Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-02-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] CoE's Parliamentary Assembly president visiting Athens

[02] FM Molyviatis briefs President on foreign policy issues

[03] Foreign ministry on Straw's statements about Cyprus

[04] U.S. State Department on Straw's statements on Cyprus issue

[05] Deputy FM meets with Ukrainian counterpart

[06] Foreign ministry on press report claiming abduction of Greek by

[07] McCormack says 'he has no information' on Katsikeas case

[08] Greece informs European Commission on bird flu cases

[09] Valynakis and Danish ambassador discuss 'Mohammad' cartoons

[10] Socialist International president makes statement on Prophet Mohammed sketches issue

[11] Papandreou steps up criticism of gov't over phone-tapping conspiracy

[12] Paper publishes what it says is Vodafone chief's statement to prosecutor after phone-tapping discovery

[13] VPRC poll finds 80 pct certain that phone-tapping is continuing

[14] ADAE questions Vodafone execs about phone-tapping affair

[15] Tsalikidis' brother testifies over Vodafone manager's death, sues for 'missing evidence'

[16] Rally held in Athens on phone-tapping issue

[17] Pavlopoulos on modernisation of public administration

[18] Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos on official visit to Mexico

[19] Dep. FM meets with Panamanian, Luxembourg envoys to Athens

[20] Gov't, PASOK trade charges over ex-minister's visit to Brussels

[21] Greek inflation slowed to 3.2 pct in January, yr/yr

[22] Greek exports up 4.3 pct in December, yr/yr

[23] Greek industrial production down 0.9 pct in December, yr/yr

[24] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise in lively trade

[25] Bird flu virus detected in three samples from swans in Greece

[26] Cyprus makes representation to Britain over Straw's statements

[27] Straw: Cypriot government does not move towards unity

[28] Britain says property issue to be solved as part of settlement

[01] CoE's Parliamentary Assembly president visiting Athens

ATHENS, 10/2/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The European official also met in the morning with Parliament President Anna Benaki-Psarouda, main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga and Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology party leader Alekos Alavanos.

Benaki-Psarouda underlined the special value of the Council of Europe as an organisation that is working for democracy, the institution of Parliament and human rights in the European Union during her meeting with Linden.

"Enabling the Council of Europe to continue and increase its activity for the benefit of democracy all over Europe, from the East to the West, is our joint effort. The presence of Mr. van der Linden in Greece strengthens the role of National Parliaments, which are the genuine voices of peoples and must play a special role in the history of Europe," she said.

Van der Linden referred to the role of National Parliaments in the framework of Europe, as well as to the need to strengthen the role of the Council, which promotes democracy, legal order and respect for human rights.

The issue of the reactions caused in the Moslem world as a result of the cartoons concerning the Prophet Mohammed was also discussed during the meeting.

Benaki-Psarouda condemned the use of force, saying that "freedom is a basic right of man, which is expressed with movement and expression, but respect for religious beliefs and of credos is also a right which must be equally protected. It is our duty to secure a balance between these two rights and to develop the responsibility of those exercising them."

Van der Linden also pointed out that "on the one hand we must defend freedom of the press and on the other respect for culture and religion."

Rene van der Linden addresses Greek Parliamentarians: The Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly President Rene van der Linden said on Thursday that "the issue of Cyprus remains unsolved. Greece remains one of the guarantor powers and has a special responsibility for the Cyprus issue's process. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has made efforts for a solution to be found. You must persuade the Greek Cypriot side to show greater willingness for a solution to the issue of Cyprus."

Appearing before deputies who are members of three Parliamentary Committees and Greek Eurodeputies, van der Linden referred to both issues concerning Greece (the Cyprus issue and the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) and to issues of general interest, such as the threat posed for human rights by the activities of intelligence services and the publication of sketches drawing reaction from Moslems.

"Our position concerning the issue of Cyprus has not changed. Legally and politically, we have always been explicit in our statements. However, there is also the question of how a solution will be found. All have become weary by the lack of a solution to the problem," van der Linden said.

Referring to the issue of a mutually acceptable name being found for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), he said he will make every effort possible to delay the scheduled issuing of a Council of Europe report on this issue until the UN announces its conclusions.

"There is some progress and I hope we will not ruin the process towards a mutually acceptable solution," he added.

Parliament president meets PACE chief: Greece's parliament president Anna Psarouda-Benaki on Thursday stressed the particular value of the Council of Europe as an organisation that worked for democracy, parliamenta-rianism and human rights in the EU, during a meeting with CoE Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) president Rene van der Linden.

"It is our common effort that the Council of Europe continue and increase its activity for the good of democracy in all of Europe, from East to West. Mr. Van der Linden's presence in Greece reinforces the role of the national parliaments, which are the genuine representatives of the peoples, and must play an important role in the history of Europe," Psarouda-Benaki said.

The PACE president spoke of the role of the national parliaments in the European framework, and on the need to strengthen the role of the Council, which he said promoted democracy, lawful order, and respect of human rights.

Also discussed during the meeting was the furour that has arose in the Moslem world over the cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed.

She condemned the use of violence, stressing that "freedom is a fundamental human right, that is expressed with movement, with expression, but the respect of religious beliefs is also a right that must be equally protected. Our obligation is to ensure a balance among these two rights and to develop the responsibility of those that exercise them".

Van der Linden stressed that "on the one side we must defend freedom of the press, and on the other respect for culture and religion. This is why an urgent discussion must take place in March in Paris, so as to reionforce the inter-culture and inter-religious dialogue. We must not accept violence as a response".

KKE, Coalition party leaders hold talks with Council of Europe president: Visiting Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly President Rene van der Linden held talks on Thursday with Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga and Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology party leader Alekos Alavanos.

Van der Linden explained to both leaders the Assembly's position that "we have never condemned communist parties or ideologies and that freedom of expression and freedom of operation for political parties and organisations is the cornerstone of the Council of Europe and is not raised for discussion."

He added that whenever an issue of crimes is raised, whoever the culprit may be, the Council of Europe must have its view on them, explaining in this way the Council of Europe's resolution on "the condemnation of crimes perpetrated by the communist regimes."

Papariga said that she requested "that the memorandum remain inactive, which is a minority one and does not only concern the past, it not only offends the history and contribution of the communist and popular movements but also constitutes a kind of declaration of war against peoples currently claiming their rights and struggling against the very tough measures being adopted in Europe and elsewhere."

Alavanos said after his meeting with Linden that "criticism must be exercised but nazism must not be equated with communism, however, and we must be careful because we will be saying soon that Hitler saved us from communism."

[02] FM Molyviatis briefs President on foreign policy issues

ATHENS, 10/2/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Replying to press questions after the meeting concerning statements made Wednesday by British foreign secretary Jack Straw, Molyviatis said that Greece's and Cyprus' position on the matters broached was well known: "We advocate a solution that will reunite the island, and are in favour of the economic reinforcement of the Turkisy Cypriots, provided the Cypriot principles on this matter are respected. If there is any isolation of the Turkish Cypriots, that is due to the (Turkish) occupation (of the northern part of Cyprus)".

Asked to comment on his meeting Wednesday with US ambassador in Athens Charles Ries and whether the phone-tapping issue was discussed, Molyviatis replied that "we have nothing to discuss with the US on this matter".

Referring to the phone-tapping issue in general, Molyviatis said that "the Greek diplomatic and consular authorities have standing orders to assist every Greek citizen who approaches them with a lawful request".

Questioned on the prospect of a government reshuffle, the foreign minister said "I shall not be the one to make statements on a matter that is at the exclusive discretion of the prime minister".

[03] Foreign ministry on Straw's statements about Cyprus

ATHENS, 10/2/2006 (ANA/MPA)

He was commenting on the statements made by British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw on Wednesday.

Koumoutsakos said that Greece was in favour of a just, viable and effective solution for reuniting the island and in favour of economic support for the Turkish-Cypriot community.

He added that responsibility for the present situation and the problems of this Community could not be sought among the victims of the invasion and occupation of Cyprus by Turkish forces.

Koumoutsakos refused to comment on the fact that the wife of British Prime Minister Tony Blair has undertaken the defence of those that had taken over Greek properties in the occupied territories of Cyprus.

Asked if Straw's statements were helpful for a solution of the Cyprus issue, the spokesman noted that his statement's reflected the beliefs of British policy and it remained to be seen if they were helpful or not.

[04] U.S. State Department on Straw's statements on Cyprus issue

WASHINGTON, 10/2/2006 (ANA-MPA/T. Ellis)

The spokesman added that "what is needed are fewer acrimonious exchanges of statements, more understanding and a serious effort for a possible solution."

[05] Deputy FM meets with Ukrainian counterpart

ATHENS, 10/2/2006 (ANA/MPA)

During the meeting, Buteiko delivered a letter from Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko addressed to President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias.

According to a ministry statement, Valinakis expressed Greece's support of Ukraine's efforts to strengthen ties with Euro-Atlantic organisations, stressing however, that this must be based on the country's progress in implementing economic and political reforms.

Greece, as a member of the EU, supports the strengthening of democratic institutions, reforms, and the fight against corruption in Ukraine, Valinakis said.

According to the ministry, the two officials also discussed Ukraine's negotiations with the EU for the simplification of issuing visas, while Valinakis said that Greece hoped for an agreement soon, and referred to Greece's support and active role within the EU to contribute towards this end.

Finally, Valinakis and Buteiko confirmed the very good relations existing between the two countries and agreed to further develop them in areas of mutual interest.

Greece supports Ukraine's efforts to join NATO: Deputy Defence Minister Vassilis Mihaloliakos reiterated Greece's support of the Ukraine's efforts to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) during his meeting with Ukraine Deputy Foreign Minister Anton Buteiko in Athens on Thursday.

He also said that Greece supports Ukraine's efforts to achieve stability and security in the Black Sea region, as well as efforts to modernise the country.

Mihaloliakos called on Ukraine to proceed with the necessary reforms that will help the country join Euro-Atlantic organisa-tions.

During the meeting, the two officials also discussed issues of bilateral and international interest and confirmed the excellent cooperation already existing between the two countries.

[06] Foreign ministry on press report claiming abduction of Greek by

CIA ATHENS, 10/2/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said the Katsikeas case had been closely and seriously monitored by the Greek Embassy in Sofia, which had followed the standard rules for support of Greek citizens.

Reports that Katsikeas had been abducted and questioned by U.S. secret services appeared in Thursday's issue of the Greek newspaper "Pontiki".

Koumoutsakos also noted that he was unaware of "incidents of this kind" involving other Greek citizens.

"Greece is absolutely in favour of implementing international law and democratic principles and condemns anything that occurs in violation of international rules," he stressed.

The case was being judged based on its happy outcome, he added, while stressing that the foreign ministry had handled the issue according to the book and had a successful result.

Koumoutsakos also denied that the phone-tapping affair that has recently erupted into Greek news headlines had been discussed during Wednesday's luncheon between Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis and U.S. Ambassador to Greece Charles Ries.

Foreign ministry spokesman comments: Commenting on a press report appearing on Thursday concerning the case of Vassilis Katsikeas, foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said that "apart from what has already been announced by the foreign ministry, it is stressed that a report has never been made to the foreign ministry by any Greek citizen concerning his arrest, detaining and interrogation by intelligence services of third countries."

Koumoutsakos added that "the Greek diplomatic and consular authorities in Bulgaria, implementing steadfast instructions, as is the case with every Greek citizen, helped Mr. V. Katsikeas, and indeed effectively, to enable him to return to our country, as he himself and his family had wanted for humanitarian reasons (health reasons)."

[07] McCormack says 'he has no information' on Katsikeas case

WASHINGTON, 10/2/2006 (ANA-MPA/T. Ellis)

Questioned by reporters on the incident, McCormack said that "he has no information on the issue."

[08] Greece informs European Commission on bird flu cases

BRUSSELS, 10/2/2006 (ANA-MPA/M. Aroni)

According to the Commission, the samples were taken within the context of inspections carried out by Greek authorities of poultry farms and wild birds.

It also noted that the samples from the three swans have been sent to the Community Reference Laboratory (CRL) in Weybridge, London for further tests to see if the deadly H5N1 strain of the virus could be isolated.

The Commission said that it will adopt the necessary security measures on Friday.

It added that the measures to be adopted have been discussed by EU agencies and national authorities, while the Commission has already agreed with Greek authorities on the course of action to be taken.

European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection Markos Kyprianou said that in order to be well prepared and to avoid surprises, authorities and governments must address the issue based on the assumption that the bird flu virus can spread from wild birds.

The important thing he said, is that a framework is in place, based on which the appropriate measures will be adopted as soon as possible so as to contain the virus.

[09] Valynakis and Danish ambassador discuss 'Mohammad' cartoons

ATHENS, 10/2/2006 (ANA/MPA)

According to foreign ministry spokesman George Koumou-tsakos, the Greek minister expressed full solidarity with Denmark and Greece's other EU partners, saying that acts of violence from whatever source were completely condemned and that the freedom of the press was absolutely respected and in harmony with respect for religious beliefs.

Koumoutsakos reiterated that Greece was in favour of dialogue of civilisations and expressed hope that moderation and dialogue will prevail in order to quench the violence.

[10] Socialist International president makes statement on Prophet Mohammed sketches issue

ATHENS, 10/2/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"In our global village, we are depending on each other more and more. We must build understanding and communication, we must respect each other and we must have the possibility of solving difficult confrontations through dialogue," Papandreou said.

"For this reason, the Socialist International calls on the international community and on the peoples of the world to do what they can to have this confrontation handled in a calm way, through dialogue and understanding," he added.

Papandreou also said that "our priority must be to create those corridors of communication, trust and understanding that will allow for dialogue between different cultures, different peoples, different nationalities and different religions."

[11] Papandreou steps up criticism of gov't over phone-tapping conspiracy

ATHENS, 10/2/2006 (ANA/MPA)

He spoke during a Parliament session convened to debate the issue of a heating oil subsidy, which PASOK favors.

"The prime minister does not want, cannot, and doesn't tolerate the democratic domain of Parliament," the former foreign minister said.

He also dismissed charges by Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis that PASOK was attempting to undermine the government's economic policy vis-�-vis the EU Commission.

In response, Deputy Economy Minister Petros Doukas said:

"You asked where the prime minister was. Well, he's working day and night to lift the country back on its feet from the tragic state that you left behind."

The deputy minister also took umbrage with Papandreou's charge that the government is attempting to classify Greek citizens into "patriots" and "untouchables", saying the remark takes the country's political life back 40 years.

[12] Paper publishes what it says is Vodafone chief's statement to prosecutor after phone-tapping discovery

ATHENS, 10/2/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The weekly satirical newspaper "Pontiki" printed what it said was Koronias' statement to judicial authorities during a period when a highly confidential judicial investigation into the phone-tapping of more than 100 Vodafone mobile numbers, including one reportedly used by the prime minister, had just begun.

According to the paper, Koronias was notified on March 4, 2005 by Vodafone's technical director, Nikos Mastorakis, of "special software" detected in the mobile phone provider's operating system that could, according to computer experts from multinational Ericsson, be implicated in phone surveillance.

Another reported statement by Koronias notes that the Ericsson experts detected the software during a regular check.

Regarding the controversial decision to disable the "ghost software" without tracing the recipients of the collected data, Koronias is quoted as saying that it was imperative to disable the bugging operation immediately. He does not, according to the published statements, offer any insight as to why it was not traced and why he was not informed of the individuals whose mobile phones were under surveillance.

A statement by Vodafone, namely, that a copy of the suspect software -- albeit disabled -- was retained along with other related data is repeated a year ago by Koronias in his statement to the head of the first instance courts prosecutor's office, Dimitris Papaggelopoulos.

Conversely, no mention is made of the suicide of Vodafone computer executive Costas Tsalikidis, who was found hanging in his apartment a day before the government was informed by Koronias that mobile phones used by the premier, several ministers and a host of top military and police officials, among others, were tapped.

Koronias is quoted as saying that an issue of national security was probable, following a sample check of the mobile phone numbers under surveillance, a prospect he said led to his request for an audience with the prime minister himself.

Finally, Koronias is also quoted as requesting the most prudent manner of handling the case in order to avoid any negative repercussions for all parties involved and for the matter to be cleared up as effectively as possible.

[13] VPRC poll finds 80 pct certain that phone-tapping is continuing

ATHENS, 10/2/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Other questions concerning the relative merits of the political parties showed ruling New Democracy and Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis still leading over main opposition PASOK and George Papandreou, though with a slight drop in their percentage since January 2006, while unemployment is the top voter concern.

The poll was conducted on February 6-7 on a nationwide sample of 948 people.

According to its findings, 40 per cent of those asked believe the recently disclosed phone tap affair was the work of Greek or foreign secret services (with 24 percent favouring foreign agencies and 13 percent Greek). Among those who believe that a foreign secret service was responsible, 73 per cent are strongly convinced that the United States was behind them, following by 8 per cent for Britain, 3 per cent for Israel and 1 per cent for Turkey.

Among the sample, meanwhile, 78 per cent believe that phone-tapping is a serious political issue, compared with 16 per cent that hold the opposite view and 6 per cent that answered "don't know, won't answer".

Even more Greeks, 80 per cent, believe that phones are still being tapped at present, with 10 per cent believing the opposite and 10 per cent replying "don't know, won't say".

Another 70 per cent of those asked said that security services in Greece were not operating as they should, while 65 per cent believe that the country's international prestige has been irreparably damaged and 55 per cent believe that the country's national security is not protected at all.

Concerning the political parties, ruling New Democracy is still considered the "government best able to handle the country's problems" by 29 per cent of voters, though this percentage has dropped four points since the last poll in January 2006, while PASOK has gained four points to reach 19 per cent, up from 15 per cent in January 2006. Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis continues to take the lead as "most suitable" for premier, while New Democracy retains a 2-point lead over PASOK in voter preferences, with 41.5 per cent saying they would vote for ND in an election, 39.5 percent for PASOK, 8 percent for the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), 3.5 percent for the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) and 2.5 percent one of the other parties.

The barometer poll also shows that 39 percent believe the government should place most emphasis on tackling unemployment, followed by high prices (22 percent), combatting corruption (14 percent), protecting wages and pensions (10 percent), and combatting violence and crime (8 percent).

[14] ADAE questions Vodafone execs about phone-tapping affair

ATHENS, 10/2/2006 (ANA/MPA)

In a statement, ADAE said that it will decide on appropriate penalties against the company once it has reviewed Thursday's testimony and the report the company is expected to file.

Additionally, responding to press reports about inspections at the facilities of various telecommunications providers, ADAE said that these are emergency checks that will continue. The agency will then decide if any penalties are in order.

Finally, ADAE said that it will soon conduct comprehensive checks of telecommunications providers' systems.

[15] Tsalikidis' brother testifies over Vodafone manager's death, sues for 'missing evidence'

ATHENS, 10/2/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Panagiotis Tsalikidis was called to appear before public prosecutor Ioannis Diotis, who is carrying out an inquiry into possible links between the Vodafone executive's death and the phone-tapping conspiracy that has monopolised news headlines since its disclosure by the government. Costas Tsalikidis was found hanged in his home within days of the discovery of the 'ghost' phone-tapping software in Vodafone's systems, but the two events were not linked at the time.

The family is also asking that the dead man be exhumed for a full autopsy, as well as toxicology and histology testing, and has asked that coroner Panagiotis Giamerelos participate in this as its technical advisor and that he carry out an on-the-spot inspection of the victim's home.

In his suit, Tsalikidis cites testimony given by his brother's fianc�e Sara Galanopoulou concerning his state of mind in the days leading up to his death.

Galanopoulou claimed that Costas Tsalikidis told her a few weeks before he died that there was "a risk that Vodafone might close" but had made her swear not to mention this to anyone. At another point, roughly one month before his death, he also told her that it was a "matter of life and death that I leave Vodafone" and 20 days before dying he submitted his resignation to his superior Nikolaos Plevris, who had refused to accept it.

Panagiotis Tsalikidis notes in his suit that his brother, two days before he allegedly took his life in early March, had asked Ms Galanopoulou to book a hotel in Kalambaka for them and another couple for the March 25 three-day weekend.

He also points to his brother's notebook, which was found among his personal items last Saturday and has now been handed over the public prosecutor, which contains notes in Greek and English dated from January 27 until February 28 last year.

The family is particularly concerned over an entry dated February 10, 2005 that says "If something goes wrong".

Finally, according to the suit, Costas Tsalikidis apparently took part in a meeting held at Vodafone on March 8, 2005 regarding the phone-tapping affair that was also attended by the company's chief executive George Koronias, Nikolaos Mastorakis, Nikolaos Babalis and Nikolaos Plevris, at which the discussion became extremely heated.

The family, in addition to the autopsy and renewed inspection of the victim's home, is also asking for a check of the electronic mail in Vodafone's servers in order to trace possible evidence and, if these have been deleted, to ask the company to explain why. According to the family's lawyer, the family wish to view an e-mail that Costas Tsalikidis is believed to have sent to the company just hours before he was found dead, from his home computer.

The suit also calls on 21 witnesses, the majority of them Vodafone executives, as well as those it believes took part in the March 8, 2005 meeting.

[16] Rally held in Athens on phone-tapping issue

ATHENS, 10/2/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The rally was organised by the Network for Political and Social Rights and the "Stop the War" Alliance, with the participation of the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology party, leftist organisations, labour unions, agencies and activist groups.

The demonstrators gathered outside the Athens University at 6 p.m. and then marched, shouting slogans, to the U.S. embassy where they dispersed.

Traffic in downtown Athens was disrupted for about two hours as a result of the rally.

[17] Pavlopoulos on modernisation of public administration

ATHENS, 10/2/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Pavlopoulos referred to the Greek government's achievements to date regarding the modernisation of public adminstration but also referred to the ongoing efforts towards this end.

The minister cited the programmes "Kleisthenes" and "Information Society" as examples of how funding opportunities created by the Structural Funds were capitalised upon.

Projects such as the on-line tax filing system TAXIS, the comprehensive IT system of the social security fund IKA, the on-line inter-connection of all public sector agencies and the creation of the Citizens' Service Centres (KEP), were all initiatives undertaken under the above programmes, he said, adding that they have contributed to the modernisation of the public sector.

In closing, he noted that the main objective of public administration policies is to serve citizens and to combat bureaucratic red tape.

[18] Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos on official visit to Mexico

NEW YORK, 10/2/2006 (ANA-MPA/P. Panagiotou)

He was received at the airport by the governor of the state of Mexico, government officials, Greek Ambassador Alexandros Miliaresis, Cypriot Ambassador Antonis Grivas, the ambassadors of Serbia, Bulgaria, Ukraine and Lebanon and by senior clerics.

On Thursday morning, Vartholomeos spoke at the Environment Ministry on environmental issues.

On Thursday evening, Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos was due to be received by President Vicente Fox at the presidential residence.

Prior to Mexico, Vartholomeos was on an official visit to Panama.

[19] Dep. FM meets with Panamanian, Luxembourg envoys to Athens

ATHENS, 10/2/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Panamanian ambassador Antonio Fotis Taquis, who himself is of Greek descent, referred to the roughly 1,200-strong ethnic Greek community in the Central American nation.

[20] Gov't, PASOK trade charges over ex-minister's visit to Brussels

ATHENS, 10/2/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis, who first addressed Parliament, asked whether a "secret and covert", as he put it, visit by former PASOK minister Vasso Papandreou to Brussels was to "meet with Commission officials at a time when the European Commission is proceeding with an evaluation of the country's stability and development programme."

The minister's comments followed a front-page article in the Athens daily "Eleftheros Typos" claiming that Papandreou was in Brussels to "undermine" the government's economic policy.

Hours later, from Brussels, Vasso Papandreou issued a statement noting that "I do not know what Mr. Alogoskoufis is afraid of, but from his statements, it appears that he is a panic. Meetings between the European Union's Commissioners and representatives of the main opposition parties in member-states are a common practice and also an obligation ... Regarding his (Alogoskoufis) statements of an 'undermining', unfortunately, he himself single-handedly did this with the so-called audit..."

The government spokesman also commented on the issued during his regular press briefing.

"Information about PASOK cadres' contacts with EU officials, which saw the light of day today, create questions as to whether PASOK, beyond the limelight, has another, a second activity," spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said.

Earlier, in Parliament, former minister George Floridis referred to a disinformation campaign by the government aimed at diverting attention from the ongoing phone-tapping furor, whereas he also stressed that PASOK cadres do not need the minister's permission to visit the Commission's services in Brussels.

Another top PASOK deputy and former minister, Costas Geitonas, clarified that Vasso Papandreou requested and received a Parliament waiver justifying her absence from the legislature.

In reply, Alogoskoufis reiterated his charges:

"If PASOK's cadres head to Brussels only to repeat their unjustified arguments about the course of our economy, then we're not talking about opposition in Parliament but opposition that combats Greece abroad..." the minister said.

Tourism minister to address tourist exhibition organised by 'New York Times' NEW YORK, 10/2/2006 (ANA-MPA - P. Panayiotou)

Tourist Development Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos will be addressing the "Travel and Tourist Conference", in the framework of the international tourist exhibition to be organised by the "New York Times" newspaper on February 24-26.

A full-page advertisement appearing in the newspaper refers to the tourist exhibition in Manhattan under the title of "The New York Times Travel Show." The Greek Tourist Organisation will also be a co-sponsor.

Apart from the United States and Canada, who will be participating with representatives from relevant services, Greece will be the only country participating in the conference at ministerial level. The exhibition is visited by thousands of people every year.

[21] Greek inflation slowed to 3.2 pct in January, yr/yr

ATHENS, 10/2/2006 (ANA/MPA)

NSS, in its monthly report, said the consumer price index fell 0.1 percent in January from December. Presenting the report, Manolis Kontopyrakis, NSS's secretary general, said the January inflation figure reflected largely a different date of beginning the winter sales season in Greece.

The 3.2 pct inflation figure in January, reflected a 10.2 pct increase in housing prices, a 4.8 pct rise in transport, a 4.0 pct in health prices, a 3.7 pct increase in education prices and a 3.0 pct rise in alcohol and tobacco prices over the same period.

Restaurant-coffee-hotel prices rose 2.8 pct, wile food and beverage prices rose 1.6 pct. The statistics service said heating oil prices were up 42.6 pct in January 2006 from January 2005, while prices of olive oil rose 14.4 pct, car fuel was up 14.6 pct and potato prices were up 24.6 pct over the same period.

[22] Greek exports up 4.3 pct in December, yr/yr

ATHENS, 10/2/2006 (ANA/MPA)

NSS said the country's trade balance showed a deficit of 2.488 billion euros in December.

[23] Greek industrial production down 0.9 pct in December, yr/yr

ATHENS, 10/2/2006 (ANA/MPA)

NSS, in its regular report, said the fall in the composite index reflected a 3.0 pct drop in mining production, a 0.3 pct fall in manufacturing production and a 2.6 pct decline in electricity-natural gas-water production over the same period.

[24] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise in lively trade

ATHENS, 10/2/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalisation shares ended 1.45% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.77% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.44% up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 185 to 104 with 40 remaining unchanged.

Stock Futures: