Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-09-14

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] Karamanlis and Berisha discuss bilateral ties, Greek minority

[02] Greece, Albania sign energy agreement

[03] Greece urges stable business climate in Albania

[04] Greek, Albanian ministers discuss social security, employment issues

[05] PASOK leader meets with Albania's Berisha

[06] Greek and Albanian education ministers meet in Athens

[07] Foreign minister to visit Belgrade and Pristina on Thursday

[08] Athens on upcoming Commission report for Turkey

[09] Athens again refers to proposal for Euro-coast guard, cites illegal migration problem

[10] Government stresses that corruption won't be tolerated

[11] PM hosts dinner for members of ND's Parliamentary Group

[12] Poll gives Kaklamanis commanding lead in Athens mayor's race

[13] Skandalidis resigns from Parliament ahead of mayoral race

[14] KKE leader lambasts mainstream parties

[15] Vodafone CEO Koronias called in by communications privacy authority ADAE

[16] Athens Journalists Union denounces arrests of journalists by Turkish police

[17] Consulate of Indonesia in Thessaloniki

[18] Gov't raises unemployment benefits

[19] EU okays 2007-2013 regional aid map for Greece

[20] Action plan to increase broadband use announced by FinMin

[21] Greek businesses optimistic over progress in reform program

[22] Olympic Airways remains in privatization course, minister says

[23] Development minister holds talks with Syrian economy and trade minister

[24] PASOK deputies on 'anticipated privatization of the Public Power Corporation'

[25] Coalition party leader visits 71st Thessaloniki International Fair

[26] Greece aims for EU biofuel target

[27] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks decline

[28] Police arrest fugitive Nikos Paleokostas near Livadia

[29] Users satisfied with information provided on the Internet, poll shows

[30] Crete Polytechnic develops new low-impact measuring organ for monuments

[31] 12th Athens Int'l Film Festival begins next week

[32] 'Greek road festival' to take place in Vienna

[33] Replica of Jason's mythical 'Argo' to be launched in Volos on Sunday

[34] AEK loses 3-0 away to AC Milan in Champions League match

[35] Cyprus to organize world congress on the reconstruction of Lebanon

[36] EMAC countries agree on projects to upgrade safety

[01] Karamanlis and Berisha discuss bilateral ties, Greek minority

ATHENS, 14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

In statements afterward, Karamanlis said the meeting had been interesting and constructive and had helped foster better understanding of the positions of both countries on various issues.

"The prospects for our relations are great and I am satisfied, because today we confirmed our will to make further use of these possibilities," he told reporters.

The Greek premier said that there had been significant progress in trade and economic ties, military and police cooperation between the two countries, while he emphasized the signature of an agreement on energy issues between Greece and Albania during Berisha's visit.

In addition to the problems of the Greek minority in southern Albania, the two men also discussed problems faced by Albanian immigrants in Greece and those of Greek businesses operating in Albania.

Karamanlis emphasized that Greece supports Albania's course toward EuroAtlantic structures, to which it attaches great importance:

"We are ready to assist our neighboring country in the effort to carry out the necessary reforms and commitments to the EU it has undertaken," he stressed.

Discussion during the dinner between the two premiers focused on regional and international issues, such as that of Kosovo, which Karamanlis described as important for peace, stability and cooperation in the region.

On his part, Berisha thanked Greece for its support of Albania's efforts to "realize its European vision" and for the Greece's contribution from the 1990s until the present day to Albania's efforts to become a democracy based on a market economy and to join the EU and NATO.

The Albanian premier stressed that the meeting had been marked by a spirit of understanding and determination to further promote relations in economic cooperation, military cooperation, education and culture and cooperation between legislative and executive organs.

Regarding the bilateral agreement for energy signed on Wednesday, Berisha stressed its importance and also emphasized the efforts being made by the Albanian government to create a favorable climate for Greek businesses.

Pointing out that Greek investments currently occupy top place among foreign investors in Albania and represent a sum of €400 million, he stressed that he would make every effort to multiply both Greek investors and the size of Greek investments in his country.

During his meeting with President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias earlier on Wednesday, Berisha noted a proposal by the Greek president for a rail connection between the two countries and congratulated the president on this idea.

