Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-10-27

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] Finmin: China eyes alliances in Greece

[02] Premier to address inaugural Internet Governance Forum in Athens

[03] Transport Minister comments on Internet Governance Forum

[04] Political parties' message of Oct. 28 commemoration; president in Thessaloniki

[05] Thessaloniki celebrates patron saint, liberation from Ottoman Turks anniversary

[06] PASOK leader in Thessaloniki on Saturday, Geneva on Monday

[07] Court throws out parent's suit against striking teachers

[08] Interior minister arrives in Madrid for EPP's special conference

[09] Greece opens new tourism bureau in Moscow

[10] Amendments for EU 2007 draft budget accepted

[11] EU sees no Greek interest rate cartel

[12] Greek ban on electronic games contrary to EU laws, European court finds

[13] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise

[14] UN Day celebrated with Greek culture, music

[15] Poll: Greeks ambivalent about globalization

[16] Merchant marine minister meets with US ambassador, last Liberty ship to be donated to Greece for maritime museum

[17] Authorities arrest 23 illegal immigrants

[18] Bodies of 2 British children found in Corfu bungalow, parents hospitalized

[19] City of Athens guide for individuals with disabilities

[20] Cyprus hopes Turkey's EU course to continue but says Ankara undermining process

[21] Cypriot FM satisfied with Colonna meeting

[22] Foreign Minister says Cyprus affected by UN ineffectiveness

[01] Finmin: China eyes alliances in Greece

SHANGHAI, 27/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

In addition, Chinese authorities invited Greece to take part in Expo 2010 that is due to be held in Shanghai, and a large pavilion the country will open there may be kept beyond the trade fair, Alogoskoufis told reporters.

"I am very pleased with the outcome of my trip to China. There are many key opportunities for cooperation between the two countries," he said.

Beyond talks held by Alogoskoufis and his deputy minister, Christos Folias, the delegation of 60 officials and executives held about 600 meetings on the opportunities for cooperation.

Greece was particularly interested in exporting its olive oil to China, and the market was fertile ground for other Greek products.

Among officials the minister met on Thursday were the president of the Shanghai bourse, and the city's deputy mayor.

During his meetings, Alogoskoufis underlined that Greece, as the financial centre of southeastern Europe, and due to its close ties with Black Sea countries and the Mediterranean area, could act as a valuable partner for Chinese firms wishing to enter the market.

"With its infrastructure and ports, Greece is an ideal hub for transit trade and for logistical support services. The country also has another major advantage, its commercial fleet coupled with companies that have great know-how in many fields," the minister noted.

Korres cosmetics forges Chinese deal: During Alogoskoufis' trip, Korres SA, a cosmetics manufacturer signed an alliance with Shanghai Jimei International Trade Co Ltd, a distributor that will handle the Greek firm's products in the Chinese market.

"It is very important that Korres, which produces natural products, has signed this distribution agreement through stores in its own name. It is an example of how a successful Greek firm may enter the large Chinese market," the minister commented.

Other Greek firms to sign deals during the trip were Odysseia SA and Pantelopoulos SA. Companies wishing to pursue contacts they made in China were Pamy, Soya Hellas, Gaia, Athens-quoted Elais SA, and Attiki-Pittas SA.

Greek exports to China in January-August rose to 45.6 million euros, up 20.7% against the same period of 2005.

[02] Premier to address inaugural Internet Governance Forum in Athens

ATHENS, 27/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

The birth of the IGF was one of the most significant outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) that took place in Tunis in November 2005, which was the culmination of a series of UN-sponsored WSIS conferences over the two-year-period 2004-2005.

The IGF Greece 2006 conference structure consists of eight main sessions. The Greek Minister of Transport and Communications Michalis Liapis will chair the opening and closing sessions, whereas the other sessions of the Forum will be chaired by a high level panel of speakers from all around the world.

The roles and functions of the Forum are set out in paragraphs 72-79 of the “Tunis Agenda for the Information Society”. Briefly, its main purpose will be to discuss a wide range of issues related to Internet Governance, and, where appropriate, to make recommendations to the international community. The working and function of the Forum will be multilateral, multi-stakeholder democratic and transparent.

Recently, UN Secretary General . Kofi Annan extended invitations to all stakeholders and relevant parties to participate at the inaugural meeting of the IGF. By making use of the World Wide Web he invited all stakeholders: governments, the private sector and civil society, including the academic and technical communities, to attend the first meeting of the IGF in Athens. The overall theme of the meeting will be "Internet Governance for Development". The agenda will be structured along the following broad themes.

 Openness - Freedom of expression, free flow of information, ideas and knowledge

 Security - Creating trust and confidence through collaboration

 Diversity - Promoting multilingualism and local content

 Access - Internet Connectivity: Policy and Cost

[03] Transport Minister comments on Internet Governance Forum

ATHENS, 27/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

The overall theme of the UN-sponsored forum to be formally opened by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis will be Internet Governance for Development and will be attended by approximately 1,200 representatives of governments, the private sector, the society of citizens, academics and scientists, who will exchange views on Internet governance.

Liapis stated that the goal of the forum, which will be an annual event, is to promote and facilitate an open and multilateral dialogue for the adoption of joint policies and the establishment of an institution that will monitor the Internet’s operation away from government interventions. Also, the forum participants are looking forward to adopting common principles and rules for the orderly and legitimate operation of the internet.

Referring to Greece’s benefits from hosting the forum, Liapis stressed that it is a unique chance for the Greek people to realize that the internet is not just for children to play but it can boost growth in all sectors of social and economic activity.

Liapis also referred to the efforts made by the government during the past few years aimed at the development and wider use of broadband services. He admitted that Greece is falling behind other EU states adding, however, that during the past year Greece has topped the list worldwide regarding ADSL access. He stressed that all broadband infrastructure in Greece will be completed in about a year.

Responding to questions by members of the press, he commented that Greece has not only complied with but it has contributed to forming an EU decision on flight safety measures. He also stated that a justice ministry special committee is studying the findings on the phone tapping issue and a ministerial committee will be established soon to select an economic adviser authorized to recommend OTE (Hellenic Telecommunications Organization) privatization options.

[04] Political parties' message of Oct. 28 commemoration; president in Thessaloniki

27/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

At noon, Papoulias laid a wreath at a memorial to a war hero near the city eponymous White Tower.

President Karolos Papoulias attended an event held at the Aristotelio University's auditorium in Thessaloniki, Macedonia, on Thursday, commemorating the city's Patron Saint Demetrius, the 94th anniversary of the city's liberation and the October 28 national holiday.

The university's dean, Anastasios Manthos, said in his address that the fact that the liberation of the city coincides with the celebration for its Patron Saint has a fundamental character and unites the divine with the human.

The event was attended, among others, by Defense Minister Evangelos Meimarakis, Minister of Macedonia and Thrace George Kalantzis, Deputy Sports Minister George Orfanos, Thessaloniki Prefect Panayiotis Psomiadis, Thessaloniki Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos and Thessaloniki Metropolitan Anthimos.

Parliament president: Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki on Thursday said that the October 28 anniversary was an opportunity to recollect the heroic events of 1940, including Greece's defiant 'no' to the Axis powers, its victory against invading Italian forces and Greek resistance during the Nazi occupation of WWII.

She noted that honor was due to tiny Greece and its few inhabitants, which in the midst of a worldwide conflagration had dared to once again declare their allegiance to freedom and pit themselves against the mighty Axis forces.

At the same time, the anniversary was also an opportunity to consider the world today, the racial and social conflicts that smoldered in Greece's immediate neighborhood and the human rights that were being eroded in the face of violence and terrorism, she said.

"Only Europe, with its long history of culture and values, appears to be fighting the right fight for peace, freedom and humanity. Despite the many difficulties in its path toward unification, Europe is capable of closing the wounds of the past, learning from its mistakes, choosing the path of cooperation and solidarity to counteract division and violence. We also are a part of this great family and we are called on to play an important role inspired by our own history and the struggles of the previous generations," Psarouda-Benaki's message notes.

The Parliament president ended her message with a call to remember the importance of unity and what Greece could achieve as a nation when everyone worked together for a common purpose.

PASOK: Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou, in a message on the occasion of the October 28 national holiday, said on Thursday that the "No" of 1940 (the rejection of an Italian ultimatum by Greece and the ensuing war) confirmed the tradition of the Greeks' love for the motherland and adherence to the non-negotiable value of freedom.

"The Greeks fought in adverse conditions with determination and courage. They fought for freedom, independence, justice, dignity, democracy and human rights," he said.

"Greece achieved a great deal in the years that followed. It developed, it acquired self-confidence, it joined the European Union, acquired new horizons and became respected internationally. Its value was recognized," he added.

Papandreou further said that "today, Greece is living peacefully and is developing creative relations with its neighbors. However, the Greek feels that the strength of our country is being spent, the wealth of the country is being squandered, its prestige is being weakened and the economy is not performing its social role."

KKE, Synaspismos: On its part, the Communist Party issued a message referring to the "people's no" in the face of Italian fascism and imperialism during WWII, while referring to the present by again stressing the party's unequivocal opposition to the creation of private, non-profit universities in the country.

"The best honor for this year's commemoration by workers and the working classes is to rally together side by side with pupils, students and teachers: No to a revision of Article XVI (preventing non-state universities); no to education that serve the profits of business people..." the KKE message.

The Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) on Thursday hailed Greece's historic 'no' vis-à-vis an Axis demand on October 28, 1940 and Greece's struggle against fascism and for national independence during WWII.

It also noted that the Greek-Italian conflict in Albania, where Greece repelled an Axis invasion, was also followed by the major struggle of the Greek resistance:

"The Greek people were among the first in sacrifices during the anti-fascist struggle and their contribution was important to the anti-fascist victory and the liberation of Europe from fascism. The 'no' of 1940 is a source of inspiration today, especially for the younger generation, which must keep alive the historic memory of the national resistance and the visions for a free country and peace for all mankind," the party's message said.

[05] Thessaloniki celebrates patron saint, liberation from Ottoman Turks anniversary

27/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

The prime minister commented afterwards that the Greek people are proud of Thessaloniki for its tradition and history, dynamism and culture adding that “it is our duty to do everything in our power to enable Thessaloniki to evolve in the near future into a major financial, education and cultural hub in the SE Europe we are visualizing”.

Statements on the anniversary were also made by PASOK parliamentary spokesman Haris Kastanidis, Thessaloniki Mayor Vasilis Papageorgopoulos, LAOS party President Giorgos Karatzaferis and Thessaloniki Metropolitan Bishop Anthimos.

The doxology was attended National Defense Minister Evangelos Meimarakis, Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Kalantzis, Deputy Culture Minister for sport George Orphanos, PASOK parliamentary spokesman Haris Kastanidis, Thessaloniki Prefect Panagiotis Psomiadis, Thessaloniki Mayor Vasilis Papageorgopoulos, 3rd Army Corps Commander Lt. General Ioannis Zoukas, parliament deputies, and other dignitaries.

The prime minister is scheduled to depart for Athens later in the day.

[06] PASOK leader in Thessaloniki on Saturday, Geneva on Monday

27/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

The following Monday, Papandreou is due in Geneva for a meeting, in his capacity as president of the Socialist International, with International Labor Organization (ILO) Director-General Juan Somavia.

The meeting forms part of an SI initiative to combat child labor, poverty and dignified labor for all peoples of the world, according to party announcement.

On Monday night, meanwhile, Papandreou is to receive an award from the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) for his role as the driving force in reviving the idea of an Olympic Truce, during a gala to mark the 125th anniversary since its foundation.

[07] Court throws out parent's suit against striking teachers

27/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

The court said the suit was too general as regards the high-school teachers union federation OLME and unacceptable with respect to the primary school teachers union federation DOE.

The judge found that the plaintiff did not clearly present the start and duration of the strike, the number of teaching hours lost and the damage incurred, nor whether the school attended by the plaintiff's daughter had been taken over by students. Lastly, it did not clarify in what way the teachers' strike contributed to a threat to the lives of students due to lack of supervision.

With regard to the complaint against DOE, the court said that this was completely unfounded since the plaintiff's daughter did not attend primary school and was not affected by the primary school teachers' strike.

The suit was filed by Stefanos Tsipas, the father of a girl attending a lyceum that has been taken over by the students. Tsipas said teachers had placed students at risk because their strike left them unsupervised, while he also held them responsible for high-school take-overs by pupils and claimed financial damages as a result of the strike because he had been forced to find outside tuition for his child.

[08] Interior minister arrives in Madrid for EPP's special conference

MADRID, 27/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Pavlopoulos will be making an address on the theme of "Immigration and Social Integration: Implement for regional and national economic development."

[09] Greece opens new tourism bureau in Moscow

MOSCOW, 27/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

In a brief address at the ceremony, visiting Tourism Development Minister Fani Palli-Petralia referred to stepped up efforts to slash red tape and the waiting period needed to issue tourist visas for Russian nationals. Other Greek officials noted that the minimum waiting period, according to Schengen Pact procedures, is now applied for tourist visas to Russian citizens.

On her part, Petralia said the wait period for tourist visas issued by the Greek embassy in Moscow has been reduced to 48 hours, whereas an average of 1,800 visas are issued on a daily basis.

The issue of the visa is particularly sensitive for Moscow, with the city's mayor, Yuri Luzhkov, also calling for a simplification of procedures.

"Russians visiting Greece for tourism are prosperous middle-class citizens, and a simplification of visa procedures would mean a measurable increase in their number," he said following talks with the Greek minister.

Finally, Petralia said a promotional campaign to showcase Greece begins in the Russian market next month, whereas the Greek side is also aiming to strengthen its presence in various exhibitions and events in the country.

She also invited Luzhkov to Greece to attend a tourism-related trade show in Thessaloniki.

[10] Amendments for EU 2007 draft budget accepted

STRASBOURG, 27/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Ruling New Democracy party Eurodeputy Antonis Samaras participated in the preparation of these amendments, being a member of the Budget Committee. The most important of the amendments endorsed concern either the improvement of the quality of certain products or additional assistance in cases of crop changes.

[11] EU sees no Greek interest rate cartel

27/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

The statement was made in reply to a question by a eurodeputy of the ruling New Democracy party, Kostis Hatzidakis, who relayed Kroes' opinion.

"Banks in Greece have among the highest differentials in the eurozone. Nevertheless, the existence of wide differentials among deposit and lending rates does not constitute adequate evidence of the establishment of a cartel," the commissioner noted.

[12] Greek ban on electronic games contrary to EU laws, European court finds

27/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

The sweeping ban, which bans games in both public and private premises outside casinos, was originally introduced as a means of curbing illegal gambling in unlicensed venues using electronic slot machines masquerading as ordinary arcade games. In theory, though practically unenforceable, the ban also extended to the use of electronic games in private homes.

The court found that the Greek law contravened European Community treaties for the free movement of goods, freedom of establishment and freedom to provide services, while Greece had also failed to notify the court when drafting the law, as it was obliged.

It further ruled that the arguments presented by Greece to justify these obstructions were not acceptable and that the cited purpose could be achieved by more appropriate and proportional measures.

The court noted that it had already ruled that considerations of moral, religious or cultural nature that exist in all member-states concerning lotteries and other games of chance could justify their restriction by national legislation or even a ban on their operation.

In Greece's case, however, the laws targeted games that were not games of chance, since their purpose was not monetary gain, so that Greece should have found other ways to restrict them.

The arguments presented by Greece to justify the emergency legislation were that the electronic games of skill could be easily converted to games of chance, which caused serious social problems and also allowed those exploiting, installing and distributing these games to make illegal and excessive profits. At the same time, players were at risk of addiction and lost significant sums of money, while the state lost substantial amounts of tax revenue.

The European Commission took action against Greece on the grounds that it had imposed quantitative restrictions on the import of electronic games. It pointed out that imports and installation of the these games had ceased after the law was passed, even though the law did expressly forbidding imports of electronic games and the sale on the Greek market, even though they were legally manufactured and installed in other member-states.

[13] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise

ATHENS, 27/10/2006 (ANA-MPA)

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.62% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks 0.21% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.37% up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 151 to 106 with 54 remaining unchanged.

Stock Futures: