Athens News Agency: News Bulletin in English, 07-02-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't calls for national effort to curb tax evasion

[02] PASOK, Coalition parties criticize FinMin's statements

[03] Government, Souflias on revision of article 24 of Constitution

[04] Gov't says reports of Turkish navy patrol near Cyprus 'not confirmed'

[05] U.S. State Department not in position to confirm Turkish ship patrols

[06] British envoy appeals for respect of international law

[07] State Department spokesman on FYROM

[08] PM confers with parliament president

[09] Interior Minister Pavlopoulos briefs President Papoulias

[10] Education minister meets with university professors

[11] Public discussion on the autonomy of universities

[12] Papandreou meets with former Swedish PM Persson

[13] Informal meeting of Mediterranean countries' foreign ministers held in Malta

[14] Eurodeputies appointed in Parliamentary Committees

[15] Deputy FM Stylianidis speaks on 'the new strategy of Greek Economic Diplomacy'

[16] Dep. FM receives Alexandria Patriarch Theodoros; seminary to re-open after five centuries

[17] Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos arrives in Paris

[18] China's Hua Jianmin visits Lindos on Rhodes

[19] Berlusconi at luncheon hosted by Greek ambassador in Rome

[20] Gov't: 'Fiscal audit necessary for country's credibility'

[21] Environment minister presents renewable energy sources framework

[22] PASOK leader blasts government's pension policy

[23] Energy commissioner hails Greece-Italy natural gas oil pipeline agreement

[24] Development minister comments on statements by Vladimir Putin on oil pipeline

[25] PASOK and Coalition parties comment on Putin statements on oil pipeline

[26] Greek-Turkish bilateral trade exceeds 2.17 bln dollars in Jan-Oct 2006

[27] Incorporation of EU directives

[28] Appointment of new president of Public Power Corporation approved

[29] Church of Cyprus purchases 7.17 percent of Marfin Popular Bank's shares in Hellenic Bank

[30] Greek PMI recovers to 51.8 in January

[31] OA pilots call-off threatened work stoppages

[32] Vessel arrivals in Greek ports rise 3% in 2Q '06

[33] Greece raises VAT return factors in farm sector

[34] Proton Bank acquires 51% in International Life

[35] J&P-Avax in 325-mln-euro project in Qatar

[36] Aspis Bank buys 51 pct in FBB

[37] Eurobank Sec most active firm in ASE in January

[38] R/T sec't gen. Tsoukalas in US

[39] Greek stocks jump 0.93 pct on Thursday

[40] ADEX closing report

[41] Greek bond market closing report

[42] Culture minister: Athens will claim objects from recent 'royal auction' in London

[43] Probe into report that ADAE member was on Ericsson's payroll

[44] Athens, Piraeus mayors tour near-capacity landfill

[45] Med's oldest trout species at risk, Prespa Protection Society warns

[46] WWF Hellas launches 'SOSte' campaign for Aegean's wetlands

[47] Measures for Muslim minority discused at ISTAME - Andreas Papandreou Foundation event

[48] Greek researcher honored in Denmark

[49] Six police officers to stand trial for beating up citizen

[50] Fire at textile plant extinguished

[51] Weather Forecast: Cloudy with scattered showers on Friday

[52] FM acknowledges US, UK statement on Cyprus' rights

[53] Spokesman says reports about Turkish warships inaccurate

[54] Cyprus expects UNDP to respect UN charter, says FM

[01] Gov't calls for national effort to curb tax evasion

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with representatives of the Federation of Greek Industries (SEB), the minister said he would meet with other social partners next week, adding that more effective curbs on tax evasion will allow the government to proceed with further tax rates in the country.

Alogoskoufis said both sides showed a willingness to participate in a national effort to combat tax evasion.

SEB President Dimitris Daskalopoulos said combating tax evasion was a main economic and social priority, while he added that his group fully supported this effort. Com-bating tax evasion would free more funds towards healthcare, education and social spending, Daskalopoulos said.

Meeting with GSEE

In an earlier meeting with the leadership of the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE), the country's largest trade umbrella group, Alogoskoufis called on the union to actively participate in a campaign targeting tax evasion.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Alogoskoufis said what was mainly being sought was to consolidate "tax conscientiousness" where it was lacking.

GSEE president Yiannis Panagopoulos said the trade union responded to the minister's invitation to discuss the tax evasion for two reasons. Firstly, because dialogue was an irreplaceable tool of democracy, and secondly, because the wage-earners and pensioners were the only group that did not evade taxes and fully met their obligations.

"We listened to what the minister had to say, and made some observations of our own, such as that the state must not replicate models that result in tax evasion," the GSEE chief said.

Panagopoulos also claimed that the present government had inherited a debt of 1.265 billion euros to the Social Insurance Foundation (IKA), while by the end of 2006 it had reached 4.280 billion euros.

Regarding the last observation by the GSEE president, Alogoskoufis said this issue would be discussed in a dialogue that was commencing with Employment and Social Insurances Minister Savvas Tsitouridis.

[02] PASOK, Coalition parties criticize FinMin's statements

He added that in one night Greece was presented as being 25.7 percent richer "at a time when every Greek knows that his income is decreasing, the cost of living is soaring and the average Greek family is being led to excessive borrowing to cope with life every month."

Efthymiou stressed that "Mr. Alogoskoufis must apologize to the Greek people since, with the most moderate assessments, the cost of this option is 4 billion euros."

Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) party Political Bureau member and economic and social policy chief Panayiotis Lafazanis, commenting on statements by Alogoskoufis on tax evasion, said that "the hurried government campaign against tax evasion is being dictated and conceals other expediencies than those that are being announced. The government's economic staff is well aware that the impending revision-increase by 25 percent of GDP will result in the appearance of a percentage collapse in tax revenues."

He added that "after the revision of GDP, tax revenues will collapse to 18 percent of GDP over the years 2006-2007, compared to 23 percent of GDP that they are moving today, and which is already one of the lowest corresponding percentages in the EU. In order to cover this tremendous lag, new tax revenues amounting to 13 billion euros will be necessary, according to predictions made for 2007."

Gov't responds

Minister of State and Government Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, in reply to main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) Spokesman Petros Efthymiou, on Thursday spoke of "the continuous slipping of PASOK to waffle and indecent talk."

In particular, Roussopoulos made the following statement:' The continuous slipping of PASOK to waffle and indecent talk constitutes a secure index for counting the credibility of proclamations on 'principles and values policy' and of a 'new ethic'."

Roussopoulos added:"As for other things, the citizens hence-forth recognize the antics which PASOK resorts to from time to time, in the hope that it may also cover up its internal problems and its political impasses."

[03] Government, Souflias on revision of article 24 of Constitution

He was commenting on Wednesday's vote by the Parliamentary Committee for Constitutional Reform on reforming article 24 of the Constitution, which governs land use and protection of forests, in which several New Democracy MPs broke ranks and did not support the government proposal so that it failed to get the Committee's backing.

"In a Parliamentary process, in which MPs have unlimited right to vote according to their conscience, especially in a process that comes under the framework of a Constitutional revision that is an evolving process, it is self-evident that the submission and fermentation of views is sought, so that the final proposal constitutes the best one," he said.

He clarified that in an ongoing process, proposals with wider acceptance might be put forward.

Regarding the MPs 'rebellion', Roussopoulos said that they had merely proved that voting according to one's conscience was an actual fact in ND. "This is true internal party democracy," he added.

Environment Minister George Souflias, however, pointed out that revision of article 24 was a pre-election pledge made by the party and part of its program. According to Souflias, revision of article 24 was vital because "Greece needs to live in reality".

The key to ND's proposals is that current designations of forest and forested land be revised on the basis of aerial photographs taken in the '70s, rather than those of 1945 on which the present system is based. This would mean that large tracts of land will lose their protected status as forests or forested areas.

The minister stressed that several forested areas were turned over to other uses in the '50s and '60s by people then facing acute survival problems and harsh conditions.

"What are we to do now? Turn all these people out onto the street? Or does anyone seriously believe that we can enforce the return of these lands to forests? We must be realists," Souflias underlined, attributing opposition to the proposed reforms to speculators and misinformation.

"What we must do with the revision of article 24 is to restore reality. How else can we draw up a forest register or land register," he added.

The minister said that the most logical proposal would be to take into account the aerial photographs taken in 1970-1971, before the present Constitution was passed.

Though a setback and an indicator of possible opposition to the proposal within ND, Wednesday's vote is not binding and the proposal will still be tabled for a vote by the full Parliament in February.

[04] Gov't says reports of Turkish navy patrol near Cyprus 'not confirmed'

Turkey has confirmed the presence of its navy warships in the eastern Mediterranean but stressed that this was just a routine patrol. It denied any link with an oil exploration agreement made by Cyprus with nearby Lebanon and Egypt, to which Ankara objects.

The report was originally made by the Turkish broadcaster NTV and picked up by news agencies.

The Cyprus foreign ministry initially said it was monitoring Turkish warship movements in the region and later issued an announcement declaring the Turkish media reports "inaccurate".

''What happened is that a Turkish corvette, coming from the area of Rhodes, moved yesterday along the southern coast of Cyprus, outside the territorial waters of the Republic of Cyprus, and has already sailed to the base in Mersin,'' Cyprus government spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardis said.

Leading broadcaster NTV earlier reported warships had been sent into international waters off Cyprus amid Turkish anger over Greek Cypriot plans to open tenders for offshore oil and gas exploration.

"We are monitoring the situation ... The behaviour of Turkey over the past few days shows what a destabilising factor it is in a region which requires stability," said Alexandros Zenon, alternate director-general of Cypriot Foreign Ministry.

Ankara backs breakaway Turkish Cypriots in the north of the divided island. NATO member Turkey has some 40,000 troops stationed in northern Cyprus.

A senior Turkish Cypriot official told Reuters he had no information about a navy operation.

The international community regards the Greek Cypriot government in the south as the sole legal authority on Cyprus, which has been ethnically partitioned since a 1974 Turkish invasion triggered by a Greek-inspired coup.

Turkey urged countries in the east Mediterranean on Tuesday to make bilateral agreements with Greek Cypriots over energy exploration, saying they could harm efforts to settle the decades-old Cyprus problem.

Cyprus plans to open tenders for offshore licensing accords on Feb. 15.

The Turkish Cypriots, whose enclave is recognised only by Turkey, say Greek Cypriots are claiming all the potential benefits for themselves.

Turkish analysts expect sensitive national issues to play high on the political agenda in Turkey as presidential and parliamentary elections approach.

[05] U.S. State Department not in position to confirm Turkish ship patrols

U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack clarified on Thursday that he was not in a position to confirm the carrying out of Turkish ship patrols, following the announcement by Nicosia of its intention to perform research for oil and gas in its territorial waters, and referred to Ankara for information on movements by Turkish naval forces.

However, the state Department called on the sides involved to avoid actions that could draw reaction from the other side.

The American official assessed, however, that it is a question of "complicated legal issues" that concern "oil drilling rights" and the "delimitation of the shelf that is around Cyprus and in the Eastern Mediterranean."

"This stuff is extremely complex and lawyers and policymakers and politicians have wrapped themselves around this for many, many years. There's no resolution to it. So they'll continue to work on that," he said.

"What we would urge is that the parties refrain from any actions that might be misinterpreted by the other side, that there be full transparency, so you don't have any misunderstandings that might result in mishaps. And ultimately what needs to happen is the parties should get back to the root causes of the dispute. And the pathway, we believe, to that is open via the U.N. Undersecretary-General Gambari has made some proposals in this regard, and we would urge the parties to look at those seriously," MacCormack said.

Replying to a questioner, he said that he is not aware whether there has been contact with Turkey on this specific issue.

[06] British envoy appeals for respect of international law

Speaking to ANA-MPA in Thessaloniki, Gass said: "I believe that this issue requires much study. Every country has the right to exploit its natural resources. This is provided under international law and this should be respected. I believe that the situation in Cyprus is complex, but adherence to this principal is exceptionally important. Consequently, I believe that all the sides must examine the issue with calm and give a lot of thought before making announcements and statements that could be inflammatory and could make the situation worse. I would, therefore, urge respect of international law and an approach to the problem that recognizes the need for solutions acceptable to all the sides to be found."

[07] State Department spokesman on FYROM

The U.S. will continue talking with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) for the country's NATO accession aspirations in parallel with the ongoing effort to find a mutually acceptable solution to the landlocked state's name issue, State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack said on Thursday.

"We have made our decision known how we are going to refer to 'Macedonia'," he said and called on Greece and FYROM "to come to some sort of accommodation or understanding."

The U.S. official assessed that there was the possibility for having a "concomitant" process between the effort for solving the problem of the name issue and the examination of the neighbouring country's application for NATO and EU accession.

[08] PM confers with parliament president

No statements were made after the meeting.

[09] Interior Minister Pavlopoulos briefs President Papoulias

After the meeting, Pavlopoulos stated:"The President of the Republic, from the first meetings we had, showed particular interest on the reshaping of the Civil Servants' Code. Because he believes that a meritocracy and just status of civil servants also constitutes a basis for a substantial administrative reform. We also discussed on the implementation of the Code and that it is not sufficient to vote a legislation, but for this legislation to be put in practice and also have continuity."

[10] Education minister meets with university professors

The minister described the three-hour meeting as excellent, adding that her interlocutors presented specific proposals. She also stated that the ministry of education is not fixed on its proposal, stressing that the suggestions presented in the meeting converged and were of great value.

The education ministry will go over every proposal, stated Yannakou, adding that each of them reflected the university professors' anxiety over the future of the higher education institutions.

Yannakou also stated that the education ministry is open to the university professors who have refused to participate in the dialogue and added that every proposal made will be received and studied, stressing that the ministry of education is particularly concerned about state universities, because they are for the financially weak.

[11] Public discussion on the autonomy of universities

Leading university professors were called to provide answers to the burning tertiary education reform question based on their administrative experience.

Participating in the public discussion was Athens University Rector Christos Kittas, Aegean University former rector Sokratis Katsikas, constitution analyst Nikos Alivizatos, National Technical University of Athens former deputy rector Lefteris Papagiannakis and ministry of education general secretary Andreas Karamanos.

[12] Papandreou meets with former Swedish PM Persson

Papandreou told reporters after the meeting that the main topic of discussion was the initiatives that needed to be undertaken by socialists on that problem.

Persson, in turn, said his discussion with Papandreou and been "very good", adding that the greenhouse phenomenon was one of the most dangerous problems faced by humanity, as it affected the lives of millions of people.

Persson stressed that governments must take drastic measures, quickly, to confront the phenomenon, adding that the problem could not be solved only by the market forces, but that relevant policies were also necessary.

Persson further lauded Papandreou's initiative for the establishment of a working group on the issue in SI, stressing that he would have close cooperation with the PASOK leader over the coming years.

[13] Informal meeting of Mediterranean countries' foreign ministers held in Malta

The European Policy of Neighborliness and the major issue of the Middle East peace process were due to be discussed in Malta on Thursday evening by the Mediterranean countries' foreign ministers. Greece is represented by Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis.

The discussion will be held during a working dinner with the participation of the foreign ministers of Malta, Dr. Michael Frendo, of Spain, Angel Moratinos, of Slovenia, Dimitrij Rupel, of Cyprus, George Lillikas, Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affais, Manuel Lobo Antunes, Italian Foreign Undersecretary, Samiano Crucianelli, and European Cooperation director of France's foreign ministry, Gilles Briatta.

The sessions of this informal meeting will begin on Friday morning and centre on illegal immigration, Europe's future and Europe's energy policy. Also discussed will be the Maltese foreign minister's initiative for the promotion of an institutional dialogue between the European Union and the Arab League.

[14] Eurodeputies appointed in Parliamentary Committees

The European Parliament proceeded on Thursday (as it is accustomed to doing every two and a half years) with the reorganizing of its Parliamentary Committees and the election of their new presidents and vice presidents.

As regards Greece, main opposition PASOK party Eurodeputy Nikos Sifounakis was re-elected president of the Culture and Education Committee. The vice presidencies were taken by New Democracy party Eurodeputy Manolis Mavrommatis at the Culture and Education Committee, and two PASOK Eurodeputies, Mary Matsouka at the References Committee and Stavros Lambrinidis at the Political Liberties, Justice and Internal Affairs Committee.

With regard to the joint Parliamentary Committees of the European Parliament, ND Eurodeputy Antonis Trakatellis was appointed president of the committee on relations between the EU and FYROM, succeeding George Papastamkos (ND) and PASOK Eurodeputy Panos Beglitis remained vice president of the committee on relations between the EU and Turkey.

[15] Deputy FM Stylianidis speaks on 'the new strategy of Greek Economic Diplomacy'

In his speech, Stylianidis made particular reference to the problem of immigrants, stressing that "Greece is actively participating in the United Nations (UN) programme for the support of developing countries with the aim of them being helped, so that they may develop their infrastructures and put in practice development."

The deputy foreign minister added that "when you are indifferent about the poor, then you have a problem as well, given that poverty and indigence are the factors which compel citizens of these countries to leave and seek a better life in developed countries."

He also stressed that Greece is taking an active part in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD) Development Aid Committee through the Hellenic Aid programme which is financed with 460 million euros.

As Stylianidis said, "already our country has undertaken action in 45 countries of Africa and Asia, offering humanitarian aid."

[16] Dep. FM receives Alexandria Patriarch Theodoros; seminary to re-open after five centuries

The issue of the seminary's revival, in fact, dominated talks at the foreign ministry between the deputy minister and the head of the Orthodox Church on the African continent.

Other topics up for discussion touched on improving conditions for the Patriarchate's operation, its missionary work in sub-Saharan Africa and expatriate Greek communities throughout Africa.

[17] Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos arrives in Paris

Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos arrived in Paris on Thursday at the invitation of Paris Archbishop Andre Vingt-Trois.

The Patriarch arrived in Paris in the afternoon from London, within the framework of his tour of European capitals which began last week. After Paris, he will visit Geneva.

On Friday, Vartholomeos will attend a service at the Notre Dame Cathedral and also attend, at the invitation of French President Jacques Chirac, the start of an international conference on the environment on the theme "Citizens of Earth".

[18] China's Hua Jianmin visits Lindos on Rhodes

After a tour of the Lindos Acropolis, the Chinese official expressed admiration for the beautiful sights on Rhodes and said he had greatly enjoyed the visit to Lindos, which he described as an "international monument known throughout the world".

He also thanked Valinakis for arranging a "hospitable and rich programme because we had an opportunity to learn so many things".

In response to questions, meanwhile, he said that a chance to visit Greece and Rhodes was well worth the long trip from China.

Valinakis stressed that it was a great pleasure and honour for Lindos and for Rhodes that China's State Councillor had visited the island.

"We have given him an opportunity to see for himself, close up, the beauty of our island, which we believe will take Rhodes to the highest places in global tourism," he added.

He also noted that Greek and China were developing close ties on a political, economic and business level and believed that in culture and tourism they could increase their potential together.

"As a ministry we have invested in this cementing of ties in order to ensure that the Chinese public that wishes to come to our country has an opportunity to do so. The visit by the State Councillor to our country will give a major boost to this tourist wave that our country needs and will be beneficial for China, a country with a very great culture," Valinakis said.

[19] Berlusconi at luncheon hosted by Greek ambassador in Rome

Greek Ambassador in Rome Anastasios Mitsialis on Thursday discussed with former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi international issues such as the Balkans and Mediterranean policy during the course of a meeting they had at a luncheon hosted by Mitsialis for the 26 ambassadors of the European Union's member-states in Italy.

Berlusconi also showed particular interest in the EU's problems, stressing that Europe must proceed in fulfilling its objectives, which remained incomplete, and for this reason all should be active.

It is the first time that a former prime minister and current main opposition leader attends a similar luncheon.

Financial News

[20] Gov't: 'Fiscal audit necessary for country's credibility'

Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos made the statement in response to press questions on whether the government will reconsider the usefulness of the fiscal audit in the wake of a recent revision, upwards, of the country's GDP, which means that more euros - in absolute terms -- will be paid out of state coffers towards the EU's budget.

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis is scheduled to meet on Friday morning with Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis.

[21] Environment minister presents renewable energy sources framework

Souflias said that in the next three months, the special town planning frameworks for tourism, industry and the offshore and mountainous region will follow, as well as the presentation of the national town planning framework.

The minister clarified that following a two-month process of consultations with the relevant ministries, agencies in the countryside and the public, as anticipated by the European Union's directive, and after a discussion is held at the national council, the plan will be ratified by the relevant government body. Negotiations will take place both on the content and in relation to estimated repercussions for the environment.

The minister stressed that the development of renewable energy sources is a basic priority for universal society, with the aim of protecting the environment and handling the greenhouse phenomenon.

The European Union has set as a target by the year 2010 that 22.1 percent of total electric power consumption in the EU comes from renewable energy sources.

[22] PASOK leader blasts government's pension policy

Speaking to reporters during a visit to the Self-Employed Professionals' Social Insurance Organization in Agious Anargyrous, Papandreou said that the government had said one thing but was doing something different.

He said the pensioners would not pay the price, adding that PASOK would be at their side in their problems, and with a social policy that will ensure their right to a dignified pension.

[23] Energy commissioner hails Greece-Italy natural gas oil pipeline agreement

EU Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs on Thursday hailed the agreement for the construction of a natural gas pipeline between Greece and Italy which was signed in Athens on Wednesday by Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas and his Italian counterpart Pierluigi Bersani.

A press release issued by Commissioner Piebalgs stresses that this project, which will transport natural gas from the Caspian Sea to Europe through Turkey, will contribute in the European Union's efforts for differentiating the geographical origin of its energy and the supply routes.

[24] Development minister comments on statements by Vladimir Putin on oil pipeline

Sioufas added that "the representatives of the three governments are in continuous consultations and I am optimistic that at the meeting on February 7, in Burgas in Bulgaria, there will be an agreement on the content of the inter-state agreement."

According to a Reuter's dispatch, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Greece and Bulgaria, claiming that they must speed up negotiations concerning the Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline, otherwise Russia might find different routes for exporting oil.

"We support this plan, which we consider important and a priority for the consumers of our hydrocarbonates in Europe. However, if our Greek and Bulgarian partners fail to solve the complicated problems on their part, we must increase the capacity of transportation through other routes," Putin said during his annual conference in the Kremlin.

According to Putin, a further delay in negotiations could harm the interests of the Balkan countries and of the European Union in general. As the Russian President noted, "in my view, the carrying out of this plan would be of vital significance for the European Union but, instead of this, we are seeing a continuous confusion, that is contradictory with the national interests of both Bulgaria and Greece."

[25] PASOK and Coalition parties comment on Putin statements on oil pipeline

Papoutsis said that "it has now become evident to every citizen that the New Democracy government instead of ruling and producing work for the benefit of the interests of the country and the Greek people, the only thing it does with consistency is to apply itself systematically to communications tricks of all kinds and to try to present 'white as black'. Instead of implementing projects it is only interested in their communications utilization."

Referring to the same issue, the Energy Committee of the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) said in an announcement that "the delay in negotiations for the Burgas-Alexandroupoli pipeline that should have, according to statements by all sides (Russia, Greece and Bulgaria), been completed in 2006, raises great questions and assumptions on untransparent games that are being played round this important project for Greece and further afield."

[26] Greek-Turkish bilateral trade exceeds 2.17 bln dollars in Jan-Oct 2006

But despite the large increase in bilateral trade and the significant improvement in Greek exports to Turkey, which reached 865.6 million dollars, marking a substantial 62.1 percent increase over 2005, Greece's trade deficit with Turkey nevertheless marked an increase.

According to the bulletin, the deficit reached 10.7 percent in the first 10-month period of 2006, due to a 40.1 percent increase in Turkish exports to Greece in the same period in 2006 over 2005, reaching 1.309 billion dollars.

Raw materials and fuels remained at the top of the list of Greek exports to Turkey, accounting for 39.6 percent of the exports. According to figures by Eurostat, the EU's statistical service for the first nine-month period of 2006 (January-September), cotton exports were second with 20.3 percent and plastic exports were third with 12.4 percent), followed by boilers and engines (3.17 percent), argyle (2.94 percent), cooper (2.82 percent), leather (1.88 percent), paper (1.29 percent), machi-nery/appliances/electrical materia (1.16 percent) and clothing (1.01 percent).

Regarding the overall picture of Turkey's foreign trade in the first 10 months of 2006, overall exports reached 67.82 billion dollars, marking a 12.5 percent increase over 2005, and imports reached 112.3 billion dollars, marking a 17.7 percent increase, with the trade balance deficit rising by 26.6 percent to 44.5 billion dollars.

[27] Incorporation of EU directives

The performances of most European Union member-states regarding the transfer of EU directives on the domestic market to national legislation have shown an improvement in the second half of 2006, compared to the first half.

This conclusion was drawn by data provided by the European Commission on the implementation of the strategy of the domestic market in the "25", that was publicized here on Thursday.

According to the Commission's data, on November 11, 2006, Greece had not incorporated in its national legislation 2.8 percent (from 3.8 percent in the previous six-month period) of EU directives (45 directives out of a total of 1,634) that it should have transferred by this time limit.

With this performance, Greece is in first to last place out of the "25", with Portugal being in last place with 3 percent.

[28] Appointment of new president of Public Power Corporation approved

Upon his appointment, Athanassopoulos said DEH's strategic goal is economic growth, prosperity and the protection of the environment. At the same time, he noted the need for DEH to become a healthy business which will operate with private economic criteria.

He later met with DEH's trade union organization GENOP-DEH, at his own request. The meeting was of a briefing nature.

[29] Church of Cyprus purchases 7.17 percent of Marfin Popular Bank's shares in Hellenic Bank

The Archdiocese of Cyprus and Marfin Popular Bank (MPB) have reached an agreement on the purchase by the Church of Cyprus of 7.17 percent of shares that MPB possesses in the Hellenic Bank of Cyprus.

The agreement was reached in a meeting between Archbishop of Cyprus Chrysostomos and MPB's managing director Andreas Vgenopoulos.

[30] Greek PMI recovers to 51.8 in January

Production growth in January was the highest in the last three months, reflecting higher volume of sales, as incoming new works rose moderately, while several companies reported expansion in new markets. Higher production needs led to higher employment levels, although the growth rate was marginal.

Inflow and outflow price growth rates accelerated in January, while inventories fell for the third consecutive month.

The Purchasing Managers' Index measures activity in the manufacturing sector. Readings above 50 indicate a growing sector and below 50 percent a shrinking sector.

[31] OA pilots call-off threatened work stoppages

The civil aviation pilots' association had announced two three-hour work stoppages to take place from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Friday and Monday in protest over management's delay -- as they claimed -- to select which type of airliner will be leased to boost OA's fleet during the peak summer season.

The carrier's management filed a legal motion to declare the action illegal. However, before a ruling could be reached by a first instance court, the union representing OA's pilots announced the suspension of the work stoppages.

[32] Vessel arrivals in Greek ports rise 3% in 2Q '06

NSS said that a total of 159,967 arrivals of Greek-flagged and foreign merchant ships in local ports were recorded in the second quarter of 2006, up 2.98 percent from 153,243 arrivals in the corresponding quarter of 2005.

It also said the total number of passengers disembarked by Greek and foreign merchant vessels at Greek ports rose to 341,000 in the second quarter of 2006, up from 326,000 in the same quarter in 2005.

Further, according to NSS, total passenger traffic (passengers disembarked and embarked) from passenger/car ferries reached 5,054,000 passengers in the second quarter of 2006, marking an 11.22-percent increase from the 4,544,000 passengers trans-ported in the second quarter of 2005.

Finally, commercial cargo traffic rose by 1.21 percent in the second quarter of 2006 against the same quarter in 2005, NSS said.

The total volume of cargo off-loaded by Greek and foreign ships at Greek ports, coming from abroad, rose to 12,552,000 tons, up from 12,502,000 tons in the corresponding quarter of 2005.

[33] Greece raises VAT return factors in farm sector

[34] Proton Bank acquires 51% in International Life

The bank said the agreement will be completed after a successful completion of a legal and audit inspection of International Life Group and approval by competition authorities.

Proton Bank expects the deal to be completed in the first three months of the year and to facilitate the bank's expansion drive in the insurance and bank assurance markets.

[35] J&P-Avax in 325-mln-euro project in Qatar

The contract was signed by Joannou & Paraskevaides (Overseas) Ltd/J&P-Avax SA, in which J&P-Avax SA owns 25 percent.

The two companies signed a 239-mln-euro contract in February 2006 for the construction of infrastructure works on Pearl Island (roads, bridges, lighting, signaling, sewage, waste and telecommunications).

United Development Co. (UDC) is the largest private real estate developer in Qatar. Pearl Island is amongst the largest and most luxurious resorts in the Gulf region, and will include three luxury 5-star hotels, 11,000 luxury villas, three marinas with a capacity to host 700 yachts, schools, shops and restaurants in 10 theme areas able to accommodate 40,000 people.

[36] Aspis Bank buys 51 pct in FBB

A bank statement said Aspis Bank agreed with Restis Group to purchase 51 percent of shares in FBB. First Business Bank was assets more than 1.2 billion euros and operates a network of 15 branches around the country. It was founded in November 2001 with the acquisition of Bank of Nova Scotia's branch network and operations in Greece. Its main activities are in shipping banking and corporate banking. The deal will allow Aspis Bank to expand strongly in the two markets.

The remaining 49 percent of shares in FBB is owned by ATEbank. Aspis Bank said it would seek to draft a common strategy for the development of FBB to the benefit of both shareholders.

Konstantinos Karatzas, chairman and chief executive in Aspis Bank said the deal was part of a strategic expansion of the bank through new acquisitions. Following the deal, Aspis Bank will operate a network of 84 branches in Greece with assets more than 3.5 billion euros.

[37] Eurobank Sec most active firm in ASE in January

P&K Securities ranked second with an 11.08 pct share, followed by National Securities (10.39 pct), Piraeus Securities (10.36 pct), Investment (9.57 pct), Alpha Finance (8.62 pct), Kappa (4.39 pct), Proton (3.21 pct), HSBC Pantelakis (3.15 pct) and Egnatia Finance (2.22 pct).

The securities firms' industry recorded a slight decrease in consolidation in January with the top 10 securities firms accounting for 78.8 percent of total transactions in the market, down from 84.4 pct in December 2006.

[38] R/T sec't gen. Tsoukalas in US

Among the stops on Tsoukalis' tour will be Northeastern University and MIT.

[39] Greek stocks jump 0.93 pct on Thursday

Sector indices moved higher with the Food-Beverage (2.71 pct), Financial Services (2.32 pct) and Industrial Products (2.05 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while Utilities (1.24 pct), Oil (0.21 pct) and Healthcare (0.04 pct) suffered losses.

The Big Cap index rose 0.79 pct, the Mid Cap index jumped 1.50 pct and the Small Cap index rose 0.43 pct.

Vis (16.07 pct), ANEK (12.90 pct) and Tasoglou (10 pct) were top gainers, while Tsoukaridis (16.19 pct), Lanakam (5.77 pct) and Ilyda (5.47 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 143 to 117 with another 50 issues unchanged

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +1.31%

Industrials: +2.05%

Commercial: +0.69%

Construction: +1.49%

Media: +0.67%

Oil & Gas: -0.21%

Personal & Household: +0.99%

Raw Materials: +1.98%

Travel & Leisure: +0.42%

Technology: +0.53%

Telecoms: +1.44%

Banks: +0.64%

Food & Beverages: +2.71%

Health: -0.04%

Utilities: -1.24%

Chemicals: +1.11%

Financial Services: +2.32%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, OPAP, OTE and Piraeus Bank.

Selected shares from the FTSE/ASE-20 index closed in euros as follows:

Alpha Bank: 24.96

ATEbank: 4.18

Public Power Corp (PPC): 21.80

HBC Coca Cola: 32.00

Hellenic Petroleum: 11.12

Emporiki Bank: 22.96

National Bank of Greece: 39.92

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 30.04

Intralot: 26.80

Cosmote: 23.50

OPAP: 28.54

OTE: 23.26

Titan Cement Company: 43.50

[40] ADEX closing report

The February contract on the FTSE 20 index was traded at a discount of 0.21 pct and on the FTSE 40 index at a discount of 0.53 percent.

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totalled 6,105 contracts worth 78.685 million euros with 20,585 open positions in the market, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 557 contracts worth 15.631 million euros with 1,481 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totalled 10,688 contracts, worth 7.972 million euros. Trading activity focused on GEK (2,160 contracts), followed by OTE (327), PPC (228), OPAP (404), Piraeus Bank (565), National Bank (693), Apha Bank (351), ATEbank (795) and Intracom (1,898).

Volume in stock repos totaled 43,468 contracts and in reverse stock repos 3,101 contracts.

[41] Greek bond market closing report

Trading activity focused on the 10-year benchmark bond (July 20, 2016) with a turnover of 955 million euros followed by the 10-year (July 20, 2015) with a turnover of 525 million euros. The yield spread between the Greek and German bonds was unchanged at 0.25 percent.

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were mixed. National Bank's overnight rate fell to 3.58 pct from 3.59 pct on Wednesday, the two-day rate was unchanged at 3.58 pct, the one-month rate rose to 3.60 pct from 3.58 pct and the 12-month rate was stable at 4.09 pct.

General News

[42] Culture minister: Athens will claim objects from recent 'royal auction' in London

Voulgarakis made the statement from Parliament's podium, where he replied to a tabled question by Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) deputy Athanasios Leventis.

The culture minister added that all relevant lists of items from the one-time "royal household" are known to the government, "although these did not include the additional items that appeared at Christies (the auction house)".

[43] Probe into report that ADAE member was on Ericsson's payroll

Papaligouras asked the president of the Authority of Assurance of Information and Communication Privacy and Security (ADAE) Andreas Lambrinopoulos to look into claims that ADAE member and National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) lecturer Iacovos Venieris had been a paid Ericsson employee up until 2006 and inform him immediately.

Ericsson's name was last year embroiled in an major mobile phone-tapping scandal involving the Greek mobile phone company Vodafone, whose systems were developed by Ericsson and were compromised via a highly sophisticated rogue software that "piggy-backed" on a "low-phone interception" capability installed into the system by Ericsson.

The scandal was revealed by the government in February 2006, which said that 100 phones belonging to high-ranking Greek officials - including one used by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis - had been monitored by the spy system for roughly a year, starting at around the time of the Athens Olympics in 2004.

[44] Athens, Piraeus mayors tour near-capacity landfill

The situation at the site was described as grave, considering that an auxiliary landfill created to temporarily relieve the Ano Liossia site will be ready no earlier than mid April.

Both Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis and his counterpart from Piraeus, Panayiotis Fassoulas, agreed that construction of a new state-of-the-art regional landfill is imperative. Both office-holders, the former health minister and a one-time basketball international, respectively, also backed a standing demand of sanitation workers for heavy and hazardous work benefits.

Meanwhile, in an ominous related development, officials in Thessaloniki prefecture on Thursday charged that whatever septic tank sewage from the greater Thessaloniki area - the country's second-largest metropolis - goes untreated "ends up in rural fields and illegal landfills".

The meeting was called by Thessaloniki prefect Panayiotis Psomiadis, who underlined the need to increase the capacity of sewage treatment facilities in the greater Thessaloniki urban area.

[45] Med's oldest trout species at risk, Prespa Protection Society warns

According SPP administrator Myrsini Malakou, the trout in the lake are mostly young individuals, indicating that the fish were reproducing but failing to reach reproductive maturity, which requires about three years.

"There are very few reproductive individuals, so the population is dwindling," she said.

She said the dearth of mature individuals was due to overfishing, illegal fishing and sewage poured into the lake, in addition to a drastic reduction in water levels in the lake due to high temperatures and low rainfall.

In order to help protect this unique trout species, the society intends to launch a study funded by WWF Hellas to estimate the overall population and its distribution in the Prespes catchment basin and river systems leading to the lake, in collaboration with bodies in the neighboring countries that share the lake and the Tour du Valat foundation.

The study aims to draw up an action plan that will include specific management measures to protect the species through-out the Prespa Park.

According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which has drawn up a "Red List" of all species at immediate risk, in its updated 'Red List' for the Mediterranean's freshwater fish has placed Prespa among the 10 most important wetlands of the Mediterranean. Of the 11 fish species native to the area, eight are endemic and not found in any other part of the world.

[46] WWF Hellas launches 'SOSte' campaign for Aegean's wetlands

After a two-year study, WWF Hellas has concluded that the ecosystems most at risk on Greece's Aegean islands are the wetlands, which it said cover some 40 square kilometers on 50 islands, not including Crete.

Of some 342 wetlands recorded on these islands, at least 25 have been completely destroyed and many others have been irreparably damaged, the group said.

The results of the survey will be presented during a series of events held on the island of Kos for World Wetland Day, organized in collaboration with local authorities and Dodecanese high school education authorities.

Those in charge of the survey said the problems were caused by intense pollution, reclamation, filling in wetlands for construction and their overexploitation and misuse.

The main types of wetlands found on islands are the estuaries of seasonal torrents, estuary marshes, coastal swamps, salt marshes, lakes, salterns, streams and springs.

WWF Hellas underlined the importance of Aegean wetlands, stressing that they were rare and valuable ecosystems in the semi-arid island environment, a home for many rare types of plants and animals and a resting place and refuge for millions of migratory birds.

[47] Measures for Muslim minority discused at ISTAME - Andreas Papandreou Foundation event

Among others, speakers noted that the primary priority today is to "emancipate the minority from the stranglehold of developments in Greek-Turkish relations".

Additionally, speakers said the minority's problems are "internal" and not "external".

[48] Greek researcher honored in Denmark

The prize was awarded to Kouskoumvekaki by Denmark's independent committee on technology and production to encourage her research work that offers a new prospect to natural product chemistry and assists the pharmaceutical companies in their search for new medicines.

[49] Six police officers to stand trial for beating up citizen

According to the law suit submitted by the citizen, on the night of April 1, 2005, he had gone out of his house at Nea Paralia park, where he had parked his car. He was then approached by three men who pushed him against the car. He believed that they were thieves and tried to defend himself. Two other individuals intervened and immobilized him by punching him in the stomach. Immediately afterwards, he was approached by another five individuals and all together they threw him to the ground and started kicking him. He called for help and when he was informed that they were police officers, they had already handcuffed him. The police officers then searched his car for drugs, without however finding anything.

[50] Fire at textile plant extinguished

A total of 60 firefighters and 20 fire engines took part in the firefighting efforts.

[51] Weather Forecast: Cloudy with scattered showers on Friday

Cyprus Affairs

[52] FM acknowledges US, UK statement on Cyprus' rights

Cypriot Foreign Minister George Lillikas described here Thursday as correct the position of the US and Britain that Cyprus' rights in international law are in no doubt.

US State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack said on Wednesday that Turkey's reactions to agreements signed by Cyprus with neighboring countries regarding the exploration and exploitation of possible oil reserves or natural gas in the sea area off the island highlighted the necessity for a settlement of the Cyprus problem. He also said "we recognize the Republic of Cyprus as a sovereign state".

A spokesman for the British High Commission told CNA the "legal personality of the Republic of Cyprus and its rights in international law are not in doubt".

Invited to comment on the US and the British stance, Lillikas said that "the correct approach of the two governments - that it is the Republic of Cyprus' sovereign right - is within the framework of international law and the UN convention on the Law of the Sea. We believe that the UN and the EU maintain this position".

Speaking before departing for Malta to take part in the third informal meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of EU Mediterranean countries, the Cypriot Foreign Minister pointed out that ''it is the sovereign right of UN member states to use and exploit any natural wealth reserves they have either in their waters or within their territory".

''Interventions such as those by Turkey prove its lack of respect towards international law and that Turkey is very far from becoming a European country as regards its political culture as well as respect for its neighbors' sovereignty," he added.

Lillikas also said that through its attitude, Turkey "tends to become a factor of instability in the Eastern Mediterranean at a time when both the EU and the international community are making many efforts to achieve peace and stability in this region".

[53] Spokesman says reports about Turkish warships inaccurate

Cypriot Government Spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardis said in a written statement on Thursday that Turkish media reports about Turkish warships in the sea area north of Cyprus were ''inaccurate.''

''What happened is that a Turkish corvette, coming from the area of Rhodes, moved yesterday (Wednesday) along the southern coast of Cyprus, outside the territorial waters of the Republic of Cyprus, and has already sailed to the base in Mersin,'' Pashiardis added.

[54] Cyprus expects UNDP to respect UN charter, says FM

Cypriot Foreign Minister George Lillikas described as inconceivable the possibility a department of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) stationed in the free areas of the Republic, to move its offices to the Turkish occupied north of Cyprus, violating the principles of the UN Charter, UN Security Council resolutions and the agreements which it has with Cyprus.

Invited to comment on press reports on Thursday in the Cypriot daily 'Alithia', Lillikas said that the UNDP, just like all UN bodies, "following a relevant agreement and authorization are active in UN member states".

"We expect the UNDP to respect the UN Charter, the UN Security Council resolutions and the agreements it has with the Republic of Cyprus. It is inconceivable for me to believe that the UNDP will take any action which violates these principles or which do not have the approval of the Republic of Cyprus," the minister added.

The Foreign Minister was speaking before departing for Malta to take part in the third informal meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of EU Mediterranean countries.

He said the Mediterranean foreign ministers would discuss issues which concern their countries in an effort to formulate a common approach and positions.

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