed on Wednesday at the Phanar by Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the Pontif's Council for the promotion of the unity of Christians, assured Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos, the Holy Synod and the Orthodox Churches that "the Catholic Church remains dedicated to the promotion of all the measures and initiatives which will strengthen love, solidarity and the theological dialogue between us."

On his part, Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Panagiotis Skandalakis who visited the Patriarchate on Wednesday said "my presence here symbolises the support of Greece to the Ecumenical Patriarchate which is the guardian of Orthodoxy and of our traditions."

A church service was held at at Aghios Georgios Cathedral at the Phanar which was attended by Skandalakis, Cardinal Kasper, Greek Ambassador in Ankara George Gennimatas, clerics and representatives of other dogmas and Churches.

[21] Parliament honors late MP Tsimas

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

[22] Gov't cites 28% absorption rate goal for Info Society programme by end of '05

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

According to the special secretariat overseeing the crucial programme, the goal is for 28 percent of the total (an additional 158.25 million euros) to have been absorbed by the end of 2005 in order to prevent the loss of funding.

That target means that the total sum absorbed in 2005 would have to equal roughly half the total absorbed by previous Greek governments between 2000 and 2004.

Detailed figures are expected after a relevant committee monitoring CSF funding meets in Athens on Dec. 8.

[23] FinMin addresses Euromoney conference on competitiveness

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

Alogoskoufis said that the reforms were part of a wider policy framework, adding that the two were linked, and acknowled-ging that a difficult road has been chosen.

The minister called on everyone to support the great effort being made for the Greek economy and society, and outlined the reforms carried out to date, including the fiscal adjustment, tax reforms, the new investment law for development and regional convergence, the collaborations between public and private sector, the new generation of denationalisations, the new operational framework for the DEKO public utilities and organisations, and others.

The Greek economy, he said, was responding positively to the government's reforms programme and, despite such adversities as spiralling international oil prices and the fiscal adjustment, the economy was developing at a rate of 3.6 percent, and exports and tourist arrivals had also risen, while unemployment had dropped by half a percentage point.

Alogoskoufis stressed that the achievements had not made the government complacent but, on the contrary, the efforts were being intensified in order to meet the challenges.

The minister said that collective and systematic effort was needed to take advantage of the large opportunities arising in the wider region, adding that the effort to materialise the reforms would boost the economy, and change structures and attitudes consolidated in recent years that had put Greece behind the other EU member states.

Meanwhile, Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) president Odysseas Kyriakopoulos, in a statement, welcomed the bill on reforming the DEKO public utilities and organisations, which was released on Tuesday, as a "verry correct effort".

Kyriakopoulos noted that the DEKO could not function competitively if private sector rules were not implemented.

He further said that tenure sustained mediocrity, adding that although it was a "necessary evil" in the narrow public sector, it was not so on the market.

[24] Economic sentiment index inches up for 4th month

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

IOBE attributed the improvement to more favourable prospects in the services and the construction sectors, while the business expectations index stayed roughly level for manufacturing and the retail sector. Consumer sentiment remained firmly low, with the consumer confidence index actually dropping by two percentage points relative to September.

The business expectations index in construction jumped to 75.4 points in October from 69.3 points in September, chiefly due to improved forecasts for employment.

The index in the services sector rose to 96.9 points in October from 94.4 points in September, with firms expecting an improvement in demand, while 67 per cent predict stability and 20 per cent expect to increase numbers of employees.

The business expectations index in the manufacturing sector dropped marginally to 96.9 points in October from 97.0 in September, with businesses reporting no significant change in levels of orders and inventory. The retail sector's index rose slightly to 106.4 from 105.7 over the same period, reflecting expected improvements in current sales. Forecasts for future sales and orders to suppliers over the coming months were low, by contrast.

The consumer confidence index in Greece dropped by two percentage points, with consumers pessimistic about the economy and the future course of unemployment.

According to the survey, consumer expectations about their economic situation in the next 12 months are pessimistic, with the index remaining at -25 points. This is significantly lower than the equivalent for the Eurozone (-1) and for the 25 EU member-states (+4).

