Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-04-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] UN report sees Greek GDP growth at 3.1 pct this year

[02] Greek govt prefers "Irish model" on economic growth, FinMin says

[03] Two main parties blasted over labour policies

[04] Papoulias on prospects, challenges for SE Europe

[05] ADAE report points to Vodafone, SYN's Alavanos says

[06] Press reports inaccurate on phone-tap affair, Vodafone says

[07] Gov't cites 'political motives' as behind garbage strike, collection begins in some areas

[08] Local administration employees' Executive Committee calls new 24-hour strike

[09] PASOK's Papandreou slams 'uncaring' gov't policy for farmers

[10] PASOK MPs discuss farm policy, new CAP

[11] Gov't on PM tour of central Macedonia

[12] PASOK leader hails victory of centre-left in Italy's general elections

[13] French fleet vessel to visit port of Thessaloniki

[14] Greece offers unique investment opportunities, Deputy FinMin

[15] Deputy FinMin Doukas to meet with prospective OA investors in London

[16] Tourism up since Athens 2004 Olympics

[17] Greek govt offers tax incentives for use of renewable energy source systems

[18] Union calls strike to protest reforms of public sector enterprises, utilities

[19] Communications minister inaugurates telecoms exhibit in Istanbul

[20] Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos receives Transport Minister Liapis

[21] Tendering for Metro extension to Peristeri completed with selection of provisional contractor

[22] Development minister replies to PASOK party on market prices

[23] Ministers attend 'Best Workplaces 2006' awards ceremony

[24] COSMOTE managing director manager of the year

[25] Survey on Greek households' housing condition

[26] Athens hotels' occupancy rate rose to 51.5 pct in February

[27] Club Hotel Casino Loutraki reports 11.9 pct increase in gaming revenues in 1st quarter

[28] National Bank of Greece shareholders meet April 27

[29] Piraeus Bank denies buyout talk

[30] OTE telecom buys more shares in mobile arm

[31] Lufthansa, Swiss Air Lines to begin joint flights to Athens

[32] Quake jolts western Greece second time Tuesday

[33] North Aegean Health Department president calls for investigation on treatment for injured journalist

[34] PASOK donates 30,000 euros to UNICEF's 'radio marathon' for children

[35] Anna Vissi to visit Belgrade

[36] Papalios appointed president of Film Centre

[37] Cypriot President Papadopoulos arrives in India for state visit

[38] Schlicher says US is working hard for Cyprus' reunification

[01] UN report sees Greek GDP growth at 3.1 pct this year

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

The report, presented in Athens during an event organized by the Institute for Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE) and UNRIC, the UN's information centre, said Greek inflation would ease to 3.0 percent this year from 3.6 pct in 2005, while it was projected to rise to 2.0 percent in the Euro zone from 1.8 percent last year.

The UN's report envisages strong growth rates in Southeastern Europe, a region with a strong Greek business presence -- at 5.9 pct this year from 6.0 pct in 2005, while in Turkey GDP growth will reach 5.3 pct from 4.6 pct over the same period, respectively.

The US economy is expected to grow by 3.1 pct this year (3.3 pct in 2005), Japan's GDP will grow 1.9 pct (2.1 pct), while developing countries are expected to record a 5.6 pct growth rate in 2006 from 5.7 pct in 2005. The European economy will grow by 2.1 pct (1.5 pct in 2005), while the Euro zone economy to grow by 1.9 pct (1.3 pct in 2005).

China and India remain the most dynamic economies in the world, while the remaining East and South Asian economies are projected to grow by more than 5.0 pct. Latin American economic growth will lag behind with a 3.9 pct forecast.

Economic growth in Africa is expected to remain above 5.0 percent, while less-developing countries - characterized by higher commodity prices - will grow by 6.6 pct this year.

The UN's report said that one of the phenomena undermining a balance global economic growth prospect was a so-called "investment anemia" hitting the entire world, with the exception of China. Another risk factor was fiscal imbalances, with the US current accounts deficit at 800 billion US dollars, whereas Japan, emerging Asian countries and oil exporters were building trade surpluses ranging from 100 to 200 billion US dollars each.

The report said that although the United States was trying to downgrade the seriousness of its trade deficit, the country faced a small but visible risk since foreign investors - so far - were helping the US government finance its huge trade gap by investing in dollars.

[02] Greek govt prefers "Irish model" on economic growth, FinMin says

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

Addressing an event on the occasion of presenting a UN report on world economy in 2006, Alogoskoufis said Greek economic reforms focused on reducing corporate taxes and from 2007 on taxpayers, just as it happened in Ireland.

The "Irish model" is based on low taxation and low public spending, the Greek minister said, adding that Ireland achieved a political consensus in 1980 to promoting drastic reforms that led to an impressive transformation of the country's economy.

Ireland was a much more suitable model for Greece. Of course there was a Scandinavian model based on very high social spending but with high taxation, along with a system of open lay-offs that guaranteed workers' income, Alogoskoufis said.

The Greek minister stressed that the labor problem in Greece was a difference between the public and private sectors, adding that the employment system in the private sector was satisfactory. "We must converge the two labor markets," he said.

Commenting on the global economy, Alogoskoufis said several of its problems could be resolved through a better coordination of economic policies while he noted that some of the UN report's conclusions on economic growth and employment were pessimistic.

[03] Two main parties blasted over labour policies

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

Last week, PASOK's parliamentary economics coordinator, George Floridis, was dismissed from his post for openly supporting the 'Swedish' economic model.

"The 'Irish model' backed by (finance minister) George Alogoskoufis and the 'Swedish model' backed by (main opposition PASOK leader) George Papandreou and George Floridis - who has yet to understand how he differed from the PASOK president - have one common characteristic on labor," Coalition spokesman Dimitris Stratoulis said in a statement.

"They are based on a generalized flexibility of labor, on full deregulation for redundancies," Stratoulis added.

He made the statements in response to Alogoskoufis' comments on a UN global economy report.

[04] Papoulias on prospects, challenges for SE Europe

THESSALONIKI, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

"The peoples of the Balkans, their leaderships and their sincere friends on the world state should view the European prospect differently than the 'think tanks' and the professional investors. This effort should not lead to a more flexible acquis communautaire, but to Balkan countries' adaptation of the principles, values and rules that hold up European democracy to the benefit of Europe itself," he told an audience in the northern port city of Thessaloniki.

Regarding Greece's position, he said southeast Europe's EU prospect is both a political vision and practical goal that will "turn our neighborhood into a region of peaceful cooperation and co-existence." He also referred to his tenure as foreign minister in successive PASOK governments in the late 1980s and mid 1990s, pointing to the lifting of a "state of war" condition with Albania that existed from the end of WWII; the normalization of Greek-Bulgarian relations and the interim agreement with FYROM in 1995.

In touching on a more recent Balkan problem, namely, Kosovo, Papoulias noted that the core problem lies in the fact that the region is still considered by many as a sphere for exercising political influence, while the very countries of the region often see themselves as not having eluded international diplomacy's tutelage.

[05] ADAE report points to Vodafone, SYN's Alavanos says

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

Alavanos also stressed that those involved must be named and that "we must speedily get to those that are behind Vodafone," adding that their identity was well known.

The Authority of Assurance of Information and Communication Privacy and Security (ADAE) submitted a 27-page report to a Parliamentary committee investigating the phone-tapping scandal on Monday.

The report marked ADAE's first involvement in the investigation into the phone-tapping plot that was revealed by the government in February, after a nearly year-long covert police investigation had failed to find those responsible. Among the roughly 100 mobile phones that were tapped through Vodafone's systems were those of the prime minister, members of the government, high-ranking police and armed forces personnel, activists, journalists, business people and even one U.S. Embassy employee.

The phone-taps were first brought to the government's attention in March 2005 by Vodafone chief executive George Koronias, who said it operated through a piece of sophisticated intruder software that had activated a legal "low-phone interception" system developed by Ericsson to allow legal phone surveillance but was able to mask its presence when inactive.

[06] Press reports inaccurate on phone-tap affair, Vodafone says

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

Vodafone says that it has found many mistakes in reports published in the press that "misconstrue reality, since they contain inaccuracies and vague information, unfounded conclusions, a selective mention of names and data, as well as wrong dates."

Additionally, the mobile phone operator has asked ADAE and Parliament's Institutions and Transparency Committee, which is investigating the matter, to submit the 27-page report to the company.

The phone-tapping plot involving Vodafone was revealed by the government in February, after a nearly year-long covert investigation by the authorities had failed to find those responsible. It said the roughly 100 phones that were tapped included those of the prime minister, members of the government, high-ranking police and armed forces personnel, activists, journalists, business people and even one U.S. Embassy employee.

[07] Gov't cites 'political motives' as behind garbage strike, collection begins in some areas

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

"As a citizen I can only ask why certain groups active in this specific field (unionized municipal workers) insist on striking when the government has already satisfied 11 of their long-standing demands, and has also submitted a specific proposal for solving an issue that for 20 years - and despite whatever pressure - no one would even sit down and discuss," alternate spokesman Evangelos Antonaros rhetorically asked.

He added that a process to identify which occupations can qualify for inclusion in the "heavy and hazardous" category will be completed by the end of May, "therefore, continuing the strike is unfounded and causes problems for public health, while at the same time raising questions over the motives of those continuing this mobilization."

Pavlopoulos

On his part, Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos issued an appeal to the local government workers' union, POE-OTA, to end the week-long strike and to participate in a two-month dialogue that will decide what occupations can be added to the "heavy and hazardous" category, a development would translate into extra pay and earlier retirement.

Pavlopoulos made the statement after attending an Inner Cabinet meeting at the premier's office, where he again supported adding certain jobs to the category.

Additionally, he underlined that garbage collection is underway around the Greek capital, whereas almost a dozen demands by the union have been met over the last two years. He also underlined the government proposal to establish a tripartite committee with the participation of the Central Union of Municipalities and Communities (KEDKE), workers' representatives and responsible ministries to conduct talks leading to a compromise.

The proposal still stands, the minister stated, while citing "political expediency" as behind the continuation of the strike.

Pavlopoulos also echoed the government spokesman's comments from a day earlier, saying the government takes all necessary measures for the protection of public health and the rights of the workers.

Meanwhile, garbage collection was slowly getting underway in certain parts of the northern port city of Thessaloniki, although rubbish heaps throughout the area were still evident on numerous streets.

According to reports, 30 garbage trucks are out on Thessaloniki's streets, with city officials promising that if the strike ends on Tuesday, garbage will be removed by Wednesday night.

The union is demanding that several categories of municipal workers, including electricians, plumbers, water works employees, road crews etc, be considered "heavy and hazardous" occupations, along with pay hikes, permanent status for thousands of contract workers and even promises to exclude private companies from refuse collection.

[08] Local administration employees' Executive Committee calls new 24-hour strike

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

POE-OTA President Th. Balasopoulos, speaking after the Committee's meeting, said that the union will seek a meeting with Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos on Wednesday and if a satisfactory solution is not found for their demands they will continue industrial action.

The Executive Committee has been authorized to call rolling 24-hour strike action.

The President of the Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece (KEDKE), Paris Koukoulopoulos, referring to the problem created with garbage, due to the ongoing strike of POE-OTA, said that this problem must be handled immediately and the only way is for the government and employees to sit at the dialogue table.

"KEDKE, being fully aware of the problem, has raised it with emphasis three years ago, submitting specific proposals. Proposals also concerning certain categories of employees in the cleanliness sector joining the heavy duty and unhygienic category," Koukoulopoulos said.

[09] PASOK's Papandreou slams 'uncaring' gov't policy for farmers

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

Farmers knew they had been taken in by the government's pre-election promises, while the agriculture ministry was in disarray and unable to deal with the new CAP, Papandreou stressed.

PASOK's leader also used the opportunity to invite those who voted for ruling New Democracy (ND) in the last elections to participate in a debate for drafting PASOK's electoral program, while at the same time parrying criticism from government ministers by saying that their interest in PASOK's program reflected their failure to execute their party's own program.

Referring to a visit by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis to Central Macedonia in northern Greece later this week, Papandreou predicted that the prime minister would once again confine himself to making pre-election promises to farmers, who now had to cope with the insecurity, uncertainty and massive loss of income brought about by the government's policies.

Production costs were rising out of control, farming pensions were mired, the gap between consumer and producer prices was widening and VAT, instead of being reduced as ND had promised, had actually increased, PASOK leader said.

He announced that the main opposition party intends to table a draft bill that will make the state cover the costs now paid by farmers to determine their rights, pointing out that farmers had so far paid � 65 million to enroll in a farming register.

He also presented the six main axes of PASOK's policy for agriculture and said that the party's full proposal will be presented at PASOK's national conference for the agricultural sector in June.

Briefly, these will focus on achieving the following: - A shift to "quality farming" based on high-quality products with a distinct brands and identity and promotion of the Mediterranean diet; - Linking agriculture with high-quality services in health, education, culture and tourism; - Making agriculture an "entrepreneurial activity for the many" that benefited from developmental laws, policies for business incentives and employment programs; - Investing in human resources through better education and life-long learning for farmers. - Land planning to determine uses of land and conditions for renting agricultural land to farmers on favorable terms; - Reducing production costs by lowering the cost of labor, cost of purchasing materials and supplies etc.

Summarizing his party's policy, Papandreou said the aim was to make farming a profession that was chosen rather than inherited.

Criticizing the government for wasting valuable time in the two years it had been in power, Papandreou stressed that farmers will be left behind and developments would overtake Greece if the same policies continued.

He also stressed that people were disillusioned with the government and were now carefully following the things PASOK said as the potential future government:

"The people reject the things that are now being done by the government, which is simply following PASOK, and this is a great victory for us," Papandreou concluded.

[10] PASOK MPs discuss farm policy, new CAP

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

Rovertos Spyropoulos, responsible for agricultural issues on PASOK's Political Council, said the government had failed to make good on a promise to lower VAT to 8 percent from 19 percent, pay out heating subsidies and other pledges.

He also claimed the government had been "defeated" at the EU over subsidies for tobacco, where farmers stood to lose up to 50 per cent of their income after 2009, as well as in negotiations for cotton and sugar.

Spyropoulos further asserted a 47 percent reduction in agricultural funds compared with the previous management period and stressed the difficulty of making the adjustment to the new CAP given the previous regime where farmers were heavily dependent on subsidies and state assistance and less concerned about market prospects.

"The situation is dire, we (PASOK) are the only hope," the MP asserted, outlining plans for a shift to "quality farming".

Other main opposition MPs criticized "labyrinthine procedures" in programs for crop improvement and to support new farmers, while former agriculture minister George Anomeritis reiterated that the future of Greek agriculture lay in producing high-quality produce and opposed plans to sell off the Agricultural Bank of Greece (ATE).

MP Nikos Salagiannis underlined the social upheaval that would result if the agricultural sector were abandoned, stressing that Greece could not be a solely service-based economy and other PASOK MPs urged the introduction of financial aid to farmers through low-cost loans or by giving incentives to business to enter into agreements with agricultural coopera-tives.

[11] Gov't on PM tour of central Macedonia

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

Finally, Antonaros declined to comment on the Italian election results.

[12] PASOK leader hails victory of centre-left in Italy's general elections

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

Papandreou, who was addressing the party's Parliamentary Group, at the same time expressed "certainty that a credible government will be formed for Italy, Europe and the region."

PASOK leader and Socialist International (SI) president Papandreeou spoke of "the current shaping of a majority of progressive governments in Europe, a course which started with the victory of the socialists in Spain and Portugal, and which will not be halted." He added that "this course will also have continuity in Greece."

[13] French fleet vessel to visit port of Thessaloniki

THESSALONIKI, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

It is the French fleet's anti-aircraft defense frigate "Jean Bart", which is on a supervision mission in the Black Sea area. The frigate, 139 meters long and 14 meters wide, will remain in Thessaloniki until April 28 to provide relaxation for its crew which is composed of 240 people.

Captain Pascal Auxerre is expected to host a reception on the frigate which will depart for Toulon on April 28.

[14] Greece offers unique investment opportunities, Deputy FinMin

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

Addressing a conference organized by the Greek Bankers' Club of Britain, Doukas urged foreign investors to take advantage of the significant investment opportunities offered by the country.

A ministry announcement said the Greek minister referred to the Greek economic course by presenting the crucial statistics of the last three months, which he described as "particularly satisfactory".

"Greece offers unique investment opportunities in many fields. Its geopolitical position and regulatory framework can establish the country as an investment hub in Southeastern Europe, with shipping and tourism being the main sources of economic growth. In this environment Greece is the first investment destination for large developing states such as China, India, Russia and Persian Gulf countries," he noted.

In an interview with Bloomberg, the Greek minister presented investment opportunities in Greece and the country's experience gained from organizing the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

[15] Deputy FinMin Doukas to meet with prospective OA investors in London

LONDON, 12/04/2006 (ANA-MPA/L. Tsirigotakis)

He was due to meet Tuesday with international entrepreneurs, as well as a group of Greek ship-owners who, according to Doukas, saw their prospective involvement in the acquisition of OA as a "patriotic" issue, adding that the Greek government continued to desire "a Greek solution to the OA issue".

Doukas told reporters that businessmen representing Arab interests, and the US-based Simon Kletz Group -- who is said to be influential, with strong contacts, in the air transports sector -- continued to be interested in OA.

The deputy minister explained that implementation of the business interest in OA, as well as the solution to be reached, would depend on the outcome of the Greek government's deliberations with the European Union on the 600 million euros sum which, according to the EU, represents state subsidies to the ailing airline considered to be in violation of the relevant Community directive.

He also said that the Greek state was mulling its retaining of a 25-30 percent stake in the new ownership scheme of OA, but was not interested in (maintaining) the management of the airline.

Apart from his meetings on the OA issue, Doukas was also scheduled to meet with representatives of financial organizations and institutional investors on matters related to the Greek economy, with the focus on investments offered today by the conditions in the Greek economy.

On Monday night, Doukas was the guest speaker at a dinner organized by the association of Greek bankers of Britain.

Doukas briefed the group on the course of the Greek economy, presenting crucial statistical data covering the last quarter, while he also outlined the immense contribution of the Greek classical philosophers in the formulation of economic theories which are taught today at international Schools of Finance.

[16] Tourism up since Athens 2004 Olympics

WASHINGTON, 12/04/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Speaking at a global tourism conference, the minister noted that revenue from all sectors of tourism represented 18% of gross domestic product.

In addition tourism was responsible for 10% of a rise in employment.

"The Olympic Games put Greece back on the global tourist map," Palli-Petralia noted.

She also underlined the importance of cooperation between the private and public sectors in order to attain the best promotion for the country's tourism product.

At the same time, difficulties in coordination among different ministries should be resolved, the minister added.

Also taking part was Health Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos.

[17] Greek govt offers tax incentives for use of renewable energy source systems

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after an inner cabinet meeting, Sioufas said the government would offer a discount of up to 20 percent on spending for the installation of electricity production systems (small wind power, photovoltaic systems, etc) by consumers. The Greek minister also announced a discount of 700 euros for the replacement of heating oil boilers with natural gas systems and stressed that the incentives were aiming to reduce the country's dependence from oil.

[18] Union calls strike to protest reforms of public sector enterprises, utilities

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

The strike was announced by GSEE president Christos Polyzogopoulos, who said that his union's general assembly on Friday was expected to approve the recommendation.

Polyzogopoulos said a collective labor agreement, reached with employers last week, was the result of "great social acceptance", since it was reached amid very difficult political conditions. He added that it set a positive starting point for sector-wide agreements, pressuring the government and bankers to follow through and finally create a climate of social understanding with a strong role played by trade unions.

Commenting on a restructuring plan of public sector enterprises, Polyzogopoulos underlined that trade unions would not accept any attempt to impose a status quo and urged the government to show a constructive attitude. He urged public sector enterprises' trade unionists to seek a common payroll, and the same labor and pension rights without discrimination between old and new workers.

Meanwhile, ADEDY - the civil servants' union -- will seek a 24-hour nationwide strike for the public sector on May 11, demanding pay hikes and an agreement on a 35-hour working week.

[19] Communications minister inaugurates telecoms exhibit in Istanbul

ISTANBUL, 12/04/2006 (ANA-MPA/A. Kourkoulas)

The exhibit features companies active in Caspian Sea countries.

"I would like to thank my counterpart and personal friend, Mr. Binali Yildirim, for the invitation extended to Greece to participate in this very successful telecommunications conference," Liapis said, referring to the Turkish Communications Minister.

Liapis noted that bilateral relations between the two countries are steadily improving and expanding into economic ties in business sectors.

Yildirim thanked Liapis for accepting the invitation and noted that Greek-Turkish relations, which have improved in every sector, have taken on a new dimension.

Liapis, who had visited the exhibit earlier on Tuesday, noted that Greece was well represented.

He also said that Greece's Hellasat is already cooperating with many countries in the region, including Armenia and Turkey.

"I must tell you that two private Turkish channels are working together with our satellite and broadcasting via our satellite and a very good climate of cooperation has developed, particularly after the recent investment of the National Bank of Greece," Liapis said referring to NBG's recently announced plans to acquire a stake in Turkey's Finansbank.

[20] Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos receives Transport Minister Liapis

ISTANBUL, 12/04/2006 (ANA-MPA/A. Kourkoulas)

"Greek-Turkish cooperation is always a factor of stability," Vartholomeos told the minister.

"The presence of the minister in our city is further proof of the good relations between the two countries which are being upgraded and this is shown from the latest cooperation between the two big banks of Turkey and Greece," the Ecumenical Patriarch said. He added that "As the Ecumenical Patriarchate, we wish for these relations to proceed and be upgraded for the good of the two peoples and of the broader region of the Balkans."

On his part, Liapis assured the Ecumenical Patriarch on the "excellent cooperation" he has with his Turkish counterpart Binali Yildirim. "Our relations are continuously improving," said the Greek transport minister, reiterating that "the Greek government supports Turkey's European prospects in every way."

[21] Tendering for Metro extension to Peristeri completed with selection of provisional contractor

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister George Souflias said that "following the signing of contracts and the beginning of construction for the extensions of the Metro to Elliniko and Haidari, budgeted at 530 million euros, one more considerable project concerning the extension of the Athens Metro, budgeted at 100 million euros, is entering its final stretch for construction."

A total of 12 major construction companies from Greece and abroad, in four joint ventures, participated in tendering for the construction of the two new Metro stations in the west of Athens.

The minister said that construction will begin in June and the completion of the extension with the operation of the two new stations is expected at the end of 2008.

Consequently, Souflias added, the biggest municipality in the west of Athens, the municipality of Peristeri, will have three Metro stations (Agios Antonios, Peristeri and Antoupoli) which are expected to serve 75,000 people on a daily basis.

[22] Development minister replies to PASOK party on market prices

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

The two officials spoke of "black propaganda" on the part of PASOK and accused it of "fishing in murky waters and providing harmful services for Greek households."

Sioufas and Papathanasiou said that "high prices do exist but they are at the lowest levels of the past four years and they are being monitored continuously and an effort is being made to restrain prices."

They said that according to Eurostat's latest data, Greece was third in price increases of all commodities last February in 10 of the 12 Eurozone countries (for which Eurostat provides data), while in the corresponding month in 2004 the country had been first.

PASOK consumer policy chief Anna Diamantopoulou said on Tuesday, on the occasion of the Statistical Service's announcement Monday of a 3.3 percent increase in inflation in March, that "the government has lost contact with reality and it is proving on a daily basis its inability and incompetence to handle the problems of citizens."

She added that "the relevant ministers see nothing and hear nothing. They are claiming in an announcement today (Tuesday) that those to blame are all those who speak of high prices. Meaning all those indicating their (the government's) responsibilities and pressuring them to take measures to deal with profiteering."

[23] Ministers attend 'Best Workplaces 2006' awards ceremony

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

Present at the event were Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas and Employment and Social Protection Minister Savvas Tsitouridis.

In his address, Development Minister Sioufas said that "the Greek government supports entrepreneurship," stressing that "the aim is to encourage Greek businesses through a favorable environment of their activities."

On his part, Labor Minister Tsitouridis underlined "the parameter of existing justice in the labor environment." He added that "the government is striving so that the employees feel security in the businesses they are working in."

Among the best companies included in this year's competition are: 1) Colgate Palmolive Hellas, 2) Piscine Ideals, 3) Genesis Pharma, 4) Wyeth Hellas, 5) Procter & Camble Hellas, 6) Chipita International and 7) Cadbury Hellas.

Of the 20 companies which were distinguished in this year's competition, 13 were multinational and seven were Greek.

In all, 61 companies took part in the competition, of which 27 were multinational and 34 Greek.

This year is the fourth year that the "Best Workplaces" competition has been organized in Greece.

[24] COSMOTE managing director manager of the year

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

The official awarding ceremony took place at the Concert Hall on Tuesday night and the award "Manager of the year 2005" was delivered to Martigopoulos by Finance and Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis.

In a brief address, Alogoskoufis stressed that the priorities of economic policy remain the strengthening of the extroversion of businesses and of entrepreneurship.

Alogoskoufis said that with the reforms being promoted, the Greek economy is improving and a new environment is emerging which favors development and investments.

Receiving his award, Martigopoulos said that Greek companies have nothing to fear from international competition and can represent the country abroad worthily.

He called on Greek firms to "spread their wings, show extroversion and test their strength abroad".

[25] Survey on Greek households' housing condition

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

NSS, in a report, said spending on fuel and electricity (47.7 pct) and maintenance and repair (28.1 pct) were the biggest expenditure, while for households in rented homes the biggest expenditure (75.9 pct) went for rent and 13.3 pct on fuel and electricity.

The statistics service said household spending on housing totaled 18.7 pct as a percentage of household budget, while the rate for low-income households reached 24 percent. The average spending on housing by the poor population in Greece totaled 84.59 euros, while for other household's average spending totaled 216.80 euros. Poor population mainly lived in single homes (53.2 pct) and in privately-owned homes (81.7 pct), while the rest of the population was living in new homes (38.2 pct).

Foreigners living in Greece lived in apartment buildings (72.1 pct) and in rented houses (78.1 pct).

The survey was conducted on a sample of 6,555 households with 17,386 members around the country.

[26] Athens hotels' occupancy rate rose to 51.5 pct in February

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

In its monthly report, the association said Attica recorded a 5.0 percent increase in tourist arrivals in the first two months of 2006, with an equal rise in hotel prices, while the three- and four-star hotels recorded the biggest percentage increases.

Five-star hotels in Attica reported an 1.5 percent decline in occupancy rates in February to 45.6 pct, four-star hotels reported a 12 percent increase to 50.3 pct, three-star hotels' occupancy rates rose 15 percent to 47.2 pct and two-star hotels rose 10 percent to 36.2 pct.

A report by JBR Hellas-Howarth showed that average occupancy rates in Athens rose to 51.5 percent in February from 48.6 pct in February 2005 and 43.4 pct in February 2004.

[27] Club Hotel Casino Loutraki reports 11.9 pct increase in gaming revenues in 1st quarter

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

The company said a total of 265,463 people visited the Loutraki casino in the January-March period with the average betting per visitor at 237.9 euros, from 213.4 euros in the corresponding period last year, an increase of 11.5 percent.

[28] National Bank of Greece shareholders meet April 27

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

On the agenda is National's acquisition of Finansbank of Turkey.

The dividend cut-off date is 3 May, and dividend payment begins on11 May 2006, the statement said.

[29] Piraeus Bank denies buyout talk

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

"Piraeus Bank has repeatedly announced to the investing public its expansion strategy in the Southeastern Mediterranean, which will be implemented through operational expansion of its branch network and appropriate acquisitions," management said in a statement.

"The Bank constantly looks for profitable acquisitions in the strategically targeted countries and often evaluates financial data of banks in this region. However, at this moment there is no agreement or negotiation for the acquisition of a bank in Greece or Egypt...Therefore, the information on a share capital increase by Piraeus Bank of Euro 700 million to 1 billion is also not true," the statement said.

Piraeus Bank was responding to a request by the Capital Market Commission for comment on an article published in the Hrimatistirio financial newspaper.

[30] OTE telecom buys more shares in mobile arm

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

Purchased were 160,236 shares, representing 0.048% of Cosmote's share capital, at 20.0 euros per shares, the parent firm said in a statement.

OTE now holds 66.54% of its subsidiary, slightly up from 66.49% previously, the statement added.

[31] Lufthansa, Swiss Air Lines to begin joint flights to Athens

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

Under the plan, the two airlines will operate more than 10 flights daily to and from Greece by harmonizing their flight schedules and sharing their airport lounges.

The joint flight program, beginning from June, will include three daily flights from Athens to Zurich and one daily from Athens to Geneva, three flights from Athens to Frankfurt and three flights from Athens to Munich. The program also includes a flight from Thessaloniki to Zurich.

[32] Quake jolts western Greece second time Tuesday

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

No major damage was reported from the strong quake.

Earlier, seismologists at the Aristotelio University in Thessaloniki measured the evening quake at 5.6 points on the Richter scale.

After Tuesday evening's quake, scientists at the Thessaloniki Geophysics lab were cautious about making any predictions. Professor K. Papazachos said that the phenomenon was continuing and therefore no predictions are possible at present.

Strong 5.7R earthquake again jolts Zakynthos, western Greece

A strong earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale jolted the island of Zakynthos and most of western Greece in the first hours of Tuesday, preceded by two moderate tremblers measuring 4.4R and 4.7R, and coming seven days after another 5.7R quake from the same epicenter. Tuesday's earthquake caused some panic, while damage was restricted to some minor cracks in a few old buildings and two Venetian bridges, according to early reports.

Seismologists did not rule out the prospect of a larger quake, but said it was more likely that the largest aftershock would not have a magnitude greater than 5.0R, while the Athens Observatory's Geodynamic Institute director, seismologist George Stavrakakis, in statements to ANA-MPA, assessed that given the 5.7R quake of April 5 combined with Tuesday's 5.7R quake, the seismic pressure build-up in the area has been diffused. A 4.8R quake also struck the region on April 3.

The 5.7R earthquake was recorded at 3:02 a.m. on Tuesday, at a distance of 380 kilometers southwest of Thessaloniki, with its epicenter in the sea area some 15 kilometers off the southern coast of Zakynthos, coming from the same epicenter as the April 3 and 5 quakes. It was preceded by a 4.4R quake at 00:10 a.m. and a 4.7R quake at 00:27 a.m.

Zakynthos prefect D. Gasparos told ANA-MPA that no serious has been caused by the seismic activity, except for minor cracks in a few old buildings and two Venetian bridges, but added that he had decided that schools would remain closed for the day so that a team of engineers could inspect the school buildings.

"We, here, on Zakynthos are calm," the prefect said, but did not hide his concern over the seismic activity in the area over the past week.

Seismologists did not rule out the possibility of a new, larger quake, calling this prospect "negligible", but said it was most likely that a 5.0R aftershock could be expected.

Geodynamic institute director George Stavrakakis, however, said his personal estimate was that a magnitude larger than Tuesday's 5.7R should not be expected, adding that given the 5.7R quake of April 5 and Tuesday's 5.7R trembler, the seismic tension build-up has been diffused.

Stavrakakis opined that Tuesday's strong quake was the result of a lack of a strong aftershock following the April 5 trembler, noting that there has been a constant post-quake activity following tht trembler, but without there being a strong 5.0R aftershock.

He said that as at 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, the aftershocks recorded were smaller than 5.0R.

Thessaloniki Aristotelion University geophysics professor and seismologist Vassilis Papazachos told ANA-MPA that the prospect of a new strong quake larger than 6.5 percent, in the Zakynthos region, was "negligible".

"Our estimate of probabilities is that there will not be a new, larger earthquake," Papazachos said, noting that the Ionian Islands region had the highest seismicity in all of Greece. "Such earthquakes are relatively common for this area. Besides, the seismic regulation (in the building code) shields the constructions on Zakynthos and other areas of the Ionian problems, and there is no problem," he said.

Asked whether the Greek Arch was currently presenting seismic exacerbation, Papazachos said the quakes of the past week "are small in magnitude" and consequently did not indicate exacerbation.

[33] North Aegean Health Department president calls for investigation on treatment for injured journalist

CHIOS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

The journalist was injured on Saturday morning by a private guard of the company undertaking to guard the Public Power Corporation's (DEH) electric power production plant on the island and who has been indicted for causing grievous bodily harm.

Hadzidimitriou had gone to the plant to provide coverage for a fire that had broken out on the premises. She is still in a critical condition at the "Georgios Yennimatas" hospital in Athens.

At the initiative of citizens, a protest gathering will be held on Chios at noon on Wednesday with the purpose of "condemning thug behavior against journalists."

[34] PASOK donates 30,000 euros to UNICEF's 'radio marathon' for children

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

PASOK leader George Papandreou stated that "the Movement supports UNICEF's struggle for the children," adding that "the phenomena of the exploitation of children constitute a form of denial of our culture, place in doubt our humaneness and constitute a shame for humanity."

He said that the money will be provided from the party's fund.

[35] Anna Vissi to visit Belgrade

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

She is also due to attend a reception given in her honor on Wednesday evening by Greece's Ambassador in Serbia and Montenegro.

[36] Papalios appointed president of Film Centre

ATHENS, 12/04/2006 (ANA)

Dimitris Sofianopoulos was named Vice President.

According to a ministry statement, Voulgarakis' immediate plans include organizing a cinematography conference with the aim of getting all institutional agencies to present their views.

Additionally, the ministry notes that all approved proposals will be funded as planned despite the change in the center's management.

[37] Cypriot President Papadopoulos arrives in India for state visit

NEW DELHI, 12/04/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

President Papadopoulos, head of a delegation, was welcomed at the airport by Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma.

A press release of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs notes ''we expect the state visit of President Papadopoulos to strengthen and intensify our bilateral political and economic relations with the Republic of Cyprus.''

During his visit to India, President Papadopoulos will hold official talks with his Indian counterpart, Indian Prime Minster Dr. Manmohan Singh, and other members of the Cabinet, with whom he will discuss the Cyprus problem, ways to enhance Cyprus-India relations, the United Nations reform, as well as other international matters.

He will also address the business symposium organized by the chambers of commerce of New Delhi, and will be the key speaker at a conference by the Indian World Affairs Council.

President Papadopoulos will also visit the Mumbai Stock Exchange and Indian industries of high technology in Bangalore.

President Papadopoulos is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs George Iacovou, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism and Government Spokesman George Lillikas, Director General of the Ministry of Finance Christos Patsalides and the President's special advisor Chrysis Pantelides.

Moreover, a delegation of Cypriot businessmen and academics are accompanying the president during his visit.

According to a press release of the Indian Ministry of the host, India has consistently supported the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. ''India hopes that a just and lasting solution will be found to the Cyprus problem in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions and the aspirations of the people of Cyprus,'' it adds.

[38] Schlicher says US is working hard for Cyprus' reunification

NICOSIA, 12/04/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

Schlicher was speaking after meeting AKEL Parliamentary Spokesman Nicos Katsourides who said there is a possibility to make a new start in the common efforts to finally solve the Cyprus problem.

In his statements, Schlicher said the meeting was one in a series of meetings ''with the political leadership element across the island and across a spectrum of parties," noting that this is an "important part" of getting to know Cyprus.

The American ambassador said it is "very valuable for me to get first hand from the political leadership, what they think in great detail about how to move forward on the Cyprus question towards the reunification of the island which is of course what my government is working for very hard."

He noted that it is also very important for him in the middle of the parliamentary election season on the island, "to understand what your political leaders see as issues that are on the minds of the Cypriot people, certainly on the Cyprus question and how the people see that, how people see the way forward, what its vision is for the reunification of the island."

Schlicher said it is interesting for him ''to get to know from the leaders what people are thinking about all of the social issues that face as well."

The Ambassador added he is ''looking forward to see other political leaders in the other political parties as well" and that he looks "forward over the next three years to working with all of the leadership elements in all of the parties and seeking to find a way forward on the Cyprus question and the many other bilateral issues that we share."

Katsourides said he was glad to ascertain that there are new views on the part of the US. "First of all, the solution to the Cyprus problem is to the interest of all Cypriots, but also to the interest of the region and generally peace and security in the world."

"We made it clear that what we are seeking is not anything against our Turkish Cypriot compatriots," said Katsourides, adding that the priority is "safety of all Cypriots and to build a common happy future."

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