Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-07-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM attends christening of 'COSCO HELLAS' in Piraeus

[02] Koumoutsakos outlines Greece's five points for dealing with crisis in Lebanon

[03] PASOK leader reiterates call for 'end of drama' in Middle East

[04] KKE's SG Papariga says Rome conference on Lebanon crisis was not 'a fiasco'

[05] PASOK leader Papandreou comments on the social insurance system and pensions

[06] Karamanlis to visit Mount Athos

[07] ND deputies decide to cease hearings on phone-tapping issue

[08] Foreign ministry to hold 'Ambassadors' Conference'

[09] FinMin, Justice minister decide court employees, prison guards hiring

[10] Transport minister meets GSEE trade union group

[11] Culture minister presents events program for Prespes festival

[12] EU Commissioner Kyprianou visits Thessalonica

[13] Alavanos visits Chania, Crete

[14] Credit Agricole ups bid for Emporiki Bank, FinMin says indication of confidence in Greek economy

[15] Gov't move to combat wasteful state spending

[16] Greek gov't raises taxes on cigarettes, mobile telephony services

[17] Greece must return 14.53 mln euros to FEOGA

[18] Development Minister Sioufas visits port of Piraeus

[19] Industrial turnover composite index up 8.7 pct in April, yr/yr

[20] New industrial orders index up 7.8 pct in April, yr/yr

[21] Bank of Cyprus' Greek operation shows earnings rise

[22] Folli Follie buys Links for 60 mln euros

[23] Marak Electronics in 1.0-mln-euro deal in Armenia

[24] Leonidas Ioannou leaves Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling

[25] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise, led by banks

[26] Work begins on Thessalonica metro

[27] Pastry shop owner shot and killed in Kolonos

[28] Criminal charges filed in little Alex case

[29] Albanian dies in car accident 15 minutes after stabbing man

[30] 'Greek Autumn in Vienna' events announced

[31] Greek rescuers participate in 6-nation exercise in Bulgaria

[32] Pan-Hellenic sailing champions to compete in World Cup in Canary Islands

[33] Greek Cypriot side to meet the deadlines of the July 8 agreement

[34] Cyprus made a proposal on the Middle East conflict, says FM

[35] Cabinet discussed situation in Cyprus in the light of Lebanon crisis

[36] European Left calls for immediate cease fire in Lebanon

[37] CEH leaders praise Cyprus role in Lebanon crisis

[01] PM attends christening of 'COSCO HELLAS' in Piraeus

Attending the ceremony for the christening of the new, Chinese-leased container ship "COSCO HELLAS" in Piraeus on Thursday, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis emphasized the event's symbolic and practical importance, which he said underlined the close bonds of friendship between the Greek and Chinese peoples in the best possible way.

"With steady and decisive steps we are proceeding to boost Greek-Chinese economic cooperation, certain that this cooperation will yield important and mutual benefits for both sides," the Greek premier said.

The 'COSCO HELLAS' is a Greek-flagged ship owned by the Greek shipping company Costamare Shipping Company SA, one of the world's largest containerization companies worldwide, and has been leased to the state-owned China Ocean Shipping (Group) Co. (COSCO) for 12 years.

"The shipping cooperation agreement that we signed in Beijing at the beginning of the year is being implemented at a fast pace and, in this framework, is tangible proof of the new momentum of the Greek economy and the driving force for broader cooperation between two countries."

"I am certain that Greece and China will continue to intensify their cooperation, so that the bonds of the sea and trade that link our two countries will bring our people even closer together," the premier said.

Karamanlis stressed that Greece and China were focusing their efforts on coordinated joint action in areas where they possessed greater know-how and a strong momentum; among these he listed shipping, trade, tourism, energy, agricultural products, construction and infrastructure projects and the organization of major sports and cultural events like the Olympic Games.

He also highlighted how the two countries were able to combine their respective comparative advantages to achieve multiplicative effects. As an example, he noted that the Greek shipping community, the largest in the world, was emerging as the biggest client of the Chinese shipyard industry and had ordered 100 large ships in the last two years.

Karamanlis stressed that China was a valuable strategic partner for Greece, both because of the large size of the Chinese market and because of the Chinese economy's rapid growth and the know-how constantly developing in this framework.

The Greek premier simultaneously pointed out important advantages that made Greece attractive to new investments and economic alliances, including:

Its political, economic and monetary stability as the only country in South East Europe that is a member of both NATO and the EU;

Its geo-strategic position as the 'crossroads' linking the EU with the Balkans, the Middle East, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, along with Greece's excellent political and economic relations with the countries in those regions, making it an ideal base for countries seeking to extend their operations in the broader region;

And finally, Greece's traditional and dynamically growing role as an important junction for combined transport and the global transit trade, especially via the sea through Greece's modern and fully-equipped ports, as a gateway to the surrounding region.

The Greek government was seeking to make full use of these advantages as a priority, promoting economic reforms that were already having a positive impact on the business environment and creating new investment opportunities, the prime minister added.

These policies were daily yielding tangible economic and social results and guaranteed sustainable, dynamic and balanced growth, new and more jobs, as well as prosperity for all, he said.

The 'COSCO HELLAS' is 551 meters long and 43 meters across, with a capacity for 9,500 containers, including 700 refrigerated containers, main engine power of 101,000 BHP, a top speed of 25.5 knots and total capacity of 109,140 gt. It was built by Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea.

Its christening ceremony was opened with a speech by COSCO President and CEO Capt. Wei Jiafu, while other speakers included Costamare Shipping Company SA President Vassilis Konstantakopoulos and Chinese Ambassador to Athens Tian Xue Jun. Others attending included Greek Merchant Marine Minister Manolis Kefaloyiannis, MPs and other officials, as well as members of Greece s shipping community, including Union of Greek Shipowners President Nikos Efthymiou.

[02] Koumoutsakos outlines Greece's five points for dealing with crisis in Lebanon

Foreign Ministry Spokesman George Koumoutsakos in an interview to a radio station on Thursday expounded on the five points of Greece's position for dealing with the crisis in Lebanon, as have been analysed in detail by Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis.

The first concerns the humanitarian problem, the second for the need for an immediate ceasefire, the third to the territorial sovereignty of Lebanon in implementation of the United Nations' decisions with the help of an international force, the fourth to the activation of the "road map" so as to have progress in the Palestinian issue, and the fifth concerns the cooperation of all the countries of the region, including Syria and Iran.

Koumoutsakos said: "The first point of the Greek position concerns the humanitarian issue and has three parametres: The immediate confrontation of the worsening humanitarian crisis, with secure corridors and definitely the coordination of humanitarian aid. The second point is the immediate ceasefire -an end to the cycle of violence. And this is necessary not only for the humanitarian aid. It is also necessary for time to be given to diplomacy so that the involved parties to be able to hold a dialogue and negotiate. This of course is not feasible for as long as the weapons are not silenced. Consequently, the second point is the immediate ceasefire."

He said that the third point "is the sovereignty of the government of Lebanon on the entire territory and the disarmament of the para-military organizations, as determined by Security Council decisions 1559 and 1680. Because it is not easy for the government of Lebanon under the present conditions to fully implement what is foreseen by the decisions, its support with an international force is expedient. Always within the framework of Security Council decisions 1559 and 1680 and with the order of the UN Security Council," said Koumoutsakos, noting that "we speak of implementation of all decisions."

Expounding on the forth point, the foreign ministry spokesman said: "Because in the Middle East all the issues are linked, sometimes in apparent and sometimes in underground corridors, it is not possible at this moment for us to go to a full peace in the Lebanon front, without at the same time having a substantial progress on the matter of the Palestinian issue. Consequently, the international community must try to reactivate the 'Road Map'. The impasses in Palestine must be lifted."

On the fifth point, Koumoutsakos said:" Exactly because the situation is so complex, Greece believes that the logic of exclusions is not useful. The international community must speak with all in the region, those who can and want to help. In such a framework Syria and Iran could also have a role and word."

Concluding, Koumoutsakos stressed that "the strength of our country in this debate arises from two elements: Firstly, from its effective presence in the humanitarian sector and secondly from clarity and completeness of its positions which it has timely presented. These two elements were those which counted for so that Greece is called on to participate in yesterday's (Wednesday's) Rome conference."

[03] PASOK leader reiterates call for 'end of drama' in Middle East

Main opposition Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader and Socialist International (SI) President George Papandreou reiterated on Thursday his call for an end to the "drama in the Middle East."

"The drama in the Middle East continues. Yesterday's (Wednesday's) International Conference in Rome did not put an end to this drama. There was no agreement for an immediate ceasefire, for an immediate truce," Papandreou said in a written statement.

"We, from the first moment and in all our contacts with the international community and politicians in the region, have asked precisely this, and we are struggling for this objective, that is the immediate truce," the SI president, who on Wednesday visited Beyrouth, added.

Papandreou said he would be having a new telephone contact with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to examine recent developments.

"I will express to Mr. Annan my condolences for the killing, in an Israeli attack, of four UN peacekeepers. The fact that even members of the peacekeeping forces are attacked unfortunately shows even more clearly the dramatic situation prevailing in Lebanon," he added.

"As I said yesterday, what is being judged at present is the credibility of the international community. Its credibility is being judged in relation to its actions, in relation to its omissions, in relation to the decisions that are being or not taken," Papandreou concluded.

Papandreou meets former Israeli defense minister: Main opposition Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader and Socialist International (SI) President George Pa-pandreou held talks in Athens on Thursday with former Israeli defense minister Ephraim Sneh.

[04] KKE's SG Papariga says Rome conference on Lebanon crisis was not 'a fiasco'

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary-General Aleka Papariga, on her return from Beirut to Athens on Thursday, criticized the New Democracy (ND) government, the main opposition Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) and the Ecology, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) party for their political stance on the war in Lebanon.

"Humanitarian words are good, the tears are good, but in essence, even if they say that they have a more calm stance, they objectively aligned themselves with those who do not want the war to end," said Papariga, in reference to the government and PASOK.

Directing herself to the Synaspismos leadership, it called on it "to be careful on the peacekeeping force," noting that "we have tragic experiences from the peacekeeping forces. If there is an agreement with blackmailing and unacceptable terms, the peacekeeping force will be called on to implement these unacceptable terms."

Commenting on Wednesday's Rome conference on the crisis in Lebanon, she disagreed with the position that "the conference was a fiasco."

"The imperialists managed to gain time so that Israel attempts the destruction of Lebanon," Papariga said. She expressed reservations "to what degree it will achieve it, because there is resistance."

"The imperialists managed for there to be a decision for the setting up of a supposed peacekeeping force and they did not clarify what the objective was, what the composition would be, what its mission would be. This is not said," the KKE Secretary-General noted.

Referring to the visit to Beirut by the KKE delegation, she said that "many and significant meetings were held with representatives of political parties of different views and convictions, with differences between them." Papariga added that "there was an identity of views that Israel's attack was planned in advance" and that "it is part of a broader plan for overturning or for the reform of the Middle East, the so-called 'democratization of the Middle East'."

[05] PASOK leader Papandreou comments on the social insurance system and pensions

Main opposition Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou on Thursday talked about pensions and the social insurance system with representatives of the Pan-Hellenic Federation of Personnel of Social Policy Organizations (POPOKP), which represents the personnel of all the social insurance funds, except the Social Insurance Foundation (IKA).

The PASOK leader later said the reason of his meeting were recent data of a study regarding the level of pensions in 2006.

"In our country, the most important problem for the social insurance system is the low level of grants of the social insurance system and the low pensions," Papandreou said, adding that "the second element which is confirmed by the study, is the mockery being attempted by the present government which plays upon the pain of the insured individual and the pensioner and which cannot and does not want to solve its real problems," Papandreou said.

POPOKP President George Koutroumanis, answering to a question whether the existing social insurance scheme can endure or whether reforms are needed and in what direction, said that what was important at present was the implementation of existing legislation and restricting non-payment of social insurance contributions and uncontrolled expenditures.

[06] Karamanlis to visit Mount Athos

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis is to carry out an official visit to the monastic community of Mount Athos on Friday and Saturday, during which he will visit the top three monasteries in the 'hierarchy' of the peninsula.

The prime minister is expected to arrive at Daphne on Friday morning and then visit the Mount Athos capital of Karyes for talks with the leadership of the community and a dinner.

He is next scheduled to visit the Megisti Lavra and Vatopedi monasteries, followed by the Monastery of the Iberians on Saturday.

The prime minister is to return to Athens on Sunday.

[07] ND deputies decide to cease hearings on phone-tapping issue

The ruling New Democracy (ND) party deputies who are participating in Parliament's Institutions and Transparency Committee concerning the phone-tapping issue, after Thursday's second examination of the Greek Information (intelligence) Service (EYP), decided to cease the hearings before the committee.

The deputies of the opposition parties denounced the decision and called for the sessions of the committee to continue after August, with the calling of deputy chief of Police, Stelios Syros.

[08] Foreign ministry to hold 'Ambassadors' Conference'

The Greek foreign ministry will convene a meeting of all Greek ambassadors at home and abroad at the ministry next Monday and Tuesday, the government announced.

The "Ambassadors conference" was established by order of Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and will take place on an annual basis. Its aim is to achieve comprehensive briefing and coordination for the entire range of foreign policy issue concerning the country.

The meeting will open with an address by Bakoyannis, while other ministers will address the ambassadors on issues concerning their portfolio, including Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, Defense Minister Evangelos Meimarakis, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas, deputy foreign ministers Yiannis Valinakis, Theodoros Kassimis and Evripidis Stylianidis and other officials.

The subjects of the conference will include European policy (enlargement etc), international organizations, Greece's policy in South Eastern Europe, Greek-Turkish relations, the Cyprus issue, Greeks abroad, economic diplomacy and promoting Greek economic interests abroad, developmental cooperation, security policy, energy policy, cultural diplomacy and public diplomacy.

[09] FinMin, Justice minister decide court employees, prison guards hiring

Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis and Justice Minister Anastasis Papaligouras on Wednesday decided that early next year a total of 1,000 court employees and prison guards will be hired through the ASEP (civil service hiring examinations board) procedures.

They also decided the construction of three new prison facilities and two Court of Justice buildings by public-private sector partnerships.

[10] Transport minister meets GSEE trade union group

Transport Minister Mihalis Liapis on Thursday received the presidium of the General Confederation of Employees of Greece (GSEE), Greece's largest umbrella trade union organization, for a customary, ceremonial meeting.

New GSEE President Yiannis Panagopoulos said they discussed the state of the organizations supervised by the transport ministry and that he had received the minister's assurance that the ministry's policy was for constant contact and dialogue with the workforce on issues that concerned them.

[11] Culture minister presents events program for Prespes festival

Culture Minister George Voulgarakis presented the program of events for this year's Prespes festival or 'Prespeia' during a press conference in Athens on Thursday.

Noting that the festival was now in its 17th year, the minister highlighted its "national dimensions" and referred to the major artists that participated each year, both from Greece but also from neighboring Albania and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

This year's festival will be dedicated to the Greek poet Odysseas Elytis, to mark the 10th anniversary since his death.