He said the issue had also been discussed during his talks with Karamanlis and would be seriously considered by the Albanian government.

President receives Albanian prime minister: President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias on Wednesday received visiting Albanian prime minister Sali Berisha at the Presidential Mansion.

Papoulias said he considred Greek-Albanian relations to be very important, as they were relations between two peoples with a long common history, who fought together against the Ottoman Empire.

"Personally, I place great importance on the development of these relations," the Greek President said.

Berisha expressed appreciation for the hospitality he has received, adding that in meeting with Papoulias, he was meeting with a "special friend of the Albanian people".

Addressing Papoulias, who served as foreign minister in the past, Berisha thanked him for the friendly sentiments he has always had towards Albania and the Albanian people, and for his precious contribution to the relations between the two countries.

"You started up these relations during a difficult period, but the results are immense," Berisha said.

Greece, Albania seek strong economic relations: Greece and Albania on Wednesday pledged to redefine and give new impetus to bilateral economic and political relations.

Greek Foreign Deputy Minister E. Stylianidis, speaking to reporters, after a meeting with Albania's Economy and Energy Minister Genc Ruli, said the meeting was "exceptionally constructive" and that it "produced results".

The new dynamic comes from a pledge given by the Albanian side to solve problems facing Greek enterprises in the sectors of oil, telecommunications and constructions, a development that would not only create new prospects for enterprises with activities in the neighboring country and would attract new investments by Greek enterprises as well.

"Greek business presence is strong in Albania and we want it to become stronger," Ruli said. The Albanian minister acknowledged there were "mainly bureaucratic problems" which he wished to be resolved to create a "friendly environment" for investors.

The Greek side also pledged to give a "new dynamic" to bilateral relations and asked for the inclusion to development programs of a project to build a Greek school in Girocaster by Hellenic Aid and to complete construction of a road network in Albania.

Stylianidis said trade relations were very good and noted an increase in the volume of Greek exports to Albania.

[02] Greece, Albania sign energy agreement

ATHENS, 14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The agreement follows a friendship pact signed by the two countries in 1996 and their participation in a Southeastern Europe Energy Community (signed in October 2005 in Athens).

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Ruli earlier, Sioufas said the two countries have had systematic cooperation over the last 12 months.

"Albania was one of the first countries to ratify this pact, which started from July 1, and creates a totally new environment in southeastern Europe, with stability, more growth, peace and, particularly in the energy sector, investments expected to exceed 21 billion euros," the Greek minister said.

Sioufas said the two countries would seek closer economic relations, a boost in investments and increasing trade transactions. "We are the second country in investments and trade transactions with Albania and our ambition is to reach the top," the Greek minister said.

On his part, Ruli said the two governments were determined to further expand economic relations.

[03] Greece urges stable business climate in Albania

ATHENS, 14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"For the growth of alliances and investment in Albania's private sector, a stable, friendly business climate is required in the local market," Folias told reporters after a meeting with the neighboring country's finance, trade and energy minister, Genc Ruli.

He also told Ruli that the government was willing to back Albania's economic reform drive, offering the finance ministry's knowhow.

Ruli said he welcomed Greece's economic support over the years, and hoped to attract investment mainly in infrastructure and energy.

[04] Greek, Albanian ministers discuss social security, employment issues

ATHENS, 14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

As expected, discussions focused on joint cooperation in the fields of vocational training; cooperation between the state employment agencies of each country as well as social security, given that tens of thousands of ethnic Albanians reside in Greece as guest workers or seasonal workers.

Tsitouridis said a proposal by the Albanian side regarding a mutual and bilateral agreement on social security benefits and pensions will be studied.

Additionally, the timely issue of human trafficking and efforts to stem illegal immigration were also discussed.

[05] PASOK leader meets with Albania's Berisha

ATHENS, 14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"I had the occasion to discuss with Mr. Berisha the crucial issues of the Balkans, particularly the Kosovo issue and the European course of Western Balkan countries, which we had supported as EU presidents in 2003 at the Thessaloniki summit," Papandreou told reporters after the meeting.

The PASOK leader added that issues relating to Albania's Greek minority, the Archbishopric of Albania and Archbishop Anastasios, the integration of Albanian workers to Greek society and the closer economic cooperation between the two countries were also discussed.

[06] Greek and Albanian education ministers meet in Athens

ATHENS, 14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

At the end of the meeting, Yiannakou said said they discussed issues concerning cooperation on a level of higher education, the implementation of the educational agreement, which the two sides wish to renew, the matter of the Greek minority's education in Albania and in general, matters related to private schools which are bilingual, Greek and Albanian.

The Greek minister said she will visit Albania soon.

On his part, Genc Polo noted that Yiannakou has helped the children of Albanian immigrants living in Greece, adding that the two countries have "an ancient common history and a friendly atmosphere, which we want to continue."

[07] Foreign minister to visit Belgrade and Pristina on Thursday

ATHENS, 14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Also scheduled are meetings with officials of the Kosovo government and Parliament, Kosovo's main opposition leader Hashim Thaci, who heads the Democratic Party of Kosovo, the chief representative of Kosovo Serbs Oliver Ivanovic who heads the Serb List for Kosovo-Metohija, the leader of the ORA party Veton Surroi and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Kosovo Joachim Rücker.

The foreign minister will then depart for Brussels to take part in the EU General Affairs Council, after which she departs for New York.

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Bakoyannis will have numerous contacts with foreign ministers from other countries, among them a meeting on September 18 with Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul.

The last meeting is in line with the practice in recent years of alternating meetings by the Greek and Turkish foreign ministers at the offices of the representations.

Meetings are also planned with Bakoyannis' counterparts from Egypt, Iran, Spain, Syria and others, while she will also host a dinner for the members of the Security Council and participate in a meeting of her counterparts from NATO member-states, as well as a meeting between the foreign ministers of Russia and the EU.

[08] Athens on upcoming Commission report for Turkey

ATHENS, 14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

A foreign ministry spokesman in Athens nevertheless noted that the Union is "comprehensively briefed" over Greece's positions regarding the fulfillment by Turkey of its commitments to the 25-nation bloc.

Spokesman George Koumoutsakos added that the Greek government is doing "all it can and must do" so that the neighboring country's obligations are met.

In a related development, and in reference to reports over a violation, by the Turkish side, of a summer moratorium prohibiting the holding of military exercises in the Aegean, Koumoutsakos emphasized that any attempt to seal-off areas for the holding of maneuvers is, therefore, illegal.

He added that such actions are routinely countered by Greece's Civil Aviation Authority and the foreign ministry on the basis of standing directives issued by a relevant inter-ministerial committee.

[09] Athens again refers to proposal for Euro-coast guard, cites illegal migration problem

ATHENS, 14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos made the statement during his regular press briefing in response to a question regarding a letter sent by the European Union to the Greek prime minister on the specific subject.

Among others, the spokesman referred to increased cooperation by the EU's southern member-states and a standing proposal for the creation of a European coast guard corps to defend the Union's maritime borders.

[10] Government stresses that corruption won't be tolerated

ATHENS, 14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"The tolerance of the present government for any incident of corruption will be zero. Where such phenomena appear they will be dealt with effectively, as did not happen for many years in the past. Whoever is involved with such phenomena will suffer the consequences as determined by the laws of the state," Antonaros said.

Responding to a remark that the latest scandal showed corruption to concern ruling New Democracy as much as past PASOK governments, Antonaros stressed that the present government was making determined efforts in all directions to ensure that the laws against corruption were imposed.

"Absolutely no one is above the law," he added.

Regarding a Council of Europe report on corruption that found delays in the operation of an independent Greek authority to check money-laundering, Antonaros pointed out that these reports usually referred to the previous year and said that the government was taking the steps necessary to deal with this global phenomenon.

Asked whether Employment Minister Savvas Tsitouridis might be held politically responsible for the appointment of Panagiotis Anagnostopoulos, one of the three men embroiled in the MEVGAL blackmail case, to various posts on the boards of state organizations, Antonaros told reporters that the minister had removed him from these positions as soon as he was alerted to the serious accusations against Anagnostopoulos.

The spokesman also rejected as "mistaken" a remark that, in the specific case, it had been the company rather than the government that had reported the case to the authorities, pointing to earlier statements by members of the government that had urged the public to assist in the general effort to combat corruption.

PASOK spokesman says 'government has no doctrine of zero tolerance': Main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) spokesman Nikos Athanassakis said on Wednesday that "the New Democracy government yet again attempts to construct a magical image, presenting itself as the pursuer of corruption, which it all brings to light and supposedly it all exposes."

Athanassakis added:” The strange thing is that once again there is no political responsibility, no one assumes political responsibility of the options for specific people. The government has no doctrine of zero tolerance against corruption, it seeks zero tolerance for itself."

The PASOK spokesman said that "the government has not made any disclosures, but the up to now disclosures have been made by citizens' complaints and by the mass media."

Interior minister comments on cases of corruption: Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos, commenting on Wednesday on cases of corruption, said that "in the past corruption existed and was covered up. Today, it is being revealed and stamped out."

The minister was speaking in the framework of the processing of a bill titled "Arrangements of issues of the National Public Administration and Self-Administration Centre" by the relevant Parliamentary committee.

Pavlopoulos further said that "phenomena of corruption were not revealed in the past because checks were not being carried out", adding that auditing apparatuses are being shielded now, while the number of checks has tripled.

[11] PM hosts dinner for members of ND's Parliamentary Group

ATHENS, 14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The prime minister said that "corruption did not appear now. It is a phenomenon that grew in past years but was covered up," adding that "the difference between yesterday and today is that (main opposition party) PASOK tolerated corruption and covered it up, we are combating it and are exposing it."

Karamanlis further said that citizens "are aware of the government's daily struggle against corruption. They are aware and trust us in this struggle we are making. We want them close to us in this struggle, a prolonged struggle. We are continuing to be relentless with phenomena of kickbacks and corruption, we are in a frontal collision with all those who do not respect citizens and their toil."

The prime minister received best wishes from his deputies since it is his 49th birthday on Thursday.

Minister again stresses zero tolerance for corruption: Deputy Development Minister Giannis Papathanasiou on Wednesday reaffirmed the government's commitment to a policy of zero tolerance for corruption, stressing that "anyone involved, however highly placed, will be punished".

"We do not cover up anything. That belongs to the past," the minister said in statements on the sidelines of a conference in Thessaloniki.

Papathanasiou was commenting on the case corruption involving alleged blackmail of the northern Greek dairy industry MEVGAL by a senior official within the Competition Commission and noted that it was encouraging that everything was coming out into the open and all parties were being punished.

The case was also commented on by main opposition PASOK's secretary Mariliza Xenoyiannakopoulou, who said that the "sordid picture that the Greek people are witnessing during these days, with all the incidents of scandal that are daily being revealed, are not just the result of the government's weakness and inability to stamp out corruption but are a result of a patron-client power system that the government itself has used and whose consequences the Greek people are living with daily."

[12] Poll gives Kaklamanis commanding lead in Athens mayor's race

ATHENS, 14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

As far as the Athens mayoral race is concerned, ND-backed Nikitas Kaklamanis, up until recently the health minister, is preferred by 46 percent of respondents versus 20.6 percent for PASOK-backed Costas Skandalidis, himself a former minister in successive PASOK governments. The figure for Kaklamanis looms as significant, moreover, as an amendment in the public administration code last year awards the seat to candidates who gain 42 percent or more of the vote in the first week of the election.

The communist party-backed candidate, Spyros Halvatzis, and Coalition of the Left-backed Alexis Tsipras, garnered 5.5 percent and 5 percent, respectively, while the “undecided” vote stood at 7 percent.

Beyond the local government elections next month, the poll also gauged respondents on “quality of life” issues.

Some 39 of respondents said the quality of life in the Greek capital has worsened over the past three years; 24 percent said it had improved, and 37 percent said it had remained the same.

According to results of the poll, the biggest problems facing the congested Greek capital are garbage collection and cleanliness (39 percent); traffic (20 percent); parking (18 percent); crime (14 percent); lack of greenspaces (13 percent) and noise (7 percent).

Moreover, 47 percent of respondents said they would like to move to the suburbs; 54 said they would opt for the provinces.

The poll was conducted by the Athens-based VPRC firm and presented by the Skai television and radio station.

[13] Skandalidis resigns from Parliament ahead of mayoral race

ATHENS, 14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Skandalidis' resignation was forwarded in a letter to the Parliament president.

Former minister and long-time PASOK cadre Gerassimos Arsenis will fill Skandalidis' spot in Athens' first election district.

[14] KKE leader lambasts mainstream parties

ATHENS, 14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Speaking at a press conference in the framework of her visit to the 71st Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), the KKE leader criticized prime minister Costas Karamanlis' weekend addresses at the TIF, describing as a 'provocation' his statement that he would go ahead with the reforms planned by the government regardless of the political cost. She said that Karamanlis had made a display of political strength towards the popular strata, and the 'crumbs' he offered could not be called 'social policy'.

On the public works projects being carried out in Thessaloniki, she said that they were being constructed with a great delay, and would be followed by the looting by the construction firms.

Papariga said there was no difference between ND and PASOK, adding that the current government was continuing the policy of its predecessor PASOK.

As for criticism by PASOK press officer Nikos Athanassakis that the KKE served as "ND's pillow", Papariga replied that PASOK was saying that 'whoever isn't with PASOK is with ND', and was addressing itself to its own followers in order to terrorize them.

Regarding the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos), the KKE leader said that SYN had started out with slogans against the two-party system, but later downgraded the need for making a rift in the system of alternation (in government) of the two mainstream parties.

She also accused the two mainstream parties of engaging in an "orgy of political favor-mongering" in light of the October 15 municipal and prefecture elections.

Papariga was due to visit Pallini prefecture in Chalkidiki in the afternoon to be briefed on the destruction caused by the recent forest fire, and also visit the Kassandra prison.

[15] Vodafone CEO Koronias called in by communications privacy authority ADAE

ATHENS, 14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The Authority of Assurance of Information and Communication Privacy and Security (ADAE) is continuing its investigation into the scandal, in the course of which it uncovered important additional information missed in a year-long secret investigation by the police and intelligence services.

Koronias was accompanied by four senior Vodafone executives and called to answer a series of questions, among them the reasons why the company had not informed ADAE about the existence of the illegal software discovered in its systems before the software was removed.

Vodafone's CEO made no statements either on his arrival or when departing ADAE's offices.

The members of the independent authority have been in session from the afternoon onward to examine the evidence at ADAE's disposal and to discuss the answers given by Koronias.

[16] Athens Journalists Union denounces arrests of journalists by Turkish police

ATHENS, 14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

They are Ibrahim Cicek, the chief editor of the progressive Turkish newspaper Atilim, Sedat Senoglu, assistant chief editor, Ziya Ulusoy, former chief editor, Bayram Namaz, a journalist and Fusun Erdogan, coordinator of the independent radio station Ozgur.

In another development, an announcement by ESHEA said that "the International Journalists Federation extends a global appeal of solidarity for the struggle of journalist Richard Gizbert for the judicial consolidation of journalists' right to refuse to participate in missions that jeopardize their lives."

[17] Consulate of Indonesia in Thessaloniki

14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Honorary Consul is businessman Dimitris Ramoglou.

[18] Gov't raises unemployment benefits

ATHENS, 14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Labor Minister Savvas Tsitouridis, Alogoskoufis said the measure would burden the country's budget by 70 million euros in 2007.

The minister said the government's main priority was reducing unemployment and boosting employment.

Tsitouridis noted the government has exhausted all its financial capabilities with this measure and added that an additional 10 percent for each child would be paid to unemployment benefits.

Opposition parties criticize increases in unemployment benefits: The main opposition PASOK party, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) party on Wednesday criticized increases in unemployment benefits announced by the government for the years 2007 and 2008.

PASOK's Economy sector chief Vasso Papandreou and its Employment, Social Affairs and Health official Maria Damanaki stressed that on January 1, 2004, minimum unemployment benefits accounted for 51.4 percent of a basic salary, during the period of the country's governance by New Democracy no adjustment was made and as a result they currently account for 44.5 percent of a basic salary.

They added that the ND government is promising that they will reach 50 percent in 2007 and 55 percent in 2008.

The PASOk officials went on to say that for two and a half years the government "has made a great redistribution, with its policy, from the poor to the rich, even reducing the benefits of the unemployed to provide relief and exemptions for those who have. Tens of millions of euros that the unemployed were entitled to were given by it to the few."

KKE said in an announcement that "the meager increases in charity benefits for the unemployed that were announced by the government for the years 2007-2008 constitute a provocation and must raise the indignation not only of the unemployed but of all working people."

KKE proposed an unemployment benefit amounting to 1,050 euros for all the unemployed without terms and preconditions and for as long as they remain unemployed and full and free pharmaceutical and medical treatment for themselves and their dependants, while the duration of their unemployment should be recognized as a pensioning period.

The Coalition party's Political Bureau member Dimitris Stratoulis termed the increases a "mockery in relation to the needs of the unemployed", adding that "they are shaping unemployment benefits that are far less than 66 percent of the daily wages of an unskilled worker, from which they must not be distant, according to law 2224/94 that has been violated steadily over the past 12 years by the governments of PASOK, that ratified it, and the present government of ND."

He added that "unemployment benefits in our country are the lowest in the 15-member European Union and are being given to only 30 percent of the unemployed, since the long-term unemployed are excluded from them, meaning those who remain unemployed after 12 months of unemployment."

[19] EU okays 2007-2013 regional aid map for Greece

BRUSSELS, 14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

“The approved regional aid maps support our cohesion objectives and contribute to the State Aid Action Plan’s focus on less and better targeted aid. I am delighted that the decisions were taken well in time to permit those seven member states (including Greece) a smooth transition from their current regional aid system towards their regional development strategies for 2007-2013," Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said in a statement on Wednesday.

Eligible are Eastern Macedonia-Thraki, Epirus, Western Greece, Thessaly, the Ionian Islands, Crete, the Peloponnese and the north Aegean islands, where companies will be able receive state aid of 30-40% of their total investment.

Able to receive 20-30% of their investment will be firms Central Macedonia, Western Macedonia and Attica; and 15-30% for enterprises in Central Mainland Greece, the southern Aegean islands, Viotia, Fthiotida, Evia, Phokida and Evrytania.

A regional aid map defines the regions of a member state eligible for national regional investment aid for large enterprises under EU state aid rules, and establishes maximum permitted levels of aid; adoption of the map is a condition to ensure the continuity of the regional policy and Structural Fund programs after 2006. Regional state aid is allowed to promote growth in areas where the standard of living is abnormally low or where there is major under-employment.

The Commission's Regional Aid Guidelines revised in December 2005 define this type of region as having a GDP below 75% of the Community average, which is the case for the majority of the regions approved in the maps.

The whole of Greece was eligible for 2000-2006, and authorities proposed that the same status should apply in 2007-2013.

[20] Action plan to increase broadband use announced by FinMin

ATHENS, 14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The broadband plan is part of an overall action plan contained in the digital strategy for 2006-2013.

The following actions have been decided for the development of broadband infrastructures, as well as broadband content and services:

1) Actions for the development of broadband infrastructures:

a - Broadband metropolitan networks in 75 municipalities: Funds of 59 million euros will be earmarked for the creation of metropolitan broadband fiber optic networks in 75 municipalities in the Greek periphery. More than 2,800 public service hubs will be connected throughout the country. According to Alogoskoufis, Greece's broadband infrastructure map will be significantly changed.

b - Wireless broadband networks in 120 municipalities and 20 local unions of municipalities and communities: 42 million euros will be earmarked for wireless broadband networks, while funding will also be provided for the broadband connection of schools with the nationwide school network. The action plan provides for the connection of 1,260 schools, 360 cultural centers, and 1,800 public services. Also, 320 regional health centers and offices will be connected.

c - Wireless Internet access: 21 million euros will be earmarked for the creation of wireless hubs of access to private enterprises. Actions are also foreseen for broadband exploitation of the Hellas SAT satellite, and boosting private investments for broadband in the periphery, with a total budget of 210 million euros.

The goal is to offer broadband services to citizens and businesses at affordable rates.

2) Actions for the development of broadband content and services

a - Boosting private investments for the development of these services. The action provides for 36 million euros for financing investment plans of businesses advancing the new broadband services.

b - Development of 'smart' home communities: 10 million euros will be earmarked for highlighting the importance of broadband in the development of local societies.

c - Broadband services in agencies and organizations for persons with special needs: 45 million euros will be earmarked for boosting equal access of persons with special needs to digital television through the distribution of specially-formulated decoders.

3) Actions for boosting demand: 11.5 million euros will be earmarked for increasing public awareness on the benefits of broadband use.

4) Provisions in the investment law: The new investments law will contain, for the first time, specific provisions for boosting the development of broadband infrastructures and services.

[21] Greek businesses optimistic over progress in reform program

ATHENS, 14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The report is the first attempt to record the views of Greek businesses over the course and the prospects of necessary economic and social reforms in the country.

The report was based on the reform program submitted by the Greek government to the EU in October 2005, in the framework of a Lisbon Strategy. The report said that Greek businesses acknowledged there was progress in implementing reforms, particularly in the sectors of electronic governance, deregulation of markets and information and communications technologies. The report said the energy, tourism, telecommunications and financial services sectors were the most beneficiaries of reforms.

Forty-four percent of companies questioned in the report said there was a stalemate in reforms in the last 12 months, another 30 percent said there was progress and only 2.0 percent said the program went backwards.

Sixty-five percent of companies said they expected progress to be made in the next 12 months, while the report showed that expectations were realistic since the percentage of very optimistic enterprises or very pessimistic was largely insignificant.

[22] Olympic Airways remains in privatization course, minister says

ATHENS, 14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Speaking to reporters, the Greek minister stressed that as the Prime Minister said in Thessaloniki, "these procedures take time".

[23] Development minister holds talks with Syrian economy and trade minister

ATHENS, 14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The meeting was attended by development ministry secretary general Nikos Stefanou, the secretary general for industry issues Spyros Papadopoulos and the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Syria Souad M. Al-Ayoubi.

[24] PASOK deputies on 'anticipated privatization of the Public Power Corporation'

ATHENS, 14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

According to the deputies, "the anticipated economic impasse and the 'damages' which will be presented at the PPC, may consequently constitute an alibi for the government to proceed in the further floatation of the PPC."

The PASOK deputies ask the prime minister whether he intends to proceed in the sale of a batch of shares beyond 51 per cent, so as to render the state's participation as a minority in the share capital of the PPC and to grant the corporation's management to a strategic investor.

[25] Coalition party leader visits 71st Thessaloniki International Fair

14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The Coalition party leader met with the administrations of Helexpo S.A. and TIF S.A. and their presidents Aristotelis Thomopoulos and Dimitris Bakatselos briefed him on details of this year's fair.

Alavanos stressed the need for the TIF to seek a new identity and said that a different dimension must be given to political presence. For this reason, he proposed that Parliament should hold a session in Thessaloniki during the days that the TIf will be operating and be concluded with a discussion at party leader level.

Afterwards, Alavanos was given a guided tour of pavilions at the fair.

Alavanos visits ANA-MPA pavilion: Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) leader Alekos Alavanos on Wednesday evening visited the pavilion of the Athens News Agency-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA) at the 71st Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).

During his visit, he referred to the "important work of information" which the unified ANA-MPA offers and to the local government elections which will be held on October 15.

In statements which were directly transmitted to the Internet, Alavanos termed as "very important" the services which ANA-MPA offers, noting that a very great part of the information of Synaspismos itself comes from the bulletins of the unified agency.

"If only in other sectors as well, in issues of technology, entrepreneurship etc., there was the same index of development like the one that exists in the sector of information," Alavanos said.

Regarding the local elections in October, he noted that "they should not be a parties opinion poll" which "remains on the surface of impressions," but to show through them "the major social, development, ecological matters and for radical solutions to these to be projected."

[26] Greece aims for EU biofuel target

14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Under the target, Greece will produce 160,000 tons of biodiesel and 400,000 tons of bioethanol per year, Kontos told a sector seminar.

Last year a law was passed that promotes biofuel output from Greek energy plants, he added.

[27] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks decline

ATHENS, 14/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.13% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks 0.09% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 1.43% down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 194 to 60 with 56 remaining unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: GEK

Stock Futures: