Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-07-11

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece and Cyprus say Papadopoulos-Talat agreement 'a positive step'

[02] Memorial service for soldiers killed in Cyprus in 1974 attended by Cyprus President

[03] Cyprus president decorates film director Michael Cacoyannis

[04] Rehn praise over Gambari mission to Cyprus, results

[05] Gov't: Ankara obligated to meet EU obligations with set timeframe

[06] FM Bakoyannis sends condolences letter to Russian counterpart

[07] FM Bakoyannis to receive U.S. envoy on Tuesday

[08] Deputy FM Evripidis Stylianidis visits Argentina

[09] Indian naval squadron arrives in Piraeus

[10] PASOK leader to visit Damascus Tuesday

[11] PASOK leader meets Economic and Social Committee (OKE)

[12] National Public Administration Centre signs cooperation agreement with French Administration School

[13] 'European Left' Executive Committee holds conference in Paris

[14] Archbishop sends condolences letters to Moscow Patriarch and Russian president

[15] Pancretan Union of America will honor former PM Constantine Mitsotakis

[16] Greek FinMin participates in Eurogroup, ECOFIN meetings in Brussels

[17] Government mulling reduction of fares on airport line

[18] Gov't defends ferry boat fare deregulation

[19] Gov't promises stepped up works along hazardous stretch of N-S highway

[20] Interministerial Committee approves part-time job subsidization in municipalities

[21] Athens Tourist and Economic Development Organization focuses on city tourism market

[22] Bank employees hold 24-hour nationwide strike

[23] Greek stocks end 0.48 pct higher on Monday

[24] Greek bond market report

[25] Greek-Bavarian Cultural Day celebrated in Munich; Deputy FM visits Bavaria

[26] Getty Museum returns important antiquities to Greece

[27] Conference on contribution of Internet to rapprochement between Balkan peoples

[28] Fire in Syngrou Park in Athens

[29] Renovation works at the Samos' Aeolic Park

[30] Two communities in Cyprus trust EU more than UN

[01] Greece and Cyprus say Papadopoulos-Talat agreement 'a positive step'

ATHENS, 7/11/2006 (ANA)

In a statement after a series of meetings between Greek and Cypriot officials, Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis said that an agreement to launch talks on day-to-day confidence boosting issues between technical committees representing the two communities on Cyprus was "a positive step, in the framework of the Annan-Papadopoulos decisions in Paris".

On Saturday, the Greek and Turkish-Cypriot communities agreed to a U.N. formula presented by U.N. Undersecretary General Ibrahim Gambari, who outlined a five-point framework for resuming negotiations on two levels - one focusing on day-to-day issues and the other on the intractable long-term political problems.

The meetings held in Athens on Monday began with two hours of closed-door talks between Karamanlis and Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, which were later extended to include Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, her Cyprus counterpart George Lillikas, Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis, Greek government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos and Cyprus government spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardis, and concluded with the participation of lower-level officials from both countries.

The talks also continued over a working dinner held by Karamanlis for the Cyprus President and the members of the Cypriot delegation.

In statements afterward, Karamanlis said there had been an in-depth discussion on the new prospects for a solution to the Cyprus problem arising through the recent tour undertaken UN Undersecretary-General Ibrahim Gambari, as well as developments within the European Union concerning Turkey's progress toward accession.

The Greek prime minister also reiterated Greece's steadfast position concerning the need for "a carefully prepared process without arbitration and pressing deadlines" that ultimately aimed at "achieving a solution that is based on the resolutions and decisions of the United Nations, taking into account the new situation arising from Cyprus' participation in the European Union".

On Turkey's accession progress, meanwhile, Karamanlis repeated the Greek position that called on Turkey to fully comply with the criteria and conditions that were outlined both in the accession framework documents and in the statement adopted by the EU on September 21, 2005.

The Cyprus President expressed hope that "this first positive step that was taken through the agreements achieved on Saturday" would be followed by other steps that aimed at a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.

He also underlined the very good cooperation between Athens and Nicosia, noting that his meeting with Karamanlis had been useful and constructive and that he had briefed him in depth on the discussions held with Gambari in Cyprus.

Asked whether Nicosia would veto the opening of new chapters in Turkey's accession talks if Ankara had not opened its ports and airports to Cyprus ships and planes by the end of the year, Papadopoulos underlined that the efforts being made aimed chiefly at avoiding such a crisis.

"At this moment, the issue of a veto does not arise because we are waiting for the European Commission's report and the recommendations it will make," he added, while noting that use of a veto was not a decision announced in advance.

On this issue, Karamanlis repeated that Turkey had undertaken to meet specific obligations and requirements in its agreements with the EU and said that the Greek government, in collaboration with the government of Cyprus, was waiting to see the contents of the Commission's report before it decided on the next steps.

The Greek premier once again underlined there was close cooperation between the Greek and Cyprus governments on a long-term basis when asked if Athens and Nicosia have common goals.

"Exactly the same is happening now and everything else is just stories," he added.

He also ruled out any possibility of postponing Turkey's obligation to fully implement the customs union protocol for Cyprus ships and planes because of the resumption of talks on the Cyprus issue, stressing that the Cyprus solution process and Turkey's EU accession were two separate issues.

Prior to his meeting with Karamanlis, Papadopoulos was received by President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias on Monday morning.

Papadopoulos and Papoulias initially held a private discussion for about 15 minutes, and were then joined by Greek and Cypriot foreign ministers for another 20 minutes, followed by an expanded meeting of the delegations of the two countries, chaired by the Presidents.

The talks between Greek and Cypriot governments come on the heels of a five-point agreement reached Saturday in Nicosia by President Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, during a three-hour meeting with Gambari, that provides for the immediate commencement of talks at technical level on day-to-day issues, essential aspects of the Cyprus problem, and confidence-building measures (CBMs).

Papadopoulos and Talat agreed during the meeting with Gambari that the technical committees on the Cyprus problem should begin their work by the end of July and that the leaders themselves would meet from time to time to review the process.

Gambari, who had previously visited Ankara and Athens, told reporters after the three-hour meeting on Saturday that a number of very important issues were discussed and that the two leaders expressed their commitment to the unification of Cyprus based on a bizonal bicommunal federation and political equality.

He added that there was recognition of the fact that the status quo is unacceptable and its prolongation will have negative consequences, and that a comprehensive settlement is desirable and should not be further delayed. Gambari said there was agreement that the process should begin immediately involving bicommunal discussions on issues affecting everyday life and comparatively substantive issues. He also noted that there was commitment to ensure that the right atmosphere prevails for this process to be successful.

[02] Memorial service for soldiers killed in Cyprus in 1974 attended by Cyprus President

ATHENS, 7/11/2006 (ANA)

The Cyprus Republic President was escorted by Defense Minister Evangelos Meimarakis and both laid wreaths at the monument, while a minute of silence was observed. The ceremony was attended by the entire leadership of the Greek Armed Forces.

[03] Cyprus president decorates film director Michael Cacoyannis

ATHENS, 7/11/2006 (ANA)

Speaking during the ceremony, which took place at the House of Cyprus in central Athens, President Papadopoulos said Michael Cacoyannis did not choose the easy role of a spectator before the continuing ordeal of Cypriot Hellenism but has made ''Cyprus' tragedy a personal case, not only because Cyprus is his birthplace, but because every Hellene who respects himself and his history has a duty to feel and regard Cyprus as a matter concerning him directly and personally.''

President Papadopoulos referred to the film by Michael Cacoyannis ''Attila '74'', noting that it is not a regular film but ''a gripping challenge of collective national conscience and a substantive historical attestation of the crimes of the coup and the barbaric Turkish invasion.''

Referring to the Cyprus problem, President Papadopoulos said ''any decision taken now will seal our future forever.''

''If we fail today, we will not have the opportunity or the potential tomorrow to remedy the mistake and restore the damage,'' the president said, adding that ''in our struggle for the reunification of Cyprus through a viable and functional solution, in our struggle for justice, we have the historical responsibility not to fail.''

"In this struggle, we have as a steadfast supporter Greece, represented by the elected Greek government, the political world and the Greek people, to whom I express sincere gratitude and warm thanks for what they are doing for Cyprus and its people," President Papadopoulos said. He also expressed the appreciation of Cypriot Hellenism to Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and the Greek government "for the full support and the excellent cooperation in the common struggle."

Michael Cacoyannis, deeply moved, expressed gratitude to his birthplace, Cyprus, for the great honor to award him with the highest distinction of the Republic of Cyprus.

The event was attended by Alternate Government Spokesman Evangelos Antonaros representing the Greek government, the Cypriot officials accompanying Papadopoulos on his trip to Athens, the Ambassador of Cyprus in Athens, the Ambassador of Greece in Nicosia, the President of the Union of Cypriots in Greece, professors, and representatives of the cultural world.

[04] Rehn praise over Gambari mission to Cyprus, results

BRUSSELS, 7/11/2006 (ANA-MPA / V. Demiris)

In a written statement, Rehn noted that the fact that Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat met three times within the same week is a very positive sign that dialogue will have an opportunity to succeed, while also allowing for the commencement of a new UN peace initiative.

The Finnish Commissioner also reiterated that the Union is absolutely committed to supporting a restart of talks as soon as possible, while adding that the 25-nation bloc also shares the mutually agreed to view -- by Papadopoulos and Talat -- that the status quo on divided Cyprus is unacceptable.

Finally, Rehn expressed a hope that technical committees comprised of representatives of both communities, and charged with focusing on day-to-day issues, will begin operation very soon, in tandem with discussions over "substantive issues".

[05] Gov't: Ankara obligated to meet EU obligations with set timeframe

ATHENS, 7/11/2006 (ANA)

Spokesman Evangelos Antonaros referred to an ongoing meeting between Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and Papadopoulos taking place at the exact same time, while merely noting that the Cypriot president's working visit is part of long-standing and close cooperation between Athens and Nicosia.

Conversely, asked about the prospect of "extra time" being given to Turkey in order to extend a customs union protocol with the 10 new EU members -- especially Cyprus -- Antonaros echoed standing Greek policy, stressing:

"Greece expects Turkey to fulfill the obligations it has undertaken vis-�-vis the European Union to the utmost, and within the prescribed timeframe."

[06] FM Bakoyannis sends condolences letter to Russian counterpart

ATHENS, 7/11/2006 (ANA)

[07] FM Bakoyannis to receive U.S. envoy on Tuesday

ATHENS, 7/11/2006 (ANA)

[08] Deputy FM Evripidis Stylianidis visits Argentina

BUENOS AYRES 7/11/2006 (ANA)

"Of course, we gave them the possibility of approaching the Greek Ship Owners Union and Greek shipping companies which are first in the world, controlling 18.5 percent of world shipping," Stylianidis said.

"In addition, we discussed, apart from the promotion of shipyards and of their potential, the prospect of Argentina's cooperation with the Greek fleet and the transportation of its products abroad and we requested to be informed on the degree of know-how available for the shipyards of Argentina for the building of ships that can sail in rivers and in open seas," he added.

Asked by the press when the last official visit by the Greek side took place, Stylianidis said that a "working visit of a bilateral economic relation has not taken place for many decades. Courtesy visits have taken place on other occasions, but in essence it is the first time that such a systematic overture is being made in this direction by Greece."

[09] Indian naval squadron arrives in Piraeus

ATHENS 7/11/2006 (ANA)

The ships, identified as the "Mumbai", "Brahmaputra", "Betwa" and "Shakti", will be open to the public for visits on Tuesday between 9 a.m. and 12 noon.

The commander-in-chief of India's western fleet, Vice-Adm. Sangram Singh Byce, will also visit Athens this week in the wake of the vessels' arrival.

[10] PASOK leader to visit Damascus Tuesday

ATHENS 7/11/2006 (ANA)

Papandreou's visit is taking place within the framework of his initiatives on the Iran crisis and the Middle East, Athanassakis said, adding that the PASOK leader had during the weekend telephone talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz and United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan.

During his talks with Annan, Papandreou also overviewed latest developments in the Cyprus issue, especially after UN Undersecretary General for political affairs Ibrahim Gambari's talks in Athens, Nicosia and Ankara last week, Athanassakis noted.

Papandreou is expected to meet visiting Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos on Tuesday morning.

[11] PASOK leader meets Economic and Social Committee (OKE)

ATHENS 7/11/2006 (ANA)

OKE President Nikos Analytis said that OKE had created an observatory for the Lisbon strategy and would be asked to give an opinion on the draft bill for education, while stressing the need for very broad consensus in society regarding the balance between security for the workforce and flexibility for businesses.

Regarding social insurance reform, Analytis said his talks with Papandreou had focused chiefly on whether Analytis would be involved once a Technical Commission for the issue was formed, noting that PASOK appeared skeptical about whether the Commission could work.

According to PASOK's sector head for social affairs Maria Damanaki, meanwhile, the party was willing to participate in dialogue on social insurance reform but wanted the government to make its intentions clear and a plan on which to base the talks.

Papandreou meets with technical chamber's leadership: Main opposition PASOK President George Papandreou on Monday met with the competition committee and the leadership of the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE) as well as with Economic and Social Committee representatives.

TEE president Yiannis Alavanos later said that relations between the chamber and the party were discussed, while stressing that closer cooperation between TEE and PASOK will be beneficial for both sides.

Discussion also focused on TEE's opposition to revisions of Article 16 and 24 of the Constitution, concerning higher education and land uses, respectively.

PASOK spokesman comments on party leader's meetings: Main opposition PASOK party spokesman Nikos Athanasakis on Monday referred in statements to meetings between PASOK leader George Papandreou and the Competition Committee, a delegation of the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE) and the Economic and Social Committee (OKE).

The meeting with TEE focused on the need to reshape the Greek economy with a new Greek development model, based on knowledge and the information society, Athanasakis said, adding that the administration of TEE briefed the president of PASOK on conclusions reached at TEE's conference a few days ago.

"The delay was ascertained in the implementation of the projects of the 3rd Community Support Framework with large losses of funds now being certain, as well as the distorted and concentrated planning of the government for the next 2007-2013 period," Athanasakis said.

The framework of implementing public projects and problems in this sector was also raised during the discussion, as well as the difficulty in completing major projects, the future of construction companies and prospects for engineers.

On Papandreou's meeting with the Competition Committee, Athanasakis said that the PASOK leader conveyed to his interlocutors his party's intention to support "all actions aiming at containing oligopolistic practices and restoring healthy competition for the citizens' benefit".

Commenting also on coastal shipping issues, Athanasakis said that "we had a bad summer in shipping last year as regards the serving of passengers and the carrying out of schedules. It appears that this year we will have a worse summer in coastal shipping in serving passengers, fares and schedules. After the deregulation of the market, there is an upsurge in fares. However, the only person who does not see this is the merchant marine minister who is invoking supposed discounts and announcing that ticket prices have dropped."

Athanasakis also said that "breakdowns and increased inconvenience for passengers have already started," stressing that this was the result of "tolerance for unaccountability, illegal practices and the nonexistence of planning by the Merchant Marine ministry which is responsible."

[12] National Public Administration Centre signs cooperation agreement with French Administration School

PARIS, 7/11/2006 (ANA)

Cooperation is aimed at promoting targets anticipating an improvement in public administration in the two countries and the exchange of know-how, while it also provides the possibility of visit exchanges between administration officials and students.

The two organizations will also be able to cooperate for the implementation of common educational activities for the benefit of third countries.

[13] 'European Left' Executive Committee holds conference in Paris

PARIS, 7/11/2006 (ANA)

According to a Synaspismos press release, the conference focused on latest developments in Europe, particularly the movements appearing in France and Greece: the movement against efforts to privatize education in Greece and the movement for the rejection of the de Villepin policy in France.

Also examined were the consequences emanating from the Bolkestein directive and latest developments in the Middle East, Iraq and Palestine.

Lastly, initiatives that are under way on formulating an alternative constitutional framework for Europe, in contrast to the one rejected by the French people were also discussed.

[14] Archbishop sends condolences letters to Moscow Patriarch and Russian president

ATHENS 7/11/2006 (ANA)

[15] Pancretan Union of America will honor former PM Constantine Mitsotakis

NEW YORK 7/11/2006 (ANA-MPA/P. Panagiotou)

[16] Greek FinMin participates in Eurogroup, ECOFIN meetings in Brussels

BRUSSELS, 7/11/2006 (ANA)

The Eurogroup's agenda includes discussion on Eurogroup's agenda in the second half of 2006, multilateral consultations in the framework of the International Monetary Fund on imbalances in global economy, fiscal developments in the Eurozone, excessive deficit procedures against Portugal, introduction of the euro currency by Slovenia.

The ECOFIN's agenda includes implementation of a Stability and Growth Pact, introduction of the euro currency by Slovenia, fiscal developments and presentation of a European Commission report on implementing a reviewed Stability and Growth Pact. EU finance ministers will also discuss activities by the European Investment Bank, progress in a dialogue with third countries, results of an EU-US summit and funding of the International Accounting Standards' Organization.

[17] Government mulling reduction of fares on airport line

ATHENS 7/11/2006 (ANA)

He said the issue had been raised by local authorities in the area, who considered the current � 3.00 fare from Athens to be too steep.

Liapis said the ministry was considering an overall downward reduction in fares from the start of the year, when the Proastiako railway had completed works to reach Kiato.

Referring to the three stations at which the Athens metro will now stop on its way to the airport, Liapis said the surrounding areas were growing rapidly and noted that these stations will also serve travelers from the port of Lavrio through the inter-city bus line that connects the port with the three stations.

The additional stations will also provide a great convenience to the growing number of residents in the Messogion region, providing an alternative means to reach the centre of Athens.

[18] Gov't defends ferry boat fare deregulation

ATHENS 7/11/2006 (ANA)

"Isolated cases cannot cast a shadow over the fact that the majority of ferry boat services operate smoothly," alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros said in response to a press question referring to coastal shipping and a spate of delays recorded over the weekend.

Antonaros reminded that ferry boat operators are obliged to inform passengers of any problems in their schedules and routes.

In citing the briefing he had from the merchant marine ministry, he stressed that a probe is underway to determine whether specific operators undertook the prescribed measures in cases where problems arose.

[19] Gov't promises stepped up works along hazardous stretch of N-S highway

AGHIOS KONSTANTINOS, 7/11/2006 (ANA)

The statements came after an on-the-spot inspection of works at the Aghios Konstantinos and Kammena Vourla resorts on the highway by a ministry delegation, led by Souflias.

The total budget for highway upgrades south, north and along the Malliakos Gulf is budgeted at 800 million euros for a stretch of roadway approximately 80 kilometers, Souflias said.

The Malliakos portion of the Athens-Thessalonica highway has long been considered one of the most hazardous provincial roadways in the east Mediterranean country, due to a lack of barriers between opposite lanes, heavy traffic, numerous curves and steep road shoulders, among others.

[20] Interministerial Committee approves part-time job subsidization in municipalities

ATHENS 7/11/2006 (ANA)

The Committee was comprised of Deputy Finance and Economy Ministers Athanassios Nakos and Antonios Bezas, as well as Deputy Employment and Social Solidarity Minister Gerasimos Yiakoumatos.

The employees will cover operational needs of the agencies that will hire them, while the duration of employment for every job approved can reach 18 months.

[21] Athens Tourist and Economic Development Organization focuses on city tourism market

ATHENS 7/11/2006 (ANA)

Athens, according to an announcement by the Organization, has all the elements comprising an integrated "city break destination" and can achieve its development in the specific market with specialized promotion activities to attain the long-term targets of the tourist development ministry and the municipality of Athens, which are strengthening the tourist flow and lengthening the tourist period.

In the framework of strategic planning to promote the Greek capital as a city break destination, the Tourist and Economic Development Organization has submitted a candidacy file to host the City Break Expo and the annual conference of the European Cities Tourism network in Athens in June 2007.

The presence of the Athens Tourist and Economic Development Organization was dynamic at the 1st City Break Expo 2006 held in Helsinki, Finland, while meetings were also held with representatives of the tourist market.

The results of research carried out with visitors and tourism professionals at the exhibition on the image of Athens as a tourist destination showed that 40 percent had not visited Athens, 85 pc of those who had visited the city did so before 2004, 44 pc visited it for business reasons and the same percentage for leisure for an average duration of four days, while 100 pc of respondents believe that Athens has considerable monuments and symbols, 97 pc agree that Athens is a cultural tourism destination and 96 pc that it is a modern city having modern infrastructures.

[22] Bank employees hold 24-hour nationwide strike

ATHENS 7/11/2006 (ANA)

According to unionists, "participation in the strike showed the determination characterizing the sector to claim a collective labor agreement".

OTOE stated that "margins of tolerance have been exhausted" and accused bankers of "intransigence" and the government, particularly the employment minister, of "failing to confront arbitrariness and the circumvention of laws".

OTOE further warned that if bankers do not change their stance there will be no other path than that of escalating industrial action.

[23] Greek stocks end 0.48 pct higher on Monday

ATHENS 7/11/2006 (ANA)

[24] Greek bond market report

ATHENS 7/11/2006 (ANA)

Greek state bonds' returns rose in June, particularly in the short- and medium-end of the yield curve, following similar trends in other European markets. The three-year bond's return rose to 3.82 pct at the end of June, from 3.64 pct a month earlier, while returns in the 10-year and 30-year bonds jumped to 4.40 pct and 4.80 pct from 4.28 pct and 4.70 pct, respectively. The average yield spread of the 10-year Greek and German benchmark bonds was unchanged for the third month in a row to 0.32 percent.

Bond prices in the domestic electronic secondary market fell by 50 to 148 basis points in June, with the 30-year bond suffering the heaviest losses (from 96.66 to 95.18 pct), followed by the three-year bond (to 98.80 from 99.30) and the 10-year bond (from 94.45 to 93.51).

Turnover in the Greek bond market totaled 49.72 billion euros in June, down from 51.10 bln in May and 61.61 billion euros in June 2005, with the average daily turnover rising to 2.37 billion euros from 2.32 billion euros in May. The seven- to 15-year maturities were the most heavily traded securities, accounting for 68 percent of total turnover (34 billion euros). The 10-year benchmark bond's turnover totaled 22.42 billion, followed by the 10-year (July 20, 2015) with 7.28 billion euros.

Monday's turnover fell to 2.050 billion euros, of which 915 million were bid orders and 1.135 billion sell orders. The yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German bonds was steady at 0.30 percent.

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates fell. National Bank's overnight rate eased to 2.78 pct from 2.79 pct on Friday, the two-day rate was unchanged at 2.80 pct, the one month rate was 2.89 pct and the 12-month rate eased to 3.54 pct from 3.56 pct on Friday.

[25] Greek-Bavarian Cultural Day celebrated in Munich; Deputy FM visits Bavaria

MUNICH, 7/11/2006 (ANA-MPA / S. Aravopoulou)

European Union issues were on the agenda of talks, including the 25-member bloc's relations with Turkey, whereas Kassimis also thanked the Bavarian minister for the state's support towards the ethnic Greek community living there.

"Bavaria's positions on most of the problems and challenges we're facing are similar as those of Greece," Kassimis said afterwards.

Regarding the EU's enlargement, M�ller noted: "We're both in agreement that quality must come before swiftness."

Kassimis was also received by Bavaria's education and culture minister Hans Zehetmair, who is also the head of the Hanns-Seidel Stiftung Institute.

Greek-Bavarian Cultural Day: On Sunday, Greek and Bavarian folk music and dances as well as food stands with Grecian delicacies and pastry were the main attractions at the Greek-Bavarian Cultural Day celebration in Munich.

The event was held under the auspices of Greece's foreign ministry, the Bavarian ministries of education and sciences as well as various Bavarian associations and organizations.

The cultural events were attended by Kassimis together with the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Germany Augustinos and Munich Mayor Christian Ude, who is also an honorary citizen of the Cycladic island of Mykonos. Also present were Bavarian officials and representatives of the Roman Catholic and the Lutheran Churches.

The cultural event debuted a year ago with the aim of raising money for restoration works on two Greek Orthodox cathedrals in Munich.

The project, budgeted at two million euros, was approved by the Bavarian Parliament in 2005 under the condition that the ethnic Greek community in Munich provide one-third of the sum, namely, 600,000 euros. The goal was lowered to 550,000 euros after a 50,000-euro donation by Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki on behalf of Greece's Parliament.

The ethnic Greek community in Munich numbers roughly 28,000 individuals, whereas the number of ethnic Greeks in Bavaria exceeds 70,000.

On his part, Kassimis conveyed a message by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis underlining the 185-year-old relations shared by Bavaria and Greece. He also thanked the ethnic Greeks of Bavaria for being active members of their society and for the ties they have forged while, at the same time, preserving their cultural identity.

The Bavarian State Minister underlined the excellent cooperation the ethnic Greek community and the Greek Orthodox Church in Bavaria has with the Bavarian government.

[26] Getty Museum returns important antiquities to Greece

ATHENS, 7/11/2006 (ANA)

The antiquities in question are a 6th century BC bas-relief from the northern Aegean island of Thasos and a 4th century BC inscribed stele from Viotia, central Greece, and currently on display at the Getty Museum.

Meanwhile, negotiations will continue between the two sides until the end of August for the return to Greece of another two antiquities, a marble statue of a kore (sculpture representing a standing young woman produced in Greece before the 5th century BC) and a golden Macedonian wreath.

[27] Conference on contribution of Internet to rapprochement between Balkan peoples

KAVALA, 7/11/2006 (ANA)

The conference will be attended by journalists, mainly foreign mass media correspondents living and working in Greece, professors of journalism faculties of Greek and foreign universities (Pantios, Aristotelio, Kapodistrias and universities from Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria and Albania).

It is the second conference taking place in Kavala. It will be inaugurated by Minister of Macedonia and Thrace George Kalantzis.

Issues to be discussed during the conference will be related to the management of information aimed at rapprochement between Balkan countries through the Internet, while the final target is the creation of a website that will contain texts promoting and contributing to the consolidation of friendly relations between the peoples and countries of the Balkan peninsula.

[28] Fire in Syngrou Park in Athens

ATHENS, 7/11/2006 (ANA)

Land forces were being aided by a firefighting plane and a helicopter.

Experts are investigating the causes of the fire at Sygrou Park off Kifissias avenue, opposite the KAT Hospital, which are as yet unknown.

[29] Renovation works at the Samos' Aeolic Park

SAMOS, 7/11/2006 (ANA)

Refurbishment was necessary as manufacturers give a 5-year guarantee for the wind turbines used for the generation of electricity.

[30] Two communities in Cyprus trust EU more than UN

NICOSIA 7/11/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

Greek Cypriots trust the EU with a percentage of 61%, and Turkish Cypriots with 51%, while the trust of the Greek Cypriots towards the UN is the lowest in the EU25 (Greek Cypriots 27%, Turkish Cypriots 48%).

The two major problems that concern the Greek Cypriots remain crime (47%), inflation (30%) and unemployment (25%). Turkish Cypriots said that the biggest problem they face is unemployment (47%) and the economic situation (45%).

Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots believe that the increase in drug trafficking and international organized crime are the biggest problems that result from the creation of the European Union.

Regarding their relations with EU institutions, both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots trust the European Parliament more than any other institution and believe that it plays the most important role.

In their vast majority (72%), the Greek Cypriots wish that the EU played a more significant role in their everyday lives, (Turkish Cypriots 54%) and two thirds of the Greek Cypriots expect that the EU within the next five years will play a more important role in their lives (Turkish Cypriots 67%).

The main priorities for the EU should be for both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots the fight against poverty, social isolation, and unemployment.

Half of the people residing in the government controlled areas deem Cyprus' EU accession as positive, but this percentage is one of the ten lowest in the EU.

The EU means for Greek Cypriots freedom of movement (72%) and peace(48%) and for the Turkish Cypriots peace (49%) and economic prosperity (48%).

More than half of the people residing in the areas under the control of the Republic of Cyprus state that they perceive the way the EU works (54%) which is one of the highest percentages in EU 25, while 46% of the Turkish Cypriots replied they know how the EU works.

Furthermore, 85% of the Greek Cypriots and 74% of the Turkish Cypriots feel satisfied with their life (EU 25 average 81%).

Expectations as to the evolution of the national economy and of employment conditions are dominated by pessimism. Half of the citizens in the government controlled areas expect that both the economic situation of the country as well as employment will deteriorate within the next 12 months.

Compared to the previous Eurobarometer (Autumn 2005), Greek Cypriots trust their government less (56% in 2006, 66% in 2005), the Cypriot House of Representatives (44% in 2006, 58% in 2005), while their trust towards political parties remains low (27%).

Four out of ten Greek Cypriots believe that Cyprus has gained benefits by acceding to the EU, being one of the lowest percentages in the EU.

While Greek Cypriots think that their local mass media should offer them more information on the EU, Turkish Cypriots believe that they are given too much information.

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article