Athens News Agency: News Bulletin in English, 07-02-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] Enhanced role for private insurance sought, PM stresses

[02] Communist party rejects PM's praise for private insurance

[03] Coalition party on private social security

[04] Both sides must mutually accept solution for Kosovo, Papoulias stresses

[05] PresidentPapoulias attends dinner with Romanian counterpart

[06] President Papoulias in Bucharest: Greece, Romania in same 'sphere of interests' in EU, NATO

[07] US Kosovo envoy says final status would not create 'precedent' or new int'l standard

[08] Gov't on Turkish statements regarding offshore oil exploration

[09] Government on reported CIA flights through Greece

[10] PASOK party officials focus on Political Council's decisions during press conference

[11] EU justice, interior ministers probe illegal immigration

[12] PASOK MP Pangalos, ISTAME president at Rome conference

[13] FM concludes UAE visit aimed at boosting economic ties

[14] Greek industries sign cooperation protocol with Dubai

[15] Bulgaria to sign Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline agreement

[16] EU ministers examine new European energy policy

[17] Greek economic prospects favourable, IOBE report

[18] Employment minister meets social security fund governors

[19] European Court vindicates Athens paper production company employees

[20] Natural gas network expands to Kilkis

[21] HSBC announces plans to expand further in Greece

[22] Jumbo reports 41.4 pct rise in six-month profits

[23] J&P-Avax in 30.14-mln-euro road project in Crete

[24] Start of EOMMEX technical aid programme to businesses in Moldova

[25] Athens Int'l Airport awards to airline companies

[26] TIM Hellas reports 11.3 pct increase in 2006 turnover

[27] Greek stocks end 0.72 pct higher

[28] ADEX closing report

[29] Greek bond market closing report

[30] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

[31] European Court rejects demand for war reparations

[32] Family tragedy in Volos: Father kills son, mother-in-law

[33] Suspect in Vartholomeos murder remanded in custody

[34] Teachers and students stage rally in Athens

[35] Regular siestas, healthier heart

[36] Eurostat data on deaths in traffic accidents in Greece

[37] Study on the Asian immigrants in Greece

[38] Europe-Japan pupil exchange programme

[39] Section of ancient theatre discovered at Athens' district of Menidi

[40] Cultural heritage becomes digitalized

[41] Weather forecast: Storms on Friday

[42] The Athens dailies at a glance

[43] Cyprus launches first round for hydrocarbon exploration licenses

[44] President Papadopoulos meets with Egyptian Petroleum Minister

[45] CoE waiting for Turkey to fully execute Loizidou case judgment

[01] Enhanced role for private insurance sought, PM stresses

He was addressing the annual general assembly of the Association of Insurance Companies of Greece held at the Athens Concert Hall.

The prime minister underlined the importance of increasing the public's trust in private insurance as an institution and said that the government's aim, in the dialogue that will soon begin on overhauling the state pension system, was to achieve a socially just reform in which private insurance would have a complementary role.

Karamanlis also pointed to an increase in investments in the sector after several years of relative inactivity, saying that this indicated its potential.

Among the government's targets in 2008, he listed gradually dispensing with a stamp duty for life insurance and further intensifying the work already underway to supervise the market and monitor its solvency.

The premier stressed that supervision with strict criteria ensured that the public's trust in private insurance would not be compromised, announcing the hiring of staff for a committee to supervise private insurance. He further underlined the sector's contribution to the Greek economy, which included some 50,000 jobs and invested capital of 9.0 billion euros.

"The government's aim is to establish Greece as a centre in Southeastern Europe and the insurance sector can play a significant role in achieving this target," Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said, in his own address to the meeting.

The Greek minister noted that the insurance sector enjoyed higher growth rates, compared with economic growth rates, and stressed that the aim was that private insurance should become more accessible to citizens.

Insurance firms increasingly offer more choices and services and the sector attracts large investments from abroad, Alogoskoufis said, adding that the government was determined to ensure the credibility of insurance companies while the insurance market was also supported with tax incentives.

"We want to strengthen the market, but your efforts have more significance," the Greek minister said. He also referred to the achievements made by the Greek economy, saying it was undergoing a transformation to become more business-friendly, more competitive and more exporting.

Economic growth is supported by the private sector and its investments, while foreign investors have begun investing in Greece again.

Commenting on the economy, Alogoskoufis said that "a lot work still has to be done" and that there was no room for complacency or delays.

[02] Communist party rejects PM's praise for private insurance

"The prime minister's congratulations and praise for business in the private 'insurance' sector reward profiteering and exploitation of the social rights of workers, a KKE announcement stressed.

"Its existence and operation aims at profit and its growth is due to the lack of substantial, universal social insurance, the restriction and constant blows against workers' rights, the further reduction of social services and the increase in their cost. They lead to a reduction of the already meagre income of workers. This is the work of New Democracy and PASOK," the party announcement said.

[03] Coalition party on private social security

"At a time when Mr. Costas Karamanlis, with his government's policy, is 'sinking' IKA, he is placing new heavy burdens on it with the way with which he is promoting the unification of Funds, curbing social security and pensioning rights and burdening those insured more and more with their pharmaceutical and health care, while preparing, in the name of reforms, the demolition of the country's public social security system, he is coming to praise the private social security groups and strengthen their role," he said.

Lafazanis was criticising the projected role for private insurance oulined on Thursday by the prime minister.

[04] Both sides must mutually accept solution for Kosovo, Papoulias stresses

A solution for the future status of Kosovo must be mutually acceptable to both sides and in accordance with international rules and the UN charter, President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias said in Bucharest on Thursday.

He underlined that the international community should allow "as much time as necessary" in order to achieve this.

Papoulias made the statement after a meeting with Romanian President Traian Basescu on the second day of an official visit to Romania.

Apart from Kosovo, the two men also discussed the Cyprus issue and Turkey's relations with the EU, with the Romanian president expressing positions that were positively received in Athens.

In response to questions on Turkey's EU prospects, Basescu stressed that Turkey must be able to expect that accession negotiations will lead to full membership at the end of the line, provided that it fully complied with all EU criteria.

"I am convinced that the EU must respect its commitments to Turkey and that accession negotiations with Turkey should continue. And Turkey will be able to become a member of the EU when it fulfills all the criteria, including those that concern its relations with an EU member-state, such as Cyprus," he said.

Basescu stressed that it was "inconceivable" for an EU member-state to restrict access to its national ports to vessels belonging to another member-state, as Turkey had refused access to its ports and airports for Cypriot ships and planes.

The two presidents also noted the need to complete EU integration for the Balkans, since the rest of southeastern European states remained outside the EU, and agreed that Bucharest and Athens should coordinate their efforts for the accession of the western Balkans to the Community.

According to Papoulias, he and Basescu had agreed that the EU should attempt to reach out to Serbia, in particular, giving it hope that the road to EU accession was open to it.

In talks on bilateral relations, Papoulias said that these were excellent, friendly and improving on all levels. He stressed that the Greek business presence and Greek investments in Romania were significant, adding that they had agreed to try and double the volume of transactions between the two countries. "We saw that it was feasible," he said.

Congratulating Romania on joining the EU on January 1, meanwhile, the Greek president also reiterated his earlier statements regarding the creation of a "nucleus" of Balkan states within the EU after Romania and Bulgaria joined the Community.

EU-related issues, such as the German EU presidency's efforts to promote the European Constitution Treaty and environmental protection rules, were also covered in the Papoulias-Basescu meeting.

The Greek president arrived in Romania on a three-day official visit accompanied by Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Kalantzis, Deputy Finance Minister Petros Doukas and Deputy Development Minister Tassos Nerantzis.

After meeting Basescu, Papoulias met Romanian Parliament President Bogdan Olteanu and the head of the Romania's main opposition Social Democratic Party Mircea Geoana.

[05] PresidentPapoulias attends dinner with Romanian counterpart

Greek President Karolos Papoulias, currently on a three-day state visit to Romania, attended a dinner hosted in his honour by his Romanian counterpart Traian Basescu on Thursday night.

Speaking during the dinner, President Papoulias reiterated that "in a Union ultimately based on common values, there can be no first and second rate criteria (for accession to it) ," while underlining that Romania joined the EU by fulfilling all criteria.

The Greek President stressed that the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the European Union "guarantees stability, development and security in a region of the European continent, in which these principles were not always a foregone conclusion."

He added that the European prospects of Romania and Bulgaria constitute a "strategic option", an option "for the final overcoming of the woes of nationalism and conflicts, for the future to be built with respect for international law and cooperation with the ultimate aim of prosperity of its citizens."

President Papoulias pointed out that European reality will signal a rapid political, economic and social development for Romania, adding that "increased economic and business possibilities and, mainly, the consolidation of European values and norms of behaviour is an option that, primarily, will benefit Romania, while at the same time it serves, in the long run, the interests of our region and of the entire European continent."

On Friday, President Papoulias will be meeting Romanian Prime Minister Kalin Popescu Tariseanu, the Patriarch of Romania Theoktistos, the Mayor of Bucharest Adrian Videanu and Senate President Nikolae Vacaroiu, while in the evening, before leaving for Athens, he will watch a concert with pianist Dora Bakopoulou and singer Elli Paspala, to which Romanian President Basescu has also been invited.

[06] President Papoulias in Bucharest: Greece, Romania in same 'sphere of interests' in EU, NATO

Greece's President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias opined that Greece and Romania were now in the same "sphere of interests" in the European Union and NATO, which gives a new impetus to their bilateral relations, in an interview Thursday with the Romanian news agency Rompress, embarking on a two-day state visit to Romania.

"We can put forward common targets -- We will have the backing of the European Union -- and form a Balkan group within the EU. Why not? The Baltic countries have already proceeded with such a group, the northern (Scandinavian) countries also, and the time has come for us, the Balkan countries, to strengthen our position and our voices in the European Union," said Papoulias, who will have talks throughout the day with the Romanian leadership in Bucharest.

Papoulias also referred to Greece's as well as Romania's contribution to the European culture, and predicted that, following Romania's EU accession (at the beginning of this year), a stronger voice will be heard in Europe "in order to reach the optimum result, the accession to the European Union of all the countries of the region".

Regarding the future of trade relations between Greece and Romania, Papoulias noted that there were undoubtedly positive prospects, since Romania's EU memebership will decisively contribute to the development of trade, bilateral financial transactions, ecnomic growth, and more generally the achievement of a high standard of living. "These positive prospects will benefit all the countries of our region, and naturally the European Union as well," he added.

Papoulias further said that the Greek business community had from a very early date realised that investments in Romania would be mutually beneficial, referring to Greek investments in Romania, where more than 800 Greek business concerns are currently active, with an overall invested capital of three billion euros.

[07] US Kosovo envoy says final status would not create 'precedent' or new int'l standard

Amb. Frank G. Wisner, a 30-year veteran of American diplomacy, spoke by satellite link to reporters and college students in Athens, outlining the State Department's positions on the recently tabled Ahtisaari plan and more-or-less again expressing Washington's support for the province's independence from Serbia.

In a bid to preclude any Kosovo final status "standard" from emerging on the international scene as a precedent in numerous ethnic conflicts where territoriality is involved, Wisner cited what he called Kosovo's "uniqueness", listing off a United Nations Security Council resolution for the province's future; subsequent direct UN administration and the "assignment of responsibility" to the Security Council to approve any final status.

Along those lines, he repeated the mantra of "no partition, no union with another government and no replication" as parametres for a settlement.

"There will naturally be those that yearn for a different future ... but, and this is the key, there has to be an issue of extraordinary circumstances," Wisner said, explaining that rampant violence and oppression in the predominately Albanian-populated province of Serbia before the withdrawal of federal forces qualify as extraordinary circumstances.

Queried over UNSC permanent member Russia's mostly glum reaction to the Ahtisaari plan to date, Wisner merely noted that Washington would like a settlement worked out by all of the members of the Kosovo contact group. "...It is very important to us that Russia is comfortable with a settlement," Wisner said from New York City.

Asked about Washington's interest in resolving the Kosovo issue, Wisner cited the establishment of peace in the western Balkans as essential to stability throughout the region, referred to Kosovo as the "last quarrel on the European continent".

Finally, he cited US support in the form of a NATO contingent on the ground, along with financial assistance and political support to any future state of Kosovo, as well as support for Serbia's NATO prospects.

In a related sameday development from Athens, the Greek government's spokesman again reiterated that Greece encourages all involved parties to participate in a dialogue, while stressing the need for understanding by all sides.

[08] Gov't on Turkish statements regarding offshore oil exploration

Interest in offshore oil exploration suddenly erupted in Ankara following the Turkish government's sharp reaction to a pair of agreements signed by the Republic of Cyprus, with Lebanon and Egypt, respectively, over delineation of continental shelves in the eastern Mediterranean.

According to alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros, good faith between neighboring states is necessary, underlining that the Greek state knows how to safeguard national interests.

Regarding Ankara's intention to proceed with oil exploration near the coasts of EU member-state Cyprus, he responded that the island republic is the only independent and sovereign entity on the island enjoying international recognition.

In an unrelated development, Antonaros again noted that no date has been set as yet for a visit by the Turkish foreign minister to Greece.

[09] Government on reported CIA flights through Greece

He was responding to questions regarding flights by CIA-operated planes passing through Greece.

The questions came in the wake of a damning European Parliament report on Wednesday asserting that several EU member-states had condoned CIA transfers of terror suspects to countries where they could face torture, known as "extrao-rdinary renditions".

Greece was among 14 EU states included in the report, which said that 64 CIA-operated flights had stopped in Greek airports and raised questions about those flying to or from countries linked to the CIA's "extraordinary renditions" circuit.

The EU parliament on Wednesday voted to accept a resolution condemning member states who accepted or ignored the practice.

It is unlikely, the report said, that European governments were unaware of rendition activities on their territory.

[10] PASOK party officials focus on Political Council's decisions during press conference

Athanasakis spoke of an important decision for the reorganising of the forces of Youth, so as to contribute with its independent presentation and pioneering activity as a motive power in the party's struggle.

He referred to the Youth's congress which, as he said, "will expect the massive participation of 3,500 delegates, representing all the sectors of Youth and all of the country's regions."

Athanasakis also made particular reference to the incompatibility, between positions in the party's main bodies and state positions that will be enacted, as he noted, in the event that PASOK returns to power.

"No organisation is a purpose in itself," Athanasakis said, but the organisational formation of Youth is essential for its dynamic and autonomous presence and its continuous action in the party's ranks.

Skandalidis focused mainly on organisational issues, expressing satisfaction for having undertaken the sector of youth on behalf of the party.

Spokesman on Papandreou statement

The government policy has the backing of the majority of the people, alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros said Thurdsay, in response to main opposition party PASOK leader George Papandreou's statement that he intends to launch an 'unrelenting struggle'.

Verbal exaggerations, stated Antonaros, will not make the government deviate from the course it consistently follows since March 2004, and concluded that the government has work to do for the benefit of the people.

[11] EU justice, interior ministers probe illegal immigration

The handling of illegal immigration and the incorporation of the "PRUM" Treaty (SCHENGEN III) in the European Union's legal order, with the aim of combatting terrorism and cross-border crime, were the main issues probed by the EU's Council of Justice and Internal Affairs Ministers here on Thursday.

The Council, attended by Public Order Minister Vyron Polydoras, also examined the issue of cooperation for the security of the EU's external borders in the framework of the "FRONTEX" programme.

Addressing the Council on the question of illegal immigration, Polydoras said that in 2006 95,000 illegal immigrants were arrested in Greece, of whom 72,000 were returned to their countries.

As regards discussions on the incorporation of the "PRUM" Treaty, Polydoras said that the Greek side recognises the momentum being shaped by this Treaty for the internal security of united Europe, noting that Greece joins the Treaty in principle, but with certain observations.

According to the minister, it is imperative and useful, both practically and legally, that the implementation of the Treaty should be limited to issues of the so-called third EU pylon, meaning police cooperation issues.

[12] PASOK MP Pangalos, ISTAME president at Rome conference

The political institute "Italians-Europeans", whose president is Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema, is holding a two-day conference in Rome on the theme "Europe and the prospects of enlargement". The conference is being held in camera.

Taking part in the conference are representatives of political institutes and studies centres, government officials and deputies from Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Italy, Croatia, Cyprus, Ukraine, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Romania and Turkey.

Taking part in the sessions from the Greek side are main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) deputy Theodoros Pangalos and Institute for Strategic and Development Studies (ISTAME) president, professor Costas Kartalis.

Prior to the start of the sessions, Pangalos stressed that he will refer "to the need for the maintainance of the impetus of the enlargement and towards the western Balkans and Turkey."

Pangalos added that "at the same time, what is required is the maturing of the enlargement which has just been completed with the accession of Bulgaria and Romania on January 1, 2007."

He further noted that "a necessary prerequisite for the future enlargement of the EU is the undeviating maintainance of all the prerequisites, of the terms which must be valid for all candidate countries."

Financial News

[13] FM concludes UAE visit aimed at boosting economic ties

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis wound up her official visit here on Thursday, as she headed a large Greek business delegation that witnessed the signing of two cooperation protocols between Greek industrial federations and the chambers of commerce of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

In statements to reporters shortly before her departure, Bakoyannis said she was particularly pleased with the prospects for greater economic ties between EU member-state Greece and the Gulf States, terming political relations as excellent.

In talks centering on the situation in the Middle East as a whole, the Greek FM reiterated that Athens is ready to play a constructive role and to contribute to efforts at aiding security and peace in the region.

On his part, Deputy Foreign Minister Evripides Stylianidis said 93 representatives of Greek firms participated in the trip, as more than 400 meetings were held with UAE entrepreneurs and businesspeople, mostly touching on opportunities in construction sector, shipping and port management.

[14] Greek industries sign cooperation protocol with Dubai

The Association, in an announcement, stressed the need for Greek products to gain more share in the Emirates market by taking advantage of free trade zones, zero taxation and transit facilities. It also noted large investment projects, currently implemented or programmed for the next decade in the Emirates and urged Greek businesses to focus on expanding in the region.

[15] Bulgaria to sign Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline agreement

The Bulgarian government on Thursday announced its decision to sign a final agreement for the construction and exploitation of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline with Russia and Greece.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergey Stanishev announced his government's decision to sign the agreement after a meeting of the cabinet.

He stressed the plan's major importance for the Bulgarian economy and for firmly establishing national security, in addition to enhancing the geopolitical importance of both Bulgaria and the wider region.

A draft agreement was initialled by the three sides earlier this month, with officials announcing that all major obstacles had been overcome. Greece hopes that the final signature will take place in early March, proposing that the ceremony be held in Athens.

[16] EU ministers examine new European energy policy

Europe's new energy policy was examined by the European Union's Energy Ministers Council here on Thursday. Greece's positions were outlined by Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas.

Speaking to reporters, Sioufas said that this initiative is more proof that Europe can be a step ahead, not only in the production of ideas but also in the promotion of policies for a new energy policy that will support economic development with respect for the environment.

The minister briefed his counterparts during the Council on the course of the construction of the Greek-Turkish natural gas pipeline that will be completed in June, as well as on the agreement with the Italian government on the construction of the Greek-Italian natural gas pipeline.

Sioufas also held a private meeting with Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs and briefed him on the initialling of the agreement with the Russian and Bulgarian governments on the construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline.

Lastly, the minister briefed the Commissioner on progress Greece has achieved in the past three years in the sector of renewable energy sources and the 100 percent increase in their total established capacity.

[17] Greek economic prospects favourable, IOBE report

In its latest quarterly report, IOBE noted a slight decline in the inflation rate and forecast a further drop in inflation, propably below 3.0 pct, in the first six months of 2007.

A continuing improvement of economic climate, recorded in recent reports, is also recorded in the development of macro-economic data, particularly a strong GDP growth rate. IOBE said the Greek economy has completed a uninterrupted period of growth lasting 13 years and noted that growth rates were higher than Eurozone's average growth rates in the last decade. This resulted to an increase of per capita income to 80 percent of Eurozone's average in 2006 from 64 percent in 1998. The report expects the Greek economy to continue growing at fast rates in 2007 and 2008, supported by strong domestic demand, private consumption and increased private and public investments.

Referring to a fiscal stabilisation effort, IOBE said the picture of the country's public finances has markedly improved in the last few years, and noted that it was even more important the fact that economic growth remained strong and unemployment fell during this period.

IOBE noted, however, that reforms in social insurance, civil administration and education lagged behind other sectors and noted that a broad consensus was needed to promote such reforms.

The report stressed that a major economic risk during the current period was a pre-election climate in the country and urged the government not to loosen its fiscal policy.

[18] Employment minister meets social security fund governors

Tsitouridis pointed out that in 2007, and with a delay of many years, the formulation of the social security system will be completed and termed 2007 a year of national census for the social security issue.

Referring to the late Social Security Foundation (IKA) governor Yiannis Vartholomeos, the employment minister spoke of a great loss and stressed that his policy at IKA has already produced results and offered assurances that this work will be continued.

In another develpment, main opposition PASOK party spokesman Petros Efthymiou said that PASOK is officially requesting the opening of IKA's procurements files and the determining of the control method.

[19] European Court vindicates Athens paper production company employees

The European Court vindicated the employees of the Athens paper production company Athinaiki Hartopiia on Thursday and ruled that their collective dismissal in 2002, following the discontinuation of the activities of one of its production units, was not compatible with European Union legislation, particularly with directive 98/59 that aims at "strengthening the protection of employees in the event of collective dismissals at the business where they are employed."

According to this directive, the employer intending to proceed with collective dismissals has certain obligations, including consultations with the employees' representatives that concern at least the possibilities of avoiding or decreasing the number of dismissals.

[20] Natural gas network expands to Kilkis

The natural gas distribution network in Kilkis is made up of a 41.5km-long, 19bar-pressure network and an 18km-long, 4bar-pressure network that can supply with natural gas the Kilkis industrial area, and the regions Kampani, Nea Santa and Aghios Panteleimonas.

The construction of the urban Kilkis region natural gas network is expected to be completed in the first half of 2008.

[21] HSBC announces plans to expand further in Greece

Geoghegan declined to offer estimates over a share his bank seeks in the Greek market, or the number of new branches to be opened, although he stressed that HSBC will focus on retail banking. He also referred to an improvement of Greek economic data and progress made by local businesses over the last few years.

Vital sectors for the business community, such as shipping, tourism and services, were expected to strengthen more in the near future, he said and emphasised the need to focus more on direct banking.

Geoghegan said the Greek banking system was nearing mature levels and stressed that competition could further reduce interest margins.

HSBC operates a network of 22 branches in Greece. The Group includes HSBC Bank plc, HSBC Pantelakis Securities and HSBC Hellas Mutual Funds Management.

[22] Jumbo reports 41.4 pct rise in six-month profits

The company said its net profit margin rose to 19.52 pct (annualised), up 271 basis points in the July-December period, while cashflow totalled 116 million euros covering total borrowing despite the fact that the Group invested heavily in its expansion in Bulgaria.

Jumbo said it planned to open two new stores in Attica by the fourth quarter of the current financial year and to launch its first store in Sofia, Bulgaria by October.

[23] J&P-Avax in 30.14-mln-euro road project in Crete

The road project, with a length of 7.9 km will have two tunnels, one bridge and is expected to be ready in 30 months.

[24] Start of EOMMEX technical aid programme to businesses in Moldova

The event was attended by Industry Secretary-General Sp. Papadopoulos, EOMMEX director Dr. El. Skandalis, Moldovan Ambassador in Athens Julian Magaleas, director-general of the Moldovan Fund for the support of Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium-sized Businesses, Andrei Schitco, the director of the National Bank's Training Centre, Dr. Alexandra Fragoudaki and EOMMEX officials.

[25] Athens Int'l Airport awards to airline companies

DAA in 2006 broke a new record, exceeding 15 million passengers, marking a 5.6 per cent increase.

The awarding was made within the framework of the 7th Marketing Conference of Airline Companies, which DAA organises on an annual basis.

The awards went to Qatar Airways, EasyJet, Air Moldova, Iberia, Aeroflot-Russian Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Delta Airlines, Thai Airways and Aegean Airlines.

[26] TIM Hellas reports 11.3 pct increase in 2006 turnover

The mobile telephony operator, which was recently sold to Weather Investments for around 3.4 billion US dollars, said its customer bas totalled 2,831,840 in 2006, up 17.1 pct from the previous year, adding 133,541 new customers in 2006.

Adjusted EBITDA totaled 76.5 million euros in the fourth quarter, from 64.4 million in the same period in 2005, while for the whole year adjusted EBITDA totaled 327.7 million euros, up from 247.5 million in 2005. Adjusted profit margin rose from 28.9 pct in the fourth quarter of 2005 to 31.1 pct last year in the fourth quarter last year and from 28.7 pct in the whole of 2005 to 34.2 pct in 2006.

Q-Telecom reported a 7.1 pct increase in fourth quarter sales to 44.3 million euros. Sales for 2006 totalled 179.3 million euros, up 20.8 pct from 2005, while customer base rose 15.2 pct to 1,072,147.

Adjusted EBITDA rose to 12.3 pct in the fourth quarter from 9.2 pct in 2005, and to 56.5 million euros for the whole year from 29.8 million euros in 2005.

[27] Greek stocks end 0.72 pct higher

Sector indices ended mixed, with the Insurance (3.65 pct), Personal/Home Products (1.99 pct) and Telecommunications (1.38 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while Healthcare (1.26 pct), Technology (0.89 pct) and Media (0.85 pct) suffered losses.

The Big Cap index rose 0.85 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 0.57 pct higher and the Small Cap index fell 0.42 pct.

Eurobrokers (19.57 pct), Desmos (14.81 pct) and Xylemporia (12.56 pct) were top gainers, while Elviemek (20 pct), Elbisco (17.50 pct) and Interfish (5.83 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 115 to 134 with another 58 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +3.65%

Industrials: +0.33%

Commercial: -0.02%

Construction: -0.70%

Media: -0.85%

Oil & Gas: -0.19%

Personal & Household: +1.99%

Raw Materials: +0.84%

Travel & Leisure: +0.09%

Technology: -0.89%

Telecoms: +1.38%

Banks: +1.20%

Food & Beverages: +0.64%

Health: -1.26%

Utilities: -0.83%

Chemicals: -0.37%

Financial Services: -0.37%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 24.70

ATEbank: 4.10

Public Power Corp (PPC): 21.88

HBC Coca Cola: 31.10

Hellenic Petroleum: 11.10

Emporiki Bank: 22.30

National Bank of Greece: 40.44

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 29.80

Intralot: 25.30

Cosmote: 22.80

OPAP: 29.34

OTE: 22.92

Titan Cement Company: 45.00

[28] ADEX closing report

The February contract on the FTSE 20 index was traded at a discount of 0.40 pct and on the FTSE 40 index at a discount of 0.15 pct.

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totaled 16,183 contracts worth 206.960 million euros, with 26,280 open positions in the market, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 990 contracts worth 27.917 million euros with 1,577 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totalled 5,973 contracts, worth 5.065 million euros with investment interest focused on Alpha Bank's contracts (836), followed by Eurobank (326), PPC (688), Piraeus Bank (433), National Bank (746), Intracom (367) and ATEbank (388).

Volume in stock repos was 1 contract and in reverse stock repos 548 contracts.

[29] Greek bond market closing report

The 10-year benchmark bond (July 20, 2016) was the most heavily traded security with a turnover of 950 million euros, while the yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German bonds was 0.23 percent. The Greek bond yielded 4.30 pct and the German Bund 4.06 pct.

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were mixed. National Bank's overnight rate was 3.58 pct, the two-day rate was 3.58 pct, the one-month rate rose to 3.63 pct from 3.61 pct on Wednesday and the 12-month rate fell to 4.10 pct from 4.11 pct over the same period, respectively.

[30] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

U.S. dollar 1.324

Pound sterling 0.676

Danish kroner 7.513

Swedish kroner 9.297

Japanese yen 159.04

Swiss franc 1.639

Norwegian kroner 8.147

Cyprus pound 0.583

Canadian dollar 1.544

Australian dollar 1.685

General News

[31] European Court rejects demand for war reparations

The European Court on Thursday ruled that claims since 1995 by survivors of the slaughter in Kalavryta, Peloponnese, in World War II, for war reparations by Germany, is in the realm of "civil cases", as these are determined by the September 27, 1968 Agreement for international jurisdiction in civil and trade cases within the European Union.

On the basis of this assessment, the European Court on Thursday rejected the demands of the Kalavryta survivors for the paying of war reparations by the German state, for damage to property, financial satisfaction due to moral harm and psychological pain which was caused by the German occupation troops on December 13, 1943.

[32] Family tragedy in Volos: Father kills son, mother-in-law

According to police, the man, who has been hospitalized under police guard, shot and killed his victims in their sleep using a hunting rifle. His 8-year-old son managed to escape by jumping out of the window even though he was injured. He is now hospitalized with light head injuries.

Relatives and neighbors told police that the family had serious financial problems. An investigation is underway on the exact causes that led to the family tragedy.

[33] Suspect in Vartholomeos murder remanded in custody

In a written statement submitted to the magistrate, the accused denied that he intended to kill Vartholomeos. He said the killing was not a "crime of passion" but a "sad accident".

He claimed that Vartholomeos' death had been preceded by a struggle between them and that the IKA government had made him lose his temper when he responded to a request to talk by pushing him.

The suspect also questioned whether Vartholomeos' death was the result of the blows inflicted during the fracas, asking for a coroner's examination to determine whether there were contributing causes, such as a heart attack or shock.

Finally, he disputed his wife's claim that she had been alone in trying to assist the stricken Vartholomeos, saying that he had been with her and had asked her to find a towel to help stop the bleeding.

The man expressed his grief over the death, both to his own family and that of Vartholomeos, and asked not to be remanded in custody.

The suspect, an employee at the National Statistics Service, confessed to the killing when he turned himself over to police on Sunday. He told police that he had confronted Vartholomeos, whom he suspected of carrying on an affair with his wife, in the stairwell of a Zografou apartment where the two had earlier met and had been provoked into attacking Vartholomeos by the latter's dismissive attitude toward him.

[34] Teachers and students stage rally in Athens

They also criticised the government and the main opposition PASOK party that they have offered their consent against "free education for all."

The rally was followed by a march to Parliament, while demonstrators set fire to garbage dumpsters at the intersection of Stadiou and Korai streets and when they arrived outside the House of Parliament they tried to break through the police cordon in Vassilisis Sophias avenue, throwing bottles and other objects.

The police retaliated with a limited use of teargas and two demonstrators were slightly injured. The demonstrators stayed outside Parliament for over an hour and then they dispersed.

Secondary education teachers also participated in Thursday's mobilisation and carried out a 24-hour strike. Technical institute teachers also went on strike on Wednesday and Thursday.

[35] Regular siestas, healthier heart

Heart problems could be prevented by taking a midday nap, according to a New York Times article referring to a study conducted by a team of researchers headed by Dimitrios Trichopoulos, professor of cancer prevention at the Harvard School of Public Health. The study was published in latest edition of The Archives of Internal Medicine, a bimonthly professional medical journal published by the American Medical Association.

In the study of more than 23,000 Greek men and women ages 20-86 researchers found that napping at least three times a week for a half-hour was associated with a significantly decreased risk of death from heart disease.

The researchers began enrolling people in the study in 1994 and monitored them for an average of more than six years.

The study suggests that the high prevalence of siestas in Mediterranean and certain Central American countries might be associated with decreased mortality from heart disease.

The results of other studies are also mentioned according to which, the low death rate from heart disease in these countries is also the result of a healthy diet, high in fiber and monounsaturated fat (found in olive oil) and low in meat and dairy products.

[36] Eurostat data on deaths in traffic accidents in Greece

Central Greece, the Peloponnese and western Greece are the three European regions with the most victims in traffic accidents, according to data by the EU's statistical service Eurostat which was released in Brussels on Thursday on road safety in the various regions of the EU of the "25", Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey in 2004.

Specifically, central Greece with 1,576 dead per one million vehicles, is in first place in the European Union, followed by the Peloponnese with 1,159 dead and western Greece with 1,095 dead. In all, seven Greek regions are among the 10 European regions with the most victims in traffic accidents.

In sixth place is Epirus with 681 dead, in seventh place is the southern Aegean with 679 dead, in ninth place eastern Macedonia-Thrace with 669 dead and in 10th place Thessaly with 637 dead.

In 2004, the number of dead in Greece from traffic accidents reached 409 per one million vehicles, placing it first in the Europe of the "15".

Turkey is in first place with 820 dead, followed by Latvia with 752. The least victims in traffic accidents is Malta and Sweden with 117 dead.

[37] Study on the Asian immigrants in Greece

The Pakistanis form the largest Asian immigrant group in the country, followed by Indians, Filipinos, Bangladeshis, Chinese and others.

The greatest difficulty they face is learning the Greek language, while they usually reach out to their communities for protection and security, according to the study.

[38] Europe-Japan pupil exchange programme

One lyceum pupil from Greece will take part in the programme. The pupil must have a working knowledge of the Japanese language, as well as knowledge of the Japanese culture.

Applications should be submitted to the Japanese embassy by February 26, 2007. For more information, contact Mrs. Sato at the Japanese Embassy's cultural division, tel: 210-6709902.

[39] Section of ancient theatre discovered at Athens' district of Menidi

During the excavations at the junction of Salamina and Liossia roads, 15 stands came to light.

The antiquities director of the Culture Ministry, Vivi Vassilopoulou will visit the site on Friday.

[40] Cultural heritage becomes digitalized

The objective of the project is to boost local tourism and project the region's cultural treasures, highlighting the uniqueness of the religious, historical and natural monument of Meteora, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Meteora is the home of the largest and most important group of monasteries in Greece, after those in Mount Athos, built on spectacular natural sandstone rock pillars.

[41] Weather forecast: Storms on Friday

[42] The Athens dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Koulouris sacrifices for...Pangalos and the 'asylum' ".

ANO KATO: "Andreas' (the PASOK founder and late former PM Andreas Papandreou, father of current PASOK leader George Papandreou) son expelled me - Koulouris (a long-time party cadre and MP since Andreas Papandreou's era) livid - Intimations against (George) Papandreou".

APOGEVMATINI: "PASOK's withdrawal from (the dialogue on the revision of the Constitution in) parliament a pity for the country and democracy - Karamanlis's harsh criticism of Papandreou and his withdrawal from the discussion on the Constitution".

AVGHI: "Rally today in front of the Athens Polytechnic University".

AVRIANI: "I didn't kill Vartholomeos (IKA governor) - The entire text of the deposition to be submitted today to justice by the perpetrator of the crime that shocked Greece".

CHORA: "Karamanlis: The next parliament will be a revisionary parliament - The opposition dodging the battle and absent".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "Koulouris expelled from the PASOK parliamentary group for his statements against the (party) leadership and Pangalos".

ELEFTHEROS: "Karamanlis 'burning' on PASOK, George - Harsh accusations for their 'retreat' from parliament".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "I'm 16 years old and I want to say to you... - The Greece of our children, via a UNICEF study".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Summons for...your rally - Prosecutor's summons to POSDEP and OLME (teachers' federation and union)".

ESTIA: "Impressive speech by Steve Forbes on businesses, human dynamic, growth and taxation".

ETHNOS: "Testimony on the killing - Change of scenery with new evidence in the Vartholomeos case".

LOGOS: "Karamanlis attack on PASOK over the 'retreat' from the discussion of Article 16 - Strong accusations".

NIKI: "Time for the people to speak - Papandreou unwavering against the 'ageing government' ".

RIZOSPASTIS: "Aleka Papariga (KKE leader) in parliament on the revision of the Constitution: Turn your backs on ND's and PASOK's coercive quandaries".

TA NEA: "Bogus investigation into the procurements, by order of Tsitouridis".

TO VIMA: "PASOK in...new (mis)adventures - How Koulouris was ousted".

VRADYNI: "Immovable against...Koulouris - Show of strength by Papandreou, with low political risk".

Cyprus Affairs

[43] Cyprus launches first round for hydrocarbon exploration licenses

The Republic of Cyprus opened on Thursday the 1st Licensing Round Offshore Cyprus for the grant of hydrocarbon exploration and development licenses.

The official opening of the 1st Licensing Round Offshore Cyprus for the grant of hydrocarbon exploration and subsequent development licenses took place in Nicosia in the presence of Egyptian Minister of Petroleum Amin Fahmy, Cypriot Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Antonis Michaelides, Minister of Foreign Affairs George Lillikas, Ambassadors of foreign countries in Nicosia, experts on hydrocarbon surveys, as well as representatives of interested companies.

The first round for the submission of applications began on Thursday and will end on July 16th. The interested companies will then submit their applications for further exploration in the 11 exploration blocks lying south and southwest of Cyprus towards Egypt.

Experts commissioned by the Cypriot government said the area covers 70,000 sq km in extent and the indications are encouraging for finding hydrocarbon reserves at depths ranging from 400 to 3,000 meters.

In his speech, the Minister of Commerce said that the Republic of Cyprus has signed an agreement on the delimitation of the exclusive economic zone with Egypt and Lebanon, based on the internationally accepted principle of the median line and in accordance with the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea.

"These agreements constitute an example of respect to the independence and the sovereignty of states, which is an element of modern political perception. Cyprus expects from the remaining neighbouring countries to show such modern political behaviour and formulate similar agreements," he said.

Michaelides added that recent geophysical surveys in the region have proven to be successful and that this, in conjunction with the current high oil prices, makes the region a significant exploration target.

"Thus, the government of Cyprus considers that the time has come for Cyprus to embark on hydrocarbon exploration in its exclusive economic zone, an activity in which neighbouring countries are engaged for some decades," he said.

In his opening speech, the Egyptian Minister of Petroleum described the event as an historic milestone towards achieving future energy stability for the current and future generations in Cyprus.

He reassured that Egypt is fully committed to work very closely with the Cypriot side offering all necessary support and experience, to help Cyprus achieve its oil and gas future plans.

The Egyptian Minister referred to the dialogue between Cyprus and his country "which resulted in a clear vision for future cooperation in the oil and gas sector, namely in the areas of exploration and development, gas export, knowledge and experience transfer in exploring frontier areas, model agreements and any other areas we believe together that are of interest to either party."

In statements after the ceremony, the Cypriot Minister of Commerce said that many foreign companies, among them the biggest ones in the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbon reserves, have shown their interest in the subject.

Invited to comment on Turkish reaction regarding Cyprus' intentions, Michaelides said that the presence of Egyptian officials at the ceremony constitutes a signal that Egypt respects the international law and conventions regarding the exploration and exploitation of any reserves.

Commenting on the same issue, the Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs said that the presence of the Egyptian Minister and his entourage in Cyprus is a clear answer to the Turkish threats.

"The government of the Republic of Cyprus has acted in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and based on its sovereign rights," Lillikas said.

He added that Cyprus could contribute to the EU need for more energy resources, which is one of the highest priorities for the EU.

The Republic of Cyprus joined the EU in 2004. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

[44] President Papadopoulos meets with Egyptian Petroleum Minister

Cyprus will soon be enjoying having activities of oil and gas business, Egyptian Petroleum Minister Amin Sameh Samir Fahmi said here on Thursday.

Speaking after a meeting with Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos, the Egyptian Minister also noted that when exploration starts through agreements everything runs very quickly.

He said that with President Papadopoulos they discussed bilateral relations and especially relations in the oil and gas sector.

"This is an historical day for Cyprus. I think very soon you are going to enjoy having activities of oil and gas business. When exploration starts through agreements everything runs very quickly," he said.

Noting that the geological map of Cyprus looks very good, he expressed certainty that "in the very near future you are going to have very good news."

Asked whether the government of Egypt is under pressure from Turkey to interrupt its cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus for hydrocarbon exploration, Fahmi said that his country respects international laws as well as its friends and obligations.

Cyprus has signed agreements for the delimitation of its Exclusive Economic Zone with Egypt and Lebanon. Turkey has reacted with threats as regards intentions for exploration and exploitation of possible oil deposits or natural gas in the sea area off the island.

[45] CoE waiting for Turkey to fully execute Loizidou case judgment

The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe is still waiting for clear indications as regards the implementation of a European Court of Human Rights judgment relating to the case Greek Cypriot Titina Loizidou won against Ankara for violation of human rights.

This was said here on Thursday by Deputy Secretary General of the CoE Maud de Boer Buquicchio, adding that a relevant discussion took place two days ago as regards the decision of the ECHR in Cyprus' Fourth Interstate Appeal against Turkey, by which Turkey was deemed responsible and accountable for a series of violations of the European Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms Convention, as well as the Loizidou case.

"On the interstate case the decision was to come back to this at a later stage, on the Loizidou case there was a reference to what was happening and what Cyprus can expect, what Ms Loizidou can expect in terms of reaction to her original claim to access to her property," she said.

Responding to a question regarding Turkey's negative stance, the Deputy Secretary General of the CoE noted there were a number of very important issues which were tackled, which had to do with access to property rights, as well as other difficult issues such as the missing persons, freedom of religion and freedom of education which were also dealt with.

She noted, however, that "the execution of judgments in the first place is in the hands of the respondent government" adding that it is absolutely clear that the role of the Committee is to supervise the execution.

Buquicchio further referred to the issue of the remedies, which should be made available in order to bring breaches of human rights to an end.

She explained that the approach of the Committee of Ministers is really a step-to-step one in order to see whether progress has been made.

As regards the Loizidou case, she said "we are waiting for further clear indications on the side of the Turkish government, how they can meet the demands of Ms Loizidou, which have been identified as being in breach of article one of the first protocol to the European Convention on Human Rights."

Turkey has paid Loizidou over one million dollars in compensation for the loss of use of her property in Turkish occupied Cyprus but still denies access to her property for its peaceful enjoyment.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

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