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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-02-15Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>February 15, 2006CONTENTS
[01] Government aims to speed up reforms, PM says in TV broadcastATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, speaking in a television broadcast on Tuesday night, following a sweeping government reshuffle announced earlier in the day, said that the aim of the new government is to speed up reforms needed by the country in the state apparatus, the economy, education and health with greater determination, adding that this also applies to changes in public utilities. Karamanlis pointed out that these reforms will have a positive and an immediate effect on both the state apparatus and the economy.Referring to the challenge posed by the economy, the prime minister said that the irresponsibility and extravagance of previous governments in 2004 increased the deficit to 6.6 percent of GDP and this entailed a serious cost for society and citizens, particularly for the financially weaker. "We were called on to reverse this very unpleasant reality. And we are doing this with confident, responsible and decisive steps and in the mildest of ways," he said. Karamanlis further said that the government is taking decisions which are not pleasant for the time being but that will bear fruit for all, particularly for those in greater need. "I am following a policy with responsibility and social sensitivity," the prime minister said and stressed that for the time being there is no ground for immediate support for the financially weaker and for pensioners in particular. However, he reassured that his commitments will be observed in full upon completion of the government's four-year term. Karamanlis said that the government is laying strong foundations for the development of the economy and it is forging ahead with decisive steps for a renewal of the state apparatus, the restriction of bureaucracy and the transition to a state apparatus that will be effective and close to the citizen. "Our policies are already producing tangible results. Reforms in public utilities and in the wider public sector, as well as in the other sectors, will continue," he said. Referring to the amendment of the constitution, the prime minister said that it is orientated towards the needs of the new era, adding that he is aware of the serious difficulties facing the country, which will be overcome with boldness and intensive work. "Society, more mature than ever, supports the policy of reforms. The citizens know that only in this way will the problems of the past be overcome. Only in this way will a framework of security, continuous development and permanent prosperity for all be created," Karamanlis said. "This reality makes our responsibilities even bigger. And we are determined to respond in full to the responsibilities we have undertaken," he added. [02] PM proceeds with major gov't reshuffle; smaller CabinetATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis proceeded with a sweeping government reshuffle on Tuesday, nearly two years after his New Democracy party assumed the government's reins in a comfortable election victory.A new and leaner government of 19 ministers and nine deputy ministers was announced by government spokes-man Theodoros Roussopoulos, in which six deputy ministries were shed and six new faces replaced 10 outgoing members of cabinet. One of the most prominent but expected decisions was the appointment of outgoing Athens mayor Dora Bakoyanni as foreign minister in place of veteran high-ranking career diplomat Petros Molyviatis -- a long-time adviser to the prime minister and to his uncle and namesake, late Greek statesman and ND founder Constantine Karamanlis. The other change at the foreign ministry was the appointment of Theodoros Kassimis as one of three deputy ministers, replacing Panayiotis Skandalakis. In a later press conference, Molyviatis announced his retirement from public service. He told reporters that he recently informed Karamanlis of his intention to retire after 50 years in the diplomatic arena, while thanking the premier for the trust the latter showed him. One of the outgoing foreign minister's last acts while in office was to speak by phone with Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos earlier on Tuesday. Less expected was the announcement that six deputy ministers' posts were eliminated at the employment, culture, tourism, agricultural development, public order and transport ministries. In another high-profile change, ruling ND party secretary Vangelis Meimarakis was appointed as the new defense minister, in place of Spilios Spiliotopoulos. Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis, meanwhile, one of the most popular figures in the government according to opinion polls, left the post to run for mayor of Athens in the fall municipal elections on an ND-backed ticket. Former Athens mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos will replace Kaklamanis, as he was shifted from the tourism development ministry. Avramopoulos' position was filled by Fani Palli-Petralia, up until Tuesday the alternate culture minister. In statements later on Tuesday, Avramopoulos expressed his satisfaction to be taking over the health ministry, saying that he would try to make the health ministry the "spearhead of the government's social policy". Karamanlis, furthermore, sheds the culture ministry portfolio he kept for himself during a period that coincided with the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, with George Voulgarakis assuming the post after being shifted from the public order minister's chair. Top ND official and former minister Vyron Polydoras fills Voulgarakis' position at the public order ministry. Former agriculture minister Savvas Tsitouridis takes over from Panos Panayiotopoulos at the employment and social protection ministry. The six deputy ministers' posts eliminated included those held by Petros Tatoulis (culture), Nikolaos Angelopoulos (employment), a vacant agriculture development deputy minister's portfolio, George Salagoudis (development), Anastasios Liaskos (tourism development), and Anastasios Nerantzis (transport and communication). The latter, however, was re-appointed as a deputy development minister. Additionally, newcomer George Kalantzis assumes the Macedonia-Thrace portfolio in place of Nikos Tsiartsionis. The leaderships at the ministries of economy, interior and public administration, town planning-public works-environment, agriculture, development, justice and the Aegean ministry did not change. Tuesday's political developments end months of mostly local press speculation over when and if Karamanlis would reshuffle his Cabinet. Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos announced the reshuffle during his regular daily press briefing, where he added that veteran ND lawmaker Yiannis Kefaloyiannis was appointed as the prime minister's special adviser. In other statements to reporters, Roussopoulos - who retained his minister of state portfolio - stressed that the new Cabinet's goal remains the "re-establishment of the state via major reforms", one of Karamanlis' and New Democracy party's catchphrases prior to the last elections and throughout the past two years in power. Roussopoulos also mentioned an upgrading of state services towards citizens, economic recovery along with increasing competitiveness as other standing and strategic goals of the government. The government spokesman said he was instructed by Karamanlis to publicly thank Molyviatis for his public service and government contributions and for the many years of cooperation the two enjoyed. Roussopoulos revealed that Karamanlis spoke with Bakoyanni to ask her to assume the foreign ministry portfolio, while congratulating her on her tenure as Athens mayor. Finally, the spokesman said the prime minister personally spoke with all the new Cabinet appointees as well as the departing ministers and deputy ministers, thanking them for their contributions during the past two years. A swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Presidential Mansion. [03] PASOK leader says 'the countdown for the ND began with the reshuffle'ATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)Main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou, commenting on Tuesday evening on Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' decision to proceed in a government reshuffle earlier in the day, said that "the countdown for the New Democracy (ND) party began with the reshuffle."The PASOK leader launched a stinging attack against the government and targeted the prime minister, saying that "Mr. Karamanlis' responsibilities are very great with regard the current situation and the country's impasse." Papandreou also said that Karamanlis "did not live up to expectations," as "the Greek people expected today that the prime minister would have acted with a feeling of seriousness and fundamental self-criticism." The PASOK leader said that "the major impasses which the government's policy created remain," and underlined: "There are no impasses in democracies. Every time there is a solution. There is the other path and the solution is given by the citizens with their participation. The people give it with the popular verdict." He further said that "the prime minister cannot hide behind the reshuffle and steal a short period of time given that reality is different." Opposition reactions: Main opposition PASOK spokesman Nikos Athanassakis began his comments regarding the reshuffle by calling the development nothing more than a "hole in the water", while also charging that it served "internal New Democracy party balances." In stepping up his attack, the PASOK spokesman added that the prime minister attempted to gain more time with Tuesday's reshuffle, "but he (Karamanlis) cannot reshuffle his policies, ones that serve the few and harm the many". Athanassakis also echoed past PASOK criticism of alleged government mismanagement and ineffectiveness, charging that it is only interested in its image in order to "mislead, deceive and buck responsibilities onto others". Finally, Athanassakis referred to the ongoing mobile phone-tapping furor, saying the prime minister -- one of the targets of the still unknown perpetrators of the bugging via the Vodafone network -- has now assumed full responsibility for the issue. A press release by the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), meanwhile, noted that the government's "anti-popular" policy cannot be reshuffled, "but simply overturned by an organized popular counter-attack". In analyzing the political development, KKE said it aimed to make implementation of "plutocracy's strategic choices more effective, and to accelerate reactionary reforms and anti-popular measures". Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) president Alekos Alavanos was the first political leader to react to Tuesday's government reshuffle, as he cited what he called a mere "reshuffling of the cards. The cards, however, are, unfortunately, marked; in other words, the policies remain the same." The leader of Parliament's smallest political party also said that a reshuffle would have been substantive if the government changed positions on major issues such as unemployment, inflation and democratic freedoms. [04] Bakoyiannis on taking over foreign ministry, quitting mayor's postATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyiannis pledged to do her utmost to meet the demands placed on her "in a time of major international upheaval", shortly after learning of her appointment as foreign minister in a sweeping cabinet reshuffle announced on Tuesday by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis."Greece now faces major challenges that I am certain it can meet," she said, while stressing that the appointment was a "great honor and responsibility". Concerning the remainder of her term as Athens mayor, Bakoyiannis said that the New Democracy-backed municipal party "Athens Tomorrow" that she had led would be able to keep the municipality on a steady course "in the few months that are left until the municipal elections". "I will continue fighting to strengthen the institution of local government and Athens, whatever position I am in," she added. [05] U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice looking forward to meeting with new Greek FM, State Department spokesman saysWASHINGTON (ANA-MPA - T. Ellis)A U.S. State Department spokesman, called on to comment on the change taking place at the Greek foreign ministry on Tuesday, told the Athens News Agency that U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is looking forward to a meeting with her new Greek counterpart Dora Bakoyannis. The spokesman added that Washington desires close cooperation with Bakoyannis as well and stressed that the United States had good cooperation with outgoing foreign minister Petros Molyviatis. [06] Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos expresses profound respect for former Greek FM and congratulations to his successorNICOSIA (ANA-MPA - A. Viketos)Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos on Tuesday expressed his profound respect for former Greek foreign minister Petros Molyviatis and congratulations to his successor Dora Bakoyannis in a written statement by government spokesman George Lillikas. "To the outgoing foreign minister Mr. Petros Molyviatis we express our profound respect and our warmest thanks for his strong support and his adherence to the just causes of the people of Cyprus, for the superb cooperation we had and the valuable help he had offered throughout the entire period of his ministerial term for the struggle for a solution to the issue of Cyprus," the statement said. "We express our warm and sincere congratulations to Mrs. Dora Bakoyannis for her appointment to the post of foreign minister, together with our sincere wishes for every success in her task and mission," it added. The statement further said that President Papadopoulos looks forward to a personal meeting with the minister soon. In the same statement, President Papadopoulos wished every success to the newly-appointed ministers and thanked the outgoing ministers for their creative and productive cooperation with the government of Cyprus. New composition of Greek government: Following is the new composition of the Greek government after the reshuffle announced on Tuesday PRIME MINISTER: Costas Karamanlis INTERIOR, PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION & DECENTRALIZATION MINISTRY Minister: Prokopis Pavlopoulos Deputy: Apostolos Andreoulakos Deputy: Athanasios Nakos ECONOMY & FINANCE MINISTRY Minister: George Alogoskoufis Deputy: Christos Folias Deputy: Antonis Bezas Deputy: Petros Doukas FOREIGN MINISTRY Minister: Dora Bakoyannis Deputy: Yannis Valynakis Deputy: Evrypides Stylianidis Deputy: Theodoros Kassimis NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTRY Minister: Evangelos Meimarakis Deputy: Vassilis Michaloliakos Deputy: Yannis Lambropoulos ENVIRONMENT, TOWN PLANNING & PUBLIC WORKS MINISTRY Minister: George Souflias Deputy: Stavros Kaloyannis Deputy: Themistocles Xanthopoulos NATIONAL EDUCATION & RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS MINISTRY Minister: Marietta Yannakou Deputy: George Kalos Deputy: Spyros Taliadouros EMPLOYMENT & SOCIAL PROTECTION MINISTRY Minister: Savvas Tsitouridis Deputy: Gerassimos Yiakoumatos HEALTH & SOCIAL SOLIDARITY MINISTRY Minister: Dimitris Avramopoulos Deputy: Athanasios Yannopoulos Deputy: George Constantopoulos AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT & FOODS MINISTRY Minister: Evangelos Basiakos Deputy: Alexandros Kontos JUSTICE MINISTRY Minister: Anastasis Papaligouras CULTURE MINISTRY Minister: George Voulgarakis Deputy: George Orfanos TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATIONS MINISTRY Minister: Michalis Liapis PUBLIC ORDER MINISTRY Minister: Vyron Polydoras MERCHANT MARINE MINISTRY Minister: Manolis Kefaloyannis TOURISM MINISTRY Minister: Fani Palli-Petralia MACEDONIA-THRACE MINISTRY Minister: George Kalantzis AEGEAN & ISLAND POLICY MINISTRY Minister: Aristotelis Pavlidis MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATION and government spokesman: Theodoros Roussopoulos Yannis Kefaloyannis was named Special Advisor to the Prime Minister [07] Greek, Israeli Presidents note significant progress in bilateral relations - Ministers sign Industrial Research & Development cooperation accordATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)Greek President Karolos Papoulias and his Israeli counterpart Moshe Katzav on Tuesday stressed the significant progress noted in bilateral relations between the two countries in recent years, during the first-ever state visit of an Israeli President to Greece.The Middle East issue dominated their talks, and Papoulias told reporters after the meeting that the fundamental goal was the coexistence of two states in the region: "a secure Israel and a democratic Palestine, with peaceful relations with their neighbors". Papoulias welcomed the smooth holding of parliamentary elections in Palestine as "an important step towards democracy", and stressed the need for Hamas, the winners of the elections, to accept the proposals put forward by the European Union, while he also condemned terrorism "from wherever it originates". Katzav, who arrived in Athens on Monday evening on a five-day official visit, said that Israel's relations with the Palestinians were at a critical point, following Hamas' victory in the elections. "In the past 12 years, Israel has taken large, historic steps for the good of the Palestinians. I fear that the latest developments did not help us. They will take us 12 years back. Israel will not accept continuation of terrorism by Hamas, nor will it negotiate with a Hamas that does not recognize the State of Israel. We will not start again from point 'zero'. If Hamas changes stance, Israel will come into contact with it," Katzav said. Papoulias also referred to the Cyprus issue, stressing that "the Turkish occupation, which traumatizes the European values, must be ended the soonest". Katzav spoke of the common historic past and common interests of Greece and Israel, and expressed hope that their bilateral contacts would multiply in the future. "The more these contacts are, the less the situations of lack of understanding will be," the Israeli president said, clarifying that "there may be differing views, but this should not frighten us, given that the cooperation between Greece and Israel cannot in any instance be harmed by any third factor, because, above all, it serves the two countries". After the Papoulias-Katzav talks, a Cooperation Agreement in the sector of Industrial Research and Development was signed on behalf of the two countries by Greece's development minister Dimitris Sioufas and Israeli minister of infrastructure, and science and technology, Roni Bar-On. On Thursday, Papoulias and Katzav will go to Thessaloniki to pay tribute to the Greek Jews who perished during the Holocaust, with the laying of wreaths at the Holocaust Monument. "Our historic memory must guide us so that the following generations will not live through such a tragedy," Papoulias said, and referred to the memory of the Jews of his hometown, Ioannina, "who fought against the barbarous conquerors". President Papoulias hosts dinner for visiting [08] Israeli counterpart Moshe KatzavATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)President Karolos Papoulias hosted a dinner for visiting Israeli President Moshe Katzav on Tuesday night, saying in his address to his guest that "peace and prosperity for all in the Middle East, which is not only of fundamental significance for the countries in the region but for Europe itself and international security, will be able to close a wound that has been open for decades, releasing creative forces for the creation of a better future."President Papoulias further said that "we appreciate Israel's decision to proceed, at an initial stage, with a pullout from the Gaza Strip." Referring to relations between Greece and Israel, President Papoulias said that in modern times the two peoples aligned themselves and forged close cultural and other ties. On the question of Cyprus, President Papoulias stressed the need for Turkish occupation, which harms deeper European values, to come to an end as soon as possible, adding that "always in this spirit, must a mutually acceptable solution be sought without arbitration and a tight timetable, based on international legality and UN resolutions." On his part, President Katzav said "today, humanity has certain urgent and fundamental targets to face. It is the duty of the leaders of the world to give humanity the right to live without the fear of terrorism. We must consolidate the principles of democracy and root out racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism. The leaderships of the world have the strength to implement these targets." Referring to relations between Greece and Israel, President Katzav expressed his appreciation for measures taken recently by the Greek government in the struggle against anti-Semitism. President Katzav reiterated his country's political will for Greek-Israeli relations to develop even further, adding that "we consider Greece an important economic partner of Israel's economy, as well as a gateway to the Balkans." Focusing on the Middle East issue, President Katzav said that Israel "is determined to continue its efforts to achieve peace and reconciliation with our neighbors." [09] Parliament president receives President KatzavATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)After receiving visiting Israeli President Moshe Katzav on Tuesday, Greek Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki said that the very good bilateral ties between Greece and Israel were being upgraded by Katzav's visit to Greece, the first official visit by a president of Israel to the country.A press release issued by Parliament said that Psarouda-Benaki had referred to the "concern and desire of the two peoples for peace and understanding in the sensitive region that we live in" and had stressed that Greece through its geopolitical position but also in the framework of the European Union hopes and seeks to be a bridge of communication between Israel and the Arab world, contributing to peace, security, cooperation and stability in the region. Katzav thanked Psarouda-Benaki for her "warm hospitality in the birthplace of democracy" and expressed his satisfaction with the exchange of views concerning events in the Middle East and the wider region. He noted that the Greek and Israeli peoples were linked not just by culture, history and their common struggle against Nazi barbarism but also by common values and interests in the contemporary international situation. Katzav renewed an invitation to Greece's Parliament president to visit Israel, which she accepted. [10] Athens mayor awards Gold Medal of Athens to visiting Israeli President Moshe KatzavATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyannis on Tuesday awarded the Gold Medal of Value of the city of Athens to visiting Israeli President Moshe Katzav, who congratulated her on her appointment as foreign minister by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis earlier in the day.Bakoyannis thanked President Katzav and promised to work for the further upgrading of relations between the two countries from her new position as foreign minister. Speaking during the event, Bakoyannis referred to the similarity between the two nations, the main characteristic being their gigantic spreading all over the world, and reminded that Greece and Israel restored full diplomatic relations in 1990 when her father Constantine Mitsotakis had been prime minister. On his part, President Katzav expressed his pleasure at being in Athens and referred to the common history of the two peoples and to the common interests linking them. The event was attended by Mitsotakis, representatives of the Greek-Jewish community in Athens, deputies, diplomats and representatives of the Church of Greece. [11] Greece, Israel sign industrial research and development agreementATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas and Israeli Minister without Portfolio Tzachi Hanegbi on Tuesday signed a bilateral agreement aiming to promote cooperation in industrial research and development.The agreement was signed at the presence of the two countries' heads of state Karolos Papoulias and Moshe Katzav in the framework of the first official visit by an Israeli President in Greece. The deal aims to support Greek and Israeli enterprises in developing joint industrial and technological projects and it is part of a series of other significant agreements signed recently aiming to boost bilateral trade relations, such as a partnership agreement between the Capital Market Commissions of Greece and Israel and agreements signed between Greece's industrial union SEB and Northern Greece's exporters union (SBBE) with their counterparts in Israel. The Israeli embassy in Athens announced that bilateral relations rapidly improved over the last two years, totalling 414 million US dollars, up 40 percent. Israel is the main destination for Greek exports in the Middle East. [12] PM Karamanlis to meet with Israeli President, leave for Berlin and Dublin on WednesdayATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)Prime minister Costas Karamanlis is due to meet with Israeli President Moshe Katzav, the first Israeli President to pay a state visit to Greece, on Wednesday following the swearing in of his new Cabinet, which was announced on Tuesday. The meeting is slated for 11:00 a.m.Karamanlis departs at 3:30 p.m. for Berlin, where he will meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, before heading for Dublin on Thursday, where he will meet with Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern. [13] Greece remains on high alert for more bird flu casesATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)Veterinary services throughout northern Greece remained on high alert for further cases of suspected bird flu on Tuesday, especially in areas that attract large numbers of migratory water-fowl such as ducks, geese and swans.Water-fowl are considered the highest risk for spreading the virus to domestic poultry since they can be carriers without actually succumbing to the disease and can thus spread the virus over great distances. Samples taken from dead swans in the Thessaloniki area last week showed that wild birds infected with the deadly H5N1 strain of the bird flu virus have migrated south into Greece. Expert ornithologists said that a duck that tested positive for the virus on Skyros helped them to narrow down the region where the virus originated, since it belongs to an endangered species that winters almost exclusively around the Black Sea. Meanwhile, two people that were admitted to hospital a few days ago with symptoms similar to bird flu have tested negative for the disease. Later on Tuesday, authorities announced that two more samples testing positive for the H5 virus had been taken from dead swans in the greater Thessaloniki area, where the first three positive samples were taken. One dead bird was found in the sea of the city coast, about 1000 meters from the shore and the second in Asprovalta. Both samples have been sent to the Community Reference Laboratory in London for further testing, to see if they contain the deadly H5N1 strain. The agriculture ministry announced that all required containment measures were taken in the areas where the dead birds were found. [14] Alavanos slams OTE for barring reporters at meeting with workersATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)The leader of the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology Alekos Alavanos on Tuesday slammed the management of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) for barring entry to its technical services department to a state television crew sent to cover a meeting between Alavanos and OTE's workers.A Coalition announcement said that Alavanos had departed in protest over the move, which it said was provocative to freedom of information and hostile toward the contract employees that Alavanos was scheduled to meet. Alavanos said the OTE management's stance was provocative when "foreign services are free to wander in Greek phone companies" and when all TV channels were given access to OTE's governor and board meetings. [15] Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos meets Roman Catholic clergymenATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos was visited by Roman Catholic clergymen at the archdiocese on Tuesday and announced his decision to make his long-awaited visit to Rome this year.The Archbishop told the leading clergyman, Cardinal Donicio Tetamanci, that "today, the Orthodox Churches have decided on a resumption of dialogue and the first step has already been taken. We are praying to the Lord to bless our efforts to enable this dialogue to bear fruit." Referring to the exchange of visits, he said "the mutual visits of past years, also thanks to overtures the Church of Greece has made to the Roman Catholic Church, have convinced us that a common desire exists for the unity of the Christians." Archbishop Christodoulos also invited the Roman Catholic clergymen "to become acquainted with the treasures we have in Greece, such as our tradition, the holy relics of our Saints and the worshipping of our Church." He further called on the clergymen to convey to Pope Benedict XVI his deepest appreciation for his person. [16] Public prosecutor to examine home of dead Vodafone executiveATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)The public prosecutor investigating the death of Vodafone systems manager Costas Tsalikidis and its possible connection to a phone-tapping plot on Tuesday announced that he will be examining the dead man's home in Kolonos within the week.Earlier, a lawyer representing Tsalikidis' family handed Public Prosecutor Ioannis Diotis a complete list of the calls made and received by Tsalikidis from his mobile phone on the day of his death on March 9, 2005 and the day before. According to a programmer advising the family, the last call made to Tsalikidis was from a Vodafone number and the last outgoing call was to a Cosmote number that is no longer in use. There were also messages on his phone concerning strictly technical issues and messages from other Vodafone staff, two of which are said to have participated in a controversial meeting on March 8, 2005. Diotis will call the people who sent messages to testify and will investigate the last calls made to Tsalikidis' phone. Tsalikidis was found hanged last year shortly after the discovery of a security breach in the mobile phone provider's systems that had allowed unknown parties to tap the mobile phones of top-level government members, including the prime minister, senior state officials and the leadership of the police and armed forces, among others. An initial police investigation had attributed the death to suicide but had not linked it to the phone-tapping affair that was just recently made public. [17] Greek economy faces two challenges this year, FinMin saysATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)The European economy will achieve better performance this year to the benefit of all EU-member states including Greece, which faces a double challenge: achieving a fiscal restructuring and maintaining and boosting growth rates, Greek Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said on Tuesday.Speaking to reporters, after an ECOFIN meeting in Brussels, the Greek minister said 2005 was a year of significant reforms in economy, the state and domestic markets. "These reforms are starting to bear fruit," Alogoskoufis stressed adding his belief that results would soon be felt both in economic growth rates, employment and social cohesion. Commenting on a report by European Commission on the viability of Europe's pension systems, the Greek minister reiterated that a reform of the pension system in Greece would be done gradually, with a long-term horizon and after a dialogue with all interested parties. He said he expected the European Commission to approve Greece's stability program. European economies are facing competitiveness problems, due to the entry of "new dynamic players' such as India and China in the international economic scene and to technological developments mainly in the United States. "These developments make it absolutely necessary to promote reforms agreed in Lisbon and reaffirmed by EU states last year," Alogoskoufis said. EU member states must adhere to their stability and growth programs and better coordinate economic policies to promote reforms. These policies, however, must be supported by the right macro-economic policy, he noted. Commenting on the economic situation in Europe, Alogoskoufis said it look better in the short-term "despite risks in the international environment, mainly from high oil prices and other imbalances reported by some of the EU's trade partners". [18] Greek economy grew 3.7 pct in 4th quarter of 2005, yr/yrATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)The Greek economy grew by 3.7 pct in the fourth quarter of 2005, compared with the corresponding period in 2004, the National Statistics Service said on Tuesday.NSS, in its report, said final demand of the economy rose by 2.5 pct, while investments were up 1.4 pct in the October-December period compared with the same period in 2004. Exports rose 0.8 pct in the fourth quarter, while imports were up 0.2 pct over the same period, the statistics service said. Spending on final consumption rose by 3.3 pct in the fourth quarter of 2005 compared with the same period in the previous year, contributing by 2.1 pct in final demand's percentage growth rate. [19] Greek economic sentiment index up in JanuaryATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)Greece's economic sentiment index rose in January, for the third month in a row, to 93.9 points from 92.1 in December, the Institute for Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE) said on Tuesday.IOBE in its monthly report said the economic sentiment index reached its highest level in the last 12 months, although it remained far below compared with the EU-25 reading of 102.6 and the Eurozone reading of 101.8 points in January. The report attributed the improved reading mainly to improved consumer confidence and to an improved outlook in the construction sector, while the manufacturing sector also showed minor positive developments. The retail sector improved, while the sentiment in the services sector eased slightly in January. Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Italy and Holland all reported improved economic sentiment indexes, while in Spain and Finland the indexes fell. Business expectations in the manufacturing sector rose to 99.3 points in January form 98.4 in December, with enterprises feeling more optimistic over the future prospects. The business expectations index in the construction sector jumped to 87.9 points in January form 78.8 in December, in the retail sector the index rose to 110 points from 108.8, while in the services sector the index fell to 92.2 from 93.2 points over the same periods, respectively. Greek consumers' confidence index jumped by five points in January, recording the second highest increase in the Eurozone after Austria, although it remained far below the Eurozone's average reading. Households' expectations over the financial situation were less pessimistic (-19 in January from -23 in December although it remained above January 2005 levels -17). Greek consumers sounded more optimistic over economic developments in the country but slightly optimistic for their savings over the next 12 months. Consumers also expressed optimism over developments in the unemployment front. [20] Socialist EU findings call for investment in human resourcesBRUSSELS (ANA/V. Demiris)Members of the European Union should lay more emphasis on investment, especially in human resources, socialist finance ministers of the 25-nation bloc said on Tuesday. In addition, economic reform should be advanced, the ministers and heads of socialist parties in opposition said in a statement. "In order to meet the target of strengthening economic growth and competitiveness what is required is a better combination of economic reform and investment that would benefit human capital," the statement said. The statement, which was released on the sidelines of an EU finance ministers' meeting in the Belgian capital, was written ahead of a summit on March 23-24. [21] Bill to parl't on EU-US satellite dealATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)The government on Tuesday sent to parliament a bill to ratify an agreement between the European Union and United States of America on the installation and use of Galeleo and GPS satellite navigation systems.Under the terms of the agreement, implementation of the system does not apply where military operations are being conducted. [22] Greek insurance firms successfully raise equity capitals: ministerATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)Development Deputy Minister Yiannis Papathanasiou on Tuesday announced that all insurance companies would receive credibility certificates since they fully met an obligation to raise equity capitals, covering the first tranche of the increase.Speaking to reporters, Papathanasiou said ministry agencies would continue inspections in the market to ensure that insurance companies met their financial obligations by June 30, 2006. The ministry revoked the operating license of Astra Insurance after the company failed to meet its financial obligations. Greek insurance firms are obliged to raise equity capital by 338.6 million euros, in two tranches by the end of the first half of 2006. The market responded immediately and effectively by covering 91.30 percent of the demanded sum already since the first month of the year. [23] Civil Servants Supreme Administrative Council considering nationwide strike around mid-MarchATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)The Civil Servants Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY) is considering a nationwide strike around mid-March, in coordination with the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) and private sector federations, following the decision taken on Tuesday by the executive committee of the civil servants' third stage union.This decision is combined with the statement made by GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos that "the intensification of social struggles is at the gates." It is considered highly possible, after the impending meeting with employers unions, that GSEE might also call a strike. The reasons for ADEDY's industrial action is the weakening of collective negotiations, the decrease in minimum wages, doubts expressed by the Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) concerning the collective labor agreement and income policy regarding 1.5 percent for salaried employees and 2.2 percent for pensioners. [24] Polbank EFG launches operations in PolandATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)Polbank EFG, which belongs to Athens-quoted EFG Eurobank Ergasias, on Tuesday launched its first outlets in Warsaw along with a phone banking center.Within a month, 15 outlets of Polbank EFG will start serving clients in Warsaw, Katowice and Poznan. By the end of 2006, the bank plans to have 50 outlets in the east European country, Eurobank said in a statement. "We promise that we will work very, very hard to satisfy the needs of our Polish clients, individuals and small businesses, by providing them with a range of easy to use, affordable and transparent lending, saving and transaction products," said Polbank EFG's General Director, Kazimierz Stapczak, "By the end of 2006 we will have created at least 500 new exciting jobs. We aspire to be one of the best employers in the financial sector in Poland," Sta�czak noted. [25] Aegean Airlines obtains IOSA certificationATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)Aegean Airlines said on Tuesday that it had obtained IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certification following an inspection that took place in June 2005."We are very satisfied that Aegean achieved IOSA Registration and very proud to have demonstrated that Aegean operates according to the most stringent standards in the industry," Theodoros Vassilakis, the company's president and managing director, said in a statement. The inspection covered operational management and safety systems control. IATA has so far conducted 140 IOSA audits since the program was launched in 2003, with 88 airlines now on the registry, which Aegean is the first Greek company to join. [26] Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling, TCCC buy Italian water bottler for 35 mln eurosATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling SA on Tuesday announced the acquisition of Traficante Group, a mineral water bottler in Italy, in partnership with The Coca-Cola Company for 35 million euros.The acquisition is part of a strategy plan aimed to expand to range of its product beyond beverages. Traficante operates two bottling units in south Italy and the brand names "Lilia" and "Lilia Kiss". [27] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks decline in high-cap sellingATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)The Athens share index closed at 4,066.61 points, showing a decline of 0.61%. Turnover was 289.1 million euros.The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.84% down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.08% lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.50% down. Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 183 to 98 with 45 remaining unchanged. Derivatives Market Close: Intracom top in stock futures trade Bond Market Close: Buyers lag sellers [28] Frigid weather conditions revisit N. GreeceATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)Subzero temperatures and snowfall again plagued most of northern Greece late Monday and early morning Tuesday, with -7C recorded in the towns of Kozani and Florina, both in western Macedonia.Authorities also warned motorists that most provincial roadways in central and western Macedonia were iced over. Snow also blanketed most of the mountainous regions surrounding Thessaloniki, the country's second largest city. [29] British court remands Greek in custody for two kidnappings, killingLONDON (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)A Greek man has been remanded in custody for one week by a British magistrate, after appearing in court charged with the kidnap and unlawful killing of travel agent Stephanie Hamill, as well as charges of kidnap and assault relating to a 24-year-old woman in Dewsbury, West Yorks. He was incarcerated in Arnley prison in Leeds on Tuesday and is due to appear before a court in Leeds next Monday, when he will be asked if he accepts the charges against him. If he refuses, law enforcement authorities are expected to ask that he remain in custody for one more week. Ioannis Revenikiotis, 27, is alleged to have driven off with Stephanie, 20, who believed he was a cab driver, in Wakefield, West Yorks, in 2003. Revenikiotis was apparently arrested in Thessaloniki a few days earlier by British police officers. Greece's General Consul in London Maria Theofili has contacted the police in Leeds that are handling Revenikiotis' case and has instructed a Greek envoy in Leeds to visit the prisoner in jail and offer him any aid that consular authorities are empowered to offer. [30] Noted American linguist Noam Chomsky addresses Athens audience via video linkATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)Noted American linguist and intellectual Noam Chomsky again addressed an Athens audience on Tuesday, this time, however, via a video link from the famed MIT media lab in Massachusetts, where he lectured on various international developments, ranging from Hamas' election victory to the "cartoon" furor pitting much of Europe's press with Islamic militancy and even ground-breaking political developments in Latin America.Chomsky spoke on the theme of "Globalization: The US and the New World Order" to an audience gathered at a lecture hall of the Mediterranean liberal arts institute. In echoing a recurring theme found throughout his works, Chomsky reiterated that citizens cannot expect governments and businesses to act ethically, as "the systems of power always want to maximize their powers." One of the more interesting Chomsky comments of the evening came in reaction to a question over the publication of a handful of newspaper cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed, with the US professor decrying what he called a highly hypocritically stance by European liberals over the past years regarding press freedom and freedom of speech. Among others, he cited what he called Britain's "scandalous" libel laws to prove his point. [31] European Social Forum holds conference on televisionATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)New technology in audiovisual means, combined with training for viewers and the rearrangement of the institutional framework and structures governing television were some of the proposals made by speakers during the two-day conference on the issue of "A different television is necessary", which ended at the General Confederation of Workers of Greece's (GSEE) auditorium on Tuesday, as part of the 4th European Social Forum.IOM President Rodolfos Moronis said television "restricts public discussion and identifies freedom with freedom of choice", adding that the only hope for better television is technology and digital television. Writer and former alternate Greek Radio and Television (ERT) network director Vassilis Vasilikos said that the number of documentaries must be increased and viewers must be linked directly to the location of an event and not be informed of the event afterwards. Athens University professor Stelios Papathanassopoulos stressed the inability of the Greek mass media to handle their longstanding crisis, as well as the inability of the state apparatus to map the radio and television scene over the past 11 years. [32] Gospel Choir to perform atHAU ATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)The Eastern Star Church Choir from Indianapolis, a 40-member gospel ensemble, will perform at the Hellenic American Union's Auditorium on February 20, 2006. The gospel choir will visit Athens as part of the African American History Month commemoration organized by the US Embassy. The performance at the HAU will begin at 8:00 p.m. and will be free to the public, on a first come first served basis.The Eastern Star Church is the largest African American church in Indianapolis, with a membership of almost 12,000. The entire choir of the church has 300 members. Under the direction of Minister of Music Sherri Garrison, the group sings unique renditions of contemporary and traditional gospel music backed by a rhythm section. The ensemble has toured extensively in the U.S. and internationally, either in its full form or in smaller groups. Recent tours included stops in London, Paris, Salzburg, Vienna and other European cities. The Eastern Star Church Choir has also recorded a CD showcasing their powerful gospel music, which garnered rave reviews and even reached #1 on gospel radio charts. The Hellenic American Union's Auditorium (www.hau.gr <http://www.hau.gr>) is located at 22 Massalias Street. For more information, call 210-368-0052. [33] Deputy culture minister for sport visits Greek athletes at Olympic VillageATHENS, 15/2/2006 (ANA)Deputy Culture Minister for Sport George Orfanos visited the Greek athletes at the Olympic Village of the Turin Winter Olympic Games on Tuesday, saying that "winter sports can be developed in Greece and we shall offer our help in this direction."Orfanos toured the installations and held a long discussion with the athletes Vassilis Dimitriadis, Magdalini Kalomirou, Lefteris Fafalis, Panayiota Tsakiri and Stavros Christoforidis and promised the government's full support. The Olympic Village was also visited by former deputy culture ministers for sport Andreas Fouras and Vassilis Papageorgopoulos, as well as by other officials. [34] Spokesman says Cypriot President to meet UN Secretary GeneralNICOSIA, 15/2/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)A meeting between Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan will be held soon, Government Spokesman George Lillikas said here on Tuesday.He added that efforts to prepare the ground for a new initiative should begin the soonest, irrespective of the May parliamentary elections on the island. Invited to comment that negotiators on Cyprus are expecting President Papadopoulos' proposals to see how efforts will proceed, the Spokesman said that he is aware of the reports. The fact that these reports were broadcast simultaneously by various media with the same approach "one can only conclude that they came from a specific source and many reporters were informed simultaneously. This is clear," he added. "The Cypriot government has put forward to the UN SG, its proposals and changes it wants for a solution to the Cyprus problem and the President of the Republic has called on the SG not to be discouraged by the Prendergast report, from the distance that separates the interested and involved parties, but instead to intensify efforts so that soon the ground will be properly prepared to begin a new initiative with prospects for a success," he added. "This remains our firm position," said the spokesman, adding that there is no need for a UN envoy to come after the parliamentary elections because these elections do not affect at all the handling of the Cyprus problem. Lillikas pointed out that the Cyprus problem is being handled by President Papadopoulos. Therefore the effort to prepare the ground must begin the soonest possible and irrespective of the Parliamentary elections," he added. Asked if a meeting between President Papadopoulos and Kofi Annan is scheduled, Lillikas reminded that as he had stated the day after the President spoke with Annan over the phone, it was agreed to have a meeting and the date and site of the meeting was left open. Therefore the meeting will take place, despite some newspaper reports. Asked when the meeting will take place he replied "soon." [35] Cyprus makes representations over contents of US documentNICOSIA, 15/2/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)The Cyprus government has already made representations concerning the contents of documents of the US State Department regarding a meeting between a Cypriot and an American diplomat, Government Spokesman George Lillikas stated here on Tuesday.He said the Foreign Ministry is not in any disagreement with the media or journalists. Instead, in a statement on Monday, it refuted the contents of the documents. The Foreign Ministry emphasized in a statement on Monday that a confidential document, revealed by the local press, which said Cypriot Ambassador Erato Markouli implied during a meeting with American Embassy diplomat Edwin Nolan that there was no problem for American officials and others to visit Cyprus through illegal ports and airport in the Turkish occupied areas was a "distortion of the reality of the worst kind." Asked what was the Cypriot government's reaction to the contents of the documents, the Spokesman said "the government has already made representations." The Ministry had said Markouli categorically emphasized during her meeting with Nolan that the government of the Republic of Cyprus "reserves the right to impose the fine for illegal entry to the Republic." It further said the US and other embassies on the island were repeatedly informed that entry from closed ports and airports of the occupied areas constitutes an illegal action which will be fined according to the relevant laws. "There is no reason for any foreign diplomat to have a different understanding for the simple reason that our position was clearly stated many times by officials. Therefore it is unjustified that a foreign diplomat did not comprehend what our experienced diplomat had told him," Lillikas emphasized. [36] Spokesman says no imminent Bryza visitNICOSIA, 15/2/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)Cypriot Government Spokesman George Lillikas said on Tuesday that there were no plans for an imminent visit of US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza to Cyprus, noting that Bryza may possibly visit the island in spring.Lillikas said the US Ambassador in Nicosia had contacted Minister of Foreign Affairs George Iacovou to notify him that Bryza would not be coming to Cyprus yet. Asked why Bryza was putting off his visit to Cyprus, the Spokesman said ''the US know the answer.'' ''The US administration notified us last summer that Bryza was to be expected in Cyprus. Since then and until yesterday we had no other contact or any other information from the US administration,'' he said. Asked what the importance of the visit was, Lillikas said the significance of visits depends on their content. ''For the time being we do not know its content,'' he added. Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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