[25] Eurostat: Greek GDP grew 1.7 pct in 3rd quarter 2005, 3.7 pct yr/yr

1/12/2005 (ANA)

The EU's statistics agency said GDP grew 0.6 percent compared with the second quarter of the year in the Eurozone and the 25 EU member-states. Compared with the third quarter of 2004, GDP grew 1.6 per cent in the Eurozone and 1.7 per cent in the EU overall.

Lithuania (2.3 pct), Finland (1.9 pct) and Greece (1.7 pct) recorded the biggest percentage increases in 3rd quarter GDP. GDP growth relative to the third trimester in 2004 was highest in Lithuania (8.2 pct), Slovakia (6.2 pct) and Denmark (4.7 pct), with Greece ranking fourth.

[26] Parliament plenum ratifies bill on electric power market deregulation process

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

Ruling New Democracy party deputies backed the bill, the deputies of the main opposition PASOK party agreed with the principle of the bill but not with some of its provisions, while the deputies of smaller parties opposed the bill in its entirety.

Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas said that with the ratification of the bill and its publication in the government gazette the right to choose a supplier will be extended gradually to all customers.

The minister further said that the suppliers' obligation to provide public utility services and consumer protection will be incorporated in the customers' supply code, while the substantive legal and ownership operational segregation of the Greek Electric Power Transfer System's Manager will be safeguarded and strengthened.

Lastly, an independent Greek Electric Power Distribution System manager will be established as of July 2007.

The minister also made certain changes to the bill, the most important of which ensures the transfer of Public Power Corporation (DEH) staff to the Greek Electric Power Transfer System's Manager "in a way which will not harm" social insurance and remuneration rights.

[27] German trade group sees progress in Greek economy

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

Asked why foreign investment in Greece was lagging, Hundt noted that the main reason was high labour costs in comparison with western Europe.

Germany had also suffered from corporate relocation for the same reason, costing the country 1.5 million jobs over the last three years, while 60% of the value of exports was produced outside Germany.

Hundt was speaking to reporters with the president of the Federation of Greek Industry, Odysseas Kyriakopoulos, during a visit to Greece.

Hundt, who is leading a delegation of the BDA, on Tuesday met Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis accompanied by the German embassy's commercial attache, Klemens Semtner.

[28] ESHEA denounces 'overturning of social insurance system' of Press employees

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

ESHEA argues that "the intervention aimed at the restriction, if not the abolition, of resources of the social insurance funds of our sector, is escalating dangerously and unprovoked this past period, with legislative initiatives but also with judicial recourses."

[29] Renewable energy sources counference in western Macedonia

1/12/2005 (ANA)

The conference, titled "New Energy Technologies in the Western Macedonia Periphery", aims to present developments in the individual technologies in Renewable Energy Sources (RES).

Periphery secretary general Andreas Leoudis, in a message on Wednesday, stressed that the Western Macedonia Periphery was responding to the challenges of the times and the need for global implementation of an new energy policy, with its early orientation to alternative and renewable sources of energy so as to be a frontrunner in cutting-edge energy sectors.

[30] Papoulias inaugurates PASEGES event

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

[31] Household debt figure released by central bank

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

Moreover, the Bank of Greece said housing loans increased by 30 percent in September 2005 from the corresponding month in 2004, rising marginally from a 29-percent hike recorded in August 2005, compared to August 2004.

The rate of month-to-month increase for consumer borrowing dropped, also marginally, posting a 31-percent hike in September 2005 vis-�-vis September 2004. The increase for August 2005 was 32 percent.

The central bank, in its report, said the balance of housing loans -- including securitised loans -- stood at 39.02 billion euros at the end of September.

Total debt, by businesses and households, towards banks totalled 129.50 billion euros, up from a figure of 113.39 billion euros during the same month of 2004.

[32] Athens bourse head joins board of European markets

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

It is the first time that Greece has joined the nine-member board.

"This is recognition of the endeavour being made to modernise the Greek bourse, and the role that the Athens market can play in the growth of capital markets in southeastern Europe," Kapralos told reporters.

[33] Stocks drop in higher turnover

ATHENS, 1/12/2005 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 3,441.64 points, marking a decline of 1.58%. Turnover was 330.0 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalisation shares ended 1.78% down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.54% lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 1.33% down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 174 to 85 with 68 remaining unchanged.

Stock Futures: