Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 08-01-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis, India's Singh discuss political cooperation

[02] PM: Greece-India cooperation of great importance

[03] PM Karamanlis in New Delhi: Potential for further growth of Greece-India relations

[04] Interior minister addresses Parliament on immigration

[05] Justice minister refutes claims of 'fixed' judge assignments

[06] Liapis on the Central Archaeological Council decisions, Zachopoulos affair

[07] Reporter testifies on Zachopoulos case

[08] Greek MPs and MEPs concerned over toughening of EU legislation on terrorism

[09] DM on priorities for 2008

[10] SYRIZA's Alavanos visits Iraklio

[11] Greek - UN aid to African countries

[12] House speaker receives Belgian, Spanish envoys

[13] Greek FinMin to visit Malta on Saturday

[14] Merchant marine minister meets IMO SG

[15] Government on port workers' strike

[16] Piraeus port workers demonstrate

[17] Import price index up 8.6 pct in November, yr/yr

[18] Eurobank seeks to expand activities in Turkey

[19] Alumil issues five-year 10-mln-euro bond loan

[20] Greek state bond yields up in December

[21] Greek stocks plunge 2.1% on Fri.

[22] ADEX closing report

[23] Greek bond market closing report

[24] Foreign Exchange Rates - Saturday/Monday

[25] Ecumenical Patriarchate to establish Metropolis of Singapore

[26] Archbishop's health critical but stable

[27] Peloponnese city prepares for return of relics identified with St. Peter of Argos

[28] TEI students hold rally to demand more funding

[29] New Kalamata-Tirana inter-city bus route

[30] Partly cloudy on Saturday

[31] Cyprus signs contract with J&P ABA� Company to rebuild Artemida Politics

[01] Karamanlis, India's Singh discuss political cooperation

Enhancing political cooperation between Greece and India, as well as the economic and trade ties between the two countries, were the topics dominating talks between visiting Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh here on Friday.

In statements afterwards, the Greek premier said that bilateral economic relations had been developing rapidly in recent years and that there were many potential areas of cooperation in business, trade, shipping and tourism between the two countries.

He also underlined to his Indian counterpart Greece's role as an economic centre for southeastern Europe and examined possible cooperation in culture and education.

Noting the very good cooperation between Greece and India within international organisations, he noted Athens' strong support for further expanding the United Nations Security Council. In terms of the European Union, meanwhile, Karamanlis said that Greece was seeking to find ways and means to upgrade the general framework of EU-Indian relations.

The two premiers also discussed regional affairs in southern Asia, such as the current situation in Afghanistan and recent developments in Pakistan, while Karamanlis briefed Singh in detail on the Cyprus problem and thanked him for India's steadfast stance on this issue in recent years.

The Greek prime minister additionally discussed the outstanding dispute between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) over FYROM's use of the name 'Macedonia', the situation in Kosovo and its repercussion on the stability and security of the Balkans and developments in Greek-Turkish relations.

Thanking his Indian counterpart for his warm reception and hospitality, Karamanlis said that his presence in India's capital demonstrated the desire of the two sides to develop bilateral ties even further.

Karamanlis arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a three-day official visit accompanied by Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, Minister of State and government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos and the head of his press office Yiannis Andrianos.

[02] PM: Greece-India cooperation of great importance

Greek prime minister Costas Karamanlis, shortly after his arrival in New Delhi on a three-day official visit to India, said the visit was an excellent opportunity for further development of bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between Greece and India in the political and economic sectors.

"I place particular importance on Greece's cooperation with India, country of broad economic and political importance, with an outstanding role on the international scene," Karamanlis said, following his official reception by Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh on Friday morning.

Karamanlis, who arrived in India on Thursday evening, said that there were many points of mutual interest, and that the two countries had exceptional cooperation in international organizations, adding that they could work jointly to further strengthen EU-India relations.

"In recent years, our economic relations have entered a new phase, and my presence here will give new momentum to develop them further, to the benefit of both countries," the Greek premier said, adding that "we place great importance on strengthening our cooperation in the fields of education and culture."

Following the official welcoming ceremony, Karamanlis met with India's external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee, and was received by Indian President Pratibha Patil.

Karamanlis' itinerary further includes the laying of a wreath at the Gandhi Monument and a trip to Agra and the Taj Mahal, after which the prime minister's party will spend the night in Jaipur.

[03] PM Karamanlis in New Delhi: Potential for further growth of Greece-India relations

The potential for further developing economic relations and trade between Greece and India was outlined by Greek prime minister Costas Karamanlis, currently on an official visit to India, during a luncheon in his honor hosted by the local business chambers.

"Greece is an ideal business partner for those wishing to become part of the economic growth of Southeastern Europe. Greece can serve as the entrance gate for Indian enterprises wishing to acquire a presence in the region. In collaboration with Greek enterprises, Indian businesses can extend their access to a region that will show spectacular growth in the coming years," Karamanlis said.

The prime minister also outlined Greece's advantages, noting its strategic position as it was at the crossroads among Europe, the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, and was also the oldest and most experienced EU member country in the region, and the only member of the eurozone.

Greece, he continued, has evolved into a banking and business hub, and an ideal springboard for the development of investments and business activity in SE Europe, given that more than 3,600 Greek companies and in excess of 2,300 branches of Greek banks were operating in that region.

As a member of the eurozone, Greece enjoyed a stable political, economic and fiscal environment, he said, adding that the country's deficit had been reduced from 7.9 percent to 2.6 percent, while the rate of economic growth exceeded 4 percent in 2007, and the tax rate on business profits was reduced to 25 percent from 35 percent in 2004.

The premier further highlighted the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline project, adding that Greece held a strategic position on the East-West energy corridor.

Further, as a result of its economic policy, unemployment in Greece declined in 2007, while exports increased.

Listing the specific sectors in which the two countries could dynamically develop their bilateral economic relations, Karamanlis made special mention of the agricultural sector, with particular reference to olive oil production, in which Greece holds third place world-wide.

Special mention was also made of the shipping sector, with Karamanlis noting that Greece wishes to increase the number of charters of Greek-owned ships for the transport of cargoes from India to markets around the world.

In the tourism sector, the prime minister said that the target was to increase the flow of visitors between the two countries and to attract more Indian tourists to Greece, adding that a direct flight between Greece and India could contribute in that direction.

Karamanlis also highlighted sector of renewable energy sources, in which he said Greece offered ideal environmental conditions for the attraction of new investments in 'clean' forms of energy.

Political relations between Greece and India were excellent, while their economic relations were growing at a rapid pace, Karamanlis said, but added that large margins existed for further improving cooperation.

He noted that the relevant institutional framework was being firmly and systematically formulated, adding that many agreements have been signed, such as the agreement for the protection and advancement of investments, and that on scientific and technological cooperation.

The institutional framework between the two countries must be completed, while priority must be placed on the signing of a dual taxation avoidance accord, as well as cooperation on air transport services, Karamanlis continued.

The target of doubling bilateral trade by 2010 was both feasible and viable, the prime minister concluded.

A scheduled meeting with Indian National Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was postponed after Gandhi was admitted to hospital.

Morning meetings

The Greek premier, who arrived in New Delhi on Thursday afternoon on a three-day official visit to India, said earlier on Friday that his visit was an excellent opportunity for further development of bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between Greece and India in the political and economic sectors.

"I place particular importance on Greece's cooperation with India, country of broad economic and political importance, with an outstanding role on the international scene," Karamanlis said, following his official reception by Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh on Friday morning.

Karamanlis, who arrived in India on Thursday evening, said that there were many points of mutual interest, and that the two countries had exceptional cooperation in international organizations, adding that they could work jointly to further strengthen EU-India relations.

"In recent years, our economic relations have entered a new phase, and my presence here will give new momentum to develop them further, to the benefit of both countries," the Greek premier said, adding that "we place great importance on strengthening our cooperation in the fields of education and culture."

Following the official welcoming ceremony, Karamanlis met with India's external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee, and was received by Indian President Pratibha Patil.

[04] Interior minister addresses Parliament on immigration

"Immigration is a parameter of globalization and we must see it through the prism of peaceful co-existence of peoples. We are living the results of indifference for what is happening in states which are subject to dictatorship, war and poverty. Rules must be set, but they must not only be national ones," Pavlopoulos said.

Pavlopoulos referred to the measures taken by the government for the lifting of the negative repercussions of the immigration phenomenon and the social incorporation of the immigrants. He attributed responsibility to Turkey for not responding to obligations stemming from the protocol regarding the return of immigrants to the country of origin, which it has signed with Greece.

"Despite the existence of overwhelming data, the Turkish side usually refuses the re-entry or creates various problems of an operational nature for the purpose of its postponement," Pavlopoulos added.

[05] Justice minister refutes claims of 'fixed' judge assignments

"The truth contradicts them in the most categorical way," Hatzigakis said, listing six high-profile cases recently investigated by justice that were each being handled by different examining magistrates and public prosecutors. He urged the PASOK MPs and trade unionists making these claims to apologize, describing their claims as "systematic and frivolous".

He stressed that the selection of the examining magistrates that undertook each case was made by a decision of the local first-instance court justices' council based on objective and unimpeachable criteria.

"It is clear that the irresponsible and groundless claims expressed against distinguished judges and organised Justice as a whole, are slanderous and malicious inventions serving party interests and political dead-ends," he stressed.

[06] Liapis on the Central Archaeological Council decisions, Zachopoulos affair

Responding to a question concerning the re-classification of a Central Archaeological Council (KAS) decision regarding a Mycenaean burial site in eastern Attica prefecture (Fouresi site, near the Glyka Nera district), he sharply responded that "a scandal needs documentation, otherwise, it is mere slander."

Meanwhile, opposition MPs called on the ministry to re-examine the Glyka Nera case and other cases handled by former culture ministry general secretary Christos Zachopoulos, an alleged victim of an extortion ring.

Liapis said the influential KAS has recently come under intense scrutiny, stressing that numerous misstatements and inaccuracies have been heard, pointing out that it is an institution with a 170-year-long history in the protection and promotion of Greek cultural heritage.

He clarified that its role is mostly consultative and most of its decisions are reached unanimously, with only 10-15 percent of decisions reached via majority votes.

Finally, Liapis said anyone that believes they have been wronged can appeal to the Council of State, Greece's highest administrative court.

[07] Reporter testifies on Zachopoulos case

Replying to press questions after his testimony, Aris Spinos said he was posed some 150 questions, which he answered. He added that he could have invoked "journalistic confidentiality", while merely noting that he identified a woman named "Dimitra", saying he believes she is a member of an extortion ring.

Additionally, Spinos said he is not the person who handed over a DVD purportedly showing Zachopoulos and a former associate to Yiannis Adrianos, the head of the prime minister's press office.

"I don't even know Adrianos" he said.

A prosecutor was present during the session.

[08] Greek MPs and MEPs concerned over toughening of EU legislation on terrorism

Pavlopoulos underlined that "terrorism should be dealt with within an institutional framework that would not curtail individual liberties or human rights".

"There cannot be a general definition of terrorism" the minister added.

Yiannis Varvitsiotis, head of ruling New Democracy (ND) MEPs, maintained that there are resolutions taken by the European Council and tabled at the European Parliament which lead to "the restriction of individual freedoms" and urged the minister to advise Greek ministers not to back them.

Former speaker of the House Anna Benaki-Psarouda noted that "we are witnessing a constant restriction of individual liberties for security reasons of the EU member states and the point is what mechanisms and how they are being used".

Main opposition PASOK MEP Stavros Lambrinidis underlined that the European Parliament "has not approved any measure of those proposed by the European Council because none of these measures is covered by any legislation safeguarding the fundamental rights of European citizens.

"Europe does not need a 'Big Brother' watching over it," he added and urged the government to adopt a tough line policy.

Achilleas Kantartzis, Greek Communist Party (KKE) MP, argued that in case of approval there would be obstruction in the free circulation of ideas.

Fotis Kouvelis, Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) MP, noted that "in fact the real victims of the new anti-terrorist campaign will be individual rights."

Popular Orthodox Rally (LA.OS) MP Athanasios Plevris also opposed the motion, making mention of "amplification of penalization".

[09] DM on priorities for 2008

Meimarakis said goals for 2008 included the reinforcement and consolidation of transparency in the defense procurement system, and an increase of Greek suppliers' share and presence in defense contracts.

[10] SYRIZA's Alavanos visits Iraklio

During statements after meeting Iraklio's mayor Yiannis Kourakis and Iraklio Prefect Evangelia Schinaraki, Alavanos said that the central issue for SYRIZA was to help promote major issues for society.

Among such issues, he added, was closing the huge gap between production prices and the prices charged to consumers, over-exploitation by banks and price-gouging.

Alavanos also took the opportunity to declare his party's support for striking workers at the ports of Piraeus and Thessaloniki, who are seeking to avert government efforts to privatise the ports' lucrative container terminals.

According to SYRIZA's leader, it was unwise to privatize the country's exits towards the sea:

"It is as if someone were selling the door to their house, so that anyone could come in and do anything they wanted in or around their home," he said, adding that the port of Iraklio was also next in line for privatization if the effort succeeded.

[11] Greek - UN aid to African countries

Ambassador Frankiskos Verros, the Greek permanent representative to the UN, met here on Friday with Secretary General of UNCTAD (UN Conference for Trade and Development).

After the meeting Verros announced Greece's decision for a financial contribution to the efforts in support, through trade, of the developing countries for the year 2008.

More precisely, ambassador Verros said that Greece would finance a Centro African Conference for the co-operation in maritime customs control and the co-financing of the UNCTAD Ministerial Conference to be held in Accra, Ghana next April.

[12] House speaker receives Belgian, Spanish envoys

Talks focused on bilateral relations and European Union affairs, according to a House press release.

Financial News

[13] Greek FinMin to visit Malta on Saturday

The Greek minister will visit Malta on Saturday following an invitation of the Prime Minister and Economy Minister Lawrence Gonzi. During his stay, Alogoskoufis will meet with Economy Deputy Minister Tonio Fenech.

[14] Merchant marine minister meets IMO SG

On the issue of the emission of pollutants by ships, Voulgarakis stressed that what is necessary are international rules which will be implemented on all the ships regardless of flag and activity sector. He added that "the only solution can be achieved through the apparatuses of the IMO and the MARPOL treaty."

On his part, Mitropoulos thanked the minister "for the excellent cooperation that exists between the two sides and particularly for the contribution by Greece, which, fully recognizing the importance of the protection of shipping routes, offered one million dollars to IMO's special capital for safety."

[15] Government on port workers' strike

Commenting on the strikers' efforts to avert the government's plans to sell the exploitation rights to the port's container terminal, Antonaros said this was not a privatization but a concession for specific areas of the ports for a specific period of time.

Stressing that there had been no discussion of a forced return to work for strikers, he said the concern of the merchant marine and island policy ministry was to allow the development of Greece's ports for the benefit of the economy, Greek citizens and the port employees.

"Some people do not want this growth," he added.

[16] Piraeus port workers demonstrate

The march was headed by Piraeus Prefect Yiannis Michas.

Minor incidents occurred in the evening. Police, with the use of rear gas, prevented a delegation of the demonstrators to enter the offices of the Piraeus Port Authority.

[17] Import price index up 8.6 pct in November, yr/yr

The statistics service said the import price index was up 1.8 pct in November from October 2007. NSS attributed the 8.6 pct increase in the index in November to a 2.7 pct rise in import prices from the Eurozone and a 17.1 pct increase in import prices from other countries.

Energy goods prices jumped 31.3 pct, reflecting high oil prices, while capital goods prices were up 1.7 pct in November. Durable goods prices rose by 1.1 pct over the same period.

[18] Eurobank seeks to expand activities in Turkey

The Greek bank's board presented a new corporate identity for its subsidiary in Turkey, Eurobank Tekfen, in a press conference held in Istanbul.

Eurobank Tekfen operated a branch network of 37 units last year.

"Our strategy for the future focuses on a more rapid growth in corporate banking and capital markets banking through the introduction of innovative products and services to large, medium and small enterprises in Turkey, estimated at around 2.5 million, Mehmet N. Erten, Eurobank Tekfen's chief executive told reporters. He added that the bank also aimed to further strengthen its presence in household services.

Nikolaos Nanopoulos, chief executive in Eurobank EFG Group - owner of 70 pct of Eurobank Tekfen - told reporters that Turkey's banking sector was expected to continue its rapid growth rate to meet increasing needs of enterprises and citizens in the country, and noted that Eurobank wished to further expand its activities in the Turkish market.

Tekfen Group, owner of the remaining 30 pct of Eurobank Tekfen, is one of the most significant group of companies in Turkey.

[19] Alumil issues five-year 10-mln-euro bond loan

[20] Greek state bond yields up in December

State bond prices fell by 18 to 165 bps in December, with the 15-year benchmark bond price recording the biggest decline to 97.35 in December 31, from 99 from November 30. The three-year bond price fell to 98.84 from 99.02 and the 10-year bond price to 97.22 from 98.86, respectively.

Turnover fell to 21.36 billion euros in December from 40.35 billion in November and 45.01 billion euros in December 2006. Average daily turnover was 1.12 billion euros from 1.83 billion in the previous month.

The seven- to 10-year bond issues were most heavily traded securities in December, accounting for 44 pct of total turnover, with the 10-year benchmark bond recording a turnover of 6.6 billion euros.

[21] Greek stocks plunge 2.1% on Fri.

Sector indices ended lower with the exception of the Financial Services index which rose 0.56 percent. Food/Beverage (5.53 pct), Chemicals (3.81 pct), Personal/Home Products (2.75 pct) and Commerce (2.58 pct) suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day.

The Big Cap index fell 1.87 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 2.11 pct down and the Small Cap index fell 0.86 pct. Lannet (18.75 pct), Informer (7.98 pct) and Space Hellas (4.93 pct) were top gainers, while Microland (14.90 pct), Tria Alpha (9.84 pct) and Quality (9.52 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 189 to 61 with another 47 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: -0.10%

Industrials: -1.51%

Commercial: -2.58%

Construction: -0.88%

Media: -1.50%

Oil & Gas: -2.36%

Personal & Household: -2.75%

Raw Materials: -1.22%

Travel & Leisure: -1.01%

Technology: -0.27%

Telecoms: -0.54%

Banks: -2.22%

Food & Beverages: -5.53%

Health: -2.18%

Utilities: -1.15%

Chemicals: -3.81%

Financial Services: +0.56%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 24.54

ATEbank: 3.90

Public Power Corp (PPC): 35.58

HBC Coca Cola: 29.60

Hellenic Petroleum: 11.56

National Bank of Greece: 45.02

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 20.60

Intralot: 12.20

OPAP: 26.00

OTE: 24.40

Titan Cement Company: 30.60

[22] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on the Big Cap index totaled 17,695 contracts worth 228.606 million euros, with 25,818 open positions in the market, while on the Mid Cap index volume was 419 contracts worth 12.030 million euros with 692 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 12,772 contracts worth 19.861 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Marfin Popular Bank's contracts (2,634) followed by Eurobank (1,215), Marfin Investment Group (1,304), PPC (578), National Bank (1,034), Alpha Bank (946), Intracom (941), Postal Savings Bank (533) and ATEbank (1,142).

[23] Greek bond market closing report

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates moved lower. National Bank's overnight rate fell to 3.87 pct from 4.07 pct on Thursday, the two-day rate eased to 3.95 pct from 4.07 pct, the one-month rate was 4.22 pct and the 12-month rate fell to 4.65 pct from 4.68 pct.

[24] Foreign Exchange Rates - Saturday/Monday

U.S. dollar 1.491

Pound sterling 0.761

Danish kroner 7.506

Swedish kroner 9.473

Japanese yen 162.47

Swiss franc 1.644

Norwegian kroner 7.881

Canadian dollar 1.520

Australian dollar 1.667

General News

[25] Ecumenical Patriarchate to establish Metropolis of Singapore

The decision was taken after a unanimous vote to detach the regions from the Metropolis of Hong Kong, and to establish the Metropolis of Singapore.

Meanwhile, Archimandrite Nektarios Tsilis was unanimously elected as the new Metropolitan of Hong Kong, with a jurisdiction over Orthodox parishes in the People's Republic of China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar.

The Holy Synod also announced that Archimandrite Daniel Zelinsky of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the United States was unanimously elected assistant bishop to Metropolitan Constantine of Irinoupolis (Tanzania and the Seychelles).

[26] Archbishop's health critical but stable

Metropolitan Anthimos of Thessaloniki stated that the Archbishop's health was deteriorating at a pace that gave rise to concern but was not especially rapid.

Commenting on the rumored jockeying for position by prelates aspiring to succeed the Archbishop, Metropolitan Anthimos stressed that these rumors were created by the circles of the prelates involved, who should be careful how they chose their associates.

Meanwhile, the Archdiocese press office announced that Father Thomas Synodinos, representing the Archbishop, received officials of the Chinese embassy to Athens who conveyed the wishes of the Chinese people for the Archbishop.

Father Synodinos underlined the excellent relations between the Chinese and the Greek people and conveyed the Archbishop's wishes for success in the hosting of the Beijing Olympic Games.

[27] Peloponnese city prepares for return of relics identified with St. Peter of Argos

The Roman Catholic Church decided to relinquish the relics identified with Argos' patron saint following coordinated efforts by Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos and Metropolitan Iakovos of Argolida prefecture.

Special events are planned for the formal reception of the relics.

[28] TEI students hold rally to demand more funding

Their professors also joined in the rally after their federation declared a three-hour work stoppage between 11:00 and 14:00 so that they might attend.

Protestors complained about chronic underfunding of TEI colleges, shortages of books and teachers, poorly-written notes, laboratory practicals that failed to take place and poorly defined professional rights for their sectors. They also demanded a 15 percent increase in funding for education in general, more generous funding for TEI and uniform higher education that was public and free for all.

[29] New Kalamata-Tirana inter-city bus route

The service is envisaged to run three times a week in each direction, departing at 17:30 every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Kalamata and returning from Tirana at 15:30 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Weather Forecast

[30] Partly cloudy on Saturday

Cyprus Affairs

[31] Cyprus signs contract with J&P ABA� Company to rebuild Artemida

The Republic of Cyprus signed here Friday with J&P ABA� company a contract to rebuild Artemida community in Greece, which was badly hit during last summer's catastrophic forest fires.

The contract, exceeding 8,5 million euros, was signed at the Interior Ministry by the Ministry's Permanent Secretary Lazaros Savides and by Yiannis Constantinou on behalf of J&P ABA� company.

Speaking to the press during the signing ceremony, Interior Minister Christos Patsalides said the Cyprus government decided to undertake this project in the benefit of Artemida's habitants and the people of Greece in general.

He also stressed that the project is another proof of the fraternal relations between Cyprus and Greece and a practical contribution of the Republic of Cyprus, which must, when required, undertake its responsibilities and fulfill its obligations.

He expressed the belief that the will and desire of the people of Cyprus is expressed through this act, and congratulated the interior ministry's competent authorities for working rapidly with a view to fulfill Cyprus President's announcement for the reconstruction of Artemida.

Speaking on behalf of J&P ABA� Company, the member of the Board of Directors Efthyvoulos Paraskevaides, congratulated the Cyprus government for its initiative to rebuild Artemida and underlined that the company is undertaking this project, being aware of its responsibility to complete it rapidly and to offer high quality.

The Ambassador of Greece to Cyprus Demetrios Rallis thanked the Cyprus Government, President Tassos Papadopoulos and all the people of Cyprus for their initiative to offer their help at this difficult moment for the people of Greece.

The project includes work on 80 structures, of which 48 are residential. The main square in Artemida village will be reconstructed and renamed "Cyprus Square".

The overall cost of rebuilding Artemida is estimated at 14.5 million euro.

The government of Cyprus decided last September to undertake the cost of rebuilding the village. So far, it has allocated 300,000 euro to anti-flood projects around the village.

In addition to this, a team of Cypriot town planners, architects and civil engineers have visited the area and submitted a report to the government regarding the urgent needs for the reconstruction of the village.

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