Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-03-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM says upgraded environmental policy a priority for Greece

[02] Environment minister on planning for greenhouse effect, water shortages

[03] President Papoulias arrives in Croatia for official visit

[04] President Karolos Papoulias at address at official dinner

[05] Deputy FM Valynakis and U.S. Assistant Deputy Secretary of State discuss developments in SE Europe

[06] Bill on higher education passed in Parliament

[07] Minister Yiannakou speaks on developments in education

[08] PASOK spokesman on higher education

[09] Government denies state violence, defends police

[10] Government denies any plan for U.S. missile installation in Greece

[11] FM receives mayor of occupied Famagusta

[12] U.S. comments on Cyprus' right to conclude agreements

[13] Papandreou ends three-day visit to Thessaly

[14] Papariga rejects rival's request for talks on university reforms

[15] Report on renewable energy sources in Greek market

[16] Gov't orders pension funds to use Bank of Greece as trustee in bond transactions

[17] Greek minister holds talks in Sofia on employment, pension issues

[18] Employment minister and Bulgarian FM discuss Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline

[19] Tourism ministry official in China for talks

[20] FinMin to hold press conference on Wednesday

[21] OTE union announces work stoppage

[22] Lambrakis Press buys remaining 49% of Hellenic Letters

[23] Centric Group reports improved 2006 results

[24] SEVE proposes Arbitration Center in Thessaloniki

[25] Mihaniki wins 211-mln-euro railway contract

[26] Greek import price index down 1.0 pctin January, yr/yr

[27] Mytilineos Group to receive 30-mln-euro compensation for its investment in Kosovo

[28] Athens hotels' occupancy rates unchanged in January, yr/yr

[29] Greek stocks drop 1.30% on Tuesday

[30] Greek bond market closing report

[31] Foreign Exchange Rates - Wednesday

[32] Public order minister presents summer fire prevention plans

[33] Thieves removed over 50,000-euro worth electrical installation components

[34] Appeals Court public prosecutor released on bail

[35] Fundraiser for young pupil

[36] EU ministers discuss White Paper on European sport, doping, violence in the stadiums

[37] Greece and Italy discuss signing of cooperation and sports exchanges protocol

[38] Cloudy on Wednesday

[39] The Tuesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

[40] President Papadopoulos met with Romanian President

[41] Millet: Removal of Ledras Street wall offers prospects for solution

[42] Political parties launch series of events to promote rapprochement Politics

[01] PM says upgraded environmental policy a priority for Greece

On the heels of one of the driest winters on record in Greece, according to reports, Karamanlis said the issue has emerged as a priority for his government, while he cited the "timely activation" of a national action plan.

The prime minister, in the face of criticism of Greece's efforts to curb what many scientists warn is rapid climate change, also pointed to a European Commission report confirming Athens' recent action in the sector.

Strategic priorities, he said, include a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and greater development of renewable sources of energy.

"There is no other position for our country to take than that of being on the front line for the protection of the environment, and to bestow on future generations and our children an environment worthy of our civilisation," the premier said after the conclusion of the Inner Cabinet meeting.

Karamanlis also stressed that the relevant environment and town planning ministry will implement urgent measures to deal with possible water shortages over the coming months, espeially in terms of agricultural irrigation.

Finally, the Greek prime minister said Athens is meeting its Kyoto Protocol commitments via continuous efforts, whereas he called the EU's ambitious environmental initiatives "ground-breaking".

[02] Environment minister on planning for greenhouse effect, water shortages

"I believe that we have met our obligations," Souflias told reporters, noting that the cabinet had evaluated the actions taken so far and revised government programming on these issues.

Regarding water supply, in particular, the minister said that Thessaloniki and Athens did not face immediate problems but that these might arise for other cities in mainland Greece, where consumption restrictions might be imposed.

According to Souflias, certain Greek islands might also face drought problems of roughly the same order as the previous year and that the government had initiated desalination programmes to deal with these.

Problems with irrigation were likely to arise in Thessaly and the Polyfytos dam, he added.

The minister ruled out economic measures to discourage over consumption of water, saying that "harsh measures" of this type would not be necessary.

Interior and public order ministers' statements

Following the cabinet meeting, Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos outlined the planning made in collaboration with the civil servants' union ADEDY to ensure that the summer holidays of civil servants would not coincide, so that public services were manned by at least two thirds of their staff at any given time between July 1 and September 15.

Public Order Minister Vyron Polydoras presented the ministry's fire protection plan for the summer, including plans to lease heavy-duty helicopters. The minister also had a brief private discussion with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis after the cabinet meeting.

PASOK's Loverdos responds to statements by PM and environment minister

Andreas Loverdos, head of the Public Works and Environment Department of the main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK), on Tuesday evening commented on statements made by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister George Souflias during the Inner Cabinet meeting which was held earlier in the day and focused on the environment.

"It is apparent that the government is aware of the environment and the catastrophic over-heating of the planet, as an excuse for demagogy and as a pretext for political mobility," Loverdos said.

Loverdos said that the prime minister, "instead of simply being concerned about the environment, it would be better if he became active," reminding that European Union Commissioner Stavros Dimas warned that Greece is in danger of exceeding by 16 per cent, the determined by the Kyoto Protocol, pollution limit, which causes the phenomenon of the greenhouse effect.

14 pct emission cutbacks for Greek industry 'unfair', Souflias says

Outlining proposed actions against global warming on Tuesday, Environment Minister George Souflias focused on measures targeting the transport sector but warned that cutbacks required of Greek industry under the Kyoto Protocol would cause major problems.

According to Souflias, it was "unfair" to ask Greece to reduce emissions by 14 pct for 150 industries. This would cause a huge problem since 40 pct of greenhouse gas emissions in the country were produced by the Public Power Corporation (PPC), he added.

The minister, who briefed the inner cabinet on global warming issues on Tuesday morning, said that study of the revised National Programme for Climate Change showed that Greece would be able to meet Kyoto Protocol targets almost exclusively through domestic measures and use of the emissions trading scheme. He said that the revised programme would be finalised and ratified by the cabinet in the near future.

Evaluation of the programme called for greater penetration of natural gas, substantial promotion of renewable energy sources, promoting use of public transport, measures for households and the tertiary sector, promotion of organic farming and promotion of biofuels and biomass.

He also pointed to the first National Plan for Allocation of Emissions, which calls for 2.1 pct reduction in greenhouse gases in 2005-2007 and has already been approved by the European Commission and the stricter 2nd Emissions Allocation Plan for 2008-2012 that has also been submitted to the Commission and calls for an 8.9 pct reduction in emissions by 150 industries that contribute 54 pct of total emissions.

Noting that the EU was demanding further reductions from these industries, Souflias said Greece had replied and was now waiting for the Commission's response.

Souflias said that the EU, based on targets set under the Kyoto Protocol, requires Greece to limit the increase of greenhouse gas emissions to 25 pct from 1990 levels for 2008-2012, except for CFCs where the base level is taken as that of 1995. Souflias said that total greenhouse gas emissions for Greece expressed as equivalent emissions of CO2 had increased by 23.9 pct in 2004, based on these base levels.

Breaking these down further, he said that energy sector contributed 78.6 pct of total emissions, of which 55.3 pct came from the energy industry, 20.6 pct from transport, 9.1 pct from industry, 13.4 % from households, commerce and agriculture and 1.6 pct from gas seepage.

The "industrial process" sector was responsible for 10.3 pct of total emissions, agriculture produced 8.7 pct, wastes generated 2.4 pct and use of solvents and other products about 0.1 pct.

Given the above, the government had to focus its attention on the energy sector and particularly the PPC, Souflias said.

He noted that the PPC participated in the Carbon Dioxide Emissions Trading Rights system by 73 pct and, as a consequence, emitted 40 pct of total greenhouse gases produced by Greece.

Among other proposed revisions of the National Programme for Climate Change made by the minister was the introduction of incentives to renew Greece's fleet of taxis and public transport vehicles and measures to promote the use of railways in cargo transport, where Greece occupied one of the last places in the EU. He also suggested introducing systems for the management of livestock wastes and the forestation of agricultural land.

Souflias also listed new environmental standards for industries as of October 2007, which would be required to adopt optimum available techniques to limit environmental pollution and conserve energy, the creation of a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Rights Register, plans to deal with air pollution in large urban centres, stricter inspections of industrial plants and adoption of measures for cleaner private cars.

[03] President Papoulias arrives in Croatia for official visit

President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias arrived in Zagreb on Tuesday for an official visit to Croatia that is expected to give renewed impetus to already cordial relations between Greece and Croatia.

Shortly after his arrival, Papoulias was received by Croatian President Stjepan Mesic for talks that were described as "warm, friendly and sincere".

Afterwards, the Greek president said that the two countries had a common line on how to resolve problems in their region, using peaceful means, negotiations and dialogue. He stressed that both Greece and Croatia stood to gain from such an approach in solving the area's problems, since it had already suffered enough from conflicts that benefited no one.

During talks between the two presidents and later between delegations of the two countries, the two sides discussed bilateral relations, problems concerning southeastern Europe and international issues.

Papoulias underlined Greece's support for Croatia's bid to join the European Union, stressing that this would be a historic event for the region that would further reinforce the nucleus of Balkan countries in the Community and signal the start of the completion of the accession process for the western Balkans.

In response to questions, the Greek president said that Athens' support for Croatia was consistent with Greece's foreign policy on this issue, which envisioned EU entry for both the western and eastern Balkans, both because this would contribute to their development and because they were historically an important part of Europe.

Regarding bilateral economic relations with Croatia, Papoulias stressed that they did not currently reflect the warm relations between the two countries on a political level and that there were large margins for developing these further.

Mesic also pointed to the recent rapid development of bilateral relations and thanked Papoulias for Greece's unwavering support of Croatia's bid to join the EU and NATO.

He confirmed that he and Papoulias had more-or-less identical views on the region's problems and global sources of crisis.

Before the meeting, Mesic presented Papoulias with the medal of the Grand Order of Queen Jelena, the most prestigious medal offered by the Croatian Republic, for his services to peace in the region.

He stressed that these had extended beyond the borders of Greece and that the Greek president's relations with the Arab world, in particular, had made him well-known in international circles.

Praising Papoulias - who served for many years as Greece's foreign minister - Mesic underlined that he had always adopted a just stance and worked for a fair solution to problems, was a committed opponent of fascism and a politician with a European orientation.

Thanking his Croatian counterpart for the award, Papoulias said that this was chiefly an award to the Greek people. He also stressed that the day of Greece's accession to the EU would be a day of celebration and expressed a wish to be the first official visitor to Croatia on that day.

[04] President Karolos Papoulias at address at official dinner

President Karolos Papoulias said in his address at a dinner given in his honour by his Croatian counterpart Stjepan Mesic on Tuesday that the accession of all the Balkan countries to the European Union will create a new geostrategic reality in the region and nationalisms of the past will be overcome for good.

President Papoulias added that with the overcoming of nationalisms in the new reality, the only substantive competition will be the effort to achieve greater prosperity for citizens.

The President of the Republic also referred to Croatia's effort to join the EU, an effort that Greece supported from the very first moment and pointed out that this country's entry into the European family will constitute the outcome of the long course to exit from the recent troubled period. He also noted that it will signal Croatia's final entry into the zone of peace, stability, progress and prosperity.

The two presidents ascertained a deficit in communication between the two countries in transport and, as it appeared, the two countries are preoccupied with linkage both with airline routes and ships.

President Papoulias will conclude his visit to the Croatian capital on Wednesday night.

[05] Deputy FM Valynakis and U.S. Assistant Deputy Secretary of State discuss developments in SE Europe

According to the announcement, Valynakis "reiterated Greece's support for the European prospects of its neighbours provided, of course, that the candidate countries respond fully to the commitments they have assumed towards the European Union and to the criteria and prerequisites set for them."

It added that "possibilities for the development of a more stable cross-border cooperation in many and important sectors such as trade, the banking sector, tourism, transportation and energy are already being created."

Lastly, the deputy foreign minister stressed that "Greece wants to utilise these opportunities and it is already doing this."

[06] Bill on higher education passed in Parliament

The bill is titled "Reform of the institutional framework for the structure and operation of higher education institutions".

For bill was voted by the ruling New Democracy (ND) deputies.

[07] Minister Yiannakou speaks on developments in education

"In democracy there are no impasses. I believe that what is needed is cool-headedness by all the sides. The role of university professors and students, the primary role, is knowledge and science. And I have the feeling that the majority want to serve this," she said.

Speaking at the event, titled "Contemporary institutional framework for volunteerism and non-governmental organisations", Yiannakou noted the role of NGOs, at the same time expressing her satisfaction over "their improved organisation and their greater social effectiveness."

Meanwhile, the Senate of Athens' Metsovio Polytechnic on Tuesday called for the withdrawal of the education bill concerning institutions of higher education.

The Senate, after a lengthy session, in an announcement said that "the following day of the voting of the bill constitutes one of the greatest dramatic moments of the recent history of Greek universities."

[08] PASOK spokesman on higher education

"PASOK's main priority is real reform in higher education, with a bill which will answer to the needs of substantial reform, of the autonomy of higher schools of education and of really free education in all grades," Efthymiou stated.

The PASOK spokesman noted that "what Greek society is witnessing at present is the decomposition of public education, as a result of the conscious choice of the New Democracy (ND) and the government spokesman could not conceal this today."

[09] Government denies state violence, defends police

"There is no state violence, nor do I want to intrude on issues related to police operational readiness," alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros told reporters in response to questions.

"In the midst of very difficult circumstances, the police are called on to carry out the duty of protecting law and order, security, life and the property of Greek citizens. They do this efficiently," Antonaros added.

He was replying to questions about the use of tear gas on Monday by riot police against the parents, friends and relatives of 49 youths arrested during the violent incidents on Thursday, outside the courthouse where they were on trial.

Asked about a survey carried out by the General Confederation of Employees of Greece (GSEE) which found that Greek families had to spend large sums for their childrens' education, the spokesman said that this justified the government's drive for reforms:

"It is precisely this high cost of education that proves the urgent need for the changes being carried out by the present government," he said.

Antonaros also pointed to a government announcement for the start of dialogue on reforming the upper high school or lyceum system.

"Let us not forget that the need that has arisen for Greek families to spend large additional sums [on education at high-school level], originated and was made worse by the indecision of governments in recent years to push through these necessary changes," the spokesman said.

He stressed that the reforms would relieve families from this extra burden.

Commenting on a question tabled in Parliament by Coalition of the Left, of Movements and Ecology (SYN) party leader Alekos Alavanos regarding the actions of the self-styled hooded "anarchists" causing violence during demonstrations, Antonaros said that this would be answered in accordance with Parliamentary procedure.

[10] Government denies any plan for U.S. missile installation in Greece

The spokesman was responding to questions citing an article in the Financial Times regarding plans for a U.S. missile defence programme designed to intercept possible missile attacks from Iran, with bases installed in Poland and the Czech Republic.

NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer has warned that this could lead to a division within the Alliance, since the programme would not protect NATO members in southeastern Europe, including Greece, Turkey and Italy.

[11] FM receives mayor of occupied Famagusta

The signatures are expected to be tabled with the European Union.

"Famagusta, a deserted city, is being used as a hostage by a country (Turkey) knocking on Europe's door. This is a huge humanitarian and European problem," Famagusta Mayor Alexis Galanos told reporters outside the foreign ministry in Athens.

The mayor of the current "ghost town", whose residents are prevented from returning to their hometown by Turkish forces occupying one-third of the island republic, said the campaign ends on April 22.

He also thanked Bakoyannis for Athens' support of the initiative.

Earlier, Galanos was received at City Hall by Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis.

"Cyprus, a European country, continues to be divided and occupation troops still remain on its territory. The long-suffering city of Famagusta is the key symbol of this distressing situation. Consequently, not only will I visit Cyprus ... but as I said to Mayor Galanos, if necessary, Athens will take the lead on a European level. I will contact my counterparts in all EU capitals and press for the matter to be raised with the EU Committee of the Regions," Kaklamanis said.

[12] U.S. comments on Cyprus' right to conclude agreements

U.S. State Department Spokesman Tom Casey, responding to a relevant question, said on Tuesday that "all sovereign governments have the rights of sovereign governments. And making contracts between that government and private entities would be one of them."

He was commenting on a recent statement by the U.S. ambassador to Cyprus who had said that the Cyprus Republic has the right to conclude agreements for oil research in its sea region.

On the Cyprus government's decision to demolish a checkpoint in Ledras street in the divided capital Nicosia last week, Casey commented: "Certainly, we want to see the situation in Cyprus be resolved peaceably, in accordance with long-standing U.S. policy."

[13] Papandreou ends three-day visit to Thessaly

Papandreou said that he felt proud, as a Greek, of the self-sacrifice displayed by all those involved in the country's defense and the protection of its sovereign rights.

The PASOK leader, in statements after visiting the 110th Combat Wing of the Greek Air Force in Larissa, said that he had the opportunity to outline his party's foreign policy plan in relation to the country's defense.

Papandreou concluded that his party's programme aims at a constant upgrading the Armed Forces' work while, at the same time, engaging in a diplomatic activity that will allow the wounds in the region to heal, safeguard the Greek sovereign rights and international law, and make good use of the peace dividend.

[14] Papariga rejects rival's request for talks on university reforms

In a letter addressed to Alavanos, Papariga said a meeting of political party leaders on the subject has nothing more to offer than "maybe a suspicion that an effort is being made to exploit the situation for their own benefit."

Papariga also added that every political force can support the students' movement (against the reforms) by guarding it against hooded individuals, literally or not, who wish to infiltrate its ranks.

The KKE leader also referred to her party's actions against EU directives and regulations regarding anti-terror laws, which she charged target "popular mass movements and peoples in general."

Papariga praised the fact, as she added, that the movement against higher education reforms has not been identified, "to the degree the government would have liked, with the activities of a hooded group of people."

She added characteristically that such troublemakers use tactics that undermine the movement, "and support both the plans of the government and of those who wish to adopt antipopular measures to silence the people's movement by imposing an atmosphere of fatalism and defeatism."

Alavanos requested and was granted a meeting with President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias last week to air his party's views on education reform. He said similar meetings with party leaders will be requested.

In a related development, Alavanos tabled a question in Parliament on Tuesday addressed to the prime minister, asking whether he intended to suspend implementation of the newly ratified framework-law on higher education.

Financial News

[15] Report on renewable energy sources in Greek market

The general renewable energy index, that evaluates all renewable energy technologies, ranks Greece 8th with 56/100. The three first positions are occupied by the United States (72/100), Spain (63/100) and India (63/100).

According to Alexandros Fourlas, a cadre of Ernst & Young responsible for the energy sector, "the utilisation of renewable energy sources in Greece is on the right path, even if it could be speeded up even more. Greece has overcome many of the problems of the past that ranked it among the countries with the lowest development of renewable energy sources internationally, although the natural resources it has allow it to surpass many countries that are considered leaders in the sector."

[16] Gov't orders pension funds to use Bank of Greece as trustee in bond transactions

In a circular, sent to all the pension funds' managements, the employment ministry said funds should not proceed to with any purchase or sale of state bonds in prices different from current prices available in the Greek electronic secondary bond market, plus interest on settlement date.

The ministry, in an announcement, said it was drafting a more effective regulatory framework to evaluate investment behaviour of pension funds in the country.

[17] Greek minister holds talks in Sofia on employment, pension issues

Employment and Social Protection Minister Savvas Tsitouridis met here on Tuesday with his Bulgarian counterpart Emilia Maslarova for talks, including an ongoing two-year inter-state agreement foreseeing of seasonal employment in Greece.

The Greek minister's visit comes three months after Bulgaria and Romania became the European Union's two newest member-states, a development expected to boost already hefty bilateral trade, economic and political ties between the Balkan neighbors.

According to Tsitouridis, roughly 27,000 Bulgarian nationals are currently employed in Greece under the specific agreement, which will be in force until 2008, a transitional period envisioned by the EU for new Union member-state Bulgaria.

Moreover, both sides discussed efforts to provide more flexible and effective protection of Bulgarian workers' labor and pension rights in Greece.

Tsitouridis also said Athens fully guarantees the pension rights of former ethnic Greek political exiles who returned to Greece from Bulgaria over the past two decades, while stressing that Sofia has fully met its commitments on the specific issue.

Finally, he conveyed the Greek government's solidarity and support towards Bulgaria's campaign to exonerate five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian physician sentenced to death in Libya for allegedly infecting toddlers with the HIV virus, a case that has drawn increased international scrutiny.

[18] Employment minister and Bulgarian FM discuss Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline

Employment and Social Solidarity Minister Savvas Tsitouridis and Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ivaylo Kalfin stressed the great importance of the Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline in talks here on Tuesday.

The common position of the two governments that the commencement of this strategic project, with the signing of the intergovernmental agreement in Athens on Thursday between Greece, Bulgaria and Russia will be a considerable event both for the wider region and for Europe in its entirety, was ascertained during the meeting.

Speaking to the ANA-MPA after his talks with Kalfin, Tsitouridis said that "Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Kalfin stressed the great interest existing in Bulgaria in the Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline. Our common conception is that the completion of this project will change the climate radically and will create new prospects in our wider region, while it will transform Greece and Bulgaria into an energy centre in the Balkans."

[19] Tourism ministry official in China for talks

According to a ministry announcement, Yianniri is due to meet with her Chinese counterpart Liu Kezhi and hold talks with representatives of local tourist organisations and travel agencies in an effort to promote Greece as a tourist destination.

The Greek official will also meet with the president of the Chinese Tourism Organisation and visit the photo exhibition "Greece, Explore your senses" by journalist Rita Zhao, which is organised under the auspices of the tourism ministry.

Yianniri's trip follows Tourism Minister Fani Palli-Petralia's China visit in June last year.

[20] FinMin to hold press conference on Wednesday

Late in the afternoon, Alogoskoufis is due to brief the Parliament's Economic Affairs and European Affairs Standing Committees during a joint meeting, on the results of the Eurogroup and Ecofin councils meetings held in Brussels on February 26 and 27.

[21] OTE union announces work stoppage

The union is opposed to the possible privatisation of the national telecoms provider and the flotation of more OTE shares on the Athens Stock Exchange.

Union representatives also demand the publication of a list of 30 local private telecoms providers they charge owe OTE more than 100 million euros, as well as several state agencies and mass media outlets with massive outstanding debts to the bourse-listed company.

[22] Lambrakis Press buys remaining 49% of Hellenic Letters

Hellenic Letters is one of the oldest and largest publishing houses in Greece.

It was founded in 1957 as a family business.

Lambrakis Press bought a majority 51 pct stake in the firm in 2000 and 2001.

Hellenic Letters publishes a wide range of books (scientific, literature, educational, university textbooks and children books) in cooperation with Greek and foreign writers, while it represents several major foreign publishing groups in Greece.

[23] Centric Group reports improved 2006 results

Pre-tax, interest and amortization earnings (EBITDA) jumped 75.6 pct to 1.5 million euros, while pre-tax and interest earnings soared 81.6 pct to 1.384 million euros last year.

Earnings after tax and minorities totalled 551,000 euros in 2006, from 378,000 euros in 2005, for an increase of 45.7 pct.

Consolidated turnover rose 2.0 pct to 16.3 million euros, while gross earnings rose 33 pct to 3.4 million euros and the gross profit margin jumped to 20.9 pct in 2006 from 16 pct in 2005.

[24] SEVE proposes Arbitration Center in Thessaloniki

They pointed out that trade and investment transactions between Greece and Balkan countries are on the rise, while more and more countries in the region are becoming EU members.

Out-of-court settlement of private business disputes is almost unknown in Greece, as opposed to the United States and Britain where the percentage of such cases being settled without a court decision but through arbitration is as high as 90 percent and 85 percent respectively.

Of the roughly 20,000 serious dispute cases that have reached the Greek courts, less than one in 100 (0.76 percent) were settled out-of-court.

[25] Mihaniki wins 211-mln-euro railway contract

The company will build the infrastructure of a new high-speed railway line, including all road, bridge and tunnel works along the line.

The project is expected to be completed in 30 months.

[26] Greek import price index down 1.0 pctin January, yr/yr

The statistics service, in a report, said the import price index fell 0.7 pct in January from December, after recording a 0.6 pct increase in the same period last year.

[27] Mytilineos Group to receive 30-mln-euro compensation for its investment in Kosovo

A Mytilineos Group announcement to the press, said the compensation includes capital, interest and judiciary expenses. The Greek company has already received around 26 million euros in compensation by March 9, 2007. Mytilineos has secured guarantees for its investment in mines, real estate and metal companies owned by TREPCA in Northern Kosovo.

[28] Athens hotels' occupancy rates unchanged in January, yr/yr

The association said January figures were unchanged from last year, ending a nine-month increase, with total overnight stays unchanged as part of hotel clients moved from lower rate to higher rate hotels.

Average room price rose slightly in January, the association said.

[29] Greek stocks drop 1.30% on Tuesday

All sector indices ended lower with the exception of the Industrial Products and Oil which ended 0.85 pct and 0.10 pct higher, respectively. The Technology (3.39 pct), Food-Beverage (1.71 pct) and Banks (1.63 pct) suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day.

The Big Cap index dropped 1.46 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 0.75 pct lower and the Small Cap index ended 1.04 pct down.

Tria Alpha (13.49 pct), Newsphone Hellas (11.87 pct) and Mermeren (5.19 pct) were top gainers, while Tasoglou (9.82 pct) and United Textiles (9.09 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 197 to 61 with another 41 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: -0.73%

Industrials: +0.85%

Commercial: -0.71%

Construction: -1.31%

Media: -0.26%

Oil & Gas: +0.10%

Personal & Household: -0.76%

Raw Materials: -0.94%

Travel & Leisure: -0.93%

Technology: -3.39%

Telecoms: -1.22%

Banks: -1.63%

Food & Beverages: -1.71%

Health: -0.55%

Utilities: -0.95%

Chemicals: -0.97%

Financial Services: -1.40%

The stocks with the highest turnover were Halkor, National Bank, OPAP and Alpha Bank.

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

Alpha Bank: 22.04

ATEbank: 3.88

Public Power Corp (PPC): 19.90

HBC Coca Cola: 30.00

Hellenic Petroleum: 10.56

Emporiki Bank: 21.30

National Bank of Greece: 38.50

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 28.20

Intralot: 24.40

Cosmote: 21.50

OPAP: 28.80

OTE: 21.24

Titan Cement Company: 40.70

ADEX closing report

Turnover in the Athens Derivatives Exchange surpassed that of the Athens Stock Exchange on Tuesday, totaling 457.773 million euros, while futures contract prices maintained their discount.

The March contract on the FTSE 20 index was traded at a discount of 0.60 pct and on the FTSE 40 index at a discount of 0.76 pct.

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totaled 30,621 contracts worth 364.876 million euros, with 33,425 open positions in the market, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 1,033 contracts worth 28.231 million euros with 1,294 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 32,573 contracts worth 21.575 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Intracom's contracts (5.546), followed by OTE (2,428), PPC (1,388), OPAP (1,013), Piraeus Bank (1,265), Alpha Bank (1,832), Titan Cement (1,131), ATEbank (2,203), GEK (1,243), Mytilineos (1,166) and Motor Oil (1,461).

Volume in stock repos was 77 contracts and in reverse stock repos 7,757 contracts.

[30] Greek bond market closing report

The 10-year benchmark bond (July 20, 2017) was the most heavily traded security with a turnover of 880 million euros, while the yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German bonds was 0.227 percent. The Greek bond yielded 4.16 pct and the German Bund 3.94 pct.

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were largely unchanged. National Bank's two-day rate jumped to 3.83 pct from 3.55 pct on Monday, the one-month rate was 3.85 pct and the 12-month rate was 4.10 pct from 4.11 pct on Monday.

[31] Foreign Exchange Rates - Wednesday

U.S. dollar 1.332

Pound sterling 0.688

Danish kroner 7.509

Swedish kroner 9.365

Japanese yen 155.37

Swiss franc 1.622

Norwegian kroner 8.159

Cyprus pound 0.584

Canadian dollar 1.557

Australian dollar 1.692

General News

[32] Public order minister presents summer fire prevention plans

The minister proposed the strengthening of firefighting means with three heavy-duty helicopters and in particular with two MI26s and one S64. The beginning of the fire protection period from May 1 was also proposed.

The procurement of 40 water tanks of a capacity of at least 20 tons was also considered necessary for the better protection of the four mountain masses in the Attica prefecture encircling Athens (Penteli, Parnitha, Imittos and the Pikilo Oros).

Commenting on the announcements by the public order minister on the summer period and the handling of natural disasters, main opposition PASOK party justice and public order sector chief Alekos Papadopoulos said that the announcements "do not convince anyone, since the Fire Brigade, as a Corps for handling very crucial situations, is not what it used to be."

[33] Thieves removed over 50,000-euro worth electrical installation components

The culprits also caused extensive damage to high and medium voltage electrical panels.

This is the third pump station in the region that is being stripped of its electrical wiring and is now out of service.

[34] Appeals Court public prosecutor released on bail

He is charged for fraud and money laundering.

Imposed on him for his release was a bail of 150,000 euros, as well as restraining orders, forbidding him to leave the country and his obligatory appearance at a police station once a month.

[35] Fundraiser for young pupil

The young girl is a pupil at a Yiannitsa elementary school in Pella prefecture of northern Greece.

The fundraising initiative was undertaken by the local teachers' association.

Sports

[36] EU ministers discuss White Paper on European sport, doping, violence in the stadiums

EU sports ministers wound up an informal meeting Tuesday noon in Stuttgart, which focused on the influence of the economy on athletics but also the influence of sports on the economy.

Greece's culture minister responsible for sport George Orfanos, who represented the country at the meeting, outlined the actions on sport issues in Greece and the immense abilities the country had displayed in this field following the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and Paralympics, the exploitation of the sport installations, and the new specialisations of sport managers.

The majority of the ministers called for solutions aiming at full exploitation of sports in the economy, on which Greece proposed the execution of a Europe-wide study assessing the impact on the member countries' economies from the assumption of major athletic events.

The ministers further conferred on the so-called "White Paper" on European sport, which contains all the influences exercised by athletics in the fields of education, culture, social incorporation of special groups (disabled, inmates, immigrants, etc.). It is estimated that the final text of the White Paper will have been completed for adoption by summer, while its full adoption by the various EU bodies will be completed by the end of the year.

Orfanos said that it was time for the implementation of actions "in this sensitive area", adding that the White Paper would become a tool for the development of sport.

"The prospects are immense," he said, adding that the Greek proposal pointed out all the existing data, and expressed optimism the 3 percent level would be reached, which is the global yield with respect to sports, and which barely exceeds 1.6 percent at this time, although, he continued "there is an increasing presence of business actions in this direction following the Olympic Games".

Regarding the issue of doping, which was one of the dominant issues in the ministers' discussions, the fundamental goal is to create a network that would cover relations between the national agencies responsible for combatting doping, facilitate the flow of information, and coordinate the common actions.

Another major issue at the meeting was violence in sports, particularly following the recent incident in Italy which resulted in the death of a police officer.

"In Greece, we are implementing a contained policy with increasing pressure where problems of violence are created, and are optimistic that in the next few yesars the problem will be readically tackled," Orfanos said.

[37] Greece and Italy discuss signing of cooperation and sports exchanges protocol

Deputy Culture Minister for Sport George Orfanos held talks with Italian Sports Minister Giovanna Melandri on the sidelines of the sports ministers' conference here on Tuesday, that focused mainly on the signing of a cooperation and sports exchanges protocol between the two countries.

Greece has undertaken the creation of a women's watch in sports as of January 1, 2008, and with this prospect in mind the holding of an international conference in Greece was discussed with joint cooperation between the two countries.

Melandri showed particular interest in the role of a woman, initially as an athlete and then as a board member, since problems faced by the "weaker sex" are complex as a result of motherhood.

Details of the conference will be determined shortly, between the delegations that participated in the discussion.

Weather forecast

[38] Cloudy on Wednesday

[39] The Tuesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "IKA circular on the new income criteria for pensioners - This year's (low pension benefit) EKAS beneficiaries".

ANO KATO: "(Greek Police) EL.AS. and (Public Order Minister Vyron) Polydoras are under the government's shield - Government backing to the way the violent incidents were handled".

APOGEVMATINI: "Retail store turnover dropped by up to 92 percent - Storekeepers in downtown Athens are in desperation because of the student unrest".

AVGHI: "Teargas in the courthouse - The government on an authoritarian downhill course - The riot police (MAT) attacked the parents of accused students while inside the courthouse".

AVRIANI: "Hurry up with the elections Mr. (Prime Minister Costas) Karamanlis - The unrest continues and will gradually spread".

CHORA: "Police chooses to face the dangerous challenges by playing the defense - All those arrested were released except for one".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "Who tested the Archbishop's tolerance".

ELEFTHEROS: "Keep your cool - Public Order Minister V. Polydoras' guidelines to Police".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "4.3-billion-euro substitute education - Households pay for the state inadequacy".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Free 4.4-billion-euro education and teargas - Parents pay each year and yesterday (they were attacked) at the courthouse".

ESTIA: "Unacceptable opposition - Who are hidden behind the rioting".

ETHNOS: "Mobile Police Units against criminals and hooded troublemakers are on the way".

KATHIMERINI: "The government alarmed by the recent escalation of violence - Two prevailing tendencies inside the Police".

LOGOS: "The sector of Education has turned into a boiling pot - Despite the approval of the framework law by parliament".

NIKI: "Polydoras, the bomber - "A" students in the morning, hooded troublemakers by night, according to Vyron".

RIZOSPASTIS: "MAT units have no place at the (protest) marches - (Communist Party of Greece) KKE intervention over the student arrests".

TA NEA: "Shocking proposals on the MAT gear - Extraordinary meeting last night".

TO VIMA: "Middle income earners, city dwellers and youth are the biggest debtors".

VRADYNI: "Wage increases to police officers and 2,000 appointments of special guards - Draft law is being prepared, states Polydoras".

Cyprus Affairs

[40] President Papadopoulos met with Romanian President

President of Romania Traian Basescu said Tuesday that the Cyprus problem must be solved on the basis of the EU principles, human rights, and the international law.

President Basescu, who met Tuesday with Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos, currently in Bucharest for an official three-day visit, said that ''the territorial integrity of every state as well as the principle of inviolable borders should prevail".

"Our positions are similar, not only regarding the Cyprus problem, but also regarding Kosovo, Nagorno-Karabakh, and other international issues. All is connected with international law", President Basescu said.

The Cypriot President held a private meeting at the Cotroceni Palace with his Romanian counterpart, followed by official consultations with the participation of delegations by Cyprus and Romania.

Among the issues the two presidents discussed was the Cyprus problem, Kosovo, Moldavia, and the EU Convention.

President Papadopoulos is accompanied by Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Minister Antonis Michaelides as well as Cypriot businessmen and representatives of the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

After the consultations, Cypriot Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism and Romanian Deputy Minister of Education and Science Anton Anton, signed a Cooperation Protocol in the fields of Research and Development.

In his statements, President Papadopoulos said that the government of Cyprus is working for the solution of the Cyprus problem and is waiting for the positive response of the Turkish side regarding the UN proposals for the implementation of the July 8th, 2006, agreement.

On July 8th 2006, Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat met in the presence of former UN Undersecretary General Imbrahim Gambari and agreed to begin a process of bicommunal discussions on issues that affect the day-to-day life of the people and those that concern substantive issues.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, President Papadopoulos said: "We would prefer a solution already yesterday, because it is mainly the Greek Cypriots who suffer from the uncertainty of the non solution".

He added that the positions of the two governments in various international and European issues are "very close, almost identical".

Referring to bilateral relations, he said that they could be further enhanced especially in the areas of tourism, research, education, trade and investments.

"I hope and wish that my visit here will set the foundations for a new era of stronger, friendlier and closer relations", he added.

Asked whether the good relations between Bucharest and Ankara would hinder Romania's support towards Cyprus, President Papadopoulos said that this is not the case, adding that Cyprus would like to see all pre-accession countries meet their EU obligations.

Answering to questions, he clarified that the government of Cyprus has put no restrictions to Romanian workers, who wish to be employed in Cyprus.

President Papadopoulos said that he extended an official invitation to his Romanian counterpart to visit Cyprus, adding that his visit would give him great pleasure.

In the afternoon, the Cypriot President visited the Palace of the Parliament, where he met with President of the Senate of Romania, Nicolae Vacaroiu. There, he signed the Book of Honour and visited the Plenary Hall of Senate.

Later on, he paid a visit to the Chamber of Deputies and held a meeting with the President of the Chamber, Bodgan Olteanu.

President Papadopoulos and his entourage also visited the National Museum of Romanian History.

The Republic of Cyprus entered the EU in May 2004. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.

[41] Millet: Removal of Ledras Street wall offers prospects for solution

British High Commissioner in Nicosia Peter Millet welcomed once more on Tuesday the removal of the wall at the end of the commercial Ledra street in Nicosia, noting that this gesture offers real prospects for progress both in reuniting Nicosia and for the process of finding a permanent and comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.

''The removal of the wall offers real prospects for progress, not only on reuniting the centre of Nicosia but on the wider process of finding a permanent and comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem,'' Millet said in his opening remarks at a Media reception in Nicosia.

The British High Commissioner called for progress in the July 8 agreement between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, noting that it could be achieved despite the elections taking place this year in Turkey and in 2008 in Cyprus.

He noted that the technical committees and the working groups should start work soon, adding that ''domestically, the existence of a credible settlement process will help manage the rhetoric and the tensions which elections invariably produce.''

''Early, real, measurable progress will also convince the international community that it is worth devoting time, effort and money to the reunification of this island,'' he added.

In Millet's words, ''there is no reason to delay. The status quo is unacceptable and the longer a solution is delayed, the more difficult it will be to achieve. Current trends in Cyprus, social, political and economic are widening the gap between the two communities. Time is not on our side.''

''Creating trust will help reverse the drift towards partition that has been talked about in recent months, by underlying the inter-dependence of all Cypriots on this small island,'' the British diplomat added.

Millet also denied reports that Britain is Cyprus' ''evil demon,'' noting that nothing could be further from the truth.

He recognized that Britain ''made mistakes in the past'', noting that one of them has been to spend too much time looking backwards''.

''Our role on the Cyprus problem is clear,'' he said and went on: ''As a guarantor power, permanent member of the Security Council and member of the EU we have a unique role to play which we take very seriously.''

However Millet noted that this ''does not mean that we want to impose a solution,'' adding that only the Cypriots ''can find a solution which will be acceptable to both communities.''

''The UN will facilitate. The UK and P5 will support, encourage and where necessary, press all parties for progress,'' he stated.

Millet also reiterated that his country supports Turkey's bid to enter the EU, noting that ''Cyprus stands to gain the most from this process.''

As regards Turkey's European course, Milled said that membership does not mean giving special favours. ''It means treating Turkey like any other candidate negotiating for accession and ensuring that she implements and fulfills he obligations'', he added.

Noting the accession process is complicated and long, Millet pointed out that that process give the EU the tool to bring about change, adding that ''it would be damaging to loose it.''

Millet also said that his country wants to build a more modern relationship with Cyprus based on the joint membership of the EU, recalling the Structured Dialogue between the Cyprus and Britain.

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

On 8 July 2006, Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat met in the presence of the then UN

Undersecretary-General for political affairs, Imbrahim Gambari, and agreed to begin a process of bicommunal discussions on issues that affect the day-to-day life of the people and those that concern substantive issues.

[42] Political parties launch series of events to promote rapprochement

The leaders of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties have approved a series of events aimed at promoting rapprochement between the two communities.

Slovak Ambassador to Cyprus Jan Varso told a press conference on Tuesday, in the presence of the leaders or representatives of political parties participating in the Ledra Palace meetings, that ''the politicians have tried to bring some innovative elements'' into their contacts.

''Last September the leaders have decided to set up the subcommittee on rapprochement. Today's (Tuesday) press conference is the first joint bicommunal outcome of its work,'' he said.

Varso said that on March 27 and May 21 receptions would be held, the first at Famagusta Gate and the second at Buyuk Han, at which every party would be able to participate with five members of its leadership, accompanied by their spouses.

On April 14 a football match will be held with mixed teams of political party leaders at Centinkaya's footsal grounds.

Furthermore, it has been decided that groups of students from the two communities would visit political party headquarters. The visits will be launched on April 18 when a group of Turkish Cypriot students will visit AKEL's headquarters, followed by a group of Greek Cypriot students visiting the headquarters of the Republican Turkish Party.

It was also decided that the leaders of the parties would visit places of worship. On May 4 the leaders will visit Hala Sultan Tekke mosque and on May 11 the church of St. Barnabas.

Regarding youth activities, on June 9 a common social event will be held at Ledra Palace, with the participation of music bands from both communities.

In September, the leaders of the parties will visit private hospitals and in October private schools on both sides.

The representatives of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot parties spoke in brief about the purpose of the events and pointed out they would contribute to rapprochement between the two communities and the creation of relations that would promote peaceful coexistence in the context of a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.

The Greek Cypriot parties present at the press conference were AKEL, the Democratic Rally, the Democratic Party, the Socialdemocrats'

Movement EDEK, the Ecologists and Environmentalists' Movement, the Front for the Restructuring of the Centre, the United Democrats and the Democratic Struggling Movement (ADIK).

On behalf of the Turkish Cypriot parties, present at the press conference were the Republican Turkish Party, the Peace and Democracy Movement, the Communal Liberation Movement, United Cyprus Party and the Socialist Party.

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