Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-02-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek gov't signs strategic agreement with Microsoft

[02] PM to meet separately on Thursday with Serbia-Montenegro leader, Gazprom president

[03] Greece supports reconstruction of Afghanistan, FM says

[04] Russian FM Lavrov due in Athens next week on working visit

[05] EU health commissioner Kyprianou due in Athens on Friday

[06] Condemnations continue over labor leader's assault

[07] FinMin wishes trade union leader speedy recovery

[08] European Socialist Group condemns attack on trade union leader

[09] PASOK leader addresses party's Coordinating Body

[10] KKE secretary general meets Chinese Communist Party delegation

[11] KKE leader holds talks with South Africa's alternate FM

[12] SYN leader on current political developments

[13] Forum on recent political developments in Lebanon held on Friday

[14] Turkish FM Gul makes statements on Cyprus issue

[15] Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR, violate national air space

[16] Wage rises to match 2006 inflation

[17] Opposition and unions blast gov't

[18] Greece, Portugal seek closer cooperation

[19] Banks to go on 24-hour strike on Monday

[20] Papandreou: Gov't behind banks' decision to disregard collective bargaining

[21] Coalition of the Left, PASOK parties comment on bank employee issue

[22] School building to begin public-private sector joint ventures program

[23] Teachers and professors announce industrial action

[24] PM inaugurates 'Greek banknote 1822-2002' exhibition

[25] Farmers from Halkidiki protest fines imposed by Public Power Corporation

[26] Next step in oil pipeline due in March

[27] Greek PMI dropped to 49.6 points in January

[28] British Airways adds extra daily flight from Athens to London

[29] Folli Follie in deal with Lufthansa

[30] Greek post office CEO joins board of International Post Corp.

[31] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise, fuelled by media shares

[32] Search/rescue operation launched for probable distressed vessel

[33] Paris appeals court to decide on Bourboulia case next week

[34] 'N17' appeals court continues deliberation over defense motions

[35] French film festival in Crete

[36] HOC to award athletes for performance in 2005

[37] Cyprus pledges not to discuss Turkish proposals

[38] Cyprus says Putin's statements not reprehensible

[39] Barnet Council approves resolution on Cyprus

[01] Greek gov't signs strategic agreement with Microsoft

ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

The agreement was signed in Lisbon by Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis on behalf of the Greek state. It is part of a government plan to promote a new digital strategy in the period 2006-2013 and to forging closer cooperation between the public sector and private enterprises in the IT sector. Under the agreement, Microsoft will set up an innovation centre in Greece with the aim to support the local academic community as well as Greek software companies in developing cutting-edge technologies and to improve their international competitiveness.

Microsoft will also set up at least 10 computer labs for the vocational training of unemployed people, seniors as well as offering scholarships or free software to Greek universities. The agreement also envisages the introduction of pilot electronic governance program and support of small- and medium-sized enterprises.

The Greek minister urged Microsoft founder and chairman Bill Gates to hold a future government officials' conference on information society in Athens, while stressing that the agreement offers significant opportunities to a new generation of Greek students, researchers and businesspeople.

[02] PM to meet separately on Thursday with Serbia-Montenegro leader, Gazprom president

ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

Karamanlis will later meet with Gazprom president Alexey Miller, a meeting that will also be attended by Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas.

[03] Greece supports reconstruction of Afghanistan, FM says

LONDON, 2/2/2006 (ANA-MPA/L. Tsirigotakis)

Molyviatis referred to Greece's actions so far, including rebuilding the Kabul museum and thus showing the great importance it places on Afghanistan's culture and history.

Additionally, the Greek military has been charged with supervising Kabul's airport from the end of 2005 through 2006.

Molyviatis announced that for the period 2007-2009, Greece will be contributing � 5 million for Afghanistan's development program, noting however, that the funds are to be allocated specifically for the sectors of health care, education and infrastructure.

The conference on Afghanistan, attended by delegations from 60 countries, concluded with the adoption of a five-year program for the country's reconstruction, which primarily aims at security, human rights, economic and social development and dealing with the country's drug trade.

