Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-03-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] FinMin meets IMF officials in Washington

[02] Alogoskoufis outlines Greek economy at Washington business conference

[03] President Karolos Papoulias visits Greek village in Hungary

[04] PM to meet with EU's Wallstrom on Thursday

[05] No change in Greek position on Kosovo, Koumoutsakos stresses

[06] Greece calls for resumption of EU-Serbia association talks

[07] FM comments on future of Europe and role of Greece during business conference

[08] Gov't again denies political responsibility over bonds issue

[09] Last vote for constitutional revision proposals ends; Article 16 now up to next Parliament

[10] Student rally in central Athens ends without incidents

[11] PM confers with ND secretary

[12] ND event on 'Social Cohesion and Solidarity'

[13] EU meeting in Rhodes to focus on Green Paper, seas policy

[14] Foreign ministry on continental shelf, research vessel

[15] FM spokesman on detention of British military personnel by Iran authorities

[16] US deputy defence secretary underlines virtues of the Greeks at Greek embassy reception marking March 25th anniversary

[17] 'We have open future before us,' deputy minister Orfanos says on conclusion of US visit

[18] State Department reiterates appreciation of Greece's support and efforts following US embassy attack

[19] Cypriot foreign ministry permanent secretary ambassador Zenon in Athens

[20] FinMin Alogoskoufis to head large business delegation to Australia

[21] Athens, Bucharest Chambers sign cooperation accord during Greek-Romanian Economic Forum in Bucharest

[22] Investments in the Danube region

[23] Greek investments in Romania

[24] Favourable prospects for Greek companies over the next decade

[25] Economist conference on 'Business Summit 2007-2017'

[26] UK pension fund eyes 2.0-bln-euro investment in Greece

[27] Mytilineos signs strategic alliance with Endesa

[28] Chinese vice-minister of commerce to visit Athens

[29] Parliament debates draft bill on bourse transactions

[30] Greek trade deficit up 20.3% in Jan., yr/yr

[31] Greek stocks end 0.86 pct down

[32] Greek bond market closing report

[33] ADEX closing report

[34] Foreign Exchange Rates - Thursday

[35] Health minister and Athens-Piraeus doctors society presidents discuss medical issues

[36] Minister of State addresses event on mass media

[37] Athens university research team to convert bus into hydrogen-powered

[38] Seminar on Parthenon Marbles in Los Angeles on Friday

[39] Symposium on 'independent authorities in modern democracy'

[40] Church of Greece finalises positions over 6th-grade history book

[41] Guilty verdict proposed for 13 in Pantios University economic discrepancies case

[42] Opinion poll reveals waning TV news credibility

[43] Around the world in 800 days

[44] Greek and Bulgarian journalists to carry out joint mission

[45] Public order minister meets board of police federation's personnel

[46] Illicit trade of antiquities arrests

[47] Police raid apartment where illegal immigrants were being held

[48] Illegal immigrants intercepted on Samos

[49] Justice minister orders enquiry into minor's suicide in prison

[50] Grenade blast damages cars in Thessaloniki

[51] Overnight arson attacks in Athens

[52] Greece beats Malta 1-0 in European Championship qualifier

[53] Overcast, windy on Thursday

[54] The Wednesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

[55] EP Committee agrees to keep Famagusta on its agenda

[56] Greek-Turkish Cypriot politicians launch rapprochement events Politics

[01] FinMin meets IMF officials in Washington

International Monetary Fund's officials are positive over Greek eco-nomic prospects, Economy and Finance Minister George Alogo-skoufis said on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with IMF's managing director Rodrigo Rato in Washington, the Greek minister said the IMF acknowledged a very significant fiscal consolidation made by the Greek economy, while at the same time presenting very high growth rates and lower unemployment, a result of a very successful govern-ment's policy.

Alogoskoufis underlined there was still progress to be made in fiscal consolidation efforts, to reach balanced or slightly surplus budgets by 2012. He stressed that there was also the issue of the pension system and boosting Greek economic competitiveness. The Greek minister told IMF officials that reforms would continue according to the government programme, along with a fiscal consolidation.

The meeting also discussed world and European economic developments. The Greek minister is scheduled to meet with World Bank's president Paul Wolfowitz and address a sixth annual business conference organized by the American Hellenic Institute on further boosting bilateral business relations.

[02] Alogoskoufis outlines Greek economy at Washington business conference

Finance and Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis and U.S. foreign affairs and trade ministry representatives underlined the considerable progress achieved by the Greek economy over the past years, speaking during a business conference organised by the Hellenic American Heritage Council at the Greek embassy in Washington on Wednesday.

Replying to a remark by former Congressman and President of the University of New York, John Brademas, who is of Greek origin, that education is the basis for the economic growth of every country and that in this framework higher education should also include non-state-run universities, Alogoskoufis reassured that efforts are being made in this direction, adding that "on paper" (main opposition PASOK party leader George) Papandreou supports this reform although he did not do this in practice since PASOK chose to abstain from the relevant vote.

The finance minister expressed the belief that during the second vote anticipated for constitutional reform by the new Parliment that will result from the elections, the main opposition party leader would "do his duty and will support the change."

Alogoskoufis outlined the course of the Greek economy over the past three years, underlining the decrease in unemployment, the restriction of deficits and the continuing increase in GDP after the Olympic Games as well.

Lastly, the finance minister termed Greece "the locomotive of the Balkans", placing emphasis on increasing trade and noting the considerable economic and political role being played by Greece in the wider region.

US Assistant Deputy Secretary of Trade Paul Dyck, pointed to the positive performances of the Greek economy and to the successful and effective meetings he had during his recent visit to Athens together with his counterpart, of the State Department, Matthew Bryza.

He said that American companies view Greece as a "gate" to the markets of southeastern Europe and stressed that bilateral trade increased by 20 percent last year although, as he said, it is continuing to move along relatively low levels (Greece is the 57th partner of the United States as regards commercial transactions).

[03] President Karolos Papoulias visits Greek village in Hungary

President Karolos Papoulias, continuing his formal visit to Hungary for the second day, visited the Greek village "Nikos Beloyiannis" near Budapest on Wednesday, where Greek political refugees settled after the end of the civil war.

"The village Beloyiannis is a splendid stone bridge of friendship, cooperation and love between our peoples," the President said during a speech at the village's Cultural Centre, adding that "today, we are experiencing a splendid page of diaspora Hellenism, Hellenism that honours Greece, as well as Hungary, the motherland in which it lives, works and pro-gresses."

President Papoulias, who was accompanied by Defence Minister Evangelos Meimarakis and Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis, was warmly welcomed by the local inhabitants, whom he told "we are pleased because you have also overcome one of the most tragic pages in modern Greek history."

The President stressed to the Greeks of the village "Nikos Beloyiannis" that they made Hungary their second homeland, while their parents and grandfathers "forgot the entire drama they experienced and the great day of national reconciliation arrived. We paved the way for a firm democracy in our motherland and we have enjoyed the benefits of this democracy and so are you enjoying them."

He further pointed out to them that the wounds of the civil war have closed and "our homeland is now open to you. At some time it was closed."

President Papoulias also visited the National Gallery in Budapest and met with representatives of Hungarian opposition parties and on the third and last day of his visit he is due to visit the region of Lake Balaton.

Meanwhile, Stylianidis inaugurated the Greek-Hungarian business forum on Wednesday and, speaking to reporters accompanying the President on his visit, expressed satisfaction for the results of both his contacts with the Hungarian government and of Greek businessmen with their Hungarian "counterparts."

Stylianidis also mentioned that the will for economic and trade relations between Greece and Hungary to reach the high level of political relations was confirmed.

[04] PM to meet with EU's Wallstrom on Thursday

Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos added that the premier will later address an event at the Evgenideio Foundation of Athens marking the 60th anniversary of the incorporation of the Dodecanese islands to Greece.

[05] No change in Greek position on Kosovo, Koumoutsakos stresses

"In this most crucial phase of the process, Greece's position is that all sides must avoid unilateral actions that could derail the political process underway and, of course, destabilise Kosovo and the wider region," he underlined.

He had been asked to outline Greece's position on the draft plan for Kosovo submitted by UN mediator Martti Ahtisaari after 23 rounds of largely deadlocked talks between the two sides, lasting over a year. He explained that the interested parties had found only minimal common ground, while noting Athens' support for the efforts of Ahtisaari and his team during that time.

Greece had consistently highlighted the importance of preserving regional stability and security throughout, he added.

"We believe that a viable solution can ensure stability and security. We believe that the solution given must bear the stamp of international legality that only a decision of the Security Council can provide," the spokesman stressed.

To this end, Koumoutsakos said it was important to take into account the European prospects of the entire region, which guaranteed the building of good neighbourly relations and cooperation, and to ensure that both sides would be able to adjust and absorb the new state of affairs.

The international community had to avoid the syndrome of 'victors' and 'defeated' in this situation, he added, while at the same time emphasising the importance of a unified EU position.

Reaching an understanding with Russia was another important parameter in Greece's view, as regards the process within the Security Council, Koumoutsakos noted.

"This is the Greek position. This position, in this form and with these elements, was outlined during a discussion at the NATO working dinner by Greece's Permanent Representative there," the spokesman said.

Regarding a recent meeting between Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, meanwhile, Koumoutsakos said that the issue of Kosovo had been discussed but Greece had not been asked to adopt any specific stance, while Bakoyannis had outlined Greece's position in favour of allowing as much time as was necessary to arrive at an agreed solution.

[06] Greece calls for resumption of EU-Serbia association talks

"It is Greece's steadfast position that the negotiations must resume without delay," he said, noting that this position would also be conveyed by Bakoyannis during the informal EU foreign ministers' meeting on March 30-31.

[07] FM comments on future of Europe and role of Greece during business conference

Commenting on the 50th anniversary of the EU, the foreign minister said "the joint political will of all the member-states for us to move ahead results from the Berlin Declaration and I want to believe that the logic of the minum common denominator will not ultimately be the result."

Bakoyannis further said that "I will not get tired of repeating that we need more and not less Europe to enable us to meet both our domestic and foreign challenges."

Focusing on Greece's role, the foreign minister said that "we belong and want to belong to the hard nucleus of the European Union", reminding that Greece has adopted both the euro and the Schengen Treaty.

As regards the future status quo for Kosovo, Bakoyannis said that "whatever the solution to the issue will ultimately be, the European Union will have a considerable role in the sector of guaranteeing security and stability in the region," and emphasised that "I believe that the European Union is ready to live up to the requirements of the role that it will be assuming."

[08] Gov't again denies political responsibility over bonds issue

Moreover, a finance ministry announcement stressed that statements made by Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis in Brussels on Tuesday had been "misinterpreted".

"Employment and Social Protection Minister Savvas Tsitouridis was the first minister to ensure transparency in the management of the fixed and liquid assets of social insurance organisations by posting all the relevant transactions on the Internet, while he ascertained the major institutional vacuum that exists in the management of their disposable funds and moved to deal with this in complete cooperation with the finance minister," the announcement read.

On his part, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos refuted criticism that ministers were not 'toeing the line' in supporting Tsitouridis, saying their references were "in the same spirit as the prime minister's statements in Parliament last Friday".

The spokesman also slammed the main opposition PASOK party for, as he said, hypocrisy in its criticism of the government, saying that PASOK ministers had repeatedly used identical bond issues to cover defence expenditures in the past but had not recorded them in primary spending and deficit sheets.

Producing a list of such loans arranged under PASOK governments, Roussopoulos said this proved that PASOK was "doing one thing as a government and saying another as the opposition, attempting to extract political advantages from a complex issue."

He also defended investment in bonds by social insurance funds in principle, saying that this was a common practice throughout the world.

"The question is whether there was any law-breaking during the process, and this is being investigated by the public prosecutor," the spokesman added.

Questioned about the "strange coincidence" that 15 social insurance funds had simultaneously decided to invest in this type of bond product, Roussopoulos noted that the risk of such investments had been pointed out in an announcement by the appropriate ministry last week.

On the other hand, he added, roughly 2.5 billion euros lost by social insurance funds through investments in various types of companies in 1999-2000, when the Athens Stock Exchange was at its height, had not prompted the PASOK government then in power to establish new procedures, as the present government was doing.

Furthermore, asked why the Acropolis brokerage firm had known about the bond's issue months in advance, Roussopoulos said he had been informed "that this was usual (practice) for many bonds in many countries".

The spokesman also rejected suggestions that the government had staffed fund managements with its own "blue" (the colour of ruling New Democracy party) supporters, as well as criticism that most of these appointees were not qualified for the job and that the Acropolis firm is affiliated to New Democracy.

"How can a company that started operating and investing funds' assets five or six years before ND's accession to power be indiscriminately described as "blue"? he pointed out.

Regarding the fact that many funds had overshot the 23-percent limit for investment in bonds, as prescribed by law, Roussopoulos said this could be done using ministerial decisions if judged profitable and had been done several times under PASOK governments, while the limit itself had been increased from 20 percent to 23 percent in 2002.

Tsitouridis

On his part, Tsitouridis, who has borne the brunt of opposition and press criticism over the bond issue furor, said the goal of ministry is an operational framework revolving around "absolute transparency and effective control."

"For a year now, my exclusive responsibility has been to defend (funds') beneficiaries," he said shortly before entering Parliament.

PASOK spokesman criticises government over bonds issue

Main opposition PASOK party spokesman Petros Efthymiou again criticised the government over the bonds issue on Wednesday, saying that "every effort by the government to cover up the constantly escalating scandal of the concerted and organised operation for looting the reserves of social insurance funds will fall through."

"The operation to cover up and retransfer political respon-sibilities between ministers has no hope of success. The government's responsibility is unified and is borne in full by the prime minister himself," he said.

Efthymiou added that "it is absolutely evident that this looting was set up with the complicity of two pylons:the Finance and Economy Ministry, with Mr. Alogoskoufis being politically responsible, and the Employment Ministry, with Mr. Tsitouridis being politically responsible."

Replying to the criticism, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said that "the responsibility of a government is proved in practice," adding that "the responsibility of the Karamanlis Government is proved by the fact that the government itself revealed this issue as well, it was the government itself that referred it to justice as well and the government itself is taking measures to safeguard public interest, the property of social insurance funds and the toil of working people."

[09] Last vote for constitutional revision proposals ends; Article 16 now up to next Parliament

Deputies from the main opposition PASOK and the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) had withdrawn from debate on constitutional revision. The vote on Wednesday was the second and last in the constitutional revision process for the current legislature.

Forty-eight provisions received the necessary 151 votes to be eligible for revision. At least 180 deputies in the next Parliament composition will have to ratify a revision for it to pass.

Among the revision proposals passed were six tabled by earlier PASOK, four of which deal with Article 16, as well as another four constitutional revision proposals by individual PASOK deputies.

Specifically, 163 MPs (all from the ruling ND party) and independent Stefanos Manos voted in favor of the proposal to revise Article 16; Synaspismos' six deputies and independent Stelios Papathemelis voted against.

One-hundred-and-sixty MPs approved an envisioned revision of Article 24 (forestland protection), with ND deputy Elsa Papadimitriou joining Synaspismos, Manos and Papathemelis in voting against. Two ND deputies, Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Yiannis Ioannidis, merely declared their presence during the vote.

In terms of Article 100 regarding the establishment of a new constitutional court, 160 ND deputies voted in favor, while ND deputies Zeta Makri, Papadimitriou and Christos Zois cast a "present" vote.

[10] Student rally in central Athens ends without incidents

Also taking part in the rally were the Panhellenic Federation of Teachers' Organisations and University Research Personnel (POSDEP), the Federation of Secondary School Teachers (OLME) and the National Federation of State School Teachers (DOE).

[11] PM confers with ND secretary

Zagoritis said the meeting was one of his regular contacts with the prime minister, adding that the discussed "the course to the ND Congress and the internal party elections".

Replying to questions, he said that the list of MP candidates has "opened", one year before general elections as stipulated in the ND Charter.

Asked whether political accountability existed on the issue of the management of the social insurance funds' reserves, Zagoritis referred to statements made by the prime minister last Thursday in parliament on the issue of selection of the funds' administrations, adding that Karamanlis had been "clear-cut".

"The system of selection of the administrations of the past 20 years must change, and now will be made under different procedures," he said.

Zagoritis further stressed that ND's stance on the phenomena of corruption was steadfast and one of "zero tolerance".

"Whoever is implicated in illegal actions will suffer the consequences of the law and the disdain of the citizens," he added.

[12] ND event on 'Social Cohesion and Solidarity'

It was noted at the conference that "the equal prerequisites in public care and solidarity for social cohesion must be our country's objective for the coming years."

The event was addressed by Deputy Health and Social Solidarity Minister George Constantopoulos who referred to the policies being implemented by the government for social solidarity and cohesion, stressing that "if measures are not taken to crack down on social inequalities, we will be led to social unrest."

He further said that "Greece's social funds do not aim right, even though they are slightly below the average of the European Union," stressing that "targeted interventions are needed which will aim at people who are below the living standards.'

On his part, New Democracy (ND) party Central Committee Secretary Lefteris Zagoritis, who extended greetings by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, stressed that the government's social policy priority "are the people who have greater needs."

[13] EU meeting in Rhodes to focus on Green Paper, seas policy

The Rhodes meeting will take place within the framework of the deliberations on the European Commission's Green Paper and the EU's new policy on the seas.

Foreign minister Dora Bakoyannis will deliver the opening address.

According to Koumoutsakos, the meeting is "part of an effort for an overall review of the policies regarding the sea, with the emphasis on economic development, research, the environment and innovation".

[14] Foreign ministry on continental shelf, research vessel

"The fact that there is not yet any treaty delineating the continental shelf of Greece and Turkey does not mean that there is no continental shelf," he added.

He had been asked to comment on the presence of a Turkish scientist on board the oceanographic vessel "Aegeo", leased by the University of Hamburg, that is currently conducting research in the Aegean Sea.

Koumoutsakos also drew a distinction between the status of researcher and that of observer:

"A researcher representing his university, which has in any case participated in a specific research programme from the start, is a completely different issue from that of an observer of the research being carried out that is representing his country," the spokesman stressed.

On Monday, Koumoutsakos had said the vessel would be recovering underwater seismographers placed on the Greek continental shelf last May as part of an international research programme and would be in the Aegean until April 6.

He also noted that the programme was taking place with the permission of the Greek government in the context of the international scientific programme "Egelados" or "Earthquake", that included universities and research centres in Germany, France, Greece and Turkey, and hoped to explore seismic activity in the highly seismogenic Eastern Mediterranean region.

Also in statements on Monday, Koumoutsakos told reporters that the scientific team on board the vessel, leased from the Greek Marine Research Centre, including researchers from many countries as well as Turkey - including one scientist from Venezuela - and that all were on board in their capacity as scientists and not as observers.

[15] FM spokesman on detention of British military personnel by Iran authorities

Koumoutsakos said during a regular press briefing that the Greek foreign ministry had been informed by Britain of the incident "which justifiably causes strong concern".

"Greece expresses the wish and hope for the speediest possible settlement of this issue, in accordance with the rules of international law, and with implementation of the usual international practice, particularly with regard to the detention conditions and release of the detainees," he said.

Koumoutsakos further stressed that "the importance of Community solidarity, which concerns all the member states and their relations with third countries, becomes evident in such political instances".

Iran last week detained 15 British sailors and marines, including one woman, charging that they illegally entered Iranian territorial waters.

Britain on Wednesday said satellite global positioning data showed that the British military personnel had been 1.7 nautical miles within Iraqi waters whn the incident took place, and has just completed a routine search of a merchant ship inside Iraqi waters, under a UN mandate.

[16] US deputy defence secretary underlines virtues of the Greeks at Greek embassy reception marking March 25th anniversary

US deputy secretary of defence Gordon England on Tuesday night stressed the self-denial and virtues of the Greeks who, despite the adversities, deservingly gained their national independence, during a reception held at the Greek Embassy in Washington marking the March 25 Greek National Independence Day, attended by many US officials.

England compared the significance of the Greek Independence anniversary with that of the 4th of July national holiday for the Americans, and also the anniversary of the sacrifice of the Americans at Los Alamos in his home state of Texas, which he in turn compared with the sacrifice of Leonidas and his 300 men in the Battle of Thermopylae.

The US official also paid tribute to the contribution of the Greek-Americans in US society, recalling the Congressional Medal of Honor conveyed to a Greek-Americal soldier in World War I, calling the Greek-Americans an example of the courageous spirit that characterises the two countries.

The US, he said, was happy to have Greece as an ally and friend, adding that the two countries shared the values of respect for democracy, law, human rights and individual freedoms.

Among the guests at the reception were a number of US State Department and Pentagon officials and members of the diplomatic community in Washington. On the Greek side, guests included Hellenic Parliament former vice-president Panayotis Sgouridis, former minister of national economy and of defence Yannos Papantoniou, ELAS (Greek Police) chief Anastasios Dimoschakis, Hellenic Culture Foundation president Prof. George Babiiotis, and European Public Law Centre director Prof. Spyridon Flogaitis.

A recital by pianist Alexandros Kapelis was also held at the prestigious John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington to celebrate the Greek national anniversary as well as the 50th anniversary of the signing of the EU's founding Treaty of Rome.

The Embassy had also held another reception, open to the Greek-American community, on Sunday, during which Greece's ambassador to the US Alexandros Mallias stressed the significance of the anniversary of the Greek revolution, and of the establishment of the then European Economic Community (EEC, now the European Union), as well as the decisive contribution of the Greeks and Greek civilisation to the European Idea. Babiniotis, one of the keynote speakers at the event, focussed on the importance of Greek education and its significant role in the formation of the Greek identity and the creation of a national consciousness that formed the ideological foundation for the March 25, 1821 revolution against Ottoman rule.

Another reception was held Tuesday at the US State Department for representatives and journalists from the European Union's 27 member states marking the EU's 50th anniversary, during which U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negreponte, mentioning his Greek origin, underlined Greece's influence on what is currently called the united Europe. He also noted on the occasion that March 25 is Greek Independence Day.

Negreponte was followed by the European Commission's ambassador in Washington, former Irish prime minister John Brutton, who referred to the considerable contribution of Ancient Greece and of its philosophers to the shaping of the principles that govern the EU.

American speakers congratulated Europe for its achievement, terming it "an example worth copying," while the Europeans thanked the United States and the "visionary American foreign policy" of the postwar period which, as they said, helped Europe to attain what it has achieved.

[17] 'We have open future before us,' deputy minister Orfanos says on conclusion of US visit

"We have an open future before us, and we must find ways to more effectively utilise this significant Greek dynamic in the United States," Greece's deputy culture minister for sport, George Orfanos, told ANA-MPA on Tuesday following the completion of his US visit, which covered New York, Washington and Chicago and included a series of talks with US officials, economic representatives, and Greek-American community leaders.

During his visit, Orfanos attended a White House event during which US president George Bush proclaimed March 25, 2007 as "Greek Independence Day: National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy", on the sidelinesof which he spoke with US undersecretery of state Nicholas Burns, a former US ambassador to Greece, as well as Greek-American Congressmen John Sarbanes, Gus Bilirakis and Zach Space and Greek-American community leaders.

The Greek community abroad has immense strenght, which renders it a protgonist in many social and business fields, while at the same time it is a utilisable force for the Greek nation's interests, Orfanos added.

He expressed his certainty that the government of prime minister Costas Karamanlis "is moving in this direction, and will move with the conviction that such a cooperation will bring about excellent results".

"The fact that the Greeks abroad will, beginning in the elections after the next polls in Greece, have the right to vote (with absentee ballots) will bring them closer to Greece. Thus, everyone will have greater interest, while at the same time this will bring Greece closer to them," Orfanos said.

The deputy minister said that in New York "I saw a very strong community, which has a protagnist role in the wider area" while, in Washington, "I felt proud when President Bush proclaimed March 25th a day of celebration for the American people as well", adding that "this underscores the special interest that exists in our country".

Finally, in Washington, "where I was given the honour of being Grand Marshall of the huge (Greek Independence Day) parade, I felt pride in the Greek-American youth, who had a strong presence, with a high national sentiment, good knowledge of the events and made observations that were very useful for us, the politicians, concerning Greece and the need for the reforms to continue at all the levels, as they see that our country is seeking a more central role in the modern-day society of our planet," Orfanos said.

[18] State Department reiterates appreciation of Greece's support and efforts following US embassy attack

The US government's appreciation of the greek government's support and cooperation following the January 12 rocket attack on the US embassy in Athens, which caused material damage but no injuries, was reiterated on Tuesday by State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey in reply to a question during a daily press briefing.

"We very much appreciate, as you know, the cooperation the Greek Government has given us in terms of supporting our embassy and leading the investigation into that attack. But in terms of the specifics on that, that's really something for Greek authorities to comment on." Casey said.

[19] Cypriot foreign ministry permanent secretary ambassador Zenon in Athens

The two sides will examine ways to further improve coope-ration and coordination between the Greek and Cypriot foreign ministries and their diplomatic missions abroad.

Ambassador Zenon is also scheduled to meet with Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and the foreign ministry general directors on political affairs, the EU and Cyprus.

Financial News

[20] FinMin Alogoskoufis to head large business delegation to Australia

Greece's national economy and finance minister George Alogoskoufis, heading a large delegation, is due to arrive in Melbourne on Sunday for talks aiming at promoting Greek exports to Australia.

The delegation, numbering approximately 100 people, includes representatives of 34 top Greek enterprises, as well as technocrats and other officials. Several of the businessmen in the delegation have already arrived in Melbourne, while others are expected to arrive on Saturday, together with journalists covering the visit, while Alogoskoufis' arrival is scheduled for Sunday.

On Monday, Alogoskoufis will address a Forum on the theme "Development of trade and economic relations between Greece and Australia", which will also be addressed by Greek-Australian Victoria State minister for industry and state development, major projects, and small business Fanos Theophanous, while later in the day Alogoskoufis will inaugurate the Greek Museum and the Nafsika Stamouli Art Gallery.

On Wednesday, Algoskoufis will meet with his counterpart, Australian federal treasurer Peter Costello, in Melbourne.

Alogoskoufis' itinerary also includes a visit to Sydney, where he will meet with Greek Orthodox Archbishop Stylianos of Australia.

It is noted that, in preparation of Alogoskoufis' visit, a recent visit by managing director of the Hellenic Exports Promotion Board (HEPO) Panayotis Drossos had preceded

Drossos tod ANA-MPA that the minister's visit will "aim at further promoting the Greek interests and Greek exports to Australia", as well as at "increasing cooperation between Greek and Australian business enterprises".

According to Drossos, Greek exports to Australia have marked an impressive increase in the last two years, with forecasts for even larger increases.

Alogoskoufis will also meet with important economic bodies and businessmen in Australia.

A Greek Cuisine Festival will also take place during Alogoskoufis' visit to Melbourne, in the context of HEPO's popular "Kerasma" (Treat) initiative, to be held at a top-class restaurant in Melbourne with the participation of renowned chefs.

The goal of the Kerasma initiaitve is an organised promotion of Greek cuisine and Greek foods and beverages/drinks.

The projection will continue later at the Fine Food exhibitions in Sydney and Melbourne, Drossos said.

[21] Athens, Bucharest Chambers sign cooperation accord during Greek-Romanian Economic Forum in Bucharest

The Athens and Bucharest Chambers of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday signed a cooperation accord, on the sidelines of a Greek-Romanian Economic Forum taking place in Bucharest.

The Forum was held in the context of a Greek business delegation to the Bucharest and Ploiesti from March 27-30, with the participation of representatives of 31 Greek enterprises who held more than 700 bilateral meetings with Romanian counterparts on Wednesday to discuss prospective collaborations, while on Thursday they will have meetings with Romanian businessmen from the Prahova region and neighbouring prefectures.

Romania is going through a period of political unrest, due to a temporary instability, but this new European Union member country has a strong determination for progress, Greek ambassador to Romania Athanassios Dendoulis said Wednesday, speaking to a group of Greek businessmen taking part in a Greek-Romanian Economic Forum in Bucharest.

Dendoulis also praised the traditional good economic relations between the two countries.

Greek embassy economic and commercial affairs counsellor Ioannis Paschalidis, in turn, noted that the present political imposse in Romania would not serve as a deterrent for Greek businessmen wishing to invest in Romania.

"The investors plan their businesses on a long-term basis of 10-12 years, and consequently a temporary crisis does not worry them," Paschalidis explained.

He said that Romania is considered a stable country, adding that other, more developed, EU member states have also gone through some political crisis. "Now that Romania is a member of the EU, all the important decisions are taken in Brussels, which is an important sign for foreign investors," he added.

Noting the Greek businessmen's interest in Romania, Paschalidis said that Greece was the third largest foreign investor in Romania, with approximately 3,600 Greek companies active in that country in various sectors.

At the same time, Greek exports to Romania marked an increase in 2006 against 2005, reaching 595 million euros, while Romania exports to Greece also rose from 434 million euros in 2005 to 505 million euros one year later, according to figures presented by the president of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEA) Constantine Michalos.

[22] Investments in the Danube region

"We have a strong business community," Popa said, although he acknowledged that the political problems could give the impression that Romania lacked stability.

Popa presented a plan for investments in the Danube, since, as he said, "the Greeks are known for their maritime achievements".

He explained that the European Union has placed the Danube among its priorities, now that global warming has begun to comprise a threat and given that sea-borne and river-borne transports "are of vital importance", and briefed the Greek investors on Romania's plans for the construction of a hydrotechnic complex on the Danube which would serve as an ecological source of electrical power.

Popa further invited Greek entrepreneurs to invest in the project, as well as in the plans for the construction of bridges across the Danube that will link Romania with Bulgaria, thus facilitating the movement not only of private cars, but chiefly buses and trucks, which in turn will contribute to reducing atmospheric pollution and fuel consumption, since the kilometric distance between the two countries will be reduced.

The representatives of the 31 Greek companies attending the Forum will also attend the inauguration of the four-day annual Bucharest International Fair for Consumer Goods (TIBCO) on Thursday, at which the EBEA is participating with its own pavillion, and they will have contacts with other Romanian businessmen in the town of Ploiesti.

[23] Greek investments in Romania

Approximately 3,600 Greek-interest companies are currently active in Romania, of which 400 alone were founded in 2005, according to data released by the Embassy's commercial and economic affairs office.

EBEA president Constantine Michalos signed a cooperation agreement with the Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday, while on Thursday he will sign a similar accord with the Prahova Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Speaking to reporters after the signing of the accord, Michalos said that the volume of Greek exports to Romania rose significantly in 2006, while the volume of bilateral trade exceeded 1 billion euros in that year. According to figures from the National Statistics Service of Greece (ESYE), Greek exports to Romania jumped by 45.7 percent, resulting in the bilateral trade balance deficit at Greece's expense tipping the other way and resulting in a 90.56 million euros surplus.

Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Stefan Popa outlined the actions undertaken by the Chamber to boost the business efforts of Romanian small and medium size enterprises, and also presented the cooperation prospects in the energy sector.

Popa also referred to his country's European course, as well as the prospective new investment opportunities.

On a global scale, Romania is one of the most significant recipients of Greek investment capital, which are mainly chanelled to the services sector (31.4 percent), telecoms and industry (27.7 percent), wholesale (23.3 percent), retail (3.5 percent), construction (7.5 percent) and agriculture (4.2 percent).

[24] Favourable prospects for Greek companies over the next decade

Pavlopoulos also stressed that the government's efforts in the retail trade sector are aimed at boosting transparency, simplifying procedures and tackling red tape.

Competitiveness is among the main goals set out by the government, said Pavlopoulos, because Greece had been left behind in that area.

He added that the effort was continuing and will continue, adding that the result of that effort was that Greece's standing internationally was improving continually with respect to competitiveness.

Trade and particularly retail trade is one of the pylons of the Greek economy, representing 40 percent of businesses in Greece while employing 20 percent of the workforce, Pavlopoulos stressed, adding that solid foundations have been laid for a better future in terms of growth, progress and prosperity in all sectors.

[25] Economist conference on 'Business Summit 2007-2017'

The speakers at the conference included Deputy Economy and Finance Minister Christos Folias, Deputy Development Minister Yiannis Papathanassiou, SELPE president Theodoros Vardas, main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) deputy Anna Diamantopoulou and former EU chief negotiator Lord David Owen.

"The Greek small and medium-sized business can develop and have a future of prosperity. Certainly, it is not possible for things to change from one day to the other. What is important is that reforms are being advanced and measures implemented which express interest in trade and the small and medium-sized business," Folias said.

On his part, Papathanassiou noted that according to data of the National Statistics Service of Greece (ESYE), "the index of employment increased by 8.8 per cent in retail trade, while the improvement is accompanied by the strengthening of the total bulk of sales by 6.8% and 7.8% in the first and second half of 2006, respectively." As he said, "the trade sector represents 40% of the total of businesses and participates in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at a percentage of 23%, while in 2006, this sectors offered employment to about 790,000 people, that is, a percentage of 17.7% of total employment."

SELPE president Vardas stressed that "Europe's political and economic future, the main topic of the Economist's conference, is based on competitiveness, development and the extroversion of its businesses, that is, in their capability of being good traders and to promote competitive products to all the world."

PASOK's Diamantopoulou, referring to the new Europe of the 27, noted that "we need a Europe with a stronger political system of governance, while at the same time, what is required are brave reforms by the member-states in various sectors." She further said that "Greece lags behind and what is required are reforms mainly in the social insurance system."

Lord Owen expressed support for Turkey's accession to the European Union. "The EU's enlargement towards Turkey will enrich the European Union and help Turkey itself," he said.

Lord Owen also referred to "the necessity of cooperation between America and the European Union in sectors where common ground can be found and for 'incomplete matters' in regions such as the Balkans to be solved."

Regarding Russia and the other countries bordering the European Union, he noted that "it is our right to see Russia as a possible partner and to examine the eventuality of it becoming a member of the EU." He further stressed that it is necessary for Europe-Russia relations to be improved, and in this context, he expressed his satisfaction over the fact that Greece, Bulgaria and Russia proceeded in signing the energy agreement regarding the construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline.

[26] UK pension fund eyes 2.0-bln-euro investment in Greece

Speaking to reporters in Thessaloniki on Wednesday, Symeonoglou said the investment was expected to create around 10,000 job spots, although he declined to offer more details. He said more investments by multinational companies, totaling 200 million euros, were expected to be announced in the northern Greece region, and particularly one in the prefecture of Kilkis.

Symeonoglou said the energy sector has attracted increased interest from German and French investors. He noted that the current environment in the country played a very significant role in attracting foreign investments, while a series of other factors, such as red tape and licensing, needed to be addressed to as well.

Finally, he said ELKE helped attract foreign investments totaling 3.2 billion euros in 2005, 651 million euros in 2004 and 300 million euros in 2004.

[27] Mytilineos signs strategic alliance with Endesa

The new company, the holder of the biggest independent power production capacity and with a balanced portfolio in thermal and renewable energy sources, will become the largest independent energy producer in Greece.

Endesa will own 50.01 pct of the new company.

Mytilineos will contribute all of its energy assets, thermal, renewable and available production licenses (valued at around 600 million euros), while Endesa will contribute its share in cash. The new company will have an initial capital of 1.2 billion euros

The new company will seek to build, develop and operate thermal energy stations (natural gas and coal), renewable energy projects, electricity energy trade and CO2 emissions. It will also seek gradual entry in the retail energy market after the deregulation of European energy markets in July 2007.

Its assets include a co-production energy station with a power of 334MW, a combined-cycle production station (using natural gas) with a power of 430MW to be completed in June 2009, renewable energy projects (1000MW) and a new coal power station (600MW).

Mytilineos and Endesa applied for a license to build a coal power station (600MW). The project is budgeted at 720 million euros.

Meanwhile, Mytilineos group announced a board decision for a restructuring of the group, aimed at maximizing the exploitation of the group's energy assets.

Under the plan, Mytilineos will absorb Aluminium of Greece and Delta Project, while the group will divide its electricity and aluminium production sectors.

[28] Chinese vice-minister of commerce to visit Athens

During his five-day formal visit to Greece the Chinese government official will meet with Deputy Development Minister Yiannis Papathanasiou, Culture Ministry General Secretary S. Klappas and Intellectual Property Organization President Lambros Kotsiris.

[29] Parliament debates draft bill on bourse transactions

Speaking in parliament during a debate on the draft bill, Alexis Pilavios said the integration of the community directive might not be a radical change, but the information offered to share-holders would be much better and deeper -- on a semi-annual and annual base. "This is very important for transparency," he noted.

George Koutroumanis, president of the employees' union in social insurance funds, speaking in parliament said the representatives of administrations in pension funds did not know about the funds' investments in structured bonds, but stressed that pension funds' money were invested in the Greek stock market for more than 13 years, adding that "pension funds have not lost from their investments in stock shares".

All ruling political parties, from 1994 onwards, helped in raising pension funds' reverse assets, he said.

[30] Greek trade deficit up 20.3% in Jan., yr/yr

The service also said the value of imports totaled 4.236 billion euros in January, up from 3.637 billion in January 2006, for an increase of 16.5 percent. As a result, the country's trade deficit widened by 20.3 percent in January to 2.932 billion euros, up from 2.438 billion in the corresponding month last year.

[31] Greek stocks end 0.86 pct down

Sector indices ended lower with the Utilities (3.36 pct), Personal/Home Products (2.22 pct) and Travel (1.98 pct) suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day, while the Food/Beverage (1.87 pct), Chemicals (1.58 pct) and Insurance (1.46 pct) scored gains.

The Big Cap index fell 1.03 pct, the Mid Cap index eased 0.45 pct and the Small Cap index was unchanged.

Rocas (9.37 pct), Ippotour (9.23 pct) and Daios Plastics (8.99 pct) were top gainers, while Tria Alpha (10.11 pct), Tasoglou (7.62 pct) and Ekter (7.59 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 129 to 110 with another 64 issues unchanged.

[32] Greek bond market closing report

The 10-year benchmark bond (July 20, 2017), was the most heavily traded security with a turnover of 1.235 billion euros. The yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German bonds was 0.24 percent with the Greek bond yielding 4.28 pct and the German Bund 4.04 pct.

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were largely unchanged. National Bank's overnight rate was 3.82 pct, the two-day rate was 3.82 pct, the one-month rate 3.86 pct and the 12-month rate 4.15 pct.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +1.46%

Industrials: -0.11%

Commercial: -0.10%

Construction: -0.42%

Media: +0.15%

Oil & Gas: -0.09%

Personal & Household: -2.22%

Raw Materials: -0.93%

Travel & Leisure: -1.86%

Technology: -0.76%

Telecoms: -0.74%

Banks: -1.01%

Food & Beverages: +1.87%

Health: +0.40%

Utilities: -3.36%

Chemicals: +1.58%

Financial Services: -0.87%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 22.70

ATEbank: 3.86

Public Power Corp (PPC): 18.88

HBC Coca Cola: 31.88

Hellenic Petroleum: 10.66

Emporiki Bank: 20.86

National Bank of Greece: 39.60

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 29.88

Intralot: 23.04

Cosmote: 22.62

OPAP: 28.20

OTE: 20.40

Titan Cement Company: 40.60

[33] ADEX closing report

The June contract on the FTSE 20 index was traded at a discount of 3.07 pct and the April contract on the FTSE 40 index at a discount of 1.28 pct.

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totaled 7,405 contracts worth 88.804 million euros, with 26,469 open positions in the market, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 322 contracts worth 9.168 million euros, with 1,248 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 7,140 contracts worth 6.555 million euros, with investment interest focusing on PPC's contracts (608), followed by OTE (239), OPAP (518), National Bank (479), Alpha Bank (235), GEK (449), Mytili-neos (595) and Motor Oil (201).

Volume in stock repos was 7,841 contracts and in reverse stock repos 2,142 contracts.

[34] Foreign Exchange Rates - Thursday

U.S. dollar 1.345

Pound sterling 0.684

Danish kroner 7.508

Swedish kroner 9.393

Japanese yen 157.63

Swiss franc 1.629

Norwegian kroner 8.198

Cyprus pound 0.585

Canadian dollar 1.560

Australian dollar 1.666

General News

[35] Health minister and Athens-Piraeus doctors society presidents discuss medical issues

The minister assured the presidents of the doctors societies that the government will honour decisions taken by justice, while it was also decided that necessary arrangements will be enacted that will forbid the sale of pharmaceuticals, for which a medical prescription is required, without the corresponding medical prescription being produced.

On the question of hospital doctors, Avramopoulos clarified that regular contacts are continuing with corresponding agencies and the ministry, in cooperation with the finance ministry, is processing solutions in accordance with EU law and the sector's demands regarding new working hours.

[36] Minister of State addresses event on mass media

"In less than two years, we secured the functioning of 2,500 frequencies, when since 1961 only 139 were secured," said Roussopoulos and noted "how behind our country has been left in the sector of developments in the mass media."

The Minister of State gave emphasis to the social dimensions of new technology but also to the unique, on a European level, digital channel of state-run Greek Radio and Television (ERT) which is directed daily with lengthy programmes to people with disabilities.

"The new technology is not here to bring new television stations. It is here to free the market, creating new economic and social conditions, develop TV marketing and bring about communication to thousands of remote islands and mountai-nous villages. The social dimension of digital technology is apparent in the government's initiative to create from zero, three new digital channels in ERT. One of for sport, one for free cinema films and one with a daily lengthy programme for people with disabilities," Roussopoulos said.

[37] Athens university research team to convert bus into hydrogen-powered

Liapis commented on the sidelines of the meeting on Energy and Transportation organized by the Institute of Energy for South-East Europe (IENE) that improvement of the quality of life is a priority, adding that the transport and communications ministry plays a leading role in the effort to limit the emissions of air pollutants in Athens.

He stated that within this framework initiatives such the one undertaken by the Polytechnic aimed at building the first hydrogen-powered bus in Greece, are supported by the government.

Liapis expressed the hope that it will not be long before buses in Athens will emit just a little water vapor and no smelly fumes or greenhouse gases.

Hydrogen is regarded as the fuel of the future, being the simplest and most abundant of all chemical elements. When hydrogen burns, the only by-product is water and not the polluting cocktail given off by burning petrol and other fossil fuels.

[38] Seminar on Parthenon Marbles in Los Angeles on Friday

A seminar on "The Sculptures of the Parthenon" will be held on Friday at 18:30 at the Greek Library in Bellflower, Los Angeles in southern California.

The seminar will be addressed by journalist Christos Constantopoulos, who will present the documentary "The Phidias Legacy" and refer to the Parthenon sculptures, accompanied by the presentation of recent photographs from Athens, the British Museum in London and the new Acropolis Museum under construction.

The documentary was a co-production with the ANA-MPA and was first screened in the U.S. on March 18 at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, as well as to a large audience at the Hellenic Cultural Society in San Diego on March 23.

[39] Symposium on 'independent authorities in modern democracy'

The symposium will be declared open by Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki.

Among the speakers will be Greek Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos, PASOK MP Evangelos Venizelos, Greek Ombudsman George Kaminis and the head of the Greek national broadcasting authority Yiannis Laskaridis.

Foreign speakers include former international ombudsman for Kosovo and current International Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights Marek Antoni Nowicki and the former head of the Italian data protection authority Stefano Rodota, among others.

[40] Church of Greece finalises positions over 6th-grade history book

[41] Guilty verdict proposed for 13 in Pantios University economic discrepancies case

The prosecutor called for a guilty verdict for rectors, deputy rectors and employees of the University for the charges of embezzlement, fraud and issuing false verification.

He requested the acquittal of the accounting office director and of the University's procurements director, considering that they cooperated in having the case solved.

The prosecutor spoke of "wonderful cooperation" between members of the rectors council and University employees involved in the case which, according to the indictment, led to losses for the University amounting to two billion drachmas. The trial will be continued on Friday.

[42] Opinion poll reveals waning TV news credibility

In addition, 76.6 percent of the respondents see a lack of institutional framework regulating the way news involving personal data is being reported.

Furthermore, 62.9 percent responded "none" to a question on which newscaster is unbiased and observes journalistic ethics.

A proprtion of 35.7 percent of the television viewers want news covering political issues, 25.7 percent would like television news for the young people, while 14 percent say "no" to talk shows, according to the poll.

[43] Around the world in 800 days

They will begin their journey that will cover over 85 countries across all five continents on April 9, and return to Greece in the summer of 2009, after seeing the world "from within", avoiding popular tourist sights and national motorways while opting for small provincial roads.

The two will work as correspondents for magazines, radio stations and TV programmes to finance their endeavor, and will have with them videocameras, laptops and satellite phones, turning their jeep into a mobile news agency.

[44] Greek and Bulgarian journalists to carry out joint mission

The journalists will be visiting Blagoevgrad, Sadanski, Promahonas, Sidirokastro, Serres, Drama, Nevrokopi, Exochi and Goce Delchev.

Apart from meetings scheduled with agencies and personalities in the region, two working conferences will also be taking place in the cities of Serres and Drama.

[45] Public order minister meets board of police federation's personnel

"My respect to the Police, the police officers and to their trade union representation, that is, the Panhellenic Federation of Police Personnel, is incessant and steadfast," Polydoras said after the meeting at the ministry.

He noted that on issues of economic remunerations, "it is not a bilateral relation between the Federation of Police Personnel and the Public Order Ministry, but is trilateral and is mainly based on the lines of the incomes policy which stems from the National Economy's policy."

He added that "our emphasis and understanding is the pay roll. We are organising it in cooperation, we are shaping it, we are raising it to the Economy and Finance Ministry, the government is examining it in general in a spirit of respon-sibility and trust which is shown by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis."

[46] Illicit trade of antiquities arrests

The four detainees are accused of negotiating the sale of ancient objects dating back to the Prehistoric and Roman Times.

A police search in their houses revealed a number of ancient artifacts, bronze coins and parts of statues. Police also found a handgun, five metal detectors and books with information on statues and ancient coins.

[47] Police raid apartment where illegal immigrants were being held

The immigrants were exhausted and in a pitiful state, locked in a first floor apartment with barred windows and security doors that was being used as a kind of "prison" to prevent them from leaving until they had paid the amounts of money they had agreed with their captors.

The persons arrested were taken to the Nikea police precinct, that is carrying out a preliminary investigation, and on Thursday they will be brought before a public prosecutor.

[48] Illegal immigrants intercepted on Samos

[49] Justice minister orders enquiry into minor's suicide in prison

The minor, of Polish origin, was held in the prison for minors in Avlona, Attica, on drug charges.

Due to the psychological problems he faced, he was transferred to the psychiatric wing of Korydallos prison where he hanged himself with a sheet, leaving behind a note written in Polish.

Justice Minister Anastasios Papaligouras ordered an enquiry over the incident and particularly for an investigation to be launched whether there were any responsibilities by wardens, doctors and lack of guarding of the Polish youth.

[50] Grenade blast damages cars in Thessaloniki

A police investigation is underway for the arrest of the unidentified culprits.

[51] Overnight arson attacks in Athens

The perpetrators used flammable liquid in all 10 instances and destroyed a telephone network box and electric panels situated at the base of the poles on which Traffic Police and environ-ment, physical planning and public works ministry surveillance cameras are fitted.

Soccer

[52] Greece beats Malta 1-0 in European Championship qualifier

Weather Forecast

[53] Overcast, windy on Thursday

[54] The Wednesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "PASOK orgy of lies and disinformation - Government outburst over the issue of the bonds".

ANO KATO: "Bombs will burst against PASOK - Shocking data coming on the management of the social insurance funds' assets during the period 1998-2004".

APOGEVMATINI: "10,505 opportunities in the public sector - 1,027 new jobs, 8,505 'coming', and 951 'running' ".

AVGHI: "Commencement with the youth and the Left - Alavanos (Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology-SYN leader) address at large SYN rally".

AVRIANI: "Alogoskoufis (national economy and finance minister) uncovers the 'network' and reveals...Greedy brokers and incompetent directors responsible for the scandal with the bonds...".

CHORA: "Stricter penalties for those who defraud the citizen - The bill on consumer protection".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "The Acropolis is now officially the first on the list of European Heritage monuments...but another 'Akropolis', the brokerage firm, tops the list of 'monuments' of scams".

ELEFTHEROS: "Law/shield for the consumers - Places brake on the 'rings' operating on the market".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Akropolis brokerage was managing TEADY - The Fund's general director 'burns' Agapios (TEADY board of directors president Simeoforidis)".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Confession with protocol number - Burning deposition by TEADY director".

ESTIA: "Scandalous regulations in the public sector - Additional licence for use of computers".

ETHNOS: "Bank a 'laundry' for the bonds - Unbelievable methodisation by the protagonists of the scandal".

KATHIMERINI: "Zorbas (head of the independent authority investigating money-laundering) on the trail of the 'black' money - Presidents of 15 Funds face dismissal".

LOGOS: "Government puts the blame on the...stock brokers - Backing for Tsitouridis (employment minister)".

NIKI: "Maximos Mansion (government headquarters) and Alogoskoufis (national economy and finance minister) openly back Tsitouridis (employment minister)".

RIZOSPASTIS: "Health spending - Perpetual blue-green surcharge".

TA NEA: "Mammoth 23,300,000 euros gift (to foreign investors) - They also sold off the civil servants' housing loans".

TO VIMA: "The course of the graft and the rings - How they got the money".

VRADYNI: "The secrets of consecutive insurance - New measures to reduce the time (required for issuing pensions) being mulled by the employment minister".

Cyprus Affairs

[55] EP Committee agrees to keep Famagusta on its agenda

The European Parliament Committee on Petitions has accepted a request to keep the issue of the return of the Turkish occupied town of Famagusta to its legal inhabitants on the agenda of the Committee, after consultations, in which MEPs from Cyprus and Greece played a leading role.

The request to keep the issue open was submitted during Monday's meeting of the Committee by its Vice-President, Greek MEP Maria Matsouka, and Cypriot MEP Panayiotis Demetriou. The issue was first submitted in 2004 by Loizos Afxentiou on behalf of the Famagusta Refugee Movement.

The issue was discussed last year at the Committee on Petitions and then at the European Parliament plenary, where almost all speakers supported the return of Famagusta to its inhabitants, on the basis of a Luxembourg EU presidency proposal for the simultaneous opening of the Famagusta port.

It is also on the agenda of the meeting of the Committee on Petitions, which has been scheduled for early May.

[56] Greek-Turkish Cypriot politicians launch rapprochement events

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

Speaking Tuesday night during the first event, a reception at Famagusta Gate, Nicosia, organized by the Slovak embassy in Cyprus, left-wing party AKEL General Secretary Demetris Christofias expressed the wish that Greek and Turkish Cypriots will soon have daily contact and meetings in a reunified Cyprus.

General Secretary of the Turkish Cypriot Republican Turkish Party Omer Kalioncu said that "our efforts have one goal, to reach an agreement that will give us the opportunity to live together in our own homeland."

Addressing the reception, attended by leaders or representatives of Greek and Turkish Cypriot political parties, Christofias said "tonight's (Tuesday) evening is a special one" noting that this first meeting was a social.

He added that other events, political and sports, will follow.

Kalioncu recalled that Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot parties hold regular meetings at Ledra Palace, noting that "today we meet under different circumstances to give a different pattern to our activities from now on."

He said that in this framework such common activities will be organized in the government controlled and in the occupied areas of the island and expressed hope that these events will contribute to the goal of reaching an agreement for the settlement of the Cyprus question.

Present at the event was the Slovak Ambassador to Cyprus Jan Varso. As it has already been announced, 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.

On May 21 a reception will be held at Buyuk Han, in Cyprus' occupied areas.

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.

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