Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-02-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] Profit-making companies must pay social dividend Prime Minister tells Parliament

[02] Government increasing insecurity of the citizen, PASOK party leader says

[03] KKE leader criticises government policies on labor issues

[04] Tsitouridis tells Parliament working people deserve 'a fair share from the profits'

[05] PM holds first working session with new ND secretary

[06] EU General Affairs Council approves financial support for Turkish Cypriots, FM comments

[07] Greece, Albania sign protection/assistance accord for victims of child-trafficking

[08] Gov't on results of Alco poll, main opposition's lead

[09] Justice Minister briefed on investigation into judicial corruption

[10] Papandreou calls for shutdown of Guantanamo prison

[11] Greece to host Brdo Process conference on combating corruption

[12] New organizational structure for foreign ministry being mulled

[13] SYN delegation attends European Left Party session

[14] President Papoulias receives school children from various Care Centers

[15] Armenian National Committee of Greece calls on Turkey to recognize Armenian genocide

[16] Greek economy to grow by 3.5 pct in 2006, report

[17] Analysts say foreign investors are boosting the Athens Stock Exchange

[18] Europe helps Greek-Bulgarian cross-border cooperation

[19] Investment amounting to 700 million euros announced for wind parks in Cyclades islands

[20] Sioufas speaks on government's decision to fully cover Crete's electricity needs

[21] Tsitouridis comments on labor relations, farmers' pensions

[22] Gov't offers extension in dialogue for media concentration, licensing

[23] Tourism minister meets with trade representatives

[24] Greeks still prefer cash payments, EU Commissioner reports

[25] Four-hour work stoppage on Tuesday affecting public transport

[26] N. Greece farmers again blockade toll posts in protest action

[27] Authorities on alert for Evros flooding

[28] Court hands down stiff prison sentences for captain and first mate of ill-fated 'Express Samina' ferry boat

[29] Felony charges filed against Angelopoulos' attorneys

[30] Thessaloniki prefecture eyes speedier visa process for Serbian tourists

[31] Archbishop Christodoulos hosts Greek Eurodeputies

[32] Industry the heaviest polluter nationwide, vehicles in urban areas

[33] Police in Hania locate missing Venetian-era canons

[34] Bystander shot in attempted robbery

[35] Arsonists target ATM in Thessaloniki

[36] Papadopoulos to meet Annan in light of EU regulation

[37] Cypriot President: we are ready for talks any time

[38] Britain hopes Papadopoulos-Annan meeting to be constructive

[39] Cypriot FM says Council decision on aid regulation important landmark

[01] Profit-making companies must pay social dividend Prime Minister tells Parliament

ATHENS, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

"Increasing the social dividend is the state's responsibility, but also the responsibility of all those companies that have large profits," he said.

He noted that while the opposition parties discuss the issue of unemployment, they at the same time react "to every change, every reform that is aimed at increasing employment opportunities."

"Unemployment requires a strong, social conscience on everyone's part: political parties, trade unions and businesses," he said.

He called on everyone to submit proposals, stressing that the government is ready to adopt "any feasible form of action."

Referring to recent labor actions and strikes, Karamanlis said that "extreme actions do not provide solutions."

He referred to the Irish example, where government, parties and trade unions "made the major decision to look forward and unite forces," achieving a significant increase in income and a reduction in unemployment.

Solutions require foresight, combining views and political bravery, he said.

Reducing unemployment can only be achieved through education, development and jobs, Karamanlis said.

To this end, the government aims for a modern and open educational system, in step with European Union developments and the international community; a greater utilization of new technologies; encouragement of new investments and capitalization upon the country's competitive advantages.

As for reducing unemployment, the government aims at personally reaching out to each unemployed individual, subsidizing companies who hire unemployed individuals, encouraging entrepreneurship through subsidies and implementing special programmes for young adults and women.

Referring to his administration's achievements to date on this issue, Karamanlis said that the country's unemployment rate fell from 11.3% in the first quarter of 2004 to 9.7% in the third quarter of 2005.

He also noted that the labor force grew to over 4,380,000 employees, the largest ever recorded in the country.

However, "neither I nor any member of this administration can be satisfied as long as the unemployment rate remains at such levels. A problem such as this one, so complex and complicated, so painful for citizens, demands great effort. It demands an even faster pace in what we've already started. We all have responsibilities, we all have obligations; first and foremost the government, but also the political forces in their entirety; businesses and trade unions. The challenges concern everyone," he said.

Karamanlis also noted that "sectors with high profits have the capacity and the responsibility for new investments; they have the ability and responsibility to create new jobs. This is how they can prove their social responsibility, their corporate responsibility, in practice."

Synaspismos leader criticizes government during Parliamentary debate on unemployment

Coalition party leader Alekos Alavanos accused the government of implementing "authoritarian logic and practices" during the off-the-agenda Parliamentary debate held on Monday night, at the initiative of his Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) party.

Alavanos also criticized Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis for appearing in Parliament "for the first time in 2006 when important issues had appeared over the past two months, such as bird flu, civil mobilization and phone-tapping, and he did not come to give a reply."

Referring to the issue of unemployment in particular, Alavanos said that in many parts of the country, such as in Macedonia, the situation is tragic.

"According to European Union statistics, Western Macedonia is the third region in unemployed young people. Guadeloupe and Martinique alone pass Greece. In Greece, compared to the Eurozone, the percentage of unemployed young people reaches 18.8 percent. A percentage, however, that is far greater since an unemployed person is not registered for an hour's work. Unemployment is far greater and has struck all homes," the Coalition party leader said.

[02] Government increasing insecurity of the citizen, PASOK party leader says

ATHENS, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

The debate was called by the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) party.

Referring to the phone-tapping issue, Papandreou accused Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis of "covering up the truth for 11 months" and expressed his disagreement with "the easy and dangerous path of refusal of changes and of an ostrich policy."

Papandreou also spoke of "the one-way course of the New Democracy party" which constitutes "acceptance of the plans of multinationals, of stock exchange capital and of the absolute rules of the market."

The PASOK party leader further pointed out that "this philosophy says that we must lose rights, become a country of cheap labor, the working man must lose his voice and his confidence and the family must be burdened with the cost. That's why high unemployment suits right-wingers because it becomes a lever of pressure for the working man in relation to the reserve army of the unemployed. The one-way path of ND is an easy but dangerous path."

Papandreou went on to say "have you increased low unemployment benefits? Have you utilized funds from the Community Support Framework? Have you started new programmes?", adding that "after two years (in power) you are repeating the same programmes which had begun when PASOK was in power."

Lastly, the PASOK party leader concluded that for the government "the countdown has begun and the Greek people are beginning to realize the truth."

[03] KKE leader criticises government policies on labor issues

ATHENS, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

The debate had been called by the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) party.

Papariga called for measures of protection for the unemployed and criticized both the main opposition PASOK party and the Coalition for "the anti-popular policies they are defending".

"The radical reversal of the present situation is necessary for the abolition of unemployment and nothing substantive can be done for as long as the logic of profit and not of human needs prevails. And this radical reversal is up to the popular movement," she said.

Commenting on the address by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, Papariga said "the prime minister was clear in his policy since, in essence, he did not promise the abolition of unemployment but more entrepreneurship and foreign investments."

Papariga concluded by saying that "real social calm can be secured by the working people. All the rest is the silence of the graveyard."

[04] Tsitouridis tells Parliament working people deserve 'a fair share from the profits'

ATHENS, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

The employment minister said "our government remains dedicated to the policy of reforms," noting that "state economy as well as social insensitivity of the strong lead to an economic and social impasse."

Tsitouridis added that "political and social forces which stick to mentalities and practices of past eras, or who react to anything which is linked to social sensitivity, it is certain that they cannot meet the challenges of our times."

The minister further noted:" It is not possible for the working people not to have a fair share from the profits. And this is not only valid for the banks."

Responding to main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou, Tsitouridis said the new jobs created surpassed those lost.

PM Karamanlis says Gov't 'is not clashing with the working people'

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, summing up an off-the-agenda debate in Parliament on Monday night on unemployment, said that "the government is not clashing with society, the citizen or the working people."

He said that "opposite us are only the problems and the established mentalities of the past."

Directing himself to the parties of the Left, the premier stressed that "we have a different approach and differences for the solution (of the problems) but we are not adversaries." Karamanlis said "we have common objectives and the problems can be solved only if elementary understanding exists."

Referring indirectly to the stance of the main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) during the recent strikes, Karamanlis said "those who pretend to be neutral do not show responsibility neither the capability of meeting the circumstances."

[05] PM holds first working session with new ND secretary

ATHENS, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

After the two-hour session, Zagoritis told reporters that the discussion had been all-encompassing, adding that he would also have the opportunity to speak with former secretary Evangelos Meimarakis -- who resigned from the post of party secretary after being appointed defense minister in the recent Cabinet reshuffle -- during a meeting of the ND inter-secretariat committee.

Replying to questions on the upcoming local government elections, Zagoritis said that all elections were crucial, and required collective effort and work, adding that the government's goal was to solve the greatest possible number of the problems it inherited from the preceding PASOK governments.

Asked to comment on a recent opinion poll that gave main opposition PASOK a marginal lead over New Democracy, Zagoritis noted that many opinion polls had been conducted recently and that all of them -- except the one cited by the reporter's question -- showed ND firmly in the lead, and also indicated the people's confidence in the current government.

However, he added, "we are not complacent".