The festival will begin in the 4th week of August with the inauguration of an exhibition of Nikos Hatzikyriakos-Ghikas etchings and sketches dedicated to Elytis and a concert entitled "From Sappho to Elytis". It will continue with concerts by noted Greek artists and orchestras on each night until August 28, when it will culminate with a concert by Kostas Makedonas.

[12] EU Commissioner Kyprianou visits Thessalonica

EU Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner Markos Kyprianou held successive meetings in Thessalonica on Thursday with Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Kalantzis, Thessalonica Prefect Papagiotis Psomiadis and Thessalonica Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos during a cordial visit in the northern port city.

During his talks, which focused on issues of health and consumer protection, Kyprianou assured his interlocutors that cooperation on issues relating to his competency will be unimpeded.

EU Health Commissioner Kyprianou proclaimed honorary citizen of Veria: EU Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner Markos Kyprianou was proclaimed honorary citizen of Veria, Macedonia, during a special event held at the city's Town Hall on Thursday night. Veria is the place of origin of the Cypriot Commissioner's mother.

The mayor of Veria, Christos Skoubopoulos awarded to Kyprianou the city's medal and gave him as present publications of the municipality.

Present at the event were New Democracy (ND) party deputy Ilias Fotiadis, Eurodeputy George Papastamkos and local officials.

Earlier, the Cypriot Commissioner visited the archaeological site of Vergina.

[13] Alavanos visits Chania, Crete

Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) party leader Alekos Alavanos, speaking from Chania in Crete on Thursday, called on Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis to respond positively to his party s request for an off-the-agenda discussion in Parliament on the crisis in Lebanon.

He said that a positive response would help to highlight the country's obligations and its ability to undertake initiatives based on international law and UN decisions and thus allow Greece, in turn, to claim much-needed support from Muslim and Arab countries in Greek-Turkish affairs and the Cyprus issue.

Alavanos referred to the outcome of the Rome Conference on Lebanon and stated there had been advance warning that the conference would be a hoax. He said that this was confirmed by developments in Rome, stressing that it was a conference called by the United States and was used as a pretext for prolonging Israeli military operations.

Referring to the SYN party officials' visit to Lebanon, he said its goal was to create a major social movement, which combined with Israel's dead-end military operations would be able to reverse the situation and lead to efforts for a final solution to the Middle East issue, meaning an independent Palestinian state and a return by Israel to its pre-1967 borders.

He also referred to the Emporiki Bank sale, stressing that the government is trapped in a dead-end sell-out policy.

Alavanos, accompanied by local party officials, visited the region of Agii Apostoli and said that he wanted to stress the ecological dimension of the upcoming local government elections. He said that the environment needs to be upgraded, while the rights of the people that are being threatened by major interests have to be protected.

The SYN leader pointed out that regions like Agii Apostoli should not be mangled by major hotel sector investors and added that he is opposed to the draft law regulating issues concerning the use of Greek coasts and beaches.

[14] Credit Agricole ups bid for Emporiki Bank, FinMin says indication of confidence in Greek economy

The French bank Credit Agricole on Thursday submitted a new, increased, bid for 100 percent acquisition of the Athens-listed Emporiki Bank, which Greece's national economy and finance minister George Alogoskoufis said the government would examine "in a positive light", adding that it indicated confidence in the prospects of the Greek economy, the Greek banking system, and of Emporiki Bank itself.

The increased bid offers Emporiki shareholders a cash payment of 25 euros per share, up 1.5 euros per share as against 23.5 euros per share quoted in the initial offer submitted by Credit Agricole on June 13, increasing the French bank's appraisal of Emporiki's value to 3.3 billion euros from 3.1 billion euros quoted in the initial offer.

Alogoskoufis said that the Credit Agricole board had announced on Thursday morning its new public offering for Emporiki Bank.

He said the improved bid was an indication of confidence in the prospects of the Greek economy, the Greek banking system and Emporiki Bank itself.

"The government, in the framework of the decisions which have already been taken by the inter-ministerial committee for denationalizations, will examine the new data in a positive light, with the public interest, the reinforcement of competition in the banking system, and the competitiveness and extroversion of the Greek economy, as the rule of thumb".

Credit Agricole SA on Thursday announced an increase regarding the cash offer for current Emporiki shareholders, which was now 25 euros per share. The rest of the terms and conditions of the initial public offering (submitted by the French bank on June 13) remained the same, a Credit Agricole announcement said.

The announcement explained that the Revised Public Offering concerned acquisition by Credit Agricole of the full 100 percent package of Emporiki share capital, which the French bank appraises at 3.3 billion euros.

It explained that the period of acceptance during which the Emporiki shareholders may submit their statements of acceptance to the National Bank of Greece network expires on Monday, August 7, 2006, at the end of the banking hours in Greece, adding that the minimum acceptable equity stake was 40 percent.

The revision of the public offering is pending to approval by the Greek Capital Market Committee, in accordance with Article 21 of Law 3461/2006, the announcement concluded.

Credit Agricole has been a strategic investor in Emporiki since 2000, with an 8.83 percent equity stake. The other shareholders are the Public Securities Company (DEKA), a state securities manager (11.01 percent), LDN HKNL Stichting Pensioenfonds ABP (6.35 percent), the OAED state-run manpower employment organization (5.43 percent), various social insurance Funds (20.12 percent), various public organizations (5.58 percent), foreign institutional investors (16.00 percent), Greek institutional investors (6.66 percent), and individual investors (20.02 percent).

According to Credit Agricole officials, the aim of the acquisition is to create a more powerful Greek bank, with Greek management, that will be active in the wider region of the Balkans, with the backing of a powerful international banking group, and not the creation of a Credit Agricole subsidiary in Greece.

The French banking group has announced a series of substantial investments and actions in the framework of its bid for acquisition of Emporiki including investments of 50 million euros over the next three years, the creation of provisions of 300 million euros with the implementation of the risk management rules applied by the Frency Bank, the implementation of a voluntary retirement program for 500 employees by 2008, the hiring of 250 new employees in the sector of sales over the next two years, and the introduction of new training programs.

The introduction of Cr�dit Agricole's business plan will have a very significant positive impact on Emporiki Bank's profitability, increase its cross-sales from 2.5 products per active customer to 5.0 products over the next five years, and substantially boost its market shares in all areas of banking activity over the next few years, according to Credit Agricole officials.

The Credit Agricole Group is the largest bank in France today, and the sixth largest in the world, active in 66 countries on all continents, with 21 million clients, 9,100 branches, 135,000 employees, and profits from banking activities standing at 25.9 billion euros. The Group owns 2,583 local banks and 41 regional banks.

The Credit Agricole offer represents the largest foreign investment in Greece to date.

Emporiki Bank, Credit Agricole discuss new improved offer: A delegation of Credit Agricole, headed by the French bank's chief executive officer Georges Pauget, on Thursday met with Emporiki Bank's chairman and chief executive officer George Provopoulos and discussed Credit Agricole's new improved offer to buy 100 percent of the Greek bank.

The two sides also discussed the French bank's business plans for Emporiki. Credit Agricole on Thursday said it was raising its offer to buy Emporiki Bank to 25 euros per share (from an initial offer of 23.5 euros per share), valuing the Greek bank at 3.3 billion euros.

Opposition blasts offer for Emporiki Bank:

The main opposition Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) on Thursday sharply criticized an improved offer by Credit Agricole of France, the sole bidder in a privatization tender for Athens-quoted Emporiki Bank.

"Today's improved offer is very much lower than the price determined by the privatization consultant for Emporiki, JP Morgan, and Citigroup, which is also acting as a consultant," the party's shadow economy spokeswoman, Vasso Papandreou, said in a statement.

"In a diabolical set of circumstances, the government has chosen this time to sell (the bank) when its share price is at its lowest level. But when the government wants to buy, it opts to do so when the share price is very high, as its Cosmote's buyout of Germanos," she noted.

The spokeswoman charged the government with failing to protest the public interest.

In a statement, the finance ministry rejected PASOK's criticism, accusing the party of mud-slinging and audacity accompanied by a lack of policy proposals for economic growth.

[15] Gov't move to combat wasteful state spending

The government on Thursday sent a bill to parliament that aims at combating wasteful state spending and finding irregularities in the accounts by means of fiscal controls.

The General Directorate of Fiscal Controls will have the right to impose fines, hold administrative enquiries under oath in state bodies, and ordain suspension of their operations if irregularities are found.

The new department with a staff of 265 will report to the General State Accounting Office, which belongs to the finance ministry.

[16] Greek gov't raises taxes on cigarettes, mobile telephony services

The Greek government on Thursday announced a series of indirect taxes in a move aimed at boosting budget revenues. Greek Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis tabled to Parliament an amendment raising the minimum special consumption tax on cigarettes to 75 percent of the most popular price, from 65 percent currently, and a gradual increase in mobile telephony duties.

The ministry plan will add around 0.20 euros to the price of a cigarette package, raising around 180 million euros annually for the state budget, while proceeds from a higher mobile telephony duty will total 90 million euros.

[17] Greece must return 14.53 mln euros to FEOGA

BRUSSELS, 28/7/2006 (ANA-MPA/V. Demiris)

Specifically, from the inspections which took place within the framework of the settlement of accounts, so as to check the funds of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) it arises that from the funding which Greece received from FEOGA, the sum of 14.53 million euros has not been justified, which must be returned to the EU budget.

The greatest return for the irregularities in agricultural expenditures must be paid by France with 85.97 million euros, followed by Spain with 46.49 million euros and Greece with 14.53 million euros.

[18] Development Minister Sioufas visits port of Piraeus

Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas, along with Deputy Development Ministers Yiannis Papathanassiou and Anastasios Nerantzis on Thursday visited the port of Piraeus.

The ministry's political leadership met with Harbor Corps deputy chief Vice-Admiral Athanassios Bousios and Union of Consumers of Greece president Michalis Tsifakis.

[19] Industrial turnover composite index up 8.7 pct in April, yr/yr

The Greek industrial turnover composite index rose 8.7 percent in April, compared with the same month last year, the National Statistics Service said on Thursday, recovering from a 2.4 pct decline in the period April 2005-April 2004.

NSS attributed the sharp increase in the index to a 4.7 pct rise in the mining sector and an 8.9 pct increase in the manufacturing sector over the same period.

The domestic market composite index rose 5.5 percent in April from the same month last year, while the external market index jumped 19.7 pct over the same period.

[20] New industrial orders index up 7.8 pct in April, yr/yr

New industrial orders rose 7.8 percent in April compared with the same month last year, the National Statistics Service said on Thursday.

NSS, in its report, said new intermediate goods orders rose 7.2 pct, the capital goods orders index jumped by 24.6 pct, the non-durable consumer goods index fell 2.6 pct, and the durable goods orders index rose 5.2 pct in April.

The report also said that the domestic market new orders index rose 9.5 pct, while the external market index was 5.0 percent up.

[21] Bank of Cyprus' Greek operation shows earnings rise

Athens-quoted Bank of Cyprus (Greece) has made a robust contribution to the earnings of Bank of Cyprus Group, its Nicosia-based parent.

"The contribution of the Greek operations to Group profitability continues to be noteworthy with a 47% increase in profit before provisions to C�42 mln (� 73 mln) and a 60% increase in profit after tax to C�17 mln (� 29 mln), management of the Group said in a statement on Thursday.

The Group's profit after tax for the first half 2006 recorded an increase of 172% compared to the corresponding period in 2005, the statement said.

[22] Folli Follie buys Links for 60 mln euros

Hellenic Distributions SA, a subsidiary of Duty Free Shops SA -a member of Folli Follie Group- on Thursday announced the signing of an agreement to acquire 100 percent of Links London Ltd, a UK-based jewelry, watches and luxury items company for around 60 million euros.

The price equals 1.47 times the British company's sales, valuing the company at around 66 million euros.

Links has created an international sales network under the brand name Links in 41 locations in Europe, North America and Asia (in significant shopping cities such as New York, London, Hong Kong, etc).

The company aims to expand its network in the US, China and Japan. Folli Follie expects sales to more than triple in the next four years to around 100 million British pounds. Annoushka Ducas and John Avton, founders of Links, will remain at the firm as consultants.

[23] Marak Electronics in 1.0-mln-euro deal in Armenia

Marak Electronics on Thursday announced a deal to expand its cooperation with Armentel, Armenia s Telecommunications Organization, for the supply and installation of telecommunications equipment, worth 1.0 million euros.

The contract will be completed in cooperation with Italian firm SIAE Microelettronica.

[24] Leonidas Ioannou leaves Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling

Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling SA on Thursday announced the resignation of Mr. Leonidas Ioannou from its board, effective immediately, after serving as non-executive member of the board for 25 years.

Kar-Tess Group recommended Anastasios David to replace departing Leonidas Ioannou to the board. Mr. David served as chairman of Navios Corporation and currently is a member of Ideal Group.

[25] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise, led by banks

The Athens share index closed at 3,728.11 points, showing a rise of 1.72%. Turnover was 375.3 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 1.79% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 1.31% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 1.09% up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 191 to 62 with 56 remaining unchanged.

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank of Greece, OPAP, Piraeus Bank, Eurobank and Emporiki Bank.

Foreign Exchange Rates:

Reference buying rates per euro released by the European Central Bank:

U.S. dollar 1.283

[26] Work begins on Thessalonica metro

Thursday marked the first day of work for the two tunnel-boring machines (TBMs) that are to excavate the Thessalonica metro, dubbed Cassander and Thessalonica.

The names were given for King Cassander, who is credited with founding the city in 315 B.C. and his wife Thessalonica, the sister of Alexander the Great in whose honor the city was built.

The two TBMs have been set to work by the company 'Attiko Metro SA' to open the underground tunnels that will form the future Thessalonica metro beneath the surface of the city, where the remains of the city's 2,300-year history currently lie buried.

With the experience obtained during construction of the metro in Athens, Attiko Metro is working closely with the culture ministry's archaeological services in northern Greece, who expect the work to unearth a wealth of artifacts and remains from the city's past.

The work has currently started on the west side of Thessalonica, in the area around the new railway station, while the company and culture ministry on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding and cooperation at Thessalonica's renovated archaeological museum, which will be officially inaugurated in September by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis.

Among archaeological finds expected to be found by the dig are sections of an extended western cemetery of the Hellenistic and Roman eras near the present new railway station, sections of the city's west wall and a road linking Thessalonica with central Greece at Democracy Square station, medieval and Byzantine-era public buildings including a hotel and possibly a monastery, and sections of the eastern cemetery, public baths and a central road in the city centre.

Archaeologists have not ruled out the possibility of smaller finds in peripheral stations, as well, though they admit that the chances are smaller.

According to Attiko Metro board chairman Georgos Yiannis, the metro tunnels will be dug at a depth of 16-21 meters from the surface in order to protect any antiquities that may exist, which are expected to lie at a depth of 11-13 meters.

[27] Pastry shop owner shot and killed in Kolonos

A 49-year-old man was fatally injured by an unidentified gunman in his pastry shop in the Kolonos district of Athens at midnight, police said on Thursday

The motives that led the armed man to storm into a pastry shop and shoot its 49-year-old owner remain unknown. The culprit fled the scene of the attack on a motorcycle driven by an accomplice.

The victim was rushed to Evangelismos Hospital in a serious condition, where he died a few hours later.

Police have launched an investigation on the bloody incident and were examining all possibilities, without ruling out the likelihood of a robbery.

[28] Criminal charges filed in little Alex case

Criminal charges were filed by deputy public prosecutor Stefanos Zarkazias on Thursday against the 5 schoolboys involved in the case of little Alex from Veria, north Greece, who disappeared on February 3 and is still missing. The five are accused of killing 11-year-old Alex Meshivili and hiding his body.

The indictments issued concern murder jointly committed by juveniles, abuse of a dead body jointly committed by juveniles and neglecting a minor committed by the parents of the juveniles involved in the case.

The prosecutor forwarded the case to the examining magistrate to determine if any of the juveniles had any participation in the crime other than being the perpetrators, if they committed more crimes and if any of the adults involved in the case committed other crimes in addition to neglecting a minor such as, aiding and abetting a crime and finally, if third parties are involved in the case.

[29] Albanian dies in car accident 15 minutes after stabbing man

A 38-year-old Albanian national became a victimizer and a victim within 15 minutes on Thursday morning when he was killed in a car accident after stabbing a man.

The Albanian went to the house of a 48-year-old in Larisa, central Greece, with whom he used to do business and during an argument he attacked him with a knife, injuring him in the back and arm.

After the stabbing, he drove off and 15 minutes later lost control of his car causing a head-on collision with a another car driven by a 26-year-old. Both men were killed in the car crash while the stabbing victim was hospitalized in stable condition.

[30] 'Greek Autumn in Vienna' events announced

VIENNA, 28/7/2006 (ANA-MPA/D.Dimitrakoudis)

The events aim at presenting typical as well as a variety of forms of last century's Greek cultural production.

The "Greek Autumn in Vienna" events are being organized for the second consecutive year on the initiative of the Greek embassy in cooperation with the Greek foreign ministry, the Greek General Secretariat of Information and Greek organizations in Austria, while sponsors include the Hellenic Culture Projection Organization, HPEO exports board and the Hios prefecture.

Events are scheduled to begin on September 16.

[31] Greek rescuers participate in 6-nation exercise in Bulgaria

SOFIA, 28/7/2006 (ANA-MPA/S. Papadopoulou)

Bulgarian deputy prime minister and minister for disasters and accidents Emel Etem, who led the exercise, distributed distinctions to rescuers with the highest performance and expressed satisfaction over the level of cooperation among the rescue teams of the six participating countries. Diplomas were also presented to all the participants.

A total of 400 rescuers from the six participating countries executed 60 different operations within a space of 48 hours. The operations included the containment of chemical pollution and oil spills in the sea, the rescue of individuals trapped on the upper floors of a burning hotel, the rescue of passengers of a ship on which terrorists had planted bombs, and other similar scenarios.

The European warning system and the response of authorities were also examined during the exercise.

Experts from 17 countries who observed the exercise were due to present their views and recommendations on Thursday.

[32] Pan-Hellenic sailing champions to compete in World Cup in Canary Islands

Two 18-year-old girls, winners of the Pan-Hellenic Sailing Championships in both the women's and mixed men and women 420 category in April, will be competing in the 2006 World Sailing Championships to take place July 30 to August 6 at Las Palmas, in the Canary Islands.

For the second year in a row, Mandi Frangiadaki and Eleni Stamkou placed first in the women's 420 category of the Pan-Hellenic Sailing Championships that took place in late April 28-30, 2006. During the 3 day race, the real victory came when the two 18 year olds girls, for the first time ever, beat their male counterparts to also place first in the mixed men's and women's 420 class category.

After their unbelievable feat, the girls returned to Athens to take their Pan-Hellenic university entrance exams. Mandi is hopeful that she will be accepted into the Physics program, while Eleni aspires to enter the speech therapy program or Physical Education program.

Before the exam results are out, however, Fragiadiaki and Stamkou will be tackling more waves as they compete for the World Cup in Sailing at Las Palmas in the Canary Islands, July 30- August 6th. The two partners are currently looking for sponsors to support their efforts. The two girls met 4 years ago at the Tzitzifies-Kallitheas Marine Club. Since then, the girls have rapidly advanced in the competitive sport in a relatively short period of time.

As for future plans, they are aiming to compete for a medal in the 470 category-the Olympics!

[33] Greek Cypriot side to meet the deadlines of the July 8 agreement

NICOSIA, 28/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

On July 8 Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, met at the presence of UN Undersecretary-General for political affairs Ibrahim Gambari and agreed to begin a process of bicommunal discussions on issues that affect the day to day life of the people and concurrently those that concern substantive issues.

The agreement states that ''the Technical Committees on issues that affect the day to day life of people will commence by the end of July provided that, at the same time, the two leaders will also have exchanged a list of issues of substance and its contents to be studied by expert bi-communal working groups and finalized by the Leaders.''

''Our side will timely respond to the provisions of the July 8 agreement,'' Pashiardis said replying to questions after a meeting of the cabinet and added that ''our side is ready to engage both in discussions regarding day to day issues on a technical level and regarding the substantive issues on the level of experts.''

He added that ''we hope that the Turkish side will show the necessary good will and political will for the preparation of substantive negotiations aiming at reaching a final solution to the Cyprus problem.''

[34] Cyprus made a proposal on the Middle East conflict, says FM

NICOSIA, 28/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

Without elaborating, Lillikas said that the proposal, submitted ten days ago, could not be promoted because the conflict continued. ''So far there is no mediation because the conflict continues, but if there is an end to hostilities, our proposal could be used'', he added.

Lillikas also said that Cyprus is in favor of an immediate ceasefire ''because the continuation of the conflict does not offer anything more than the increase of the victims.''

''Our view is that there should be a dialogue as soon as possible to save human lives,'' Lillikas added, noting that this position could not be endorsed at Wednesday's conference in Rome on Lebanon.

Replying to a question about a possible influx of Lebanese refugees to Cyprus due to the continuation of the conflict, Lillikas said that the Cypriot proposal is that the EU should take a ''biding decision'' to face such a possibility.

''If there is such need, our position is that this should be dealt with on a European level with a decision binding the EU 25 distributing the refugees to the 25 member states so that problems to one member state would be avoided,'' he said.

Asked about a possibility of an influx of asylum seekers, Lillikas said Cyprus submitted to the EU a specific proposal providing the transfer of these people to other European countries through Cyprus and then their repatriation to the country of origin.

With this way the number of people to be repatriated would be very small for each country, he explained, adding that all these will be discussed next Tuesday, where an extraordinary foreign ministers council will convene.

[35] Cabinet discussed situation in Cyprus in the light of Lebanon crisis

NICOSIA, 28/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

Deputy Minister to the President and Government Spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardes said that the Cabinet, presided by Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos, discussed the measures taken to handle the problems that emerge from the continuous arrivals of thousands of foreign nationals in Cyprus.

The cabinet, he said, also expressed its full content for the efficiency of the measures taken so far, as well as its appreciation to all services and volunteers, who have contributed to the huge humanitarian effort.

''Cyprus' capabilities to continue and even upgrade its humanitarian help, are increasing due to the decrease of the number of foreign nationals arriving in Cyprus", Pashiardes pointed out.

Asked whether the government is satisfied with the financial aid allocated by the European Union to deal with the consequences of the crisis in Lebanon and the temporary accommodation of foreign refugees to the island, Pashiardes clarified that Cyprus had not asked for any financial help from the EU.

''The EU, on its own, decided to grant the amount. The issue will be discussed at today's meeting of the Permanent Representatives of the EU countries, as well as at the Foreign Affairs Council next Tuesday".

''We will not send any expenses bill to the EU. We can handle the financial repercussions resulting from the humanitarian contribution offered by Cyprus", he clarified.

[36] European Left calls for immediate cease fire in Lebanon

NICOSIA, 28/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

In statements to CNA, left wing AKEL party MP, Dinos Hadjinicolas, expressed great sorrow for the fact that most Lebanese victims are children.

The delegation visited Thursday the Beirut State Hospital and was informed by the doctors and the members of the 'Doctors of the World' about the situation.

"The Israelis are attacking Lebanon using phosphor bombs. Most of the victims are children, and 90% of them will not be able to attend school this year, due to their wounds and health problems", the Cypriot MP told CNA.

He added that the Lebanese people pin their hopes only on the EU in order to achieve a cease fire.

In a declaration, the European Left pledges that it will mobilize the European public opinion against the Israeli aggression, in order to achieve a united position independent of the US administration.

The delegation of the European Left was due to makes it way to Damascus on Thursday.

[37] CEH leaders praise Cyprus role in Lebanon crisis

NICOSIA, 28/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

In the letter, CEH points out that US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and UNFICYP Spokesman Brian Kelly have described as remarkable the cooperation and "absolutely phenomenal'' the actions of Cyprus as a nation of only 760,000 to help evacuate 25,000 American citizens and others from Lebanon

''Cypriots have been working around-the-clock to feed, house and transport these refugees. And, Cyprus plans to serve as a crucial staging point for a massive humanitarian effort in Lebanon'', the letter notes.

The Greek American leaders questioned: "when Cyprus needs us in their nascent settlement talks, we will be there for them and America will support the Turks if they reject again all settlement plans''.

CEH leaders also expressed their gratitude to those members of Congress and Senators leading efforts in the US Congress to thank Cyprus on behalf of the US administration.

A letter thanking Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos is being circulated for signature in the House by Hellenic Caucus Co-Chairs, Congressman Mike Bilirakis and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney. A similar letter is being circulated for signature in the Senate by Senators Bob Menendez, Paul Sarbanes and Olympia Snowe.

In addition, Congressman Bilirakis was due to introduce a resolution in the House on Thursday commending the Republic of Cyprus and thanking the Cypriot people.

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