[04] Russian FM Lavrov due in Athens next week on working visit

ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

Lavrov is due to arrive in Athens on Monday for the working visit.

The foreign ministry was expected to issue a press release on the visit later in the day.

[05] EU health commissioner Kyprianou due in Athens on Friday

2/2/2006 (ANA)

During his visit, Kyprianou will inaugurate, together with Greece's development minister Dimitris Sioufas, a conference on "Consumer Strategy 2007-2013: The Greek Proposal", being organized by the ministry on Friday.

At noon on Friday, Kyprianou will visit the Health Sector Coordinating Body (SOTY), accompanied by Greece's health and social solidarity minister Nikitas Kaklamanis, where the Commissioner will be briefed on matters falling under his competency.

[06] Condemnations continue over labor leader's assault

ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Wednesday added his stern condemnation of the attack, as did main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou.

Polyzogopoulos heads Greece's largest labor umbrella group, GSEE.

The president of the civil servants' union, ADEDY, also conveyed his solidarity to his GSEE counterpart.

Meanwhile, all of the Parliament-represented parties strenuously condemned the attack as well.

Among others, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos visited the clinic where Polyzogopoulos is being treated.

On his part, alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros stressed that authorities were making every effort to apprehend the perpetrators.

According to reports, Polyzogopoulos and another man, a labor law attorney, were driving through the central Athens district of Exarchia -- traditionally considered the hub of self-styled anarchist activity in the Greek capital -- when their car was attacked. The GSEE was later pulled out of the vehicle and beaten.

He remained hospitalized in an Athens hospital with multiple lacerations and bruising.

[07] FinMin wishes trade union leader speedy recovery

ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

"I am certain that this sad incident will enable you to return to your important duties stronger," Alogoskoufis said in his message.

Polyzogopoulos, President of the Confederation of the Employees of Greece (GSEE), was dragged out of his car on Tuesday night by a group of unknown youths and was beaten.

He remains hospitalized with bruises and lacerations.

[08] European Socialist Group condemns attack on trade union leader

BRUSSELS, 2/2/2006 (ANA-MPA/V. Demiris)

"This was an appalling attack and we hope that those responsible will be brought swiftly to justice," PSE leader Martin Schulz said.

"We condemn all political violence - and we are outraged by this barbaric assault on leading figures in the Greek trade union movement. People who replace arguments with violence do not belong to the Left," he added.

Polyzogopoulos, President of the Confederation of Employees of Greece (GSEE), was dragged out of his car and was beaten up by a group of unknown youths on Tuesday night.

He remains hospitalized with bruises and lacerations.

[09] PASOK leader addresses party's Coordinating Body

ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

Papandreou said that PASOK is in favor of reforms with security for the citizen and accused the government of, just as is the case with all conservatives, creating chaos and aiming at the demolition of everything, together with the 20-year work of the governments of the party.

He also said that the work of the 20-year period is beginning to appear now and is becoming more noticeable for citizens.

The PASOK leader spoke of a general climate of disdain, which is being created with the slogan "they are all the same and nothing can change."

Issues concerning the mass media were also mentioned by Papandreou. He said that PASOK's position is that they must be autonomous, although some Parliamentary Group members said that the Socialist International was downgraded by the mass media, and further stressed that members of PASOK cannot become journalists in the place of journalists.

[10] KKE secretary general meets Chinese Communist Party delegation

ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

"The Chinese delegation expressed satisfaction over relations between the two parties, underlining its particular interest in the work of KKE and in its activities for socialism. It also noted that the issues of building socialism and the experience of communist parties constitute a serious topic of study for the Chinese Communist Party lately," a relevant announcement said.

The Chinese Communist Party delegation invited a delegation of KKE's Central Committee, headed by Papariga, to visit China in 2006.

[11] KKE leader holds talks with South Africa's alternate FM

ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

The South African minister also informed Papariga of difficulties facing his government in resolving certain major social problems, as well as of its successes.

Pahad expressed the desire for a further development of relations between KKE and the South African Communist Party and the South African Congress.

[12] SYN leader on current political developments

ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

He said that SYN's goal is to emerge as a "dynamic opposition force" against governmental policy so that it can deal with an increasing "consensual bipartisanship".

Regarding the assault on Christos Polyzogopoulos, President of the Confederation of the Employees of Greece (GSEE), who on Tuesday evening was dragged out of his car and beaten by a group of unknown youths, Alavanos said that there is a broader responsibility to be attributed since "today's policies resulting in youngsters' marginalization lead segments of the youth population to resort to violence and aggression."

According to Alavanos, this tendency for violence, which other countries have experienced more acutely, can be dealt with at its core by "integrating youths in social processes and providing them with possibilities instead of driving them towards random violence."

On the issue of collective labor agreements, Alavanos lashed out at the government saying that it is responsible for allowing companies to implement their own corporate policies when dealing with employees despite legislation that supports collective agreements.

He also criticized main opposition PASOK for agreeing with the government's key choices, referring in particular to the government's constitutional revision.

Regarding SYN's strategy, Alavanos said that cooperation with forces affiliated with PASOK was a possibility.

However, he said that his party was not open to cooperating with New Democracy on a local level ahead of the municipal and prefecture elections.

Finally, asked to comment on a possible cabinet reshuffle, Alavanos said that "at present, our country is in need of a policy reshuffle," but not one that can be achieved by simply changing ministers' posts.

[13] Forum on recent political developments in Lebanon held on Friday

ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

The event, beginning 6 p.m., will be held at the DAIS cultural centre in the Maroussi district.

Among the participants will be Gisele Khoury, the wife of Samir Kassir, a well-known Lebanese journalist and talk show presenter, as well as Ali Hamadeh, the brother of Marwan Hamadeh.

[14] Turkish FM Gul makes statements on Cyprus issue

ISTANBUL, 2/2/2006 (ANA-MPA/A. Kourkoulas)

Gul told reporters at Ankara airport "the assessments are continuing," adding that "certain actions of diplomacy may not be done in front of the eyes of the public."

Gul stressed that "although the first reactions by the Greek Cypriots are negative," he was sure that "they will rethink the Turkish proposals."

The Turkish foreign minister concluded:" Despite the fact that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots had no response to the openings which have been made since 2003, they will continue the road they are following."

[15] Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR, violate national air space

ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

In all cases, the 32 Turkish warplanes were recognized and intercepted by corresponding Greek fighter jets, while in two cases the procedure of interception developed into a mock dog-fight.

Four formations of Turkish aircraft were armed.

[16] Wage rises to match 2006 inflation

ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

"The decisions were made bearing in mind the need for faithful adherence to the budget and after exhausting all leeway for fiscal policy," the ministry said in a statement.

The increases on base wages for state workers will be 3% in 2006 with an additional 1.1% for years of service. State pensions are to rise by 4%, with 7% to be awarded to farmers and recipients of the EKAS bonus for low pensions, double the inflation rate," the statement said

"Implementation of incomes policy, the rises in wages, pensions and the EKAS bonus will cost the 2006 budget about 761 million euros, while total wages as spending under the budget will be almost 23 billion euros," the ministry added.

[17] Opposition and unions blast gov't

ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

"For the first time in 12 years, workers are to see their real wages decline as the increases announced are below inflation and taxation will not be index-linked," PASOK economy spokeswoman, Vasso Papandreou, said in a statement.

"Pensioners have been made an unprecedented laughing stock. Election pledges of raising farmers pensions to 320 euros and the EKAS bonus to 230 euros have, for a second straight year, been converted into a 15 euro and 10.5 euro hike respectively," Papandreou noted.

Countering the charges, the ministry later stated that the previous socialist government had hidden the real extent of state deficits, and also awarded below inflation rises for several years.

The 2006 budget was critical, as the target was the bring the fiscal deficit to below 3% of gross domestic product for the first time, which entailed caution in spending, the ministry said in a statement.

Separately, the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology said that wage rises under the government's incomes policy lagged inflation, heralding a new round of austerity.

Greece's largest trade union umbrella group, the General Confederation of Employees of Greece, claimed that this year's wage increases were well below official inflation, and were an insult to workers and pensioners.

[18] Greece, Portugal seek closer cooperation

ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the Greek minister stressed:

"We have many issues of common interest. A program to reducing fiscal deficits and to boost economic growth and employment. We discussed the two countries' stability and growth programs and to implement our National Reform Programs aimed to boost growth and employment in our countries. We have many problems in common, and we maintain a close policy cooperation. Today's meeting was another step forward in the framework of this close cooperation".

In another meeting in Lisbon, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas met with Portugal's Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education Antonio Gago. The two ministers examined ways of further strengthening bilateral cooperation and discussed ways of European issues. They also discussed details of a bilateral agreement on Research and Technology.

[19] Banks to go on 24-hour strike on Monday

ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

OTOE's executive committee decided, apart from the strike, to organize a series of meetings with the political parties, to resort to the International Labor Bureau and raise a legal issue, calling on constitutional experts, the Bar Association and university professors to state their positions.

It also decided to convene a special conference to confront the initiative taken by the Greek Bank Union.

OTOE President Dimitris Tsoukalas said that the target and vision of bankers are not the operational but the individual agreements, adding that at least three out of the six bankers who addressed the relevant letter on Tuesday are acting on orders by the government and predicted that the banks' front will not be able to withstand pressure by OTOE and called on other major federations, including the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE), to show their solidarity.

Later in the day, a meeting was held between OTOE's directorate and Employment Minister Panos Panayiotopoulos. Tsoukalas said that the employment ministry's leadership expressed support for collective negotiations and, although it lacks an apparatus to exert specific pressure on banks, efforts will be made, together with the economy ministry, to persuade them to agree to dialogue.

[20] Papandreou: Gov't behind banks' decision to disregard collective bargaining

ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

Papandreou spoke during a meeting of PASOK's Parliamentary group.

Among others, the former foreign minister charged that the government is simply watching developments from afar, as he cited a recent incident where an army jeep was stolen from within a military base, as well as the recent week-long power outage in a couple of islands due to collapsed pylons from inclement weather.

Additionally, he said the only consistent policy followed by the government over the past two years is an "attack on the middle-class and poor Greek citizen; a depreciation of the labor movement and a curtailment of employees' rights".

In reference to the decision by major banks' managements - National Bank, Emporiki Bank, Agricultural Bank, Alpha Bank, Piraeus Bank and EFG Eurobank -- to decline collective bargaining negotiations with the bank employees' union, OTOE, Papandreou called it an "attack that undermines basic democratic rights.

He also charged that the government was behind the move.

Gov't reaction: Earlier, however, the alternate government spokesman dismissed press questions citing "governmental intervention" in the collective bargaining process, while again stressing that the issue involves only social partners.

Spokesman Evangelos Antonaros also dismissed criticism of advance knowledge of the decision by the government, given that the state holds a major stake in three of the six banks.

"All of these institutions operate with private sector criteria," he said.

The spokesman also said he absolutely does not share what he called a "strange notion" whereby "the force of reasoning and employees' ability to demand their rights is cast in doubt."

Finally, in reference to PASOK's charges of "indirect government" collusion with employers' groups, Antonaros responded:

"PASOK would do better to focus on what it didn't do all of the years it was in power, as well as on the major omissions during its reign. Let the Greek people judge, as they do very well, the government's reforms".

[21] Coalition of the Left, PASOK parties comment on bank employee issue

ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

The announcement added that bankers "are trying to pulverize agreements, divide employees and facilitate the shaping of employers' unions with the aim of looting working people even more."

The Political Secretariat expressed its "radical disagreement and denounced such methods that concern all working people" and called on the government "to stop immediately this state of facilities for employers that is making our country a social wilderness."

The Coalition party expressed its undivided support for the Federation of Greek Bank Unions (OTOE) and reassured that "it will stand in the front line of social struggles to prevent the anti-labor plans of capital and of the government from passing."

Referring to the same issue, main opposition PASOK party employment and social policy spokesman Evangelos Venizelos said that "the responsibility for the problem created with the attempt to abolish all collective agreements lies with the government", adding that "we have warned that these class and unilateral interventions, which the government has been doing for months, are aimed at the ordinary employee in the private sector."

[22] School building to begin public-private sector joint ventures program

ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

The Information Society special secretariat and the Merchant Marine ministry are expected to follow through with the submission of plans.

The Economy ministry on Wednesday presented a detailed plan over the procedures of submission and approval of joint ventures under the Greek law 3389/2005.

A special secretariat will have the task of collecting all information needed to evaluate public agencies' plans before the plan was submitted to an inter-ministerial commission to decide on its future. A decision was expected to be taken in two months.

[23] Teachers and professors announce industrial action

ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

Union representatives decided during a meeting on Wednesday to organize rallies throughout the country from February 11 to March 17, beginning from the city of Iraklio on the island of Crete and culminating in Athens. Other events, including discussions and conferences, will also be taking place.

Final decisions on the course of the industrial action will be taken during the general assemblies of local teacher and professor union presidents on March 19.

[24] PM inaugurates 'Greek banknote 1822-2002' exhibition

ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

In his address, Karamanlis said that "Greece today enjoys an unprecedented for its history monetary stability which our participation in the euro secures." He added that the government is continuing with determination "the battle for the reduction of the deficits and of the public debt so as to secure a better tomorrow in a really strong economy."

Karamanlis stressed that "Greece is jointly shaping European monetary policy through the participation of the Bank of Greece in the European Central Bank."

Referring to the exhibition, organized by the Social and Cultural Benefit Foundation and the National Bank of Greece, he stressed that "it symbolizes the market, both in the modern and classical meaning of the term, of this community of the exchange of views."

Karamanlis was welcomed at the Diomidis Mansion, where the exhibition is being held, by Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia, Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis, Deputy Development Minister Yiannis Papathanasiou and National Bank of Greece President Takis Arapoglou.

[25] Farmers from Halkidiki protest fines imposed by Public Power Corporation

ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

The farmers protested that they are paying for electric power with rates charged for household use and not for agricultural use, which are less.

A delegation of farmers met with Agricultural Development Minister Evangelos Basiakos, who visited the convention centre to attend the inauguration of the AGROTICA exhibition. A discussion will also be held on the issue at the agricultural development ministry at 1 p.m. on Monday.

In addition, the farmers from Halkidiki are planning to drive their tractors to the Thessaloniki-Moudania motorway, at the location of Triglia, on February 23.

[26] Next step in oil pipeline due in March

SOFIA, 2/2/2006 (ANA/MPA)

According to news releases from the two countries after meeting in the Bulgarian capital on Wednesday of the Russian and Bulgarian energy ministers, the interested parties will meet early in spring for talks including private sector participation in the project.

After that meeting, firms still interested in joining the 800-million US dollar project will meet in Athens for further debate.

[27] Greek PMI dropped to 49.6 points in January

ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

The index, measuring business activity in the manufacturing sector, fell below to 50 level indicating a shrinking sector, for the first time in nine months.

The index also showed a slight improvement in employment, a moderate decline in orders, a moderate increase in export orders and a sharp rise in inflow prices.

[28] British Airways adds extra daily flight from Athens to London

ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

British Airways in an announcement on Wednesday said that from March 28 to the end of October, flight BA2641 will be carried out from Athens to London's Gatwick Airport.

The price of the return flight from Athens to London starts from 140 euros in the four daily flights. The offer is valid for trips which will take place between February 1 to March 31, 2006, while the reservation and issue of the ticket must be done from February 1-28.

[29] Folli Follie in deal with Lufthansa

ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

Sales will begin on March 1, boosting Folli Follie's position in travel retail sales, the statement added.

[30] Greek post office CEO joins board of International Post Corp.

2/2/2006 (ANA)

Andreas Taprantzis will have a three-year tenure on the board. He will also represent post offices in southern Europe.

[31] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise, fuelled by media shares

ATHENS, 2/2/2006 (ANA)

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.53% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 2.18% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 3.02% up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 231 to 64 with 30 remaining unchanged.

Bond Market Close: Buyers match sellers