[06] EU General Affairs Council approves financial support for Turkish Cypriots, FM comments

BRUSSELS, 28/02/2006 (ANA-MPA/M. Spinthourakis)

The Council has approved � 139 million for the community inhabiting the northern occupied part of Cyprus.

However, Bakoyannis, representing Greece at the Council, noted that within 2006 Turkey must fulfill its obligations towards Cyprus in terms of the customs union agreement which it must extend to the 10 new EU member states, Cyprus included.

Other items on the Council's agenda included developments in the West Balkans and the problems arising after the publication of cartoons depicting Mohammed the Prophet.

Regarding the West Balkans, Bakoyannis briefed the Council on her upcoming visit to the region.

She told reporters that the EU is quite concerned about the situation but that she will have the opportunity at the upcoming informal ministerial summit to be held in Austria in March to brief her counterparts on the meetings she will have had in Belgrade, Pristina and Sarajevo.

As for the cartoons which have caused uproar around the world and have resulted in violent demonstrations by Muslims, Bakoyannis said that while Greece is in favor of a free press, the Greek people, having co-existed with Muslims, understand some of the latter's sensitivities.

She added that no association should be made between terrorism and Islam.

Bakoyannis also had the opportunity to meet with EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn with whom she discussed Turkey's EU prospects. She said that these discussions will continue in the near future beginning with Rehn's upcoming visit to Athens on March 9.

[07] Greece, Albania sign protection/assistance accord for victims of child-trafficking

TIRANA, 28/02/2006 (ANA-MPA/N. Melissova)

The Greek deputy minister called the agreement an "important step in confronting the most heinous crime" of children trafficking, and called for its correct implementation and close cooperation between the two peoples of the Society of Citizens, and the two governments.

Stylianidis and Ms. Zajmi said the agreement served as an example for signature with other countries as well, while the Albanian deputy minister stressed the international dimension of the initiative, noting that it had been signed between a country that is a NATO and an EU member state and a country that seeks membership in both those international organizations.

The US ambassador's presence was also deemed of particular significance, given that a State Department global report presenting each country's position regarding people-trafficking is due to be released in mid-2006.

Stylianidis expressed appreciation to the US Agency for International Development (USAID) for its close cooperation with Hellenic Aid, the Greek foreign ministry's corresponding agency, and for the know-how it provides to Greece.

The Greek deputy minister announced that Hellenic Aid's expenditures for confronting people-trafficking had doubled in 2004 to two million euros from 1 million euros the preceding year.

Included in that action framework was the financing of the NGO (non-governmental organization) ARSIS with 600,000 euros for the three-year period 2006-2008 aimed at its participation in the international programme TACT 3 (Transnational Action against Child Trafficking), whose membership includes international organizations and NGOs such as USAID, Unicef, etc.

The agreement signed Monday provides for the establishment of two government agencies at secretary general level, with the involvement of the authoritative ministries. It provides for the designation of a temporary guardian for every child falling under the category, which guardian would be responsible for the child up until the minor's departure for Albania, and also the ability to the Greek authorities of monitoring the child's fate after repatriation in Albania.

The purpose of the accord is the children's' full incorporation into the Albanian society so that they would not be returned to Greece as victims of exploitation.

[08] Gov't on results of Alco poll, main opposition's lead

ATHENS, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

"The government has the support of the great majority of the Greek people for its reformative work," Antonaros added.

Asked by reporters to comment on the "shrinking electoral influence of the ruling party" that the poll appeared to reflect, Antonaros said that opinion polls have to be studied "over a period of time and in more detail, and I think they will be safely led to the conclusions I mentioned before."

The poll by Alco, appearing in the centre-left Sunday "Ethnos" newspaper, showed 34.4 percent of the 1,600 people questioned intended to vote for the PASOK party compared with 34 percent for the ruling New Democracy party. The poll was conducted between Feb. 12 and 21.

The conservatives had enjoyed a 2.3 percentage point lead over the socialists in a poll published on Feb. 16, the first since the cabinet reshuffle.

In the latest poll, the main concerns were the rising cost of living, high unemployment, the general economy and corruption.

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis continued to enjoy popular support, the poll showed, as 43.4 percent of those questioned said he was the most suitable premier against 35.7 percent for PASOK leader George Papandreou.

[09] Justice Minister briefed on investigation into judicial corruption

ATHENS, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

Supreme court president Romylos Kedikoglou afterward issued an announcement saying that a council of supreme court judges will deliberate on whether Appeals Court deputy public prosecutor Nikolaos Tzoulakis and First-Instance Court Public Prosecutor Ioannis Kraniadakis should be temporarily suspended from duty for submitting inaccurate 'means and assets' statements.

The announcement said that another three appeals court judges, including appeals court president Spiros Politis, had been charged for failing to submit 'means and assets' statements.

[10] Papandreou calls for shutdown of Guantanamo prison

ATHENS, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

"As SI president I would like to add my voice to the pleas calling for the closing of Guantanamo. International security and the struggle against terrorism comprise important priorities for the protection of democratic societies and institutions. These goals, however, must be promoted with respect and the safeguarding of political liberties and human rights, as well as the relevant provisions of international law," Papandreou, Greece's former foreign minister, stressed.

"The humane treatment of prisoners and the guarantee of a fair trial are rights that have been won through struggles for democracy by democratic and progressive powers around the world. We must safeguard these achievements at all costs ... Our principles and values are, in essence, the best answer to those who want to achieve their political goals through violence and terrorism," Papandreou concluded.

[11] Greece to host Brdo Process conference on combating corruption

ATHENS, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

The conference is the first meeting of the heads of police departments combating corruption within Brdo Process countries.

These include Austria, Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Italy, Croatia, Hungary, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovenia and Turkey.

Also invited to attend are officials from the United Nations, the Council of Europe's 'Group of States against Corruption' (GRECO) organization, the European Commission's OLAF group, Eurojust, Europol, Interpol and the Stability Pact.

The conference is a Greek initiative following up a Brdo Process ministerial meeting on illegal immigration, organized crime, corruption and terrorism that was held in Slovenia last October.

The Brdo Process begun in 2001 at the Slovenian town of Brdo pri Kranju is a form of regional cooperation by central and east European countries against various forms of organized crime, corruption, terrorism and illegal immigration.

[12] New organizational structure for foreign ministry being mulled

ATHENS, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

The amendment was appended to a draft bill for the ratification of a contract between the Greek state and the Bank of Greece for the printing of entry visa stickers and other measures.

[13] SYN delegation attends European Left Party session

ROME, 28/02/2006 (ANA-MPA/L. Hatzikiriakou)

Taking part in the sessions were a delegation of the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos), comprised of the party's Secretary Nikos Hountis, Stelios Pappas and Natasha Theodorakopoulou.

The Synaspismos delegation exchanged views with representatives of other European parties and briefed them on developments in Greece, particularly on the phone-tapping scandal.

[14] President Papoulias receives school children from various Care Centers

ATHENS, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

The president discussed with the children their problems.

Present at the meeting was Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos who praised the president's initiative, which, he said, shows Papoulias' "social sensitivity which is known to all Greeks."

Pavlopoulos announced that the interior ministry "is re-examining the existing provisions, with the purpose of making them more effective." That is, he explained, "for there to be a gradual, but real creation of jobs for individuals who were brought up in foundations."

President Papoulias also thanked Olympic Games medalists, who, following his invitation, visited the Presidential Mansion to speak with the children.

[15] Armenian National Committee of Greece calls on Turkey to recognize Armenian genocide

ATHENS, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

Addressing the event, the director of the Brussels office of the EuroArmenian Federation for Justice and Democracy, Laurent Leylekian, made a historical account of efforts that have been made to achieve the recognition of the genocide and referred to institutional and political problems that the Armenians have encountered during these efforts.

He said that what must be done is a more extensive briefing of the mass media and of the European Parliament to enable the recognition of the genocide of the Armenians to be raised as a precondition for Turkey's accession to the European Union.

The event was also attended by Greek Parliament Vice President Panayiotis Kritikos, ruling New Democracy party Deputy Miltiades Varvitsiotis and main opposition PASOK party Deputy Apostolos Kaklamanis.

[16] Greek economy to grow by 3.5 pct in 2006, report

ATHENS, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

IOBE, in its regular quarterly report on the Greek economy, sounded a more optimistic note over the country's prospects and underlined the significance of implementing all structural and economic reforms.

Domestic demand and a strong growth of private consumption will remain the driving forces behind the economy's strong growth rate this year, IOBE said, adding it expected a likely recovery in investments. The report's favorable forecasts were based on the precondition of an effective implementation of reforms, currently underway.

The report also noted a steadily improving business climate in the country. IOBE said fiscal developments would be more favorable compared with initial forecasts, mainly due to a recovery in state revenues last year, although it noted problems with primary spending. IOBE said a goal of reducing the fiscal deficit below 3.0 pct of GDP this year was solely depending on raising state revenues and in particular by lowering public spending through wide range reforms. These reforms need time to offer results therefore a fiscal adjustment programme is needed to focus on spending with measures of permanent nature beyond the tight time limits of a state budget. Such an adjustment programme should focus on spending for the pension system.

IOBE also presented a report by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), covering entrepreneurship in 35 countries, including Greece.

The report said that 6.5 pct of Greek population, aged 18-64, were at the early stages of business activity (including self-employment), ranking Greece at the middle of the table (17) but fifth among 20 European countries. This figures marked a significant increase compared with the previous year (5.8 pct). Greece also recorded a further increase in business opportunities, compared with business need. Only 14.2 pct of Greeks said they resorted to entrepreneurship due to lack of other options, down compared with a 28 percent rate in 2004 and 40 percent in 2003.

New business activity in Greece continues to show a low level of innovation compared with other countries, with only 6.74 pct of wannabe businessmen saying their aim was to offer product and services completely new to customers. The European and global average rate in the category was 13 pct.

[17] Analysts say foreign investors are boosting the Athens Stock Exchange

ATHENS, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

The analysts foresee that the general index will close at 4,500 points at the end of the year, against initial assessments of 4,300 points.

Eurobank's deputy managing director Nikolaos Karamouzis on Monday said that the great impetus observed at the Greek stock exchange is due almost exclusively to foreign institutional investors, with the role of Greek institutional investors and private investors being restricted.

Karamouzis said that in January alone, foreigners invested in the Greek stock exchange 635 million euros, while in 2005 the total investments by foreigners reached 4.6 billion euros.

[18] Europe helps Greek-Bulgarian cross-border cooperation

SOFIA, 28/02/2006 (ANA-MPA/B. Borisov)

[19] Investment amounting to 700 million euros announced for wind parks in Cyclades islands

ATHENS, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

He said that applications were submitted to the development ministry last week for the development of wind parks of a total capacity of 400 megawatts on the islands of Andros (170 MW), Tinos (50 MW), Paros (72 MW) and Naxos (108 MW) and their linking with the mainland system with an underwater cable.

It was stressed that the project will contribute to the reliable supply of electric power for the islands (Syros, Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Paros, Antiparos, Naxos, Ios, Sikinos, Folegandros and Koufonisia).

[20] Sioufas speaks on government's decision to fully cover Crete's electricity needs

IRAKLION, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

The event was organized by the Iraklio Commerce and Industry Chamber and the newspaper "To Kerdos".

In the presence of Deputy Development Minister Yiannis Papathanassiou, Research and Technology General Secretary Ioannis Tsoukalas and Commerce General Secretary Manousos Voloudakis, Sioufas analyzed what he termed "the bold legislative initiatives and the measures which have been taken to strengthen our country's competitiveness."

[21] Tsitouridis comments on labor relations, farmers' pensions

ATHENS, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

The minister said that "the government will assist in the effort for all of us to understand each other."

Referring to the dispute between trade unions and employers, particularly in the banking sector, Tsitouridis stated that "those who won a great deal the past years are obliged to give a share to the employees." He noted that in the banking sector, "the profits are such that the employees can claim to have their share from these profits."

Tsitouridis will visit the General Confederation of Employees of Greece (GSEE) on Wednesday and will hear the opinion of the trade unionists about the negotiations with the employers regarding the national collective labor agreement.

As for OGA, the employment minister said that it is a large insurance fund and is comprised of 750,000 insured.

Tsitouridis said that the ruling New Democracy (ND) party found the OGA pension at 180 euros, this year it will be at 227 and by the end of the four-year term it will reach 330 euros.

[22] Gov't offers extension in dialogue for media concentration, licensing

ATHENS, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

Government spokesman and Minister of State Theodoros Roussopoulos, whose portfolio includes broadcast licensing, added that the government's goal is to conclude the process of issuing permanent licenses by the end of the year.

He added that his ministry has sent letters to the two EU Commissioners responsible for the internal market and mass media, while he will meet with the boards of independent authorities this week to discuss both issues, namely, concentration of media outlets and the thorny matter of licensing.

[23] Tourism minister meets with trade representatives

ATHENS, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

While meeting with members of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, the Hellenic Association of Tour Operators (SETE) and the PanHellenic Federation of Hoteliers (POX), Petralia discussed the new bill regarding spa tourism as well as the new development incentives.

Other issues discussed included the need for regional development, investor support as well as improving the Greek tourism product and its competitiveness.

Finally, Petralia emphasized that the main objectives within the government's reform programme are to strengthen the strategic planning and branding of the Greek tourism product and to better coordinate all relevant bodies and agencies so that they operate more efficiently.

[24] Greeks still prefer cash payments, EU Commissioner reports

LUXEMBURG, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

Hatzidakis had asked the Commission to provide figures on the pricing policies of credit institutions within the Eurozone.

McCreevy's reply was based on statistical figures compiled by the European Central Bank on the use of payments through banks - such as money transfers, credit cards, checks and direct debit orders - according to which Greece ranks lowest among Eurozone countries.

Specifically, the figures for 2003 shows that the average Finn makes 227 payments annually via banks, the average Frenchman 215, the average Swede 147 and the average Greek just 10. The Eurozone average is 139 such transactions per year. This indicates that a massive majority of payments in Greece are still made in cash.

McCreevy also presented figures showing that Greece was by far the most expensive country in the Eurozone for banking services, while noting that European Union directives currently only regulate cross-border payments.

He said the Commission has submitted a proposed directive for the harmonization of the legal framework for payments on a national level, also. The main aim of the directive is to create a single market for goods and services that will help make payments cheaper and faster through greater competition.

[25] Four-hour work stoppage on Tuesday affecting public transport

ATHENS, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

Consequently, during the above hour's trolley buses, the electric railway network, the Tram, Metro and suburban railway will be immobilized. However, the urban ETHEL buses will be running as normal since employees decided not to participate in the work stoppage.

Problems will also be created for Olympic Airlines flights since the Federation of Civil Aviation Unions (OSPA) will participate in the work stoppage and so the airline has decided to cancel 12 scheduled flights. Flights scheduled by the Aegean Airlines company will be carried out according to schedule.

The Civil Servants Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY) called on civil servants to participate en masse in the work stoppage, as well as in rallies organized together with GSEE at Klafthmonos Square in Athens at 12 noon and with the Thessaloniki Labor Centre at the statue of Venizelos at 2 p.m.

Demands by ADEDY include substantive salary increases and new pay scales, the return of social security rights and the abolition of anti-insurance laws, the strengthening of the institution of collective labor negotiations and the upgrading of the public sector, education, health and social insurance.

ADEDY and GSEE have called a 24-hour nationwide strike on March 15.

In a related development, the Athens Journalists Union (ESHEA) expressed in an announcement its "undivided solidarity for the mobilizations of all employees and called on journalists to participate in the rallies scheduled for February 28."

ESHEA "denounced government policy which is moving in parallel to employers' arbitrariness (in industry, banks, trade and the mass media) with the purpose of abolishing collective labor agreements and overturning the social security rights of employees."

[26] N. Greece farmers again blockade toll posts in protest action

ATHENS, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

Some 150 rice farmers blockaded the Malgara toll posts on the Athens-Thessaloniki national highway until 15:00 to protest at what they claim are lower rice subsidies in the Thessaloniki prefecture, compared with other areas. Departing promptly at 15:00, they nevertheless left their tractors and farm machinery ranged on either side of the roadway for another blockade planned for Tuesday between 13:00-15:00, unless the agriculture ministry agrees to discuss their demands.

Farmers in Halkidiki, meanwhile, blocked the Thessaloniki-Moudania highway to protest against fines imposed by the Public Power Corporation (PPC) for excessive power consumption. A meeting of farmer representatives will take place on Monday afternoon to decide how long the blockade should last.

Earlier in the day, a Polygyros court met to consider an injunction filed against the PPC by 26 farmers, who have asked that the fines be declared illegal. A similar case of an injunction filed by 21 farmers against the PPC is pending on March 13.

Hundreds of farmers turned up outside the courtroom in the morning to protest against the fines, which range from � 15,000 to � 50,000, and to show support for the 26 plaintiffs.

[27] Authorities on alert for Evros flooding

ALEXANDROUPOLI, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

According to reports, waters on the Evros exceed the 4.7-metre alert mark on Monday morning, although they were still below the emergency level of 5.7 meters.

[28] Court hands down stiff prison sentences for captain and first mate of ill-fated 'Express Samina' ferry boat

ATHENS, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

The court concluded that the vessel sank as a result of bad navigation and not engine failure and also imposed prison sentences on three crewmembers and the two people responsible for the shipping company.

However, the Court acquitted crewman Panayiotis Kasdaglis and merchant marine ministry inspector Panayiotis Tsorvas.

The sentences announced were 16 years, 1 month and 15 days for captain Vassilis Yiannakis and 19 years, 1 month and 15 days for first mate Anastasios Psychogios.

Crewmen George Triantafylos, Gerasimos Skiadaresis and Dimitris Tsioumas were sentenced to 8 years, 9 months and 28 days, 8 years, 6 months and 28 days and 15 months respectively.

The two people responsible for the shipping company, Nikos Vikatos and Constantine Klironomos, were each given a prison term of 4 years, 3 months and 3 days.

The five defendants given lesses prison terms had their sentences suspended until their retrial, while Tsioumas was given a three-year suspension.

[29] Felony charges filed against Angelopoulos' attorneys

ATHENS, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

The development stems from a long-running legal battle between Konstantinos Angelopoulos and his brother Theodoros, and specifically a lawsuit filed by the former against the latter in October 2004.

The two attorneys, Stavros and Apostolos Georgiadis, are accused of submitting forged documents to the court assigned the Angelopoulos lawsuit.

Theodoros and Gianna Angelopoulos are reportedly facing a charge of moral complicity for acts allegedly committed by their plenipotentiaries.

An appeals court prosecutor had recommended the filing of charges last month.

[30] Thessaloniki prefecture eyes speedier visa process for Serbian tourists

THESSALONIKI, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

The prefecture's leadership, including Prefect Panayiotis Psomiadis, is also expected to take up the issue with the foreign affairs and tourism development ministries in the coming weeks.

Besides prefectural authorities, the mayor of the Serbian city of Pirot, Vladan Vasi
, and the president of the Nia
municipal council, Goran Ili
, attended the meeting.

[31] Archbishop Christodoulos hosts Greek Eurodeputies

ATHENS, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

He said that while the Church has a different view than that of the Greek government which has voiced its support for the EU accession of its neighboring country, this does not signify a conflict.

"Our Church sees the issue from a different angle," he said, adding that "You do not avoid one evil by creating an even greater one for the future."

European Commissioner for the Environment, Stavros Dimas, responded to Christodoulos saying that Greek governments have rightfully supported the EU accession of neighboring countries so that the region of peaceful coexistence can expand.

"It is better for this region to be a region of peace and cooperation rather than a region of conflict, competition and non-friendly relations," Dimas said.

Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou, Secretary of the main opposition PASOK's Political Council, referred to the Archbishop's comments, voicing support for Turkey joining the EU. She did, however, add that accession depends on Turkey fulfilling its obligations and commitments.

On his part, Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) Eurodeputy Dimitris Papadimoulis said that "I fully respect Archbishop Christodoulos but frequently disagree with Christodoulos the politician. The Church, having its own distinct role, could do a lot. I, for example, I would like to see it [the Church] be more actively supportive of the poor and those shut out of society instead of formulating the country's foreign and European policies."

Finally, Popular Orthodox Rally President Yiorgos Karatzaferis said he agreed with Christodoulos' view on Turkey's EU accession, adding that "My opinion does not count; what counts is Mrs. [Foreign Minister Dora] Bakoyannis' opinion."

[32] Industry the heaviest polluter nationwide, vehicles in urban areas

THESSALONIKI, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

According to Costas Nikolaou, environmental chemist at the Thessaloniki Organization for Regulatory Planning and Environmental Protection, industries emit the largest percentage of sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide and airborne particles.

"In Greece, emission per capita for all three of these indicators of atmospheric pollution are much higher than the European average and taking measures to reduce them is a top priority on a national level," he said.

Pollution in cities, meanwhile, remained one of the biggest global problems that affected the health of the overwhelming majority of people on the planet, Nikolaou noted, but here the main culprits were cars and traffic congestion.

The percentage contribution of industrial pollutants to bad city air, even where industries were situated near urban areas, was smaller than their total output because industrial pollutants tended to be emitted at a much greater height and were more easily spread over great distances by winds than emissions from vehicle exhausts, the expert claimed.

"Even though vehicle traffic contributes 5 percent of total particle emissions in the Thessaloniki area, it is responsible for 47 percent of the concentration of particles in the air that people breathe in Kordelio (residential-industrial area) and 63 percent in Democracy Square (city centre). By contrast, while the combustion of oil (chiefly industrial) contributes about 90 percent of total emissions, it is responsible for 35 percent of the concentration of particles in Kordelio and 10 percent in Democracy Square," he added.

[33] Police in Hania locate missing Venetian-era canons

HANIA, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

Police said a gypsy couple that earns a living from collecting metals in the area mistook the canons for scrap. The artifacts were later located a private collection centre.

In their defense, the pair said the canons - which were scheduled for conservation work - had been left outside the site unattended.

[34] Bystander shot in attempted robbery

ATHENS, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

The incident occurred at 14:30 at the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) branch of Nea Ionia on Irakliou Avenue, which the pair had earlier tried to rob.

The two armed men were forced to flee without taking the stolen money, pursued by OTE staff and local residents, and one of them opened fire on their pursuers before they escaped on a motorbike.

The injured man has been taken to Agia Olga Hospital for treatment, while a search is on for the two perpetrators.

[35] Arsonists target ATM in Thessaloniki

THESSALONIKI, 28/02/2006 (ANA)

The device, comprising small propane canisters, exploded at 2:25 a.m. at the ATM outside a Bazaar supermarket. The extent of the damage had not been assessed as at 10:00 a.m.

[36] Papadopoulos to meet Annan in light of EU regulation

PARIS, 28/02/2006 (CNA/ANA)

These are the returning of the fenced-off town of Famagusta, the transportation of goods from Famagusta port to the EU customs territory, under EU supervision, the termination of the illegal exploitation of Greek Cypriot properties in Turkish occupied Cyprus and the improvement of the Green Line Regulation.

Given this development, on the eve of the meeting between Papadopoulos and Annan in Paris, Nicosia's position is that the main issue as regards the Cyprus question remains the formation of conditions that will allow the definite settlement of the problem, without however ruling out the parallel and simultaneous discussion of other issues.

More specifically, as regards the issue of Famagusta, diplomatic sources said that since this is an issue contained in the EU package it is preferable to keep it there. Nevertheless, they noted, one cannot rule out the possibility of the UN helping with this issue, as long as they are able to.

If the UN decide to implement their resolutions on the return of the fenced-off town of Famagusta, irrelevant of the procedure of the talks on Cyprus, this ''we will accept with joy,'' the same sources said.

As regards the issue of direct trade, they noted that Monday's decision by the Council terminates the issue of the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots, as soon as the EU has opened the road for the allocation of 139 million euros to the Turkish Cypriots.

They also noted that an important fact deriving from the regulation for the financing of the Turkish Cypriots is that Greek Cypriot properties in occupied Cyprus are protected, since not even a pound will be given from this money for the exploitation of Greek Cypriot properties.

As regards the meeting between Papadopoulos and Annan, the President is expected to ask Annan to appoint a special representative, with a view to launch an effort to prepare for negotiations. Papadopoulos and Annan will review the situation in Cyprus and discuss ways of moving forward the process of reuniting the island.

[37] Cypriot President: we are ready for talks any time

LARNACA, 28/02/2006 (CNA/ANA)

He also said that during his meeting with Annan on Tuesday he will ask the Secretary General to appoint a special representative and assign him the task of preparing the ground for the talks, stressing at the same time that it would be wrong to expect that the Paris meeting will set a date for the resumption of the talks.

Speaking on departure at Larnaca airport on Monday, he said that Kofi Annan had told him that the meeting will review and take stock of the situation in Cyprus and discuss ways of moving forward the process.

Asked if the objective is to have talks in 2006, the president said: "there are no deadlines, whenever the Secretary General decides that the ground has been sufficiently prepared, talks can start. We are ready any time. No one must expect that Tuesday's meeting will set a date for the start of talks."

On the possibility that Turkey's most recent proposals on Cyprus might be brought up at the meeting, the president said that Ankara must have submitted its so-called action plan to the Secretary General, noting that the Greek Cypriot side has rejected them as a repetition of previously presented ideas.

"Turkey's proposals are nothing more than an effort by Ankara to get something in exchange for meeting its obligations towards the EU," he said.

Asked if he would raise with Annan the proposal to open the Turkish occupied town of Famagusta, Papadopoulos said that the proposal was made in August 2004 and was then submitted in detail in May 2005 in combination with the need to stop the illegal exploitation of Greek Cypriot properties and to improve the Regulation of the Green Line governing trade.

"It is one of our long standing demands", said Papadopoulos, noting that while the essence of the Cyprus issue remains our main goal, other related issues must not be sidelined.

[38] Britain hopes Papadopoulos-Annan meeting to be constructive

LONDON, 28/02/2006 (CNA/ANA)

Replying to a CNA question about the meeting, a Foreign Office spokesman said ''we welcome the continuing support by the UN Secretary General to the Cyprus issue and hope he will have with President Papadopoulos constructive discussions.''

[39] Cypriot FM says Council decision on aid regulation important landmark

BRUSSELS, 28/02/2006 (CNA/ANA)

According to community sources, Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Gul tried to influence several member states at the last moment, to object to the political decision achieved during Friday's COREPER meeting or at least to note that the decision was not anticipated.

Iacovou said that member states welcomed with relief the decision which decoupled the aid regulation from that of direct trade with the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus.

He described Monday's decision as an important landmark in relations with the EU, but also in relation with the various moves that are on the horizon.

Iacovou referred to Tuesday's meeting between President Tassos Papadopoulos and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in Paris, noting it will take place in a more positive climate because a deadlock was overcome, something which was not evident some weeks ago.

He further said that the decision was taken shortly after Gul's proposals, the basis of which was the opening of ports not only of Famagusta but generally the occupied areas and airports.

Therefore it is a message to Gul, who tried to gain the support of member states, something which, with the exception of Great Britain and the US, did not manage to achieve, Iacovou said.

In his remarks, Iacovou referred to the activity which Nicosia undertook with the assumption of the Austrian Presidency of the EU, noting that the regulations' issue was one of the main issues of discussion between President Papadopoulos and Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel.

Referring to the substance of the decision, Iacovou pointed out that on the one hand there was a decoupling of the two regulations while on the other hand the necessary prerequisites for the regulation concerning direct trade were agreed upon. These prerequisites move within the framework of Nicosia's proposals for the return of Famagusta and measures taken against those exploiting the properties of Greek Cypriots in the occupied areas on the basis of the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights.

The minister referred to the aid regulation, reminding that unfortunately 120 million euros for the Turkish Cypriots were lost and this was due to the stance adopted by the Turkish Cypriots, Ankara and ''some of their friends in the EU.''

He said that the implementation of the regulation will be undertaken directly by the European Commission which will send bureaucrats to Cyprus for that purpose and not by the organisation for the restructuring of the Balkans, which will be dissolved